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I found a 4/8 that I really like the look of. I know everyone suggest 5/8 & 6/8 to start with because they are middle of road size. My question is has any of the long time shavers started with 4/8? Also what is the drawbacks? Havent bought it yet but am very interested in it. Still using a shavette to get the feel of SR shaving.
Thanks
I started with a 4/8 mainly because they were less expensive. I still have several in my rotation and enjoy using them. I find them especially handy when having to trim around my Van Dyke. If I am going somewhere special I'll dig out one of the two 3/8 that I have for very careful and close trimming. Draw backs of the smaller sizes, you have to wipe the blade more often. I haven't found that to really be a drawback because it gives me time to see how my shave is going, whether I need to re-lather and make sure I am concentrating on the shave. Every time my mind wanders I have a cut/weeper. 5/8 and 6/8 are the mainstays and a lot of shavers are Jones-ing on 7/8 and up, feeling the weight adds tot eh quality of the shave and don't have to wipe the blade as often. It really is a matter of personal preference at all times in the hobby/sport/necessity/what ever you want to call it daily event.
First, don't rely too much on the shavette feel. It can lead you to think your real SR isn't sharp enough (as many before you have posted).
But also, don't be afraid the little blade. 4/8 was the last new size I tried and it's a hoot. Probably not the easiest one to _learn_ to strop with, but once you get a stropping stroke down, they "turn" really quickly.
What matters most (after proper prep) is sharpness, angle, and pressure. Actual blade width, is only slightly above scales material in importance to the shave. IOW it's just a preference thing. Heavier blades have a "flywheel effect" if you know much about mechanical things. It might seem silly at the mass and speed we're using but Newton's Laws do apply.
So far I've used 4/8, 5/8, 9/16, 6/8, 7/8, 15/16, 8/8...various hollows to wedges (honing a 5/8 DD wedge now). They all shave as good as their sharpness.
One-handed shavers may find some sight lines blocked by bigger blades. Then you learn how to look "around" the blade...
Let us know how it works out.
Yeah I didn't even think about having to wipe the blade more often. Guess that makes sense. I don't have a large space to shave. I have a full goat. So mainly shave cheeks an neck line. Was thinking the 4/8 would be better for visibility while shaving. Have heard several beginners talk about not being able to see around the blade.
You don't need to wipe the blade that often with a 4/8. You definitely won't be able to do a full pass, but maybe once after each part (cheek, neck, chin etc).Quote:
Originally Posted by RollinCoal69
I don't really like 4/8s as much as others because they feel too light.
In the end it all comes down to personal preference. In the beginning it all start with what looks good, and thats a good place to start. I started with a mid size and tried large blades and heavy blades and a couple of 4/8 light razors. I can get a really great shave from all of them. If it looks cool and is in good shape at a price you like, go ahead. Shave ready is the most important part though.
4/8 & smaller are marginally harder to strop for new stroppers, just b/c it's harder to tell I the blade is flat. I solve this by setting the blade at a 45 or 60 degree angle to the length of the strop, rather than the usual 90. Helps keep me from lifting the spine and rolling the edge. I like shaving w/ my 4/8 as much as w/ my 5/8.
This too. After a year or so, you should be able to get a good shave with any razor that's sharp enough, regardless of the grind, size or point. Whether or not it's your favourite is a different matter though.Quote:
Originally Posted by RezDog
Looking forward to learning the difference! I just purchased the J.A. Henckels 4/8 from Amenrab. I've been using a 5/8 but from what I've been reading a 4/8 may serve me well since I keep a full goatee. :)
Well I didn't pull the trigger fast enough on that razor an someone else snatched it up. Oh well must've not been the right one for me. The search continues for the right starter blade. All an any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks to all you guys for the info....
I have 2 5/8s, a 6/8s, and a 7/8s...I shave the same way with all of them and they all deliver good shaves.
Sorry you missed out on the blade. I started with a 4/8, and I'll end with one too :)!
Buy what strikes you!
Hey, you've got your math wrong, neither 4 nor 8 is an odd number, and if you reduce the fraction to a half, 2 is even as well!!!
4/8 are smaller razors, noticeably lighter than the standard 5/8 which probably comprise over 90% of all razors made since 1900s, but there's nothing wrong with shaving with them.
In fact, if you are one of Snow-white pals it may be a meat chopper razor for you :)
I've noticed that the swedish razors tend to be on the smaller size, i.e. they made a lot more 4/8 razors than the german/american/british companies. But then again I read that those inhabitants of Arda lived underground in cold mountainous place mostly mining, which does resemble scandinavia, at least the way I imagine it :p
Sorry about that RollinCoal...that razor was calling my name from the day I saw it. I was really bummed out when it was originally listed with ivory scales and no shipping to the US.
Keep your eye out, I'm sure you'll find the perfect one for you. There are lots of great listings in the classifieds...in fact, after I bought the Henckels I had to make myself quit looking at ads! LOL
Im a firm believer in if its meant to be it will be. So not to upset for missing out on that SR. The right one will come along. An with all the advice I don't think I am going to stress so much on size as long as its not giant.
So I think I may have been the one who swiped it from you... So sorry about that! I am/was in the same boat as you, looking for my first straight. I've been searching for a week or so. I know you'll find something great here (but also check out the whipped dog website often). Apologies again!
Yeah bad wolf I think the razor you got was the one I was fixin to buy. Lol. It's ok still looking. Hope it works well for you.
I was actually looking for the smaller blade because I have a small face/jawline, so I bought it seconds after I saw it listed. I'll keep an eye out and let you know if I see anything else interesting!
The second one is horribly worn out, I like the first one a lot - it has a lot of character and sounds like it's a very nice shaver (I do like swedish razors). If you get it don't rush to refinish it until you really know what you like in a razor. Shining it up is irreversible and you may end up appreciating it the way it is.
Hey badwolf thanks for the links. I do like the first one. I had looked at the second one a couple times. But the rounded off point an honing wear on the sides scared me a bit. Still like the color of the scales. May enquire about that first blade.
Love the small blades, one of my favorites is a 4/8 half hollow Sure Edge.
I have about 30 in rotation large wedges to small hollows, sometimes a small blade is nice to use like driving a sports car.
Well, I recieved the JA 4/8" I purchased from Ahmenrab and have shaved with it several times. Initial impression was "Wow this thing is tiny!", but it actually shaves very well. The blade came honed and shave ready, after stropping I gave it a shot on a 3 day growth of beard. I did notice the things mentioned in this thread (have to wipe more often/shorter passes, stropping is "different", less weight, etc.) but overall I'm very pleased. I think with my larger razor I enjoyed the weight and feel, but I was relying on that weight to shave rather than good technique. No such dice with the smaller blade. It's really forced me to work on getting that "perfect" angle and pressure on my face, but the reward is substantial. One big advantage of the smaller blade is that there is less to "see around" when shaving so I feel a bit more comfortale and precise with it.
Overall I'm glad I started with a larger blade, but if this razor is any indicator, I'm now a 4/8" man. :)
Mmmmmm...first full WTG,ATG,XTG Shave w this beauty today.
Attachment 161624
My face hasn't been this smooth since before puberty, what a joy this little 4/8" is!
