Thread: DE newb question

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.

Originally Posted by Gunner777

A friend of mine is a dedicated DE guy and swears by the Personna blades.

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?