TSD 36pc Blade Sampler

I just got home from my business trip to find a stack of these waiting for me This is how I was thinking the sequence of sampling would go...

The line-up:​

​

Astra SP [FIRST]​

Personna Blue​

Gillette 7'oclock​

Voskhod​

Treet​

Super-Max​

Sharp​

Super Platinum​

Wilkinson Sword​

7am​

Dorco​

Derby [LAST]​

Here's the thing, I get married in exactly 80 days and my hope is to find the best blade out of this sampler by "The Big Day" *echo, echo, echo* Preferably, I (and my fiance) would prefer that I don't look like I got into a fight with my razor on wedding day. However, I am seeking a BBS shave for that day. Right now, I shave about every other day - since converting over to a DE, my face can handle that, but not everyday. So realistically, I'll change blades - 1 brand a week for the next 12 weeks.

Alright Den friends, I need your help. Knowing that I have 12 different blades to run through in the next 80 days, would you keep the current line-up or do something different. Should I try one before any others? For instance, I've read that Derby's are less favored by a lot of shavers...should I keep that guy at the end of the line up? Are there any that you see that I should make every effort to try first?

I know, I know, MyMMV, but I'm just interested to know what ya'lls would do if this fat stack of steel were sitting in front of you. My next shave is scheduled for tomorrow morning, I'd like start with a brand new blade, so all opinions/suggestions/ridicule/etc are welcome.

 

I know some people will disagree but I think during your first few weeks your technique will be the cause of most of your issues. The blade can cause some too but if a blade doesn't work for you at first, save the rest of that kind and try them again later. It really doesn't matter where you start. The important thing is to start.

And congrats on your upcoming marriage

 

Day/Shave 1: Astra SP DE razor blade
I went with my gut this morning and decided to start my "Tour de Razor Blade" with the Astra SP. I read so many good reviews about it, that I had to give it a try. And this is how it went...

Pre-Shave:
Warm water in lather bowl; soaked my brush
Hot shower to include daily face wash with cleanser
Upon exiting the shower, "pat-dried" face and applied TBS Maca Root Shave Oil
Fed the dog (an excuse to let oil sit for a couple of minutes)
Emptied warm lather bowl and rung out brush
Created a Superlather with VDH Gly soap and COBigelow cream - came out well, btw

Shave:
Discarded "old" Lord Platinum blade and loaded new Astra SP blade
Applied SL on top of shave oil
1st pass WTG: smooth
Rinsed, reapplied SL
2nd pass XTG/DiaganolTG: even smoother
Rinsed, reapplied SL
3rd pass (I was feeling gusty) ATG: no problem!
Cold water rinse
Touched up as needed using shave oil, no lather; minimal irritation

Post-Shave:
Another cold water rinse, left face wet
Applied Alum via alum stick - Observation: cheek area did not burn from the alum like it did when using a Lord blade
Pat-dried excess water
Applied EMJ post shave lotion
Whistled a happy tune

Conclusion:
For me, a sign of a good shave is not "at the sink" after my last pass. It's about 1 to 2 hours later after my face has settled down. Happily, I write this experience with a very smooth face. Not BBS, but pretty darn close and the closest shave I've had since starting WS. My initial thoughts about the Astra SP blade are great! It was sharp enough to cut through my course beard without tugging. Each pass felt smooth and didn't feel like the blade had "bite" to it. Something I experienced with the Lord - kind of like I could feel it against my skin. Didn't notice that with the ASP blade at all. In the end, before my post-shave routine, I did notice the my skin was smooth with minor signs of razor bumps, but nothing to raise concern over and nothing a little EMJ couldn't fix.

Final Thought:
I look forward to my next shave, having such great results this time around. The ASP is at the top of my very-very short list of blades

 

Day/Shave 2: Astra SP DE razor blade
Woke up a little later than I was hoping - but still, I was determined to get my morning shave in. This morning's shave was my least prepped-shave since I started WS, however I think I still managed to pull off a pretty decent shave.

Pre-Shave:
Warm water in lather bowl; soaked my brush
No shower this morning (woke up late and I showered before bed)
Used my daily face wash (applied it with my brush), rinsed and then "pat-dried" face
Applied TBS Maca Root Shave Oil
Kissed the dog
Created a Superlather with VDH Gly soap and COBigelow cream
- I was super impressed with my superlather this morning, thick and slippery, wish I had more time to mess with it

Shave:
Applied SL on top of shave oil
1st pass ATG (I know, I know...I can hear jaws dropping all around TSD): short, deliberate strokes - very nice!
Rinsed, reapplied SL
2nd pass XTG/DiaganolTG: Still nice
Rinsed, reapplied SL
3rd pass XTG/opposite: Feeling good...
Cold water rinse
Touched up as needed sans shave oil, sans lather; wet blade, no irritation

Post-Shave:
Another cold water rinse, left face wet
Applied Alum via alum stick - Observation: still less of a burn than when I was using a Lord blade
Applied EMJ post shave lotion
Got dressed and ran out the door
Ran back in, I forgot to walk the dog...

Conclusion:
Although I didn't dedicate as much time to prepping for my shave, I was still able to acheive a very good shave none the less. I believe not skipping the pre-shave-face-wash helped. Also, the blade was only 1 shave old, but it still felt sharp and cut beautifully. I will admit, I was a little apprehensive starting ATG and I definately wouldn't do it as my first pass for every shave going forward, but I really needed to shave off a few minutes (no pun intended). The key - short, deliberate strokes, keeping it tight and of course no pressure.

Final Thought:
So far, I'm finding that I enjoy using the Astra SP blade - it perfoms well for my beard type and the blade - although sharp, aren't as aggressive as the the last blades I used. I have one more shave left with my Astra SP, before I bank it and start shaving with the next blade in the tour. ​

 

Day/Shave 3: Astra SP DE razor blade
Shaved yesterday morning, just needed an "all over clean-up" this morning​

Pre-Shave:
Daily face wash, followed by pat-dry​

Applied TBS Maca Root Shave Oil​

**No cream or soap this morning**​

Shave:
1st pass WTG all over: Preliminary pass got most of the stuble off; focusing on jaw-line, chin and neck​

2nd pass XTG along jaw-line and chin​

3rd pass ATG on neck​

Warm water rinse to remove any left over oil

Post-Shave:
Applied Alum via alum stick​

Applied EMJ post shave lotion
DONE!​

​

Conclusion:
I wouldn't necessarily call this morning's shave, a shave...per se, as it was more of a touch up to yesterdays full shave. Even though, I am extrememly happy, because when I used a cartridge razor, shaving anytime within 48 hours of my last shave was stressful and caused a lot of pain, mostly from razor-burn. However, I was able to do some pretty extensive "clean-up", utilizing multiple passes in the same area at times, all without any irritation this morning and also this afternoon-as I type. ​

Final Thought:
Having only done 3 shaves with my new Astra SP blade (1 of which was not a full shave), I am very pleased with my findings. Each shave was smooth, effective and weeper free! Post shave, my skin was left with little to no irritation and if mildly irritated, my skin was clear within a couple of hours. Over the past 3 shaves I believe that for the purpose of this blade sampler - that I have found a very good blade to include as part of my daily shave. Since I'm testing blades within a limited time frame, I will be banking this one and moving on to my next blade on the list: Personna Blue...stay tuned!​

 

I find the Astra SP to be a great blade also.

I also like the Personna Blue though. If you find a blade that does a good job, you might consider sticking with it until the wedding and just working on technique instead of contonually trying new blades.

 

Great idea, thanks!

 

Day/Shave 4: Gillette 7'Oclock (Yellow Packaging) DE razor blade:
While prepping for my post shower, morning shave, the fiance asked what I was doing and I told her I was about to experiment with a new blade. I showed her the Personna Blue blade, wrapped in its modest packaging/paper. She replied, "Eh, that one looks boring. Try this one instead." So, now instead of testing the Blue Personna blade as originally scheduled, I'll be using the Gillette 7'Oclock blade that comes in the yellow packaging for my next 3 shaves...Happy Wife, Happy Life!

