Hey all, Well, for me so far I found the following combos to be the best so far: #1 - Edwin Jagger Kelvin + Feather Hi-Stainless This combo is just butter. It cuts through my beard hair with no resistance while at the same time I don't get any cuts and only have the slightest irritation on a single spot on my next that is a problem spot for all shaves and is normally the most cut-prone place during my shaves. With pre-shave oil or a really moisturizing shave soap there is zero irritation. The shaves from this combo are always baby smooth, even with the single pass I normally do. This is currently the best combo I've found. #2 - Gillette 1960's Red Tip + Gillette 7 O'Clock Black Super Platinum This combo is my 2nd best shave and only by the slimmest of judgments. For all intents and purposes, this shave is the same as the EJ Kelvin+Feather combo. Glides over the skin and cuts through the beard hair like nothing is even in its way. Minimal neck irritation on the vulnerable "spot" and with shave oil there is no irritation at all. #3 - 1907 Antique Gillette Old-Type + Gillette 7 O'Clock Yellow SharpeEdge This combo delivers the closest shave and 'rarely' gives me a cut or irritation. This is a risky combo due to the sharp blade and aggressive razor, but the closeness and smoothness of the post-shave is the best. The top-2 ranked above this come ridiculously close to what this oldie does, but this oldie is a risky shave whereas the top combos are extremely safe. No other combos on any of my other razors are causing me to post praise. I have yet to try out Stirling Soaps "Slant" razor, so things can change over time. I just wanted to post up my favorite combos so far and see what some other people have found that they like.
Tim, I am still searching for the perfect blade for my razors. So far, Merkur 3C HD with an Astra SP. still looking for the best with my Fatboy and Fendrihan Scientist. I heard many find a single blade for more than one razor works while other, like you, find a different blade in each work best. Interested to see what others post.
So far the best combination is the Fatboy with a Gillette Nacet blade, but I have Polsivers on the way and also liked the Gillette Silver Blues. The only other razor I have is a Maggard V3. Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
aristocrat jr and gillette silver blue,i have used this razor with astra sp and voskhods,but the silver blue just seemed like it belonged.minor weeper on neck but i was being greedy..
I can achieve irritation free shaves from just about anything. Many people switch equipment to solve technique issues, blades chief amongst the items most often blamed for hidden technique issues. I tend to lean on GSB and Voskhod, because in my experience they are consistent and reliable. As I've progressed through all this stuff, I have become equipment agnostic, and feel that outcomes are largely controlled by technique. From Derby and Shark to Feather and Bic...they all work just fine if technique is solid. Counter question: Why do guys rotate into setups that they already feel are suboptimal? Is there a day when one's face consciously deserves third best?
Not everyone believes a great shave can be achieved with any old razor so seek out different combinations to work magic. As a group of enthusiasts and collectors we enjoy a variety of razors even if every single one doesn't deliver the best shave every time. My favorite razor is my Shake Sharp, doesn't mean I'm going to let the rest of my collection sit in a drawer. Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
My point being, there is no magic when it comes to results, it's mostly technique. Collectors using their pieces makes perfect sense, and a very forthright answer. I am the oddball here who doesn't collect razors.
We could endlessly and pointlessly debate the world "mostly"...But best to just agree that technique can deliver an acceptable shave with most any razor (including a disposable cartridge or a hand held Derby). A five star shave -- particularly a head shave -- is something else entirely , which is why some razors stay in the den and others get passed on. Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
I completely agree about the technique point. i only use a few different razors and they all provide great shaves. I normally switch up when I am in the mood for something different, not a better or worse shave, just different..
I have a tie for the best; Merkur 33C with Israeli Personna Platinum (Reds) and a 1972 Super Speed Flare with Laser Super Platinum. Both give outstanding performance. Fas est et ab hoste docari.
Yes, I consistently get my best shaves from my HD and an Astra SP. But for me, it isn't about the end results, although I strive for an irritation-free BBS every time. In that, I don't see it as my face getting third best, to use your example. I enjoy pondering the history that may be behind my vintage razors. I enjoy the challenge of varying my technique to pull the optimum results from each razor/blade combo. I enjoy the variety.