Thread: Starting with an "odd" size razor?

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.

Originally Posted by RollinCoal69

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).

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.

Originally Posted by RezDog

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.

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.

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....