Pre-Shave:
Soaked my brush in warm water
Hot shower: Daily face wash​

Applied TBS Maca Root Shave Oil
Kissed the finace​

Loaded damp brush with VDH soap and face lathered (1st time)​

-Face lathering worked well, for me, however I did find that next time, I will need to either let my brush hold more water (ring out less) or wet my face prior to starting my face lather - obviously, more practice needed. Even still, I was able to correct my mistake and work up a very nice lather without the use of my bowl and cream. ​

​

Shave:
Applied FL on top of shave oil
1st pass WTG: All over!
Rinsed, reapplied FL to wet face: Better lathering​

2nd pass XTG/DiaganolTG: Better lather = Smoother shave
Rinsed, reapplied FL
3rd pass XTG/opposite: I got this!​

Cold water rinse
Touch-ups as needed utilizing another squirt of shave oil and a wet blade​

​

Post-Shave:
Another cold water rinse, pat-dried​

No alum stick today - just wanted to try something different​

Applied EMJ post shave lotion
Winked in the mirror, Got dressed,​

Kissed the fiance and left for work​

​

Conclusion:
I decided to face lather this morning for 2 reasons:​

1) I've been wanting to try it after reading about it in the Guide to Gourmet Shaving book and​

2) I'm still looking for what works best for me - I like shaving in the morning, but the overall process can take upto 45 minutes and on weekdays, that can put me in a pickle as far as time management is concerned. ​

​

Aside from the side experimentation with face lathering, I found the G7:00 blade to be quite nice. Sharp - very little whisker resistence. The first pass resulted in a good amount of beard reduction, thus, all folloing passes were better than the last. Maybe it was due to inconsistencies with my lathering option, but I did need to do a fair amount of "touch-ups". However I believe that, again to be attributed to by my lack of technique and my inexpereince with face lathering. ​

​

A few hours post shave and my face feels very smooth with virtually no signs of razor bumps or rough patches.​

​

Final Thought:
After I shaved using the Astra SP blade, I thought there really wasn't going to be a "better" blade, but I was committed to seeing my Tour of Blades through. I still feel that overall, the ASP blade has performed the best, so far - taking into consideration that this is only the 3rd brand of blade I have shaved with. So, I enthusiastically look forward to my next couple of shaves with the G7:00. It is a top centender in the search for MY favorite blade!​

 

Just read your thread, and I look forward to seeing it through to the big day. You save a few minutes with a face lather, and you get a better exfoliation in the process. However, I don't think you save more than 2 or three minutes at the most. It is just what makes you happier.

 

Shave 5: Gillette 7 O'clock (Yellow Packaging) DE razor blade:
"Touch-up" shave only, since I had done a full shave Friday morning (see previous entry). This "touch-up" shave happened post shower and the prep consisted of my usual daily face wash and immediate application of TBS Shave Oil. Now, I don't know if it was just hot that day or too hot in my bathroom, but the shave oil seemed to have evaporated fairly quickly. So, when I was ready to shave (after letting the oil sit for a couple of minutes), I needed a couple more squirts to considered my face shave ready.

During the shave, I didn't do the traditional passes, as I mainly focused on the areas of my face with the most growth; which happened to be my lower cheeks, my chin and jawline. In each area, I did first go WTG and then XTG. However, since I shaved the day before, my skin was still sensitive, thus anything after 2 "passes" just irritated my skin.

In conclusion, this shave was the 2nd attempt with this blade. For me, I found that the blade is sharp and fairly aggressive, as I couldn't really find comfort during this shave. In this case, I wasn't very impressed with this blade - comparing it to my Astra SP shaves, where the blade pretty much let me shave consecutive days with little to no irritation. I admit that the prep may have contributed to my misfortunes, but again, in comparison to my Astra SP shaves, this last shave left much to be desired.


Shave 6: Gillette 7'Oclock (Yellow Packaging) DE razor blade:
After allowing my face to recover from my not-so-great shave on Saturday, I had a decent 2 day beard and did a full shave this morning with the same Gillette 7:00 (yellow) blade that I used for my last 2 shaves. Here is how it went down...


Pre-Shave:
Warm water in lather bowl; soaked my brush
Hot shower and daily face wash
Applied EMJ Post-Shave (an experiement to see if the EMJ PS would add a layer of slickness)
Created a Superlather with VDH Gly soap and COBigelow cream (Through this blade sampling process, I have learned to make a very nice SL with these 2 products)

Shave:
Applied SL on top of EMJ PS
1st pass WTG: concentrating on growth patterns
Rinsed, reapplied SL
2nd pass XTG/DiaganolTG: After the 2nd pass, I noticed that I still had quite a few rough patches and decided to follow through with a 3rd pass - face willing;
Rinsed, reapplied SL
3rd pass XTG/opposite: On my last pass, I forgo'ed going ATG, as this blade did not feel good going in that direction the 1st time I shaved with it
Warm water rinse
Touch up was required to get a "close" shave pretty much all over; the blade seemed "scratchy" and I tried to minimize my touch up passes

