Thread: Blade recommendations for timeless razor

Originally Posted by GaryG

I appreciate the apparent wisdom of a sampler when one is just starting out with a DE razor. Maybe I'm just insensitive, but I don't get the distinction some folks make about different blades for different DE's. Me, I like then sharp, so Feather is the goto in a DE. Med Prep Personna's are pretty good, as are Polsilvers and Sharks.

Your comment points out that there are a lot of variations in what each of us need based on our beard type (fine vs coarse), and out skin type (sensitive vs less so).

Someone with a tough beard and less sensitive skin can use the very sharpest blades in the most aggressive razors. It sound like you might fall into that category.

Someone with a fine beard and sensitive skin might like less sharp, very smooth blades.

Someone with a fine beard and less sensitive skin can use nearly any blade in any razor.

I have a tough beard and sensitive skin. I like using the very sharp blades (Feather, Nacet, 7 O'Clock Black, Israeli Reds, German Wilkinson Sword) in less aggressive razors.

In aggressive razors like a Muhle R41, I avoid using the sharpest blades as they are too harsh. In that razor, I like using mid-sharp blades like Crystals, Gillette Silver Blue, Polsilver, Voskhod, 7 O'Clock Green and Yellow, Astra SP and Personna Lab Blue.

Blades like Merkur, VDH, Shark Super Stainless, and Derby Extra are not sharp enough to cut my tough beard without tugging.

As you can see, I have tried a lot of blades. Thus, I highly endorse the blade sampler suggestion.
Trying a lot of different blades in different razors is the only way you can learn what works best for you.

Ray, all the ones you listed as being the ones you like are also the ones i enjoyed the most. Those 7Oclock blades were very nice. And the Polsilver. Wow. Its good to hear all those names again. I went with the GSB in the end because they worked well for me and i was able to buy a pack of 100 for a decent price.

Its a very personnal thing as to what someone likes and you have to try a lot to find the ones best for you. It always amazed me when i read folks saying the Derbys were the best.

I have been using Personna med and Feather for quite a while, but somebody (BobH?) mentioned Gillette Silver Blues so I ordered some. I have to say that they are now my daily favorites, with any of my DE. Thanks again SRP!!

Originally Posted by formernuke

I ordered a timeless .95 open comb razor and I'm looking for recommendations for which blades to try, I plan on getting few because I know everyone is different so I'm looking for a starting point when I dont use my straights.

Well! when sharing with SR I usually chooses to go with the 7'0 clock!

I use feathers. They are sharp. I have tried many many others. But save for a short few (no longer made vintages) feathers have always been good for me.

Definitely work your way through a lot of samples. After doing that, I have (for now) settled on Russian Voskhods. That could change when I try some more samples. I doubt there is a more YMMV variable in shaving than DE blades. Enjoy the learning curve.

So far the astra blades are in first. Honestly I didn't think anything could compete with my straights but this razor is.

On the rare times I don't use a straight. The blade I found to like wound up being the Voskhod's in my Fatboy.
You can't beat the price. But yes YMMV. Samples are certainly the way to go. I tried 20 different blades and kept notes. There were a few that were just as good for me. Price and availability made the final decision.
Have given them to others with them liking them enough to get more of their own.
My $.02 Ken

Originally Posted by Maryland998

On the rare times I don't use a straight. The blade I found to like wound up being the Voskhod's in my Fatboy.
You can't beat the price. But yes YMMV. Samples are certainly the way to go. I tried 20 different blades and kept notes. There were a few that were just as good for me. Price and availability made the final decision.
Have given them to others with them liking them enough to get more of their own.
My $.02 Ken

Ken-That's exactly what I use: when I don't have time for a straight (which I refuse to rush a straight shave!), a fresh Voskhod in a Fatboy set on 7 is about as close as it gets for me. Great minds think alike! Aaron

Lots of people and two ex-wives would argue with you about me having a great mind Aaron.
Love my fatboy. Have had it for over 30 years. Found it NIB in the basement of a house I was renovating. I was 17. My dad has had a fatboy since the 60's. That's why I kept it.
The plating has worn off the doors where they contact my face. Guess that means my facial hair is pretty tough.
Hope your weekend went well. Ken