Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 24

Thread: 5/8 or 6/8

  1. #1
    Tiredofbumps
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    DePere, Wisconsin, USA
    Posts
    508
    Thanked: 52

    Default 5/8 or 6/8

    I am looking to buy my first razor still...i am currently using a shavette which is producing good shaves with alot of irritation (which i heard is normal for the shavette).

    I need to save a little money yet so i can get the razor and strop but what would you guys suggest...

    a 5/8 or a 6/8 and also carbon or stainless...

    i have course facial hair and only shave once maybe twice a week.

    Thanks for any input...

  2. #2
    At this point in time... gssixgun's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    North Idaho Redoubt
    Posts
    26,947
    Thanked: 13221
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    I always recommend the same style of razor for a first razor, which is basically a dead center razor, 6/8 size, 1/2 hollow grind, and a round point....
    Then you can decide which direction you want to go from the center of the razor selection....

    PS whoops forgot the Carbon part
    Last edited by gssixgun; 12-19-2008 at 04:11 PM.

  3. #3
    Vintage Scent shop clerk Leon's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Porto, Portugal
    Posts
    1,023
    Thanked: 621

    Default

    Hi,

    Well, to start, I'd try a carbon 5/8. That's the most standard type of razor with good steel and the right size for someone who's beginning to shave with a straight razor.

    Enjoy

  4. #4
    Senior Member AlanII's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    1,689
    Thanked: 244

    Default

    Glen speaks truth.

  5. #5
    Senior Member blabbermouth JimmyHAD's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Posts
    32,564
    Thanked: 11042

    Default

    I would agree and say a 5/8 and carbon for a starter. I prefer 6/8 and up for myself. Stainless is alright but harder to hone. Once you get going it is all personal preference but the 5/8 carbon is a good place to start.
    Be careful how you treat people on your way up, you may meet them again on your way back down.

  6. #6
    Large Member ben.mid's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Oxfordshire, England
    Posts
    3,096
    Thanked: 763

    Default

    Hi,
    Though a 5/8" may be easier to manoeuvre around the face, a 6/8" is easier to keep flat on the strop when learning. This means you're less likely to roll the edge. Personally, i prefer the larger blades, but everyone's different.
    Carbon is easier to hone than stainless, & many say gentler on the skin, but i prefer the stainless anyway.
    Good luck mate!

  7. #7
    Thewap
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    New York
    Posts
    81
    Thanked: 9

    Default

    I would probably suggest a 5/8 or 6/8 1/4 hollow, or even better yet a 4/8 is easier to maneuver in the upper lip area and tight spots.

  8. #8
    Tiredofbumps
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    DePere, Wisconsin, USA
    Posts
    508
    Thanked: 52

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by gssixgun View Post
    I always recommend the same style of razor for a first razor, which is basically a dead center razor, 6/8 size, 1/2 hollow grind, and a round point....
    Then you can decide which direction you want to go from the center of the razor selection....
    So would this be a good starting razor then

    DOVO Straight Razors

    I am also interested in this razor...

    DOVO Straight Razors

  9. #9
    King of the Hill Antares's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Southern Germany
    Posts
    80
    Thanked: 11

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by gssixgun View Post
    I always recommend the same style of razor for a first razor, which is basically a dead center razor, 6/8 size, 1/2 hollow grind, and a round point....
    Then you can decide which direction you want to go from the center of the razor selection....
    This is a good way!

    But in my opinion it actually doesn't matter that much if you buy a 5/8 or 6/8.
    Better keep an eye on the steel and a sharp (!!!) blade.
    In my opininion quality comes before size (at least when we talk about razors)

    But a 5/8 or a 6/8 are both good to begin with.

  10. #10
    Senior Member kenneyty's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Redondo Beach, CA
    Posts
    403
    Thanked: 82

    Default

    I've been shopping a lot as well. After reading lots of reviews, doing tons of research (including looking for some lesser mentioned qualities such as: will I be able to find a matching brush, etc when I start upgrading my equipment) I settled on your second option there- the 5/8 Silver Steel Ebony. Haven't received it yet, so my advice is going to be lacking on the actual shave, but I can also tell you that it's a bit cheaper on Vintage Blades, even after you pay the extra $20 for pre-honing. They've got a matching ebony handled brush there (a Shavemac if I recall) that looks absolutely beautiful.
    Another alternative is the 5/8 tortise handle that is on sale through today- beautiful razor, and has received a lot of good reviews. It's on sale ending today.

    If you're still looking in a few days, I can give you my personal review of the ebony silver steel. Probably post a first shave account in the noob section.

    good luck!

  11. The Following User Says Thank You to kenneyty For This Useful Post:

    erictski (12-19-2008)

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •