Wondering how Astra blades compare to the Merkurs. I used the Merkur blade for my first shave with a DE and wondering what it will be like when I start using the Astra's. Just want to make sure I don't start slicing and dicing!
Both are nice sharp blades. Merkur's get a bad name, but are really pretty nice blades. I just don't think they are worth the premium charged for them. Astra SP are nice blades and much cheaper. With blades, YMMV applies and what works well for me, may not work for you. The best thing you could do is get a sampler pack and work your way through it. If something doesn't work, put it away for a few months and revisit it. It is amazing what a little time can do for your technique.
Dale hit the nail on the head. I don't mind Merkurs either, but they are far from preferred over others because they are a bit harsh to me, but usable. Blades are almost not worth discussing other than to know the brands available and where to get them just because of the variability from my face to your face and from how one performs in a given razor versus another razor. The most MMV item in this hobby if you ask me.
Never tried Merkur blades as they cost more than Feathers, I think. Astra SP's don't work for me, they eat my neck up something fierce.
I love this place!! Merkur's.. tried a few or three and never made a connection. Not to say they are bad, but they don't even show up on my radar. (Astra SP's are in my top three favorite blades.. Personna Red's and Feathers are the other two.)
Merkur blades are not the smoothest, but they are very long lasting IMHO. To me they perform about the same in a variety of different razors. Astra for me in a SS is an awesome combination. But I find that in some razors an Astra has a tendency to really irritate my skin and give a brutal rough shave. They are not as long lasting for me as Merkurs. But blades are a total YMMV sort of thing. One man's trash is another's treasure.
I think they are two good knives, perhaps the astra are more 'reliable, we say that among the favorites of all users, while the merkur have several critical reviews ....
Had my second shave with the Merkurs this morning. Not nearly as nice as yesterdays. It felt like it was pulling a lot more. I think I'll give the Astra a try tomorrow.
Keep trying until you find one that works. I have to say that neither of these blades work well for me. Merkurs are bottom tier for me. My neck looks like i just rubbed it with sand paper. But there are many who love them.
I am looking forward to seeing the difference with the Astra and I'm going to order a sample pack very soon. Thanks for the input everyone!
I agree. My go to blade is the Feather. Yup it gets're done with a minimum of fuss. Yes...you do have to pay attention but you are shaving...right?
