4/8 rocketts Best and a 5/8 JR Torrey. Thanks Larry. Really like the 5/8 but now I know nothing smaller will do. Getting rid of that 4/8.
Personally, I can shave just fine with a 4/8. 5/8 is better and I really like my 9/8. I don't recommend starting with a meat cleaver though. 5/8 and 6/8's are a nice size to use and learn with. I learned with a 6/8 full hollow and went backwards in technology. I prefer a heavier grind than the full hollows. The thin blades on the full hollows are noisy. LOL The older half hollows and near wedges are very quiet. I like that aspect since I wear hearing aids and they amplify all the racket the full hollows make. For me it's rather like fingernails on the black board. Like lindyhopper66 sez, Torrey's are awesome razors. You ought to read up on the history of that company too. It's an interesting read and a sad story of riches to rags. Enjoy the journey.
I love that rasping sound of the full hollows but, I don't care for the extra hollows as they are too thin and give me irritation. I do want to eventually try a wedge though.