Eight inches wide as in 1 X 8, or eight inches thick as in 8 X
8?

You said wide, so I am assuming you meant wide. I have a collection of
rip saws that were made specifically for this application.

Anything up to two inches thick was considered game in those days...
talk about work.

At any rate, the blades are tall, thin and have little kerf, and about
4 - 6 teeth per inch.

Are you a neander or do you simply not have access to a circular saw?

Robert