4/8s

I recently bought a pair of 4/8s off the bay because they came in a nice vintage case. My plan was to throw them in the bin and just use the case. However, after the initial shock of the size wore off I've became quite enchanted with them. I'm thinking of having them honed and using them as travel razors.

Could anyone share their opinion of the good/bad points of this size of razor? And does anyone use them as their preferred size?

Cheers

I have some 4/8ths that are in my regular rotation and they're simply great razors. Nimble and easy to maneuver. 4/8ths razors are like small sports cars in how they handle, not like I would know about the sports cars part, but....


Chris L

I like using the 4/8 spike-tip wedge razors. They're more maneuverable in some spots on my face than larger razors, and the size seems to work well for me with a spike point

I have one swedish 4/8 full-hollow in rotation and it gives fantastic shave each and every time. Nimble and sharp. I must admit I was a bit sceptical about it at first, but it had me at first stroke. Whatever you do, please don't bin those: If you don't like them, you could always donate them to some poor newbie/giveaway.

However, the feel of stropping it is a bit different due to light weight and narrow tang. YMMV

I have a 9/16 Black Diamond Junior that I sat aside because of it's size. Now I am reconsidering my decision.

Pics!! Come on...

I have a 9/16 vintage Wacker from the 30s or so. It is a hollow ground French point and it is awesome. Dont knock the small blades or even begin to consider throwing them in the bin! (Unless they are knackered beyond repair). My favourite sizes are 9/16-13/16. I dont know why most people seem to prefer the 7/8s and larger blades. I find them annoying as they get in the way. I find their high prices annoying too!

Bottom line - hone one up and try it. Its definitely worth it and you get to try another sized razor. If anything, its experience.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dancraig

I have a 9/16 Black Diamond Junior that I sat aside because of it's size. Now I am reconsidering my decision.

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The Black Diamond Junior has natural ivory scales. Rather interesting on a "junior" shaver.

Hi,

I have found my 4/8 blades to shave every bit as well as their bigger brothers; It was a bit of a surprise, but the proof was in the shaving :)

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

Send them off to me rather than the bin! I prefer the 4/8 size razors.

Most of the razors in my regular rotation are 4/8 to 5/8.
I really like the nimbler razors.

I have two 4/8s and a 9/16 and enjoy using all three of them in my rotation. In fact, my Globusmen 4/8 is probably my favourite razor of the dozen I own.

I'd advise anyone to try out a 4/8 wedge (Spike etc) - I think you will be very pleasantly surprised at their ease of use and shave quality - totally different from the big stuff.

I recently picked up a 3/16 Wester Brothers that I can't WAIT to hone up and try. Maybe I could talk you into swapping the two 4/8's for an 8/8? I mean, six one way, half a dozen the other, right?:shrug:

I use my 4/8 , and 9/16 razors for my upper , and lower lip . I also use them for clean up on my chin , and jawline .

Use quite a few 4/8s razors. I like them, you may not. They're not as easy to use IMO as larger razors, esp around the chin area (for me) where I have quite dense growth. How ever this is something I have more or less got over.

I've got a 3/8 seeing some good action these days. I missed out on a 4/8 W&B 1/4 hollow a few years ago and have been kicking myself since. They have their place.