Thread: 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.