All I've learned about shaving, I learned from my father.

[KodiakAttack]

Having said that, my father swears up and down that Merkur makes the best blades, and they're the only ones he ever uses.
So, they are pretty much the only blades I have bought and used (aside from a sampler pack of Racer, Rainbow, Lord... none of which im very fond of). He is a daily shaver, and claims he only changes his blade once a month.
They do provide a good shave, but seeing as I haven't tried many of the other great blades out there, I'm wondering how the Merkur stands up to what you all use?
I hear a lot about Feather, and 7'oclock.
Comparing what you all use to a Merkur blade, what do you choose and why?

 

[CharlieFoxtrot]

I use Gillette yellows because I find them to be sharper and smoother than Merkur's blades. Plus they are way cheaper. YMMV.

 

[KodiakAttack]

I use Gillette yellows because I find them to be sharper and smoother than Merkur's blades. Plus they are way cheaper. YMMV.

Thank you for the information, i ordered some yellows and received them today. I will give them a shot. I also picked up some Astra SP blades because i heard they give a decent shave for the price, and its true. Im just not sure if they can provide as many shaves as the merkur blades, but for the cheaper price thats okay with me.

 

[heybatter]

I learned nothing about shaving from my father. Still a great dad.

 

[KodiakAttack]

I learned nothing about shaving from my father. Still a great dad.

I chose to ignore my fathers way of shaving until I realized it wasn't as old fashioned as he is.

 

[Go West Young Man]

Merkur blades are fine, but you can get similar performance for a quarter the price with other brands.

 

[elsmooth]

I've a pretty tough beard, and Merkurs just don't get through with much ease. Not one of the more impressive blades out there IMO.

 

[KodiakAttack]

I've a pretty tough beard, and Merkurs just don't get through with much ease. Not one of the more impressive blades out there IMO.

Ive got a tough beard too, and sensitive skin. What blades do you use?

 

[BigBull]

A large part of the fun in this is trying various things...blades are apart of that. I've tried the Merkurs and they were good, not great. I don't get the "how long can I make this blade last" mindset. We are talking about $.10-$.25/piece here...that being said, I like Sharks, Astra's, Feathers, Lab Blue's, SuperMax Super Platinum's and Gillette Blacks...not in that order. Some are cheaper than others. Some work in one razor and not so much in the others.

Try a sample pack from one of the B&B vendors...you'll quickly see how different they are. Enjoy it!

 

[KodiakAttack]

Well seeing as Merkur blades can cost about .75 or more each, that might contribute to the mindset of "how long can i make this blade last" haha
Ive tried quite a few blades and havent really been thrilled with any of them... My progress razor has made the blades job much easier, but im still searching for the perfect fit for my beard and skin.

 

[BigBull]

Merkur blades can cost about .75 or more each, that might contribute to the mindset of "how long can i make this blade last" haha

Guess I didn't know that since they were given to me...that makes my thought of they were "good, not great" to more of a "I won't be buying those blades".

 

[KodiakAttack]

yeah, ive sean Merkurs sell for $6-$9 for a pack of 10. Definitely expensive. Sometimes you can get a deal on Amazon for around $5 a pack.

 

[Rustonrazor]

Having said that, my father swears up and down that Merkur makes the best blades, and they're the only ones he ever uses.
So, they are pretty much the only blades I have bought and used (aside from a sampler pack of Racer, Rainbow, Lord... none of which im very fond of). He is a daily shaver, and claims he only changes his blade once a month.
They do provide a good shave, but seeing as I haven't tried many of the other great blades out there, I'm wondering how the Merkur stands up to what you all use?
I hear a lot about Feather, and 7'oclock.
Comparing what you all use to a Merkur blade, what do you choose and why?

My brother swears by Merkur blades and uses 1 blade for about 7-9 shaves. I cannot shave with them. No matter what blade I use, I can go about 3 before the result falls off the table. I like Derby, Feather, and Gilette as my top 3 brands. Others will have a completely different list and may include Wilkenson, Astra, Timor, and others I can't think of. As others have stated, a sample pack is a great way to go. It may only take 1 shave to figure out you hate a blade, but there will be some that take 12-15 to figure out if you love them. Sample packs are great for just that.

 

[FL shaver]

I used the sample blade I got with my first DE razor, an HD. It cut my whiskers easily for a week. I haven't purchased any more as Astra SPs are cheaper and at least as good as the one I tried. Some say the sample blade that comes with the razor performs better than the blades you buy in packs, but I could find no fault with the single Merkur I tried.

 

[Adam R]

Try everything you can get your hands on. Especially blades. A sample pack might change your life.