Thread: First DE which blades are best

just got my first DE a Gillette Debutonte,
not sure which blades will fit the razor
also what would be the choices , and atributes of the available blades
thanks for you help, also any idea of the history of this patricular DE
Happy Holidays,
Grottolord

Looks like any standard DE blade should work. I usually feed my Merkur HD the Derby blades, though Feather DE blades are very nice & as sharp as we expect with the Feather name. Merkur blades are nice, and sometimes the store brand DE blades are nice. Not a fan of the American Gillette DE blades. Just like a straight -- light pressure, let the razor do the work.

DE blades are a strictly personal preferrence item. Feathers are sharp, but could be smoother. Swedish Gillettes are my pick of the litter, but they are a bit more expensive. There has been lots of noise about Gillette 7 'Oclock yellow pack blades being as good as the Sweds, but I've not tried them so far. Lots of people like Derby, but my opinion is not as high.
The best course is to order a blade sampler package and try a bunch, then you can make your own informed decision.

how would i go about getting a "sampler pack"
thanks
Grottolord

Here - try this:

Sample Packs : West Coast Shaving, Double Edge Blade Sampler Packs

Let us know how you get on!

Mark

Originally Posted by grottolord

just got my first DE a Gillette Debutonte,
not sure which blades will fit the razor
also what would be the choices , and atributes of the available blades
thanks for you help, also any idea of the history of this patricular DE
Happy Holidays,
Grottolord

these things came out in early 1920's from memory. these handles crack really easily, I think its to do with its composition, and it suffers the same fate as a lot of the pre-"new" style handles etc.

I think this model requires the thicker blades than the modern DE blades, so you'll probably need shims with modern DE blades on this baby.

If you want a comb model to shave with, a 1930's NEW type would be the one to go for (takes modern DE blades, no shims required).

Razor and Brush is very good too and carries a lot more product. I live nearby and have gone over Giovanni's house to pick up AS and what have you. Really nice man.

Shims oh no what are shims
here we go again,
grottolord

Originally Posted by grottolord

Shims oh no what are shims
here we go again,
grottolord

well there were two types of DE blades, old type which were thick, and the ones we have now which are thin.

I think gillettes prior to 1930 (with the introduction of the 'NEW' named model) used the old thick blades, post 30 used the thinner blades. What you have is a variation of the "New Standard", not to be confused with the "NEW" (yeah confusing... basically if it has the studs, its a new standard, if it has a slot its a NEW, etc).

You can make your own shims from current blades, stack a few together and use tinsnips to trim them or scissors, and cut the edge away. stick the shim underneath the new blade, this increases the blade gap gives a better shave.

(or you could just get a cheap old gilette tech off ebay or somewhere for a $5'ver).

feel free to come over to shavemyface.com it is to DE's as this place is to straights.

thanks Mate,
ill go the tin snip route, hope i dont put my eye out!!!!!!!!
G'day
Grottolord