Thread: shaving with a 4/8 razor

4/8 is a good size for me - I have a few concave areas to get into. The ideal all round size in my case is still 5/8 though, and stropping is indeed easier. Just recently a 3/8 Gebr. Lang "Fermarud" has entered the rotation, and it's right on the limit of what I can handle; it demands some concentration to keep the angle right. That said, it is a good shaver and you can work very accurately with it especially under the nose, but I wouldn't recommend anything narrower than a half inch razor for the average user.

My two razors are a 4/8 and a 6/8. I agree, the wider the blade is, it seems, the easier it is to strop. That said, the 4/8, properly stropped and honed, shaves excellently. The smaller blade means that it is more manuverable. You can shave in places (under nose for example) a lot easier with a 4/8 than a larger razor.

i find that every thing is slow about them, but weight isnt that why i like everything about sr shaving it slowes me down so i can enjoy the simple things in life.

I have a 4/8 that's a good shaver, but the most difficult shaver I have is an 8/8 barber's razor that's all but impossible to maneuver on the upper lip.

I too think too many shy away from 4/8 razors. An old timey barbers manual I read recommended 4/8 for beginning straight razor shavers.

I don't find them more difficult to strop as long as they have a good tang surface. Tangs that taper towards the bottom are always a PITA to strop no matter what the size of the blade IME. A 4/8 is real good for trimming around a mustache, goatee, or beard. It is a matter for personal preference for sure but, IME, they shave well overall and are more easily maneuverable than a 7/8 or larger for sure.

I have 2 4/8's and I sort of wish I hadn't bought them. I have big hands, and the tang and handle are just too small. Other sizes feel more comfortable in my hands. I have a Bonsa and a Dovo and I think will try to sell them.

I have one 4/8 and I use it in my regular rotation.
However, I find larger blades (6/8) easier to shave as their weight helps me to avoid exaggerated pressure to the skin.