Thread: Lynn's Tips #6

Hi Guys,

Don't know how many of you keep an eye on the length of the blades on the straight razors you buy or what your preferences might be, but thought I would share some interesting findings for discussion.

When I shave with a blade that is 3 inches long, regardless of whether a rounded point, square or spike, I rarely have any problems when it comes to nicks or cuts. Don't know why, but this is a very comfortable length for me. The minute I go to a 3 1/2 inch long blade, especially a spike point, I need to be more than careful to make sure I don't dig the spike into the side of my face, particulary on the cross grain stroke. For what ever reason, the extra length changes the angle I am most used to when shaving and if I don't watch out for an instant, nice nick or cut.

Have fun,

Lynn

That is something I will have to pay serious attention to as I collect more razors. I tend to use the full length of the blade when I make my cross-grain stroke and this could make a significant difference.

Perhaps this is a stupid question but as a newb and for now only using a older razor are the blade lengths standard at 3" for most manufacturers as I see on some of the sites selling razors mention of size 3/8-7/8 but almost none have the length listed.
I plan on purchasing at least 1 or 2 new razors now that I am getting used to it and for reasons Lynn suggested above I would like to stay away from purchasing anything that would increase the probability of me knicking or cutting myself as I can already do that quite well thank you, especially when going across my face, but I have learned patience helps.
I am mainly leaning towards a new Dovo but may consider a Thiers-Issard as well.

Alot of DD's and a few others have the longer blades. Some Sheffields. It's the spike points that you mainly have to watch out for. With the longer blades, they can dig in in a heart beat if your angle is a little off. Dovo's and TI's usually are no problem at all and most are rounded.

Have fun.

Lynn

Being a relative newbie and reading about the lengths of razors, what about the widths? A 4/5 seems good to negotiate tight spots but there seems to be a consensus that wider razors shave better.

Originally Posted by norgadoc

Being a relative newbie and reading about the lengths of razors, what about the widths? A 4/5 seems good to negotiate tight spots but there seems to be a consensus that wider razors shave better.

Nothing wrong with a 4/8 or a 5/8, just a lot of personal preference. I have some 4/8 razors that are among my very best shavers.

Lynn

thanks for the tip, Lynn. Had not thought about this at all...

Originally Posted by Lynn

Alot of DD's and a few others have the longer blades. Some Sheffields. It's the spike points that you mainly have to watch out for. With the longer blades, they can dig in in a heart beat if your angle is a little off. Dovo's and TI's usually are no problem at all and most are rounded.

Have fun.

Lynn

Hi Lynn,
i am new to the SRP. I am from Milano / Italy.
Have a question.
Can a spike point be turned into round point if brought to a honeymaster or cutlery ?
Thanks for yr reply in advance

Alex

Alex,

In general it can be done, yes. What many also do is just round or mute the spike point as to keep the spike or square point razor look but remove the sharp point.


Lynn,

that's the main reason I always try to add the blade's cutting edge as this for me is as important as the width and grind. Many sellers on the flea-bay always add the pretty much useless total length of the razor handle extended from the toe side to the blade to the heel side of the scale.
Total weight is also a important factor as it can indicate a lighter or heavier razor because there's nothing more important than a good balanced razor. I do favor shorter length edges personally.

Great tip btw!

The old barber who taught me just drug the point along the side of the barber hone a few strokes to dull the point.

One of the first things i learned about using a straight is to always know where your point is located.

dewayne