100% Newbie - Question about my sampler pack

[Darth Lather]

Hello guys. I am way brand new to DE/wet shaving. I have the supplies - haven't even done the first shave yet !!

I have been reading this forum every day for 2 weeks in preperation.

So, for my first question - I realize I am asking a question that is asked A LOT and is not a great way to make a first impression


I have the following sample pack. It does not have what seems to be the standard, highly recommended, "great for newbies" blades. What advice would you give me about on blade choice for my FIRST, cherry-popping wet shave?

• Dorco ST-301
• Dorco ST-300
• Bic Chrome Platinum
• Derby Extra
• Lord Super
• Smart
• Astra Superior Platnium
• 7 a.m.
• Shark Super Chrome

Yes... ALL these will do the job. But I want to do my best to make sure my first few shaves are as "pleasurable" as possible so I don't say "Forget This!!" and go back to my Mach 3.

Thanks in advance for all advice!!

 

[Darth Lather]

oh... if it helps,

I have a Merkur 38c "barber pole"

 

[jsrdrnr]

I would go with the derby or the astra for your first shave.

 

[LinuxMintyFresh]

Well, I'm not going to lie to you. Your first DE experience has a fairly high probability of not being very pleasurable at all; at least not the actual razor-against-your-skin part. You'll probably get some razor burn and irritation, but hey, at least the brush and soap will be fun! Now that that's out of the way, there really aren't any "great for newbies" blades. Blades are probably the #1 YMMV item in a wet shaver's arsenal. Personally, I'd go with either the Astra (which will probably be the smoothest), Bic, or Shark, but the potential is there for you to really enjoy most of the blades on your list.

 

[BladeDE40]

Yeah it will take you a few weeks of going through blades to determine the best for you. Make sure to give each blade a few shaves as most blades tend to get a little smoother after the first shave. IMO-try to steer clear of those 7am....got some in my sample pack...tore my face up.

 

[Greybeard]

The Dorcos are the least likely to cut you or give you irritation for your first few shaves. They're also the dullest and probably won't end up being "your blade". I never found much difference between the 300's or 301's, but the 301's are supposed to be smoother.
You could try a Derby next. They don't work for me, but they are a much loved blade for many.
I'd try the Astra SP after that, with the caveat that it can irritate your face if your technique is inconsistent.
The Lords and Sharks shave similarly, with the Sharks a little sharper. I found it hard to judge these blades until my technique improved.
I'd leave the Bics till last. They're sharp enough, but have the potential to hack you up worse than the others.

I've never tried the 7AM and Smart blades. As LinuxMintyFresh said, YMMV.



- Peter

 

[TheBigL]

I'd start with the Astras or Derbys. The other ones I've used from the list were usable but could be harsh if you got careless.

I have not even heard of a Smart though. Where did you get them from?

 

[funkyb]

I vote for DORCO ST-301s, love those things.

 

[johnmrson]

My suggestion would be the Astras.

 

[Darth Lather]

Well, I'm not going to lie to you. Your first DE experience has a fairly high probability of not being very pleasurable at all; at least not the actual razor-against-your-skin part. You'll probably get some razor burn and irritation, but hey, at least the brush and soap will be fun! Now that that's out of the way, there really aren't any "great for newbies" blades. Blades are probably the #1 YMMV item in a wet shaver's arsenal. Personally, I'd go with either the Astra (which will probably be the smoothest), Bic, or Shark, but the potential is there for you to really enjoy most of the blades on your list.

yes,yes...

I am under no false impressions. It will be rough going for awhile


Thanks everyone. I loaded up the Astras. We'll see!!

 

[JoshD]

What are you doing online!?!?? Get out there and shave.

We are waiting with baited breath on your oppinion about DE wetshaving.

Go slow and enjoy your self.

Do you know what Hernando Cortez did to his ships when he reached the new world?

He burned them.

Go ahead and throw that shaving abomination of a Mach III away and don't look back.

Josh.

 

[proxymoron]

Do you know what Hernando Cortez did to his ships when he reached the new world?

He burned them.

Go ahead and throw that shaving abomination of a Mach III away and don't look back.

Of course, Cortes wasn't planning to travel again. Hang on to the M3 for your next trip--the skies aren't friendly to carry-on blades.

And go with the Derbys. I reckon just about everyone's tried a Derby so they're a good baseline for future recommendations.

 

[Chester]

Do you know what Hernando Cortez did to his ships when he reached the new world?

He burned them.

He burned his ships so that he could force his men to adjust to new conditions and focus on surviving with what was at hand, reduce the odds of mutiny and eliminate the chance of any of them deserting to return to Spain. It was a leadership decision.

I keep my M3 around to help me touch up in places (like under my nostrils) until I improve my technique enough to not use it. I'm getting the hang of things, but it's still a fallback that I can pull out in a pinch. I've needed it less and less over the past few weeks.

Eventually his M3 will grow dusty, seem worthless to have at-hand, and it will naturally migrate into a cupboard or dustbin... just like mine will.

Cheers,
-- Chet

 

[DE Shaver]

I think that if you choose the Derby Extra or Astra Superior Platinum, you will increase the chance of getting a smoother and irritation free shave. However, your first DE shave is never (to put it mildly) the most enjoyable one so it is best to temper your expectations.

 

[Maul555]

He burned his ships so that he could force his men to adjust to new conditions and focus on surviving with what was at hand, reduce the odds of mutiny and eliminate the chance of any of them deserting to return to Spain. It was a leadership decision.

I keep my M3 around to help me touch up in places (like under my nostrils) until I improve my technique enough to not use it. I'm getting the hang of things, but it's still a fallback that I can pull out in a pinch. I've needed it less and less over the past few weeks.

Eventually his M3 will grow dusty, seem worthless to have at-hand, and it will naturally migrate into a cupboard or dustbin... just like mine will.

Cheers,
-- Chet

I threw my mach 3 out along with my sensor XL after my first shave. I never looked back...

 

[canoesota]

The Derby Extra is the dullest blade of the bunch! You will most likely cut yourselfe the least with that choice. I would go with the Dorco's next.

 

[DHoffmeyer]

Welcome! You'll find great support and information here, on one of the most courteous boards in wet shaving land.

You have some good blades in your sampler. My first DE shave was with a Shark super chrome, which was fine. Astra Superior Platnium or Bic might also be smooth for you. May I also offer some suggestions for future samples?
Gillette 7 o'clock yellow and green
Blue birds
Super Iridiums
Feathers

Those happen to be working for me in a vintage superspeed, but that doesn't mean they work well for everyone.

Best to you. Enjoy your shaves!!