Generic descriptions for popular DE blades?

[gcbryan]

Anyone have any basic descriptions for the most popular DE blades as in why do you like one over the other?

I'm thinking about Astra SP, Feathers, Gillette Silver Blue, Persona Blue, Voskhod, Polsilver and any other popular ones.

I only know about Astra SP and Feathers. I'd say Feathers are very sharp and the first shave can be a little less than smooth.

Astra SP are pretty sharp and pretty smooth but probably could be smoother. Much better in that regard than Feathers however. Probably the best value when considering their low price (100 blades shipped for $10).

How do the others compare?

[MajesticShaver]

I agree that Feathers can be less than smooth, tho I do like their sharpness when using a mild razor like my Grandfather's vintage '54 SS TTO. Astra is a nice blade for the value, but on my last pack of them I found some inconsistencies from blade to blade as some of the edges were very rough and produced a lot of irritation.

Currently Personna Blues are my choice for value, sharpness and smoothness.

As always YMMV.

[criswilson10]

I've found that YMMV a lot with which blade works for you on different DEs. The feather may be great for you in close comb TTO, but it may shred you in a slant.
If you are unsure what blades you might like, I'd recommend getting a sampler kit. I know SRD and Maggard's have sampler packs, I'm sure other places do as well. It's a cheap way to figure out what you don't like.

[BobH]

There are a few variables involved when finding a DE blade that is best suited to you personally. The same DE blade may behave differently in different razors and how sensitive or not your skin is. If you have more than 1 DE you may have to try different blades in each to see what works best for your skin sensitivity.

A sample pack of different blades is a good place to start in order to find the best blade before making a bulk purchase.

As with using a straight razor do not discount how important having a good lather, proper angle and a light touch is either. I could not use an aggressive DE with a Feather blade before I learned how to shave well with a straight razor. Now I enjoy using an aggressive DE and Feather blades simply because I learned to make a very good lather, find the right angle and use a very light touch.

Bob

[JimmyHAD]

For me the current favorites are the Feather, Gillette 7O'Clock (yellow), Astra SP. In that order. YMMV.

[thebigspendur]

Yea the feather is my go to blade. The Gillette yellow is next in line.

[MrT1904]

I have only one DE along with a few TI SR8 and now enjoy shaving with both types, for my DE my go too was Astra Stainless (Blue) and also tried the Astra (Green) but both have seem shown inconsistencies on manufacturing like cutting through the numbers on the edges which looks like a press issue. Recently gave the Feathers another shot which seem to be easier to use since I've been using SR8 and think becoming a little more experienced with the DE. Will be trying a few other blades mentioned in this thread as I'm thinking that those who like Astra & Feathers could have similar skin and hair growth like me. Everyone to there own and what works best for them. Not a fan of Sharks, Derby, Murkur, Asco, but this could all change in a few year when skin and growth changes. Happy Sunday all

[gcbryan]

I haven't gone through all of the blades in my sampler pack but I particularly liked the Gillette Silver Blue and also had a better experience with Feather than I had in the past.

So my line up for the foreseeable future will be Astra SP, Gillette Silver Blue and Feather.