Thread: 2/8 Razors

Originally Posted by Gibbs

Well, keep in mind tha a razor "made" to be 2/8 or 3/8 is altogether different than one that started out, say 5/8, and was ground down over the years to near nothing. There are plenty of those on eBay I have seen. Newer 2/8 or 3/8 might be something to look at, but a worn out 5/8 or 6/8 razor that has been really honed to death probably won't be worth much.

Granted - will use some judgement rather than impulse purchase, well I'll try anyway

I have a 2/8 made in Solingen, which prompted me to stock the TI 3/8 & 2/8 'Super Gnome' razors. They are a bit wide for the stated depth but TI do tend to measure blade width from below the spine hone line! They are pretty narrow, though. My own is a full wedge and murderously sharp, you really do have to be careful with it - a bit awkward to strop as it is just like a steel straw but for beard shaping it is the absolute M-B.

Originally Posted by ignatz

These small razors were especially prized for cleaning up the last bits of a haircut. In particular, getting the last bits of hair above and behind the ears (as well as at the nape of the neck) is where this smaller size of razor really shines.

My local barber still uses straight razors for exactly that cleanup work and he won't touch a razor wider than a 4/8... and even then he finds it a bit too wide.

+1 Wish I could find some of them today. Perfect for the neck!!