Straight Razor Sizes

Lately I've been looking at straight razors and I see they come in different sizes (is sizes even the right term here?). I've looked here at TSD and I've done some searching on Google, but I still don't know what the sizes mean. When the specs for a straight razor state that it's a 5/8, 6/8 or a 7/8, what does that mean? Is that the length (red line), height (black line), width (width of the spine not shown with a colored line), or some other dimension of the blade?

Edited to add picture for clarification.

 

I know some other guys will jump in, but it's what you're calling the height of the blade, although I think of it as width (with the other dimensions being length and thickness.) Blades are measured in inches, so you're looking at 1/2", 5/8", etc. I think there's a great post on straight razor basics around here somewhere, but I can't find it at the moment.

 

Thanks for your explanation, Joey. I had a hunch that the 1/2, 5/8, 6/8, etc. was what the height (height as I'm referring to it) the specs are referring to. I just needed some confirmation that my hunch was correct. Thanks.

 

Usually an SR is described by the blade width (metric or imperial; in eighth (5/8, 6/8...etc.), blade grind (wedge, half-hollow, full hollow,etc), tip (nose) style (square point, round point, etc.), sometimes shoulder design is listed (single, double...etc.) as is blade length.

 

Thanks for the info, HolyRollah. I did a quick Google search for straight razor information, but I couldn't find what I was looking for. (I think I might be using the wrong Google.) Please pardon my ignorance here, but what is shoulder design, and what does it mean when it's referred to as single, double...etc.?

 

The shoulder describes the transition between the razor tang and blade. A hollow-ground blade can be quite thin so a shoulder may be added for the purpose of adding strength or rigidity at the heel of the blade.
image from SRP….

 

@HolyRollah You had better illustrations than I could google up in a short time.
Good Job Buddy!

 

Thanks for posting these pics, HolyRollah. Pics like these are exactly what I was looking for, but for some reason I was unable to find something like these.

 

Pretty much everything I know about SR is from Kevin. He's helped me indirectly more than he knows.

 

Thanks, Chris!
I'm just 'passing on' the knowledge that was generously shared with me by some wiley old SR vets right here at TSD.
I have, of course, added my own personal experience to what they shared.
There's still plenty for us all to learn and I try and keep my eyes and ears open. Sharing our experiences is what makes this a great forum!

 

I am most grateful for the SR group here, really tight group, super accepting and helpful. Since we're talking blade sizes. For a novice SR shaver like me, will blades significantly larger than my 2 5/8s require any radical technique adaptations?

 

5/8" round tips are often recommended for new SR shavers—sort of the safe default style and size for newcomers. I learned on a 5/8 Square tip (ouch! a few cheek pokes and you learn quickly to respect that square tip!).
In my own experience, jumping up to a larger blade size from the nominal 5/8 ( 11/16, 6/8, 13/16, 7/8, 8/8, 9/8) is not a huge obstacle in which to adjust. 6/8 (or 3/4") is a popular and preferred size to many shavers, second probably to the 5/8 standard. I found it much easier than anticipated to move UP the blade-size scale. Going up to 7/8" to inch-wide (or larger) takes a little more practice as you're wielding a considerably wider blade. For me, the 6/8 blade is the 'sweet' spot and preferred size. Ironically, I have a harder time adapting when going down to a smaller 4/8" blade size than I have moving up.

 

Your point about the blade shape is worth noting. My WD is pointier than the fully round Aust, and has scratched my face and nicked my ear in moments of newbie confusion. I feel like I could use a 5/8 hollow round point forever. The fact that my shaves all full face eliminates detail work and the need for a squared blade, if I understand razor design.

 

Surely there is some worth in my point!
Chris responds, "I meant 'noting'...and don't call me 'Shirley'!"

 

Yes. Basketball hands, Motorola autocorrect and a careless eye... I definitely meant "noting", apologies.

 

Just so you avoid later confusion

The actual size of that black line in your picture of the TI is going to confuse ya

For a TI that line is measured to the spine honing line,, not to the top of the spine like depicted, some are measured to the top of the spine

So a 5/8 DOVO would be smaller then a 5/8 TI because of how they are measured, and it gets even more confusing when you toss in the Vintage razors..

The next logical questions are How and Why,

Honestly there seems to be no rhyme or reason as to the differences in measurements, there have been some rather detailed explanations over the years in the forum, but the more razors that go through your hands the more you realize that not one holds up


When describing the size it is always safe to measure from edge to top of spine and explain that is the way you measured it


Sorry for all the confusion Welcome to the mystery of SR's hehehe

 

Thanks for this, I thought I was loosing my mind. I have a 6/8 Jerry Stark which is definitely smaller than my 6/8 Hart Steel and Dovo. I have not measured them but when I compare them side by side the Stark is definitely smaller.

 

These questions certainly apply to this Bulgarian ebay special:

HOW did it get to this condition, and WHY would anyone want it?

Need to take a blade width measurement on this prize before bidding!

 

ha ha ha
I've seen some that would make fine combs( that many hunks knocked out of the blade)

 

I've seen, even own a shorty. Is that a skinny?