Hi all, So i've decided to take the plunge and get out of shaving with an electric razor. I've been doing my research and I have everything I need to get started... just a question about blade selection. I know everyone is different therefore different blades will work better for different individuals. However, I have read that Merkur and Feather blades are sharper and probably not the best for a first time wet shaver. So i've ordered a sampler pack that comes with the previously mentioned brands as well as Astra and Derby. So by process of elimination... Does anyone have an opinion on whether I should lean towards the Derby or the Astra while í'm getting the hang of this? Thanks!
You just have to pick one and have at it, there's no answer for this one I'm afraid. Derby's and Astra's are a mixed bag, some love one or the other and some don't like either. But keep in mind since your just starting you will have a learning curve with any blade. Shave with one brand for at least 2-3 weeks without switching up, and then try another and compare your comfort and performance. Then try some more brands, etc... After 6 months or so revisit your first couple and then compare again.
Doesn't really matter, you're probably going to nick yourself a few times anyway, you just gotta find what you like as you're going to get tons of opinions. I'm on the Dark Blue 7 O'clock kick myself, they're similar to the Blue Astra's but much more refined and last a lot longer, very smoooth.
Thanks for the replies and the welcomes everyone. Tried my first run at it today. Went with the Merkur blade to match the Merkur razor. Not bad at all! I prepped myself the best I could, I figured it would keep the cuts to a minimum. Showered, preshave gel, Taylor of Old Bond Street cream.... still got quite a few nicks, mainly on my upper lip, a couple on the neck, but overall it went much better than I feared it would I'll just stick with the Merkur blades for a couple weeks then and cycle through to get a feel for all of them.
I was going to write to pick the blade with the highest count and stick with it for awhile. The Merkur blade is a surprisingly nice blade, not everyone would agree with that though. Welcome to The Shave Den.
Welcome to TSD and you got some good advice from above . I say pick one of those two... then the other then merkur then Feather. That is how I would do it. However for me the Merkur and Derby's both like to make my neck all red and bumpy. So if you get bad shaves from one blade a couple times. Just place them aside for later to come back to and see how they perform later down the road.
Haven't been here long myself, but it is a great and friendly place. Welcome. What razor did you get to go with those blades?
I bought the Merkur Futur Adjustable. Just had my second shave tonight and so far i'm loving it. (the shave and the razor!) Not that I have any previous experience with the DE.... but the weight feels really nice to me. So far my shaves have been surprisingly good. I'm prepping really well and trying to take things slow. The only problem i've really had with the first two shaves is on my neck, it's definitely much rougher than the rest of my face. I have done both of my shaves right after I shower, in addition after the shower when i'm getting everything I ready I also have been putting on Pre Shave Gel. Maybe I should be putting more of that on my neck?
Welcome. You've chosen a relatively sharp blade to begin, and I did the same, because I got a few free Merkur blades with my razor. I concur with the sampler idea...go through them one at a time and keep notes about what you like and don't like. The key, as everyone will tell you, to keeping the nicks at bay is pressure. Little or none is best. Let the razor's head weight apply the pressure for you and use you hands to guide it. Once you shave an area clean of lather, don't shave it again until you re-lather. And stick with shaving with the grain (WTG) and across the grain (XTG) before doing too much against the grain (ATG). You'll likely find your shaves are already closer without going ATG, and you can work your way to it slowly.
