Thread: Disappointed in a Derby blade.

Originally Posted by jimk

Tonight I used a Derby DE blade for the first time. While it gave me a ok shave thats about it, just ok. The soap that I used was my normal D R Harris cream. I've been using the Crystal and the Personna Red both from Israel and I really like both of these blades. The Derby didn't seem as sharp and sort of dragged although I did not experience any razor burn. I can not imagine the Derby being suitable for more then one shave only.

Jim

Sounds to me that you got a bad blade. Another one might be great.

When the first blade you use of a particular brand is good you have a good first impression and are more likely to be able to overlook an occasional bad one.

At least, I think that's why opinions vary so much on blades. My personal favorites are Medical Personna and Astra Superior Platinum.

I'm thinking that the first blade must have been a bad one. I've since used two more Derby's and each shave has been very nice. I will be keeping them in my rotation.

Thanks, Jim

Derbys are a very love hate sort of blade. They're almost the Williams of DE blades that way. I don't have any evidence, but from having shaved with them, they seem to have a different sort of grind than most other blades.

i have only OK shaves with the Derby's. i do not find them to be very good; just mild.

I hate derbys...they are not for my bear

Gentlemen,
On the other hand, the Derby can also give a comfortable shave. Yesterday I used a Derby in my gorgeous Muhle "Sophist" in the light bone handle. The pre-shave product was Castle Forbes, the soap Tabac and the brush a densely-packed 22 mm. Rooney Heritage. I had one of the most comfortable shaves I've had in a long time time. No, the Derby is no sharp Feather, Super Iridium, Gillette yellow or Polsilver. Then again the Derby can do the job, as well. I have discovered that one can run into a bad blade in almost any blade made. I have experienced that even with the great Feather. Here I blame quality control, and the Derby seems to have a problem with that, sometimes more than the others do.

On those unusual occasions when I use a DE I just love Derbys. I have 200 stockpiled, I'm old, that should be enough.

I agree with my dear friend Obie on this. Admittedly, Derby's can have a dud blade in the pack, but overall they are a good quality DE razor blade at the low end of the cost spectrum. It is no Cadillac; more of a Chevrolet. Like the Chevy, however, the Derby will get the job done.

Originally Posted by Obie

Gentlemen,
On the other hand, the Derby can also give a comfortable shave. Yesterday I used a Derby in my gorgeous Muhle "Sophist" in the light bone handle. The pre-shave product was Castle Forbes, the soap Tabac and the brush a densely-packed 22 mm. Rooney Heritage. I had one of the most comfortable shaves I've had in a long time time. No, the Derby is no sharp Feather, Super Iridium, Gillette yellow or Polsilver. Then again the Derby can do the job, as well. I have discovered that one can run into a bad blade in almost any blade made. I have experienced that even with the great Feather. Here I blame quality control, and the Derby seems to have a problem with that, sometimes more than the others do.

Comfortable, yes. They are definitely not the sharpest, but I think there's a huge myth that you need to have the sharpest blade to get the closest shave. I don't find that to be true. In fact, the #1 closest shave that I have gotten was from a Derby. My Astras and Wilkinsons are much sharper blades, but they are not as comfortable, and they give almost as close a shave. But I have never gotten as close a shave as this one time with a Derby.

It could have been a minor variation in technique that day, but I don't believe that sharp blade = closer shave.

PS: I think I might be the only one in the world who hasn't found a blade that "shreds up my face." Everyone seems to have a horror story about some brand of blade, but I can shave just fine with any.

THG,
Indeed, a sharp blade does not necessarily mean a closer shave. You are correct. Which takes us to the next question: What exactly is a closer shave? Closer than what? Closer according to whose definition? For me, whether I use the straight or the double edge, what matters more is a silky comfortable shave rather than my Hollywood face rendered smooth by a light saber. What helps make the silky comfortable shave possible is good preparation, a good razor, a good blade, and a skilled hand.
Stay well and have a Merry Christmas.