Scared of the 4/8

So, I got this Sheffield silver-steel razor from my father that I sent out for honing and slight restoration work. I couldn't wait to give it a try when it got back as I had never shaved with a real shave ready razor before (about 20 shaves at that point with another of my fathers razors that I had been maintaining). Sliced my ear pretty good and nicks and cuts everywhere (turned out ok, went to a social event and probably looked dangerous). .
About 80 shaves under my nose and wanted to try this blade again now I had a bit more experience. With a bit of trepidation I stropped the razor with linen and leather, prepped my face nicely, built up a rich lather and had a rough shave. Could only assume I'd messed up the edge earlier stropping it.
Last night I pulled out the hones and put it on a series of Arkansas stones, crox pasted linen, leather.
This morning I woke excited: going to finally get this slender blade to sing! Broke out a new soap (Saponificio Varsino, Manna di Sicilia!), my favorite brush and gave it a whirl.
No longer scared of the 4/8th!!! Even tried the 'fools pass' after reading about it in a thread here (most of what I've learned about shaving with a straight I got from this forum).
Even posted it in the Shave of the Day.
Attachment 202541
My rotation is now at 4; probably enough....
Paul

Good work!

The small blades have always been, for me, the tricky ones to shave with. I find my hands get in the way, angles go awry, bloodshed ensues - unless I am careful.

Glad you will be able to use this one.

James.

It's true small razors can present issues but to me that means 3/8s and smaller. Those razors of course were never designed for whole face shaving. They were really trim pieces. The 4/8s is kind of the queer duck in the group. Many don't like them. Personally, I do. It's kind of like the sports car of razors. Small enough to be really maneuverable but still large enough so can keep a good grip on it. I have a Swedish 4/8s with Ivory Scales and it's one of my favorite razors.

Learned to shave with a straight razor with a pair of 4/8 razors. I am in the same camp as Jimbo and find they can be a bit tricky for the dame reasons. I do prefer slightly larger blades but now with some experience use the 4/8 size with no problems. Good to hear yours is working out for you as they do shave as well as the other sizes.

Bob

Also, you need to be more careful when stropping a narrower blade. It is a lot easier for the blade to torque when the edge and spine are close together. For that reason it is also easier to roll the edge.

Glad to hear that it's working out for you. My only complaint with the 4/8 is that you have to rinse/wipe the blade more often.

Yep. I have a single 4/8 in my four-razor rotation, and it keeps me on my toes, whether shaving, stropping, or honing. I feel like its special role is to bring that bit of challenge to my game.

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Originally Posted by Utopian

Also, you need to be more careful when stropping a narrower blade. It is a lot easier for the blade to torque when the edge and spine are close together. For that reason it is also easier to roll the edge.

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Yep,
I definitely ruined a perfectly good edge by mis-stropping. If it was easy I doubt it would be as much fun.
Paul

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Originally Posted by deepweeds

Yep. I have a single 4/8 in my four-razor rotation, and it keeps me on my toes, whether shaving, stropping, or honing. I feel like its special role is to bring that bit of challenge to my game.

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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

The blade I like the most, by far, is my 4/8 Helje MK 1. I have no other razor (MK 31s & 32, Caudano, Two different Tornbloms) that can deliver me a so perfect shaving experience. No blood, no rash, superior agility, and almost BBS in two passes. The little skinny thing and I share a nice fitness.

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Originally Posted by Matheus

The little skinny thing and I share a nice fitness.

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

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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

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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

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

I have a 4/8's medical prep razor that I do enjoy. It is a weekend razor for me as I find I have to go slower and pay more attention to it then my other shavers. One moment of inattention and the blood will flow:D

Razor can senses fear. Carefull what u say around them..