Help a noob choose blade brand for 1st shave using open comb DE

Hi all,

I have a problem: too many d@#! blade choices so I'm not sure where to start...

Here's the situation:

• I'm a complete noob
• I'll be starting with a Bull Mastiff with Gillette NEW head (that's a story for another post)
• I'll most definitely be sticking with one soap or cream and one brand of blade for the first month while I get my technique down

What I'm looking for are suggestions as to which blade experienced, open-comb users think would be best for a beginner to start with.

I figure the easiest way keep track of the suggestions is via a poll. After reading a ton of threads and reviews on blades in general, I think I've come up with a pretty complete list of the most common, highly rated brands -- so please let me know which one you would suggest starting out with.

BEFORE RESPONDING: Please understand that, while I appreciate the input and experiences everyone has to offer, responses from users of ALL types of DE's razors will probably add to my confusion rather reduce it -- SO, right now I'm only looking for input from guys with open comb experience.

Thanks all. I look forward to your suggestions and can't wait to take my first step into the wonderful world of wet shaving with a DE razor.

 

I love the 7 o'clock yellows, they're probably good for a beginner as well.
Since becoming more experienced, I've found that a Feather really unlocks the potential of the long-toothed New for me.

 

I would recommend not starting with that razor.. just my .02 worth.
Fuzzy

 

:sihns011 Fuzzy speaks the truth here, I would recommend something milder too, but you said that would be for another post.

Since you seem determined to start with it, I voted for a mild and forgiving middle if the road blade, my second choice would have been the Crystals.

 

I, too, voted for a mild and forgiving choice. Ironically, two that were suggested here (not in the poll itself) I would not recommend to a noob as I found them somewhat rough (though not desperately so.) Even here, YMMV. If you take your time with the NEW head, even as a noob, you should be fine. If handled properly, it is quite a forgiving razor that can offer a superb shave. Good luck and enjoy those shaves. :happy088

 

+2 The New is a bit aggressive for a new DE shaver. I voted for a mild and forgiving blade and picked Shark since I had to pick one. However Red IP blades, Derby blades or Crystals blades would also be appropriate.

 

Yeah, I understand it has a reputation of being a more difficult one to start with given its somewhat more aggressive blade position/gap (at least per several posts I've read here and at the B&B forum)...

But, without getting into all the drawn-out details of why it's my choice of first razor -- and there are several aside from the fact that, at times, I'm a stubborn SoB who can't resist taking on a personal self-challenge when he sees one -- it's the razor I've settled on and committed myself to.

Besides, the way I see it, back in the heyday of open combs, millions of guys learned to shave with them. No reason I shouldn't be able to either (with the understanding I may encounter a few more cuts and nicks along the way versus a more modern, less aggressive razor).

I just need to figure out what blade would be a good starting point for my journey -- helping to minimize the nicks/cuts I may encounter from the slightly more aggressive head while still giving me an enjoyable first month of shaves while I get my technique down.

 

Blade choice is a very personal thing, what we recommend and what wins the poll may not be the right blade for your face, and if that happens it will be a very long month of shaves.

I wish you all the luck in the world, be sure to keep us up to date on your progress.

 

I am learning on a Gillette NEW w/ball end handle..lol frankenrazor. So far out of 8 shaves only 1 small nick and a lil weeper on the first day. All other have been silky smooth close to BB. Started with CVS branded blade, and started on 7am today and they are definetly sharper and smoother for me, however as others have stated its your face, it can react different and what may be the best for one person may not be the best for others. Best of luck, and I hope you have many great shaves.

 

Get a 100-pack of Derbys and don't look back.

 

Amen. I say just close your eyes, pick one, and go for it. If, after three shaves, you're not happy with that blade, pick another. If, after three shaves, you're not happy with that blade, pick another. If, after three...awe, heck, you get the idea. What just may wind up happening is that along the way you'll perfect your technique and come back to one of those early blades you didn't like, only to find out it's THE ONE.

 

I use all types of SE/DE razors and most of them are open comb. Like others have said, your blade choice is very personal and its a matter of your skin, your beard, and your technique. That being said I would avoid the more agressive blades to start out with. I would (as have others above me) suggest that you start with the more forgiving blades: derby, crystal, red pack. Honestly, like it has been suggested - try several. Get a sampler pack from one of the vendors and give each blade several shaves. But start with the forgiving blades.

 

Thanks for the added input guys.

I was originally planning on getting a sampler pack, but then read the 'don't change a thing until you have your technique figured out' mantra and I think I became a little to locked on to it.

After reading the past few comments, particularly Dridecker and Swarden43's comments, it sounds like the 'three try' approach may be the most sensible approach.

So, I think my new plan of attack is going to be to grab a sample pack from West Coast that has as many of the poll winning middle-of-the-road blades in it as possible -- or just pick up individual 5-piece packs of the top three from the Shave Den store (absolutely love the cream/soap samplers the SD store offers BTW) -- and go with the '3 shaves then try another' approach until I find mid-range favorite. Then, sometime after I have my technique down, I'll venture into the scary-sharp blades.

Thanks again, please keep the advice and votes coming.

 

Maybe you need to try Astor or BiC

 

I wouldn't suggest that razor to start with........

But if it is the razor of your choice, please use some mild blades like the Crystal or Derby Extra

 

I use a frankenrazor (Gillette NEW head + fat handle from a tech) almost every day. I've also used a fair number of open combs. I think the long tooth NEW will make a decent starting razor. Maybe a little on the aggressive side, so just pick a mild blade.

That said, I'd recommend red pack IP or Crystals for your beginning blade. Buy enough to last you a month or so while you're learning technique. That way you can get a feel for the razor. I'd suggest you wait on the sampler pack until you can tell the difference in razor vs. blade performance.

I find the Personna blade (American or Israeli) plus NEW razor is a good combo. It's my daily shave.

 

Derby and Crystal neck and neck? Please!

If you're going Wilkinson, go w/ the UK blade.

 

I happen to think Crystals are a far better blade than Derbys. Derbys have never agreed with me regardless of the razor.

That's the thing about DE blades... You never know what is best for you until you try them all. Which happens to be why sample packs are so popular.

 

+ 1 on that :happy088

 

I have been wet shaving for about 8 months now with many vintage gillettes, some Merkurs, and a Krona.

I just received a Bull Mastiff with a long tooth open comb head. It's pretty aggressive and heavy - I hacked myself up quite a bit. I used a Gillette 7 o'clock yellow and a Feather.

My 3rd Feather shave was awesome. I just recommend taking your time and having an adequate cushion.