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I've been working my way through a sampler pack of DE blades that I bought with my first SR (1958 Gillette Super Speed). Based on feedback from members I ranked the blades from least aggressive to most aggressive. I started out with a Derby Extra, moved to a Wilkinson Sword, and today tried an Astra Superior Platinum. Doing everything exactly as I had done previously, today I experienced some "grabbing". Is this to be expected with sharper (more aggressive) blades?
No, sharper blades are just that. There should be no grabbing sensation though I'm not sure what that is. If the DE blade used is properly sharp or not so sharp you should really feel nothing. The sharper ones like the feathers can give some irritation if you do too many passes or use too much pressure while milder ones like the derby are more forgiving. Of course after too many uses you may feel the blade working and then it deteriorates from there.
I've never used an astra but the difference between a derby and a feather is night and day. The feather was so sharp that it glided against my face and took off 4-5 days worth of hair with out effort. As where the derby had a little difficulty and I could feel that through the razor. If it's grabbing and it's a fresh blade it could be defective, unlikely as it is. A truly sharp blade should cut right through unless your angle is off.
Could have been a bunk blade. It happens, they are after all mass produced items. Astras are great blades, they should have blown the other two out of the water. It's also possible that your razor didn't like Astra's - that happens too. Every blade brand shaves differently in each razor, so you have to find the right blade/razor combo. To be sure I'd try a couple more blades from that pack.
I noticed that the blade had 4 "glue" spots - one on each of the corners of one side. I've hard of instances where this was observed, but it wasn't something about which to be concerned as in most cases the "glue" washed off after a couple of hot water rinsings. The spots on my blade persist after two shaves/rinses albeit less prominently.
The glue is an an unnecessary annoyance (IMO) that some blade manufacturers use, why I do not know. It makes it harder to remove the blade from its paper cover and leaves gunk on the razor. But the glue should not affect the shave nor does it need to be removed from the blade. If it leaves residue on the razor, use soap and a toothbrush to clean it off.
That's actually my primary use of old DE blades: scrapping the glue off the new one :)
Well, pretty much my ONLY use for them....
I used an Astra about 2 weeks ago & it was great.
Astra SP's are my favorite blades. Sharp and smooth, they probably trend more toward the smooth end of the spectrum. I can't explain the grabbing.
Astra SPs are all I use too in my Fat Boy and the only time they might be a little grabby is when they badly need replacing. A little puzzled by your experience, wish I could help.
Bob