Thread: 4/8 and other small razors.

Just an observation, but I'm starting to think people really don't like the 4/8 size. I'm very fond of this size and seek them out, and since I've started grabbing them on Ebay I've discovered I really can get whatever one I see for very small amounts of money pretty much no matter what the condition.
Do people just not like smaller razors? If so why? I like them because I feel they give me much more control over what I'm doing, and they shave just fine when they're kept sharp. whereas I tend to miss spots and have trouble getting at those tough areas on my face with my 7/8 wedge.
I actually just grabbed a 3/8 on ebay just to try out the size and I was surprise that when I made an offer almost half of the asking price that I got it within 5 minutes of making said offer.

Nothing to dislike. They simply take more dexterity & can be awkward for some.

I do like the look of the narrower razors, but I don't enjoy using them as much as a 5/8n and 6/8. Most of my razors are 5/8 or thereabouts. I have one 4/8 and am thinking of replacing it, but it is nice to have one example.

I like to use the heel a lot while shaving, so my shaving style doesn't lend itself to a narrow blade, as my thumb gets in the way.

I have a good number of the smaller razors. While I usually shave with a 5\8 or 6\8, I do get a lot of enjoyment using a 4\8 or a 9\16 from time to time. One of my favorites is a NOS (well, it was till I used it) FW Engles 9\16 full hollow round point. Very Best, John

I like 4/8s razors. I have several and it's true you have much better control with one compared to a 7/8s. I find there comes a point where small can be too small. Once you get to 3/8s and 2/8s razors they were never intended for full face shaving. They are really trim razors. I have a 2/8s and I can't really hold on to the thing to manipulate it properly.

Too small for my big face. Minimum for me is 6/8 with 13/16 being a close second.

We all started on a 5/8 as some point though. It really depends on beard type and how often you shave...

With me it is the thin tangs they normally have. Even with jimps I find them hard to keep 'in line' when I'm manipulating the razor while shaving. I do have a couple still that I hang on to because of the brand or the design but I don't see myself ever buying another. Good for you that they are less popular and you can get them more reasonably and without a lot of competition.

I suspect my love for the smaller razors has a lot to do with my technique. Even though bigger razors give me a smoother shave because of the weight, I find I can get far far better results with buffing motions, and I find buffing with larger razors to be very awkward.
After I read the faq and discovered buffing strokes I've been using them with great results on almost every part of my shave with Guillotine motions for the easy areas. Buffing also gives me far less irritation then other shaving motions.
I find that the 4/8 size is perfect for buffing and I'm looking forward to adding more of them to my rotation. My 5/8 size razors work for buffing too but not quite as well and I can't even make it work with my wedge.
I'm a great example of how big razors aren't necessarily the best for tackling thick tough beards. I will confess though my wedge is very very smooth but just doesn't cut close enough for my liking.