Thread: My DE noob take on some blades

I started using a Gillette super speed for my weekday shaves and picked up a 7 pack of different blades to try. Finished with the last one and thought you all might have some recommendations for different ones based on my preferences.

The seven blades were Astra superior platinum, Kai, Shark super chrome, Voskhod teflon coated, Gillette nacet, Gillette silver blue, and Feather yellow.

My two favorite were Gillette silver blue and Feather. The Feather seemed to give me a little closer shave, but the silver blue was a little more comfortable. My bottom two were the Astra and Kai. The Astra felt horrible for the first two shaves, but I gave it a third to be sure and suddenly it was ok, then number 4 was back to not great. The Shark, Voskhod, and Gillette nacet were pretty similar for comfort and closeness, but the Voskhod was the long life champ. I got close to two weeks out of that one.

So any others that would be good to try?

I've also been eying a new Parker 87R TTO. How would this compare to the super speed I've been using?

Haven't tried a huge number of different blades but found for me the Gillette Silver Blues work in any razor I own and gives me a good close, smooth shave for about a week.

Bob

following with interest .....

I find I get good shaves using Wilkinson blades on my Merkur. Also good shaves using Voskhod (?) Never had much satisfaction from the Astra.

I'll give Wilkinson blades a try, thanks for the recommendation. I liked Voskhod, they just weren't quite as close or comfortable as the silver blue or Feather.

Originally Posted by JellyJar

I'll give Wilkinson blades a try, thanks for the recommendation. I liked Voskhod, they just weren't quite as close or comfortable as the silver blue or Feather.

Here is where personal preference and the need to actually try different blades comes in. I would not recommend Wilkinson blades from my experience with them. Others may find them perfectly fine. YMMV

Bob

Yeah, this is definitely a personal preference thing. Lots of individual variables.

If a lot of people like a blade I figure there's a better chance it might also work for myself. It might not work out for me, but that's fine also.

I have a bit of an experimental bent and like to try different things. I'm just hoping to draw on other's experience to increase my chance of success. It seems better than randomly making a guess.

Originally Posted by JellyJar

I'm just hoping to draw on other's experience to increase my chance of success. It seems better than randomly making a guess.

That it is.

Bob

+1, +1.
I bet i tried 30 diffrent name brands and or options on DE blades and found the silver blues my fav. Not as keen as a feather, but i could get 4 days consistant shaves from one blade.
YMMV

I didn't get on with the Wilkinsons either, very tuggy for me im afraid.
Ive just started using Derby premiums, after my first shave they seem very promising. I'll let you know how I get on.
Another thing to bear in mind is that DE blades will feel different in different DEs. For instance a Feather blade will feel great in a mild razor like a Muhle R89 but feel awful in a more aggressive razor like a Muhle R41.