I'm still waiting for someone to stand up and say they are a Merkur fan...
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I have only used 2 merkur blades that came as a sample when I bought the 34c, and again with the Futur. Not a fan of them, also looking forward for someone to stand up for them...
Today was my first shave with an Astra blade, I was delayed because I was using straights and also I did not wanted to have 2 DE blades opened, so I first had to "finish" the Merkur I was previously talking about. I must say that I'm am impressed with the quality of the blade, smooth and sharp at a time. My favorites are the Derby blades, but this ones had me confused. I guess I'll have to shave with them a few (lot) more times in order to make up my mind.
i find Astras better than Derbys, but YMMV! i also don't use the Astras at all, now, as i have found my preferred blade, but if i had to, i would choose the Astras. Good luck.
I wasn't sold on the Astra. I am kind of a Feather and Personna Red whore though :).
I just used 1 tonight. I tried to smooth out the edge on the W.Greaves that I just restored. I screwed it up. So I tossed an Astra Superior Platinum into the 1956 Gillette that I got from ZeroCool, what a nice shave.
Astra Platinum's are my favorite blade also. Smooth and forgiving, sharp enough to do the job. Cheap and easy to find. Lasts awhile before they need to be replaced.