Thread: Razor Width

Hi everyone,

I'm sure this is a common newbie question, but I'm still getting familiar with the site to navigate it efficiently for answers. I've come to understand what various widths of razors refers to, but I'd like to know what impact it has on one's shave?

Best,
Randy

It's easiest for you to start HERE in the beginner's section of the Wiki if you haven't found it.

Width impact is almost entirely a matter of personal preference. Wider blades are easier for a beginner to strop as they are are easier to keep flat on the leather. Wider blades hold more lather between wiping it off. Narrower blades can be easier to maneuver. The most common size is the 5/8 and that's a good starting point.

I think I had most of my start up problems stropping a 5/8 blade. i think I spoiled the edge on several newly honed razors. I think it is easier to keep a wider blade flat on the strop. Everything came together when I bought a 13/16 blade and the paddle strop. Just my opinion.

In the Wiki yer going to find a recommendation for a first razor:

Size 6/8 = Because it is dead center in the size range, you can then decide which direction to go on your second razor, it is a bit easier to strop for a beginner because of the width of the blade and the size of the tang...

1/2 Hollow Grind - Because it is dead center in the grinds, because it is just a touch more forgiving than a full hollow for a beginner...

Round point = Because it gives the illusion of being a bit safer than the other points

SHAVE READY from a VERY Reputable Honemeister = Because if you question the sharpness before you even start you are going to be off to a rough road...

These are just recommendations and these types of razors are readily available NEW and USED....


To answer your direct question what impact it has to the shave???? Very little

The impact is in how you handle the razor

Another aspect of width relative to beginners is that it is easier to determine the shaving angle with a wider blade.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

In the Wiki yer going to find a recommendation for a first razor:

Size 6/8 = Because it is dead center in the size range, you can then decide which direction to go on your second razor, it is a bit easier to strop for a beginner because of the width of the blade and the size of the tang...

1/2 Hollow Grind - Because it is dead center in the grinds, because it is just a touch more forgiving than a full hollow for a beginner...

Round point = Because it gives the illusion of being a bit safer than the other points

SHAVE READY from a VERY Reputable Honemeister = Because if you question the sharpness before you even start you are going to be off to a rough road...

These are just recommendations and these types of razors are readily available NEW and USED....


To answer your direct question what impact it has to the shave???? Very little

The impact is in how you handle the razor

I agree with you 100% especially about the impact being how the razor is connected to the ground.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

In the Wiki yer going to find a recommendation for a first razor:

Size 6/8 = Because it is dead center in the size range, you can then decide which direction to go on your second razor, it is a bit easier to strop for a beginner because of the width of the blade and the size of the tang...

1/2 Hollow Grind - Because it is dead center in the grinds, because it is just a touch more forgiving than a full hollow for a beginner...

Round point = Because it gives the illusion of being a bit safer than the other points

SHAVE READY from a VERY Reputable Honemeister = Because if you question the sharpness before you even start you are going to be off to a rough road...

If anybody has a "Starter" 6/8, 1/2 Hollow, Round Point, Shave ready Razor for sale PM me. I've never seen one.

They seem to all be dirty 5/8, full hollow, square points. Or expensive custom jobs. For me the Wiki's Beginner razor is tough to find... especially for a beginner. Maybe I am looking in the wrong places.

--Shoki

^Well I can find a 5/8 half-hollow round pount. It's not 6/8, but it's close enough!

Yayy i found one
at vintage blades if your wondering

At the other end of the spectrum you'll find the 4/8s, 3/8, and 2/8s.

The 4/8s can still be used for general shaving and many like a small blade like that but once you get to the smaller sizes they are mostly use for trimming and the 2/8s especially can be hard to use because it is so small it can be hard to keep a grip on.