I like using an 8 iron for all of my chipping around the green. The main reason is that for me an 8 iron requires the same swing speed as my putter. If I am on a really stupid tight lie and I hit it thin it still goes about the same distance as a putt.
The only problem is that I putt LH so I now have two 8 irons in the bag. However, when I go romping in the wood I always bring the LH 8 iron in case I am on the wrong side of the tree.

