Lynn's Tips #6

Lynn · 12-23-2006, 03:09 PM

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

Wildtim · 12-24-2006, 05:01 AM

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.

crankymoose · 01-26-2007, 09:17 AM

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.

Lynn · 01-26-2007, 02:26 PM

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

norgadoc · 10-24-2007, 06:14 PM

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.

Lynn · 10-31-2007, 01:47 AM

Quote:

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

netsurfr · 04-08-2008, 01:39 AM

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