Maybe it depends on the beard/skin of the individual ? I have gotten good smooth shaves off of coticules . I am under the impression that I have gotten razors sharper off of synthetics like the Shapton pro and glass but it is hard to quantify. Sometimes I tend to equate harsher with sharper and there again it may be the individual's beard and skin sensitivity. :shrug: You should try shaving off of the 4/8 , you might be pleasantly surprised. OTOH, I doubt if you will be getting rid of your Nakayama. :)