Post-Shave:
Cold water rinse, left face wet
Applied Alum via alum stick - Observation: Got a familiar burn...like the one I experienced when I was using the Lord Plat blade
Applied EMJ post shave lotion
Disassembled my 3pc razor and banked the blade

Conclusion:
The first shave was "decent to good" and I was hopeful that I had found yet another "good" blade for me. But after the last 2 shaves, I feel like I can stash the remaining blades from my sampler and maybe re-visit them a few months from now. This blade tugged at my 2 day old beard, where the Astra SP didn't. Also, I think that this blade may just be too aggressive for me, leaving my skin stressed and irritated even 4 hours post shave.

Final Thought:
After this mornings shave, I banked the blade and I've since (mentally) moved on - thinking about which blade to try next. For me, the Gillette 7 O'clock blade was either too sharp or not sharp enough. I'm thinking, too sharp is more likely. Maybe I'm wrong, I don't know. As stated in my review of shaves 5 and 6, they were not comfortable and left much to be desired.

Crossing Gillette 7 O'clock (yellow wrapper) blade off my list and stashing the remaining blades to try again a few months from now. Even though these shaves weren't that great of an experience, I'm keep the faith and I'm still thinking about my next one...

 

My advice after getting married Saturday is if u go for bbs ur pics are gonna be jacked lol as well as your face. I let my beard grow for a few days then went with a 2 pass shave with my mildest razor. Gillette superspeed with a feather blade which definitely isn't a mild blade but its my go to. Did I get bbs? Nope but I did get close and comfortable with no blood at all. Congrats on the big day

 

I can't help thinking that your wedding day is the day to spoil yourself. Consider hiring a barber to come over and shave you on your big day. Your wife will be getting pampered; it would be great if you have the same opportunity. Think about how relaxed you would feel.

 

The majority of stories I hear from guys getting barbershop shaves have usually ended with disappointment.

 

I guess being here in Chicago, I've been lucky. Every shave I've gotten from a barber has been great. That's what encouraged me to learn with a straight; I knew what was possible if I learned it well enough.

 

Thanks for everyone's feedback!

I've considered getting a "Barbershop Shave" on or the day before my wedding day at a "high-end" men's hair-styling chain since I recently found out that they employ a "barber" along with the hair-stylists now. However there are a couple things that have kept me from pulling the trigger on that idea: 1) The wife-to-be already gave me the go ahead to purchase the Edwin Jagger DE89 (barley), which I have been eye-balling since I started WS - to shave with on our wedding day and 2) I think that giving myself a traditional shave (taking 45 mins out of my day) would not only benefit my psyche but also give me a strong sense of accomplishment on the first day of my new life...it would be a rite of passage.

I also do know that different blades will perform differently in different razors, but I believe this sampling process is just as much about finding the "right" blade for me as it is about honing in on my technique. My thought is that if I can perfect my technique, I should be able to adapt and get a very good shave (although shooting for a BBS) anywhere, with any razor/blade. I may be wrong, but then again, you gotta figure out the wrong before you can find the right!

Again, thanks for reading my "first impressions" and I apprciate all the feedback and look forward to more comments as the Tour de Razor Blade continues.

 

I totally see your point. That's an even better reason for doing it your way. You already know that you are embarking on a journey with a supportive partner. Nothing like it. Congrats! (And tell us when you get that beautiful razor!!)

 

Thank you! Oh you can count on a full on photo shoot when I get that new razor...*sigh*

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Shave 7: Sharp Durablade Chromium Polymer DE razor blade:
For my next installation of Tour de Razor Blade, again, the beautiful fiance rummaged through the options and chose this blade for my next trial. To be honest, the packaging is pretty boring and there's something about the word "Chromium" that just doesn't sound appealing. If I were picking, I doubt this blade would have been my next pick - but again I chant, Happy Wife...Happy Life.
Pre-Shave:
Warm water in lather bowl; soaked my brush
Hot shower and daily face wash
Applied TBS Shave Oil (To be honest, the more I use this product, the more I don't feel like it does much. I do like usung an oil in tandem with my lather, I just don't know if this brand will be purchased again)
Created a Superlather with VDH Gly soap and COBigelow cream - yummy!

