Thread: Scared of the 4/8

Originally Posted by Matheus

The little skinny thing and I share a nice fitness.

Maybe that's why I've been using more fat blades lately.

Originally Posted by Paulbuck

deepweeds, only 4 razors in your rotation and you've been at this for a while. There is hope I can keep my collection modest!
Thanks

There are some minimalists around here. (Yes, on this site, a dude with four straights and a few DEs are "minimalists"!) Edhewitt comes to mind:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/showpost.php?p=1500712

I have one 4/8, but don't like it at all. I just kind of hangs out with its big brothers and gets passed over when it's shave time. For me, I can't really describe my issues with it... But it was not for me!

I shave with a range of blade sizes from 7/8 to 4/8. I find the 4/8 to be quite maneuverable and easy to get under my nose for the mustache area. I can understand why some folks don't like them due to being able to maintain a proper angle on the face. The slightest torque from the thumb and index finger can lead to a pronounced change in shaving angle. Larger blades are less sensitive to this. In general I have found I can shave much faster with smaller blades. Stropping and honing can also require a bit of extra care maintaining the razor flat to the surface. I enjoy them for unique experience they provide.

Had a similar experience with smaller blades starting out - and avoided them. For me the 6/8 sized blades were the ticket. Stropping became much easier than a 5/8 or smaller razor and shaving was even easier. But I have to say a 4/8 presents no issues for me now - They definitely have a place in the razor rotation. Glad it's working for you now

Originally Posted by Ernie1980

I have one 4/8, but don't like it at all. I just kind of hangs out with its big brothers and gets passed over when it's shave time. For me, I can't really describe my issues with it... But it was not for me!

Kind of funny, I was so jazzed to get this blade shaving and the lather was so lasting, I did three passes and was really whipping that razor around. Bit of razor burn and pimply faced two days later. This one is going to take extra care!

Originally Posted by Razorfaust

I shave with a range of blade sizes from 7/8 to 4/8. I find the 4/8 to be quite maneuverable and easy to get under my nose for the mustache area. I can understand why some folks don't like them due to being able to maintain a proper angle on the face. The slightest torque from the thumb and index finger can lead to a pronounced change in shaving angle. Larger blades are less sensitive to this. In general I have found I can shave much faster with smaller blades. Stropping and honing can also require a bit of extra care maintaining the razor flat to the surface. I enjoy them for unique experience they provide.

That 'slightest torque' you mention is what caused my razor burn, I'm sure (and trying stupid stuff like 'fools passes', apt!). I'm looking forward to getting better with this razor.

Originally Posted by Trimmy72

Had a similar experience with smaller blades starting out - and avoided them. For me the 6/8 sized blades were the ticket. Stropping became much easier than a 5/8 or smaller razor and shaving was even easier. But I have to say a 4/8 presents no issues for me now - They definitely have a place in the razor rotation. Glad it's working for you now

Kind of working for me Trimmy; lots more to work on. I do like having it in my rotation.

Think this evening I'll give my face a break and go with a friendly 5/8.
Thanks guys

I am glad to hear that you found the way and enjoyed the shave. I started with a 5/8 and couple 9/16 blades and I have one 3/8 that I no longer use. Small razors are easy to handle and and easy to adjust the angle. But the lack of weight causes loss of momentum which ends up with a not so good shave in my opinion. I sold all my razors which are under 11/16 and I have 13/16 and 6/8 s mostly. If you have tough beard small razors don't satisfy you.

I have a Genco with custom scales and the balance and quality is excellent. Having used a Feather Shavette, this is like a step up. Fun to use.

Keep with it my friend, l have a real fondness for smaller razors &have a number of 4/8 & 9/16 blades in my rotation.
Just take extra time with your prep & you'll find that they will sing for you.
Cheers Paul

Originally Posted by Sharp&Shiny

Keep with it my friend, l have a real fondness for smaller razors &have a number of 4/8 & 9/16 blades in my rotation.
Just take extra time with your prep & you'll find that they will sing for you.
Cheers Paul

Funny this thread came back to life as this morning I was thinking about my shave and realized I hadn't opened up the 4/8ths since I started this thread (yes, still a little bit of trepidation with this blade). Got home from work and took my time, really concentrated on pressure and angle. Much, much more comfortable shave.
Now to pop for a nice set of scales.
Paul