Thread: 4/8" Straight Razors

I prefer a larger razor for my own face but for shaving other people smaller razors are the bee's knees.

Smaller razors usually have thinner tangs. So the same movement of your fingers that would rotate a 5/8 or bigger razor a little will rotate a 4/8 or smaller quite a bit more. This means that it's easier to change the angle on a smaller razor, be it on purpose or by accident.

For me, this means I have to be much more careful with angles while shaving, and it's also easier to accidentally roll the razor while honing or stropping.

Every razor feels a little different based on a huge number of factors, blade width being one. But any good razor with a good edge will give a good shave if used with good technique.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

Smaller razors usually have thinner tangs. So the same movement of your fingers that would rotate a 5/8 or bigger razor a little will rotate a 4/8 or smaller quite a bit more. This means that it's easier to change the angle on a smaller razor, be it on purpose or by accident.

For me, this means I have to be much more careful with angles while shaving, and it's also easier to accidentally roll the razor while honing or stropping.

Every razor feels a little different based on a huge number of factors, blade width being one. But any good razor with a good edge will give a good shave if used with good technique.

I agree with you on the tang being smaller for a 4/8 vice a 5/8 and larger. My 4/8 is a tricky bugger to strop because of its thin tang, I just take my time stropping and keep an eye on the razor's contact to the strop so I don't roll the edge. Fortunately I only have one 4/8 to worry about, but it's pretty maneuverable around my face.

I like 4/8s razors. Smaller than that and they are really not made for full shaving more trim pieces.

To tell you the truth I would rather use a 4/8s over an 8/8s and even some 7/8s any day. The smaller razor exudes precision while the big one is clumsy.

Fantastic responses, everyone! Thank you for participating in my thread. I have seen a couple of minty 4/8" razors that interest me, and that interest sparked this thread. For some reason, the 4/8" razors and 5/8" razors appear to me to be more optically balanced that the 6/8" razors and above.

Also, thanks for the fabulous pictures of these razors. I hope more people will respond with their thoughts and experiences.

That is a gorgeous set,...who makes it?

Don't know much about them,are french,marked 42.M-P garanti.made in france.
Not anything high grade I think,are near wedges,was actually going to toss them up on the bay.or trade then off.

Gotcha, high grade or not, that is still a damn fine looking set IMHO

I started out with 3 4/8" razors from Larry to see if I would like it, no problem shaving, stropping or honing them, I learned all of that with the 4/8", later on I give them away and moved on to much bigger razors not because of better shaves but I have big hands and like a little weight in my hand when shaving.

I find them easy enough to shave with, but have a more difficult time honing them. Still fairly new at honing, but it seems easier with the bigger blades.