Shave:
Applied SL on top of TBS SO
1st pass WTG: New blade, going slow; not bad
Rinsed, reapplied SL
2nd pass XTG: Unlike the last blade, this blade didn't tug at my beard much, but on this 2nd pass, whisker reduction was minimal
- While on my 2nd pass, I accquired 3 weepers; most I've ever had so far
Rinsed, reapplied TBS SO and SL
3rd pass XTG/opposite: Went off without much to talk about, no additional weepers. I did not acheive a close enough shave and decided to do one more pass
Rinsed, last round of SL (no oil)
4th pass ATG: This pass, for me, by far had the best results as far as whisker reduction. Going ATG, I was able to get a decently close shave.

Post-Shave:
Cold water rinse, left face wet
Applied Alum via alum stick - Burned like a Motha...WATCH YO' MOUTH!
Applied EMJ post shave lotion
DONE!

Conclusion:
The blade lives up to its name, Sharp. So sharp that applying a tad too much pressure resulted in weeper central. I can't agree that it gives a smooth shave though, as I was well aware that I had a blade to my face the entire time. And, even though I needed 4 passes, the results seem promising. Oh and, no wax dots to deal with

Final Thought:
This mornings shave was very peculiar. On one hand, the blade is sharp and in the end, provided me with a close enough shave...and get this, with almost no razor bumps or irritation. However, on the other hand, the blade was not comfortable against my skin. I felt it the entire time and I did need an extra pass (as if it were a mild blade...but its not). Although, the weepers are not fun, I can't wholely blame the blade. As I write, I just felt my face and it is smooth and with no bumps to report. The rough patches aren't bad and minimal - the 4th pass ATG probably helped with that.

So, I can't say I had a "comfortable" shave this morning, but the results are promising. Weirdly enough, I'm very eager to give the blade another go...

 

Shave 8: Sharp Durablade Chromium Polymer DE razor blade:
My shave was important today, as my fiance and I attended her uncle's wedding. It was the first time I literally met ALL of her family.


Pre-Shave:
Warm water in lather bowl; soaked my brush
Hot shower and daily face wash
Applied TBS Shave Oil
No super-lather today, I opted for a soap-only face lather; Lather turned out very good

Shave:
Face lathered on top of TBS SO
1st pass WTG: 2ns shave with this blade, really looking for it to pull through for me
Rinsed, reapplied FL
2nd pass XTG: Made sure to stretch my skin as much as possible - this resulted in 1 or 2 weepers...not looking good
Rinsed, reapplied TBS SO and then re-FL
3rd pass ATG: Trying to minimize the weepers, I went slow and kept my strokes short. Acquired another weeper.
**Touch-ups were needed in my usual trouble areas. Instead of re-lathering, I just used straight SO where I needed it. With a wet face, the oil seemed to work better than on a dry face.

Post-Shave:
Cold water rinse, left face wet
Applied Alum via alum stick - Yowza!
- Immediately post shave, I had a lot of irritation and bumps
Applied EMJ post shave lotion
DONE!

Conclusion:
2nd shave with the Sharp blade and I really was hoping that my shave would be improved from the last. Yet again, I found my shave peculiar because with a little work I was able to obtain a close, smooth shave, BUT I did also get 3 weepers and that left me a little disappointed in my shave.

Final Thought:
2 shaves down and 1 more to go to complete my trial with this blade. I almost feel like banking this blade and just starting with a new/different one on Monday. Although I'm getting a close shave in the end, the process of getting that shave - for me - is not very comfortable. Brings new meaning to the saying, "It's less about how you start, as it's more about how you finish"...pain is beauty.

Will I stick it out and continue with the Sharp blade...or will I call it quits and look to the next in line...? Only Monday will tell.

 

Would save the blades that you think are going to be the best for closer to the wedding. Give your face more time to heal from those bad blades.

Congrats on engagement. Hope your BBS is killer for the big day!

 

The sampler came with 3 blades per brand represented. So far, the best shave I've had, has been with the Astra SP and I have the 2 unused blades tucked away in my shave box (not enough stuff for a "den" ). Although, at the rate I'm going, I should actually finish my blade tour a few days prior to my wedding. I'll probably go 2 or 3 days without shaving, then on the day, lock myself in the bathroom for 45 minutes and just...shave. I envision this all happening with a brand new Edwin Jagger DE89 in my hand and of course the best performing blade discovered in during the tour.

Thanks for the well wishes!

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