I have been using a variety of SEs recently with GEM stainless steel coated blades. I find that I get closer shaves with SEs than DEs and often less irritation too. However, DE blades normally feel sharper and smoother on the face. I have been wondering why this is, and also how a straight shave would compare.
Obviously, there is a much greater range of DE blades so I expect the quality of the best DE blade to be better than the quality of the best SE blade. However, I am sure that is only part of the story.
Does a thicker SE blade flex less on the face and therefore feel less forgiving (even though it is actually doing a better job)? Does the greater flexing of a DE blade potentially lead to more irritation? Is a straight shave the perfect solution as it will be sharper than a mass produced SE blade but with similar stiffness?
Obviously, there is a much greater range of DE blades so I expect the quality of the best DE blade to be better than the quality of the best SE blade. However, I am sure that is only part of the story.
Does a thicker SE blade flex less on the face and therefore feel less forgiving (even though it is actually doing a better job)? Does the greater flexing of a DE blade potentially lead to more irritation? Is a straight shave the perfect solution as it will be sharper than a mass produced SE blade but with similar stiffness?