I have only just started shaving after years of stubble. I'm on day 5 which is my 4th shave as I took a break on day 3 due to irritation and in growing hairs. So far I have done the following all straight N-S: Day 1: new derby blade-good shave considering it was my first, a bit of blood where I sliced a spot. Little irritation to lower neck, but otherwise all good. Day 2: same derby blade-ok shave, but a few bleeds scattered around the face, much more irritation around the neck and chin, a bit of burn. Day 3: rested. Let my skin calm and the in grown hairs get sorted. Day 4: new derby blade-very good shave-best yet. A few spots of blood from the same spot and couple of in grown hairs, tiny bit of irritation at lower neck, otherwise happy. Day 5: new derby blade-an improvement on yesterday's shave, no blood, no burn, hardly any irritation to lower neck-very happy. So my question is should I stick to derby blades and use a new one every shave? Or should I try a sharper blade? Or should I try a longer lasting blade? My beard is very coarse and my skin sensitive and dry. I have a range of blades after buying a couple of sample packs: Gillette 7oclock, lord platinum, lord super chrome, lord super stainless, lord extra, Astra platinum, wilkinson sword, shark super stainless, shark super chrome, asco, personna, personna platinum, feather, lord cool, big Ben, rainbow, racer, silver star. I would appreciate any advice on this. I know blade choice is very personal but which would be best to try next as a sharper if that's the way to go? Or longer lasting? I only have 2 derby blades left-so would prefer not to buy more if they really aren't the way forward.
Try a new blade, the derby blades can be a bit hit and miss I have tried them and thought they was ok, that said I feel better when I use most others. Try the Astra's they are my go to blade. What soap/cream are you using? The main thing is no pressure and take your time.
This. Plus, in my experience, Derbys were good for only 3 or 4 shaves max. Astra SPs are also my favorites and even with my beard, I can get a week's worth of good shaves out of them. You might also try Gillette 7 o'clock (yellows) which are similar to the SPs.
I agree with Dean. Derby blades seem top be hit or miss. Personally, they don't work for me, so I don't use them anymore. You said you have a sample pack of blades...............give another a try. Again, I agree with Dean about trying the Astras next. They are a good blade for me and it's just a good of place to start as any. As far as the Derbys go, don't get rid of them. Save them until your technique improves and re-visit them down the road sometime; you may end up liking them.
The 7 o'clocks come in a couple different packages (yellow, green, blue, black) depending on coatings and country of manufacture. Astra Super Plats are definitely my recommendation if I had to pick just one. I have something like a 30 year supply of them, so, um, I guess I'm a big fan.
Oh I forgot to say I havnt tried all the blades you mentioned and from what I hear there are some blades there that are more and some slightly less popular than the Astra's. But the Astra is a very good blade. see how that goes and work from there, as its more or less a very good value middle of the road blade in my opinion that is. (I say middle of the road as there are blades that are smoother or sharper) but this is a good compramise and a good platform to work from. Starting out wet shaving is tricky if you start changing blades a lot early on when your technique is not as good as it will be. Can be too easy to dissmiss a product ie soap/blade or razor. i know Ive done it lol. maybe stick with Asra or whatever you choose next for a few weeks
Thanks for all the advice-seems to be pretty consistent-Astras it is then. Hopefully they'll do a bit better and I can stick to them while I hone my skill.
Don't listen to these heretics! 7 O'clock is the only way to fly! Just kidding, just kidding...Astras are very nice as well.
Well the one thing is for sure, you have a lot of choices in blades and you will have to try some different ones to find out which one you like the best. Good fortune to you.
Well I shaved with the astra blade today and there was no blood or burn-which was good! My only concern is it did tug a lot more than the derby. I'll see how it handles things with the same blade tomorrow. Does the tugging mean I should be considering something sharper or can that be down to technique?
I don't get tugging with Astras, so my thought is your technique... beard prep cannot be overemphasized with any blade. You may want to shave in the shower (if you don't already) and/or let the lather sit on your face a bit before you start to shave.
I thought my prep was pretty thorough: Shower, leave face wet. Lather using TOBS Jermyn st cream-until thick, peaking and shiny (in warm bowl, pure badger brush). Fill sink with hot water and wet face again. Apply T&H oil, leave to settle whilst whipping up the lather some more. Thoroughly cover my face with lather using circular motions, then finish with paint strokes. Then shave N-S 1st pass. Rinse and reapply oil, more lather and N-S second pass.
