Jim,Go for it. I was a 10 and got the 2009 model Z-Blends. Blades PW-8, Near blades 6-7, and Cavity back forged 3-5. They will make you a better player because you will be able to tell where your misses are. They have improved my ball striking a lot.

If I were buying new irons this year, I would look at the MBs from 7-pw, and the CB's from 3-6. I think the CBs will play more like the MBs than the AP2s will, given they are both pure forgings. I've found that the AP2s, while a great iron, lack some feel for me. As a 8 hcp, you can progress with the shorter irons into the MBs with some good practice. If you are shy about going to the MBs, then go with the CBs for a bit more forgiveness.