Can it really be that simple?

Today, not wanting to use my last personna red blade (my favorite so far), I used a local supermarket DE blade. Here in the midwest they are branded as "western family". I have to say I was expecting a horrible shave. But to my surprise it was perfect! BBS with one small weeper due to angle. I have gone through one sampler pack and have another on the way. I can't believe that I can just go to the store and use these cheap blades.Does anyone else get good shaves from their local store blades? from everything i have read they are despised. I will see what happens when my 39c sledgehammer and sampler pack from SRD gets here (my christmas gift to myself). Still love my straights though!

The shave:
Preshave: Shower
Brush: Escali badger
Cream: Proraso green tube
Razor: Merkur 180 long handle
Blade: Western family (supermarket brand)
Aftershave: Alum block and Aqua velva musk

Just being able to buy DE blades
locally would be so cool.

I shave almost exclusively with a
straight but do use a DE from time
to time.

I noticed Kroger has Kroger brand DE blades
the other day. After seeing your post I think
I will pick up a pak just to try them.

Terry

I think almost all DE blades are made by a handful of outfits and they are outside the U.S. Look to the countries where DE shaving is still widespread and you'll find mostly third world outfits. I'm not sure where the Gillette branded blades come from or who actually makes them.

Really though, in a pinch just about any fresh DE blade will get the job done. (notice I said just about)

Haha. The only blades near me are about 6$ for 10 at Cvs. Luckily I'm set for years on derby blades

Michael

Quote:

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Really though, in a pinch just about any fresh DE blade will get the job done. (notice I said just about)

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I would agree with that. The poor blades will still provide a shave, but when compared to good brands the difference will be in the feel, smoothness, closeness and the lack of irritation. It really is better IMO to treat yourself to the good stuff.

As well, some guys can tolerate more abbrasion than others. Keep in mind there are many thousands of men who will use the same disposable/cartridge for weeks (even months), for no other reason than to save a few bucks, all the while suffering through painful shoddy shaves. That seems to be the norm for most men; it was for me until I wisened up :D

Like TBS says, no matter the name on the package they are all made by a hand full of companies. On that basis you could easily be shaving with your favourite blade with another name on the package. I despise local supermarket blades because of the outrageous prices charged for them if they even carry them. I bought in bulk off the net for that reason and am happy with my Astra SPs. If I could get them at nearly the same price locally I would. It really is as simple as that for me.

Bob

I have yet to find a store that carries DE blades in my area. I have to buy blades online. If anyone in southern CA knows a store that carries DE blades, please let me know.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mjsorkin

Haha. The only blades near me are about 6$ for 10 at Cvs. Luckily I'm set for years on derby blades

Michael

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+1. That's why I just order them by the 100 pack online. With my straights and the multitude of DE blades I've accumulated, I seriously doubt I will ever need to buy blades, again. (lol, I said need to...)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by matloffm

I have yet to find a store that carries DE blades in my area. I have to buy blades online. If anyone in southern CA knows a store that carries DE blades, please let me know.

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Bed, Bath and Beyond carries Wilkinson blades. Dave

Quote:

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Originally Posted by richkev

+1. That's why I just order them by the 100 pack online. With my straights and the multitude of DE blades I've accumulated, I seriously doubt I will ever need to buy blades, again. (lol, I said need to...)

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I'm with you on that. Find a blade you like and get 100 of them. No need to get a pack of 5-10 and wonder if the stores will stop carrying them next time you're out.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DaveC

Bed, Bath and Beyond carries Wilkinson blades. Dave

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Thanks, I'll check it out.

I seldom use anything but super market SE and DE blades. The one's available locally are Personnas for the most part. Every once in a while I can find Wilkinson blades @ Walmart. Beauty supply stores are another good source. I can't say I've ever had a bad shave with my standard DE blades from Sweet Bay super market.