Thread: Breakouts with safety razors?

I have shaved with something like 24 different razor blade brands and several razors that vary in aggressiveness. Because I have a coarse beard, the least sharp blades (Shark Super Chrome, Merkur, Van der Hagen, Derby Extra) simply do not work for me. However, I can use most other blades as long as I use them in the right razor. I like using the very sharpest blades in less aggressive razors and mid-sharp blades in aggressive razors.

One web site that does a great job of reviewing DE razor blades from both objective and subjective viewpoints is RefinedShave.Com. The author tests blade sharpness using a sharpness tester and also shaves with the blades. Although some people disagree with his specific procedures, I find his results to do a good job of predicting how different blades work for me. However, razor blades seem to be one of the biggest "your mileage may vary" aspects of shaving.

One of the most popular DE razor blades is Gillette Astra Superior Platinum made in St. Petersburg, Russia. Some reviews even state they are one of the sharpest blades. However, after using Astra blades from various sources, I have yet to get a great shave using the blades. They are not quite sharp enough for my beard. The Refined Shave web site indicates they are at the low end of the mid-sharp tier. However, everyone should test those blades as they are inexpensive and may work well for you unless you have a really tough beard.

If you can shave with a straight razor honed on a 8K Norton hone, and Astra SP may work well for you. However, if you like your edges honed on ultra fine hones and then polished on pasted strops, you might want to go for sharper DE blades.

Thank you for the response! I guess maybe a better way to ask would be what blades to avoid haha. From what little I've researched previously there seems to be a lot of trial and error when talking about DE's arbys what is good for the specific user. I have a courser beard myself.

Watching guys do three pass shaves and against the grain shaves make my face hurt just watching!

Originally Posted by RayClem

One web site that does a great job of reviewing DE razor blades from both objective and subjective viewpoints is RefinedShave.Com. The author tests blade sharpness using a sharpness tester and also shaves with the blades.

Pretty cool website!

Thanks.

Sometimes the order that you do the passes in may have an effect on the quality of your shave. I do my against the grain pass first as it gets me my most comfortable shave. It may seem counter intuitive but my face likes it. Also I try to shave in fewer passes because I have very sensitive skin. One against the grain and one multi directional pass and I’m good.

Originally Posted by dewey81

Watching guys do three pass shaves and against the grain shaves make my face hurt just watching!

I think Mark hit the nail on the head with his advice to concentrate on the basics wrt to getting a good shave be it with a DE or straight razor. Concentrate on finding the right angle and keeping it throughout the shave while using little to no pressure on the razor. A sharp and comfortable feeling blade as well as an excellent lather help greatly too.

As Rez points out too, you do the number and type of passes your face nicely tolerates considering your own skin's sensitivity. Everyone is different in that regard. My skin allows me to do a daily 4 pass shave but that is just me.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

My skin allows me to do a daily 4 pass shave but that is just me.

Bob

You obviously had a hard paper round.

Oh I'll definitely do what's best for my face. If I do go DE I'll be curious see what I find out. My face has never been able to tolerate more than one pass with a cartridge. Two passes has always been plenty with a straight.

You're problem is you were using a cartridge razor. They are known to be very rough on your face.

A DE is a totally different animal. If you use proper technique you should have no issues.

There are a million DE's being made these days at all prices from a few bucks to north of $500. Each one handles differently depending on the blade you use.

I languished with cartridge razors for years. I was talking about it with a coworker and he suggested trying a straight razor. His name is Don and come to find out he was the man who taught Lynn the ropes. It was a life changer. I ASSUMED the DE would do just as well as the straights but I thought I would check into it. It blows my mind that there are so many different brands made.