Thread: DE blades...

Before I get burned at the stake...I do use the straight pretty much exclusively now. On occasion for the sake of speed, and avoiding getting killed by my 3-year old climbing on me, I will use one of the 2 DEs I got from my wife's grandfather's house. (Spoils of war...er, moving.)

Anyway, I've used the generic supermarket brand blades and I don't know if the severe burn I get is the result of the cheaper blades or an improper setting on the DE itself. It's one of those classic all-metal ones with a rotary dial under the head ranging from 1-9.

Also, since I'm asking, what's the best way to deep clean one of them to a nice shine???

Hard to say. Some of the generic supermarket blades are rumored to be Israeli manufacured Personna blades, which are well-respected. I usually use Derby blades. I loaded a Feather DE blade for the first time the other day, and all I can say is "WOW!" Insanely sharp.

For the rotary number, I believe the higher the number the more aggressive the shave. I've seen folks recommend starting at 3 and see where it goes from there. You might also "tune" the same way. Sort of like a guitar, you always tune up. So if you want 3, go up from 2 instead of down from 4. There's often a little slack in the adjustment, and this method ensures consistency when changing settings.

Hopefully one of the guys can remember the vinegar bath trick to restore the shine. I can't recall right now, and the wife is.... suggesting I assist her with some things

I use a Feather blade from Classicshaving.com.

Originally Posted by fdoosey

I don't know if the severe burn I get is the result of the cheaper blades or an improper setting on the DE itself. It's one of those classic all-metal ones with a rotary dial under the head ranging from 1-9.

Could be either and it could be your technique. Things to try include (in no particular order):
1. using less pressure as you shave,
2. a less aggressive setting on the dial, and
3. different blades.

Originally Posted by sensei_kyle

Hopefully one of the guys can remember the vinegar bath trick to restore the shine.

Found this from looking about:

To clean a stainless steel surface, use mild detergent, or baking soda or vinegar diluted in water. Clean and rinse well, then dry with a soft cloth.

as far as cleaning it, I would boil it in plain water for about 20 or so min. then use some scrubbing bubbles and a old tooth brush to clean it further. if you need to shine it up some more use a little Maas metal polish. works great.
Eddie

As for shaving dial down the razor to about 1-3 depending on beard thickness also those supermarket blades aren't very good you should get a sampler pack from west coast shaving and see what blades suit you best.

Good points from the guys. Also, I'd suggest that you could be like me....DE blades tend to be so thin and warp a bit during the shave so that some irritation is always a problem. I found some relief (and a great shave too, if we're being honest) in Gem Single edge razors. Blades are at CVS / Walgreens and there are some nice razors at cheap prices available on the boards and ebay. The stiffer blade is more straight like IMHO and works better on my wirey beard. Give em a try!