4/8" Straight Razors

Hello all,

I was wondering what you all think about 4/8" wide straight razors. In your opinions, are 4/8" sized straight razors acceptable for shaving one's face? I have read conflicting accounts about 4/8" sized straight razors. Some seem to think they are only good for detail work. Others seem to think that they, along with 5/8" straight razors, are optimal for shaving one's face.

A few more specific questions:

Do certain grinds work better at this size? For instance, would a 1/4 hollow grind or wedge blade grind work better in these razors?

How easy is it to strop and hone a 4/8" sized straight razor. I have read that some people think that they are hard to balance while stropping and honing.

Did any razor manufacturer excel at making this size of straight razor, or are especially known for these razors?

For those that do use 4/8" sized straight razors, please post your experiences. If you have a favorite razor in this size, please feel free to post a picture for use to admire.

Thanks for your time and any help. I am hoping this thread will be enlightening.

I don't think they would have made them in that size if it wasn't acceptable to shave with. My daily shaver is probably even smaller than 4/8th's. I read somewhere that it's easier for a new person to learn the straight on a 4/8ths. I love 4/8ths straights because I can snatch them up for a little bit of nothing, and do all sort of mad scientist experiments on them without worrying that I'm ruining a collector piece. Unfortunately, my experience is limited, and so, I have nothing further.

4/8's shave just as well as other razors, personally I find them pesky (big hands no like small blades...) but that is a personal issue nothing to do with how they shave.

My take is they shave better, becasue they are easier to move around and are forgiving....I had a kobar.....ried a few others and went back to Kobar...they can really make a 4/8

I have three 4/8 razors one full hollow, one 3/4 hollow and a wedge.
They all shave differently and very well.
It is all what you enjoy using - I have 6/8 as well (but I haven't finished restoring it yet)

Personally I find smaller razors less forgiving, you have to watch those angles a lot more carefully. But they sure are nimble.

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Originally Posted by DwarvenChef

4/8's shave just as well as other razors, personally I find them pesky (big hands no like small blades...) but that is a personal issue nothing to do with how they shave.

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I agree with you DwarvenChef, I have large hands and I find it sometimes cumbersome handling a 4/8 razor. I am considering on making a set of scales that are larger than usual to help compensate. What I like about the 4/8 that I own is that it is very maneuverable under my jawline/neck area.

Again to agree with you, it is a personal preference.

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Originally Posted by altshaver

Did any razor manufacturer excel at making this size of straight razor, or are especially known for these razors?

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Swedish companies like Erik Anton Berg, Heljestrand, Klas Tornblom etc. produced fantastic 4/8 razors IMO.

I too find the 4/8 a comfortable shave. I alternate between my razors (4/8 to 13/16) so shaving never gets dull. LOL:nj It also keeps my concentration high with the different feels.

As far as hair removal,they shave as well as any straight IMO.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b3...dlecone/f7.jpg

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.

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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.

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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.

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Originally Posted by ChuckR9

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.

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Stropping can be a challenge too because some of those 4/8s have thin tangs.

I feel comfortable with a 4/8. I know it won't cut as deep as a 6/8. :hmmm:

I like 4/8's, they are part of the kit. Presently Boker do 4/8's new, they were their best sellers in early 1900's

Sam

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Originally Posted by Jacketch

I feel comfortable with a 4/8. I know it won't cut as deep as a 6/8. :hmmm:

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Regardless of the size, if it wants to draw some blood, it will. :D

I love the 4/8s in my collection. They are nimble and shave just as well as my 6/8s. I use a paddle strop and find it helps when sharpening a smaller razor.

Among my favorite 4/8s:
Strega (Esklstuna Sweden)
Filarmonica Inox
Heljestrand MK24
Le Grelot P-Hospital

These four razors are all top quality shavers!

Happy Shaving!

My Boker 4/8 gives the easiest BBS of all my razors bril.