Straight size.
- Thread starter clayglen
- Start date
Many find a smaller blade more maneuverable. I think most would suggest a smaller blade may therefore be a bit easier to learn with. Once you start you will own multiples of both in no time, so just find one you'll enjoy learning with and go for it.
Too large or too small are harder to master for a newbie. The sweet spot for starters is in the 5/8-6/8 range.
Ouch is right. A 5/8 or 6/8 is best to start with. Personally, I liked the 6/8 size. Nowadays I like the 7/8 and 8/8 sizes for the sole reason that I don't have to rinse/wipe as often, which is more handy than one would think.
- Thread starter
- #5
Big 7/8 blades are simply awesome.
Every size has its pluses and minuses. Small blades are a bit more maneuverable, but are more difficult to maintain consistent angle. Big blades are easier to maintain angle (almost flat against your face ), but don't git under your nose as easily.
Buy a razor that YOU like the looks of. There is no such thing as a beginner straight. My first razor was a 7/8" Friodur. It was magnificent, and I had no problem learning with it.
Youll end up buying a razor in every size eventually, so you may as well start with whatever catches your eye first.
Every size has its pluses and minuses. Small blades are a bit more maneuverable, but are more difficult to maintain consistent angle. Big blades are easier to maintain angle (almost flat against your face ), but don't git under your nose as easily.
Buy a razor that YOU like the looks of. There is no such thing as a beginner straight. My first razor was a 7/8" Friodur. It was magnificent, and I had no problem learning with it.
Youll end up buying a razor in every size eventually, so you may as well start with whatever catches your eye first.
Heehee!
I learned the craft on a 5/8, then moved on to DE razors for quite some time..like years. Then......................
Came back into the straight arena with a 6/8 Dovo. Not unlike riding a bicycle.
My razors run 4/8, 5/8, 11/16, 6/8, and 7/8.
The 5/8s are the most versatile but the 7/8 is my favorite.
If you're looking to get a "first razor" I would be more concerned with the grind. Full hollow would be my suggestion as it (to me) seems to be the easiest edge to get along with. Grinds on the other ends of the spectrum often require a more experienced hand to be properly used and appreciated
Came back into the straight arena with a 6/8 Dovo. Not unlike riding a bicycle.
My razors run 4/8, 5/8, 11/16, 6/8, and 7/8.
The 5/8s are the most versatile but the 7/8 is my favorite.
If you're looking to get a "first razor" I would be more concerned with the grind. Full hollow would be my suggestion as it (to me) seems to be the easiest edge to get along with. Grinds on the other ends of the spectrum often require a more experienced hand to be properly used and appreciated
If you have a course beard, you may find that the extra weight of the larger widths - 11/16, 7/8, 8/8 - makes it a good bit easier for the razor to slice through it without applying additional, undue pressure (e.g. while still maintaining no pressure other than that provided by the weight of the blade).
I can get a great shave with a 5/8 or 6/8 fresh off the hone. But 3 or 4 shaves in - just as it's literally starting to exhibit the slightest hint of 'wear' on the fresh, new edge - I feel myself trying to compensate with added pressure. The little bit extra weight from 11/16 and larger blades - and the extra hint of inertia they provide - keep me mowing with ease (e.g. no added pressure) for a good 4-6 weeks.
I can get a great shave with a 5/8 or 6/8 fresh off the hone. But 3 or 4 shaves in - just as it's literally starting to exhibit the slightest hint of 'wear' on the fresh, new edge - I feel myself trying to compensate with added pressure. The little bit extra weight from 11/16 and larger blades - and the extra hint of inertia they provide - keep me mowing with ease (e.g. no added pressure) for a good 4-6 weeks.
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