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I am acquiring two DE razors and I have two questions that will seem very amateur, I'm sure.... however, I couldn't find answers in any wikis (here or the other forums):
1. Are all DE blades the same size (i.e. fit all DE razors)?
2. What are good recommended brands and where can I buy them?
Thanks,
Ogie
Yes, all modern DE blades are interchangeable. Some of the vintage (obscure) DEs had proprietary blades. Your best bet is to get a blade sampler pack. Here is my preferred resource. I like the sampler pack # 6, the Gillettes best. YMMV.
Awesome, thanks Jimmy.
And so you know, I am NOT giving up on my straights (obviously). I'm going away for a couple weeks in September and I don't really feel like entertaining the idea of getting through customs with killing instruments.
Cheers,
Ogie
A friend of mine is a dedicated DE guy and swears by the Personna blades. The size question has already been answered.
I just want to add, my favorite DE blade was the Gillette swede. Next in line was the Feather. I haven't touched a DE in over a year and I don't know what is available now. I heard that the Swedes were not around anymore but I am not sure. IME the mildest most forgiving blade was the Derby. Threads on DE blade preferences really show how true YMMV is in the world of wet shaving.
Thanks Jimmy and Phil,
I went with the #2 package. I also heard some things about the feathers and the personnas, and this was the smallest one available that had both.
I'll be sure to let you know how it goes. I'll get a few practice laps in before I go on the trip. FYI - I got a Gilette travel (which is a little guy) and a Merkur 33c. I don't know anything about either one, but they were inexpensive 2nd hand razors so I went for it.
Cheers.
+1 for Razor and Brush.
I purchased the #5 Sampler (Huge) about 2 months ago. They also included some others as a "Thank You" that included the Sputnik.
So far, I have yet to find a razor in there I don't like. I've tried the Feather; Gillette Platinum (Swede), Tiger and Sputnik. IMO the Feather and Gillette Platinum are my favs but I still have a lot to go.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gunner777
I recommend them to friends of mine who want to switch from disposables, or worse. They are very forgiving, and deliver a smooth shave. Personally, I prefer Dovo Merkur Platinum, but many find them too aggressive (I use them in an open comb Merkur, if that matters). Jimmy's right, the OP should get some samples first, and see what he likes.
I find the US personnas to be junk, equal in junk-ness to the merkur blades.
middle of the road blades to start with would be Derby's, Israelie Crystals. Step up to yellow box 7'o clock gillettes. above that are feathers but most people cant shave every day with feathers as they irritate very quickly since they are beastly sharp.
sampler packs are good, but a lot out there have much junk brands in them.
Squire has done some good blade reviews at SMF with zoomed microscope images of blade edges.
shavemyface.com :: View topic - Squire's Blade Reviews
Blades are a personal thing, most everyone rates merkur blades as total junk but some (rare) people like em, on the other end, nobody disputes the cutting skill of the feather.
start with blades that have a coating, they are a lot smoother than uncoated or the old carbon steel blades (black beauties, etc.)
I guess that's the best reason for getting a sampler pack. Find out what I like best, personally.
With that said... I tried to put an order in 3 days and haven't heard anything yet. Has anybody used that site recently?
Glad to put my two cents worth in:-) I think you'll be happy with the sampler pack. It beats buying then going back for more. That way you can find out pretty fast what you like.
if you ordered from razor and brush, Gio closed his shop some time back, so dont expect anything from him.
try west coast shaving;
Sample Packs : West Coast Shaving, Double Edge Blade Sampler Packs
the DE extended would be my choice here as best value/money. It has few junk blades and most good-great stuff.
I wonder if it is too late to add some information here. The only word of caution that I can give is with reguards to the feather, which have a reputation of beign somewhat of a face eater and being the sharpest blade available. If you need to be warry of any blade its the feather blades.
I am giving up double edges because I do not want to have to keep buying. Want to do that once and get it done with.
A Sampler Pack is a good way to go. My personal fav DE blades are Astra Superior Platinum and Feather. I have found Gillette 7 O'clock blacks to be excellent blades as well. Gotta find what works for you though.
Thanks Everybody.
I did get the extended sampler from WCS.
Cool let us know which one you like the best:-)
I've been shaving with DE blades for several years now. I have found that I like Derby blades the best.
However, I think YMMV may be dependent not only upon your face & skin type, but also upon what razor you are using the blades in.
I have a Merkur & have been informed that they have a very aggressive blade angle as compared to the Waishi type of razor. Many people like the Feather blades, but I have found that they irritate my face.
Anyway, I am a dedicated DE shaver. I have given SE a try, had the blade prof. sharpened by Lynn & everything. I found that it was not any closer than my Merkur/Derby shaves were, and that it also take a lot longer & a lot more being careful.
Bill
I'm a SR shaver through and through. I just picked up a DE so I'd have something for when I travel. I don't want to have to worry about all the SR equipment on a 12 day trip with 5 stops.
Gentlemen,
May I offer my two cent's worth?
For starters, one could not go wrong with an Edwin Jagger 89L double edge razor.
For blades, I recommend Feathers or Gillette 8 O'Clock Sharp Edge blades (yellow packs). I know, I know, these are sharp blades, but I figure you might as well start at the top.
There is beauty in shaving with a sharp blade. Just take care — because you can cut just as well with a lesser blade.
Regards,
Obie
My favorite blades are Super Iridiums, Red IPs, Feathers and Dorcos.
I don't know about customs, but TSA will confiscate your DE blade. I flew with one a couple of times and got away with it, but I finally got busted. On a recent flight I took my Feather and mailed blades ahead. On another I just took a multi-blade razor and it went just fine. In reality, I get just as close a shave with my DE or with a multi-blade as I do with an SR more consistently, with less bother, faster, and with fewer nicks - but somehow it just isn't the same.