Thread: What size razor?

I've found this to be true, I prefer my 6/8 razors to my 5/8" razors as the extra heft seems to give a little more momentum to each pass. This means the 6/8" doesn't catch as often when taking on heavier growth areas like my chin. A heavier grind helps again. (Having read what I've just written I really should try a full wedge sometime but they aren't all that common down my neck of the woods.) As far a the larger blades being less maneuverable go I find that most things on my face move enough to allow a 6/8" in. Of course, it's good to have both

Welcome to SRP too.

[Oops, didn't reply with quote. Doesn't make much sense without this -
Ok so I was thinking about this a bit more and maybe... well, they claim that a larger blade with its added weight help make for a smother shave as the weight allows for a looser grip as "the blade does more of the work." Which is what you want (looser grip).]

Originally Posted by edhewitt

Then there is the issue of which grind

Trial and error again. I like a 5/8 full hollow ground spike point

Take small steps, a 5/8 then a 6/8 then a 7/8 then an 8/8.

Then you can decide what you like best.

I prefer the 6/8. I started with a 5/8 but prefer the heft of the 6/8. For me the 6/8 glides better and feels more comfortable to hold and use. I also prefer a extra hollow ground blade. Experimentation is the key. Try a few and if you don't like them you can sell them on without really losing money.

Enjoy

Count my vote for 6/8

I also have razors that range from 4/8 to the 8/8 and I shave with them all at one time or the other, but my favorite one is still the Red Injun 100 that a friend sent me to practice honing. you to will acquire more razors but one will stand out. if you buy one for every day of the week all the same size and brand one will eventually stand out. with that said I'll leave with this GOOD SHAVING!

New guy question here. I've been shaving with a double-duck I bought about 30 years ago. I've used it on and off, mostly off, but I'm wondering how I tell what size it is? I've read this and other threads and you all talk about 5/8, 6/3, etc. What does that mean? What do I measure on my razor to match it up with one of those sizes? FYI, it's hollow ground, and square on the end. I'm sure it's not as sharp as it should be, but I'm able to shave fine with it. Now sure how good it could be as I've never had it professionally sharpened. Being a rabid do-it-myself-er...

DIYMeister

Originally Posted by DIYMeister

New guy question here. I've been shaving with a double-duck I bought about 30 years ago. I've used it on and off, mostly off, but I'm wondering how I tell what size it is? I've read this and other threads and you all talk about 5/8, 6/3, etc. What does that mean? What do I measure on my razor to match it up with one of those sizes? FYI, it's hollow ground, and square on the end. I'm sure it's not as sharp as it should be, but I'm able to shave fine with it. Now sure how good it could be as I've never had it professionally sharpened. Being a rabid do-it-myself-er...

DIYMeister

sounds a lot like me. you measure from the top of the spine down to the cutting edge and that will tell you what size. if you've been on and off shaving with it it probably could use a pro honing. Have you watched any of the videos on utube about shaving with a straight. there are several out there by different men who really are good at demonstrating this particular art. the one I have watched the most is Lynn Abrams videos. the classifieds hear at straight razor place have venders that hone for the public. the first 3 off the top of my head are Lynn Abrams Maximillian and gssixgun any of these guys are great and there are more some may be in your location. sounds like a good razor double ducks are a brand that most want. I have 4 and love them. welcome to the straight razor place there are many people here that are well versed in straights and are more than willing to help. a real good bunch of guys. on the straight razor place home page there are links that will answer some of your questions and in more detail than I can. it is real informative. just give it a go I think you'll like it. I have a tendency to ramble on. welcome to the place

Looks like it was originally a 6/8, but it's about 1/32" shy of that now. Does that make it a 23/32? In the past I used a white hard arkansas, about 1000 grit, and a black hard arkansas, about 2000 grit, to sharped it. I always thought the black took a heck of a long time to clear the marks from the 1000 grit stone, and after lots of reading here and on other forums, I know why. I had no idea there was anything else besides natural stones. FYI, one side of each of these stones has never been used for anything but this razor. After all my recent reading and Youtube watching, I ordered a Norton 4k/8k, prep stone, and some 1 micron diamond spray, and I have to tell you, the edge is now looking much better. After resetting the bevel (with the 4k, took a while) all the scratch marks from years past are gone and all I see with a 10x loupe are small, even scratches. I think they are from the 4k, as they seem to be slowly disappearing as I spend more time with the 8k side of the Norton. I'll probably send it out at some point, or order a new one that comes ready to shave, so I have something to compare.
This is a great forum, and I have to say, every time I need information I am amazed at the resources we have at our fingertips nowadays. When I first bought my straight razor in the late '80s, there was NOTHING in the way of information except from the guy at the mall cutlery store where I bought it, which is to say, next to zilch. I can't believe how useful forums and Youtube are!

DIYMeister

I would still consider it a 6/8 and being a double duck a good razor. as far as stones goes each to there own. I prefer the nanawa SS stones. I get good results out of the 1K 3/8K and the 12K. there's one more of 20K but i'm afraid the cost is out my league. happy shaving