Hi,

I've just bought my first straight razors, 2 from Larry and Whipped Dog (can't say enough good things about that experience), and I've asked my sister to send me our father's old DE razors from England. I think they are Gillette slims and a Gillette with a dull blue plastic handle. I'm getting the DEs because of the scar tissue I'm currently amassing on my top lip. I plan to use the DE until I become a little better at close combat shaving with the straights.

Anyway, the stupid question - Why do different makes of DE blades make such a difference to the shave? Aren't they all made with the same tolerances and, if placed in the same razor, held at the same orientation? I haven't used a DE for decades but can't remember the blades being that much of an issue back then... I just bought whatever was sold at the local Chemist.

I've bought a sampler pack with Gillette, Feather (2 kinds) and Derby in it. And was just wondering if I should be aware of some DE shaving black magic secret.