Thread: What width is better

As a newbie still picking up a razor here and there. I was wondering if width of the razor makes a better shave. Also, different wedges. Thanks

Originally Posted by crazy8days71

As a newbie still picking up a razor here and there. I was wondering if width of the razor makes a better shave. Also, different wedges. Thanks

5/8 and 6/8 are probably the most common, but honestly I think the grind affects the actual shave more than the width, which really just affects maneuverability.

I like my wedges for when I have 3 or more days' growth and it's always a nice shave.

That is something that really can't be answered. Different widths do seem to have different advantages and disadvantages such as are 4/8th very light but very maneuverable, then 6/8th are typically heavier blades but harder to get into different potions and can obstruct views, and then 5/8th is somewhere in between both of these. Each has there following as far as preference and you will really have to try each to find your own. Its typically easier to learn how to properly strop with a wider blade. Grinds have some differences extra/full hollow tend to give a lot of feedback but can't be difficult to learn with. Half hollow still gives feedback just less and wedges give almost no feedback while shaving. Also the grinds will affect the weight of the blade. So if you get a 4/8th full hollow your going to have a very very light weight razor, where as if you have a 6/8th full hollow it might have the weight similar to a 5/8th half hollow.

But like I said its really all personal preference. I started with a Parker SRW barber razor which are very light and maneuverable so when I switch to a real straight I went with a 4/8th, Then moved to 6/8th as my main razors. Now I am going back to the 4/8th as my razor of choice as I feel I get a more consistent results from my 4/8th.

Sorry I know its probaly not the answer you wanted to hear and probaly just confused you even more but this is really a YMMV (You Mileage May Vary) type thing.

Originally Posted by commiecat

5/8 and 6/8 are probably the most common, but honestly I think the grind affects the actual shave more than the width, which really just affects maneuverability.

As above the width is secondary but a valid consideration if comparing 3/8 to 6/8.

The one you are most comfortable with is the best one for you. As has been said, 5/8 and 6/8 are the most common and there is probably a reason for that. Smaller razors are more difficult for me to shave with due to the size of my hands and the slender tangs they tend to have. It took me some practice to get used to 7/8 and larger widths, but once I did, I found I liked them too. Not for everyday shaving, but when the mood strikes. I've gone back and forth with wedges and hollow grinds. Sometimes I think I like one better than the other but I guess I like them both. All variable, depending on the individual , but that is my personal take on the question.

+1 on the comfort in your hand. With size XL gloves, the tiny shanks of the 5/8 have been harder to hold and articulate comfortably. The 6/8 size and larger seems to use a larger or heavier blank which fits my hands more comfortably. I also find the 6/8 easier to strop and hone comfortably.

Large hands, maybe try the 6/8. Smaller to avg. hands, you're lucky - there's more 5/8 out there to choose from than anything else.

Grinds: each grind will give excellent performance in the right hands. That doesn't mean each is equally easy to learn on. My first 2 blades were a flexible hollow, which gave my inexperience trouble, and a Wacker 1/4 grind. The 1/4 grind was a game changer and 18 mo later is still a favorite shaver. You'll get so that you can use about anything adequately sharp that's in your hand at that moment, but to learn, sometimes the heavy grind can be easier - especially if your beard is very coarse.

However you go - enjoy. Keep posting questions, issues, observations. And don't forget the fun.

And there are these things called 'jimps'. They are grooves cut across the tang where your fingers grip the razor. Some have them on the bottom of the tang, some have them top and bottom, and some don't have them at all. There are some fine razors out there without jimps but I prefer them with jimps top and bottom. If they are cut deep enough they give a little extra stability to the grip AFAIC.

It's all been said but I will chime in. Width is a personal preference thing. I love my 5/8, 6/8, 7/8, and 8/8 razors. The bigger ones took some getting used to but I love them now. For me it's not a width thing it's a grind thing. Personally I get more comfortable shaves from full hollow ground razors. I have had several wedges and always sell them.

To answer your question a big heavy 8/8 wedge will not necessarily give you a better shave, but on the same note it may. It all depends on your face.

Not much left to say here. Just my personal take that I prefer a 5/8s or 6/8s. A 6/8s still has some heft to it and yet is pretty maneuverable on your face. Usually the jump to a 7/8s is a very big one. I find the 7/8s or 8/8s to cause problems for me because of the large scales. I find I am always shifting them around because they keep hitting my ear or some other area. Not really a huge problem but in the end though I have and use them all I'll take the 6/8s.

I have a couple of 5/8s, and a few 6/8s. All are equally sharp, but my 6/8 razors just feel better, although I still get a good shave with the 5/8s as well... I think it just comes down to preference, and now I'm in the market for a 7/8 to check that out as well!