Thread: 5/8 or 6/8?

This is going to be my first straight, should I go with a 5/8 or 6/8? Pros and Cons of both would be nice, thanks.

Mike

I honestly don't think it matters. A smaller razor may be a little easier to move around your face, but not everyone would agree with that. A larger razor may make it a little easier to watch your shaving angle, but not everyone would agree with that.

I think anything in the 5/8 to 6/8 range is good for a starter.

5/8 is a good size to start with.
later you can always go to a bigger size
First learn to shave, buy a first 5 / 8 from the Classifields here on SRP

Keep in mind this is just a personal opinion... Either will do fine IF they are truly shave ready

but

A 6/8 is a bit heavier and that sometimes helps with those first tentative shaving attempts
The 6/8 can also help with keep the blade flat while stropping when you are new, and later on a 6/8 can be easier on the hones for the same reason


Again this is JMHO and either will do fine...

This is from a little different perspective. This was never going to happen to me, HA! Dropped my stainless the 2nd week I had it and it hit the rounded edge of the sink and put the nicest little smile you've ever seen right in the middle of the blade. By the time I honed that out it was closer to 4/8 then the 5/8. If you start with 6/8's and the "this is never going to happen to me" happens you'll have more metal to work with.

Regards,

Howard

I'm still pretty new to the Straight. My first month of shaving was with a 5/8 Dovo. I then got a 6/8 Revisor. From my experience I concur with gssixgun. I found the extra weight of the 6/8 helped me keep the blade moving and the angle was easier to maintain. I see a lot of recommendations for having 2 razors to start. You might try one of each.
Good luck and keep cruising these forums. Tons of good info and helpful folks.

You'll find as you begin your journey that there are plenty of variables to be concerned about. The eighth of an inch between 5/8 and 6/8 is not one of them.

I agree with all that has been said. I find that when I look at the razors online I always gravitate toward the larger blade. When I'm actually shaving I like the maneuverability of the 5/8. It just handles nicely. The 6/8 does too though. Almost six of one half dozen of the other.

I prefer 6/8, but for reasons that are not attributable to "size", but rather weight and shank width. I strongly recommend you look for a razor with thin/ light scales.

A5/8 that was half hollow and had a substantial shank would be just as good as any 6/8

I have one 5/8 and two 6/8 and I don't use the 6/8 anymore, they serve as backups. I do find I like the 5/8 better overall, it gives me more of a tactical feed back, such as it starts to stick and I can feel it better and reposition the blade where heavier blades will go on through with momentum. All in all it's a ymmv.