Am I ready for the sharp blades ?

[Lesmore]

I've had my DE Razor...Muhle R 89 since early October, use it every day. I had a blade sampler...including, Derby, Gillette 7 O'Clock (red), Merkur Super, Astre...a couple of others I can't recall.

I'm getting better, still the occasional nick / cut....but nothing serious.

I've got some Japanese Feather Blades and Israeli Personna Blades.

I've left these two brands for the last as I understand they are the sharpest...not for amateurs or those just learning the DE way.

My Merkur blade has 3 days on it, one more left.

Whaddya think ? Am I ready for the Feather or Personna ?

Another question. I've dispensed with the blades after 4 days ? They still seem to do the job....but reading posts that seems to be a typical # of days before they are tossed. Is there any way to figure out when they're ready to go ?

 

[Silvermink]

I've been doing this for about the same length of time as you - maybe a week or so longer - and I started using Feathers in the last few days. Three days of shaving so far and only one teeny nick (stupid Adam's apple), no more than anything else. I say give it a shot.

 

[fisherbln]

I gave feathers a shot on my 3rd or 4th DE shave. There is no reason you can't try them whenever you feel you a ready. Just be careful not to use any pressure.

Also, keep in mind there is no reason you can't stop using a blade mid-shave if you find it is cutting you up badly.

 

[instpasr]

Go for it....if they're to sharp you could always swap them out mid shave.
I was getting about 7 shaves or one full week out of my blades, others get more some get less. There's even a guy on here that claims one and done with his blades, it's very much a personal thing and the only way you're going to figure it out is once you settle on a blade push the blade until you think it isn't giving a good shave anymore.

 

[okey]

i am in the same boat as you lesmore. I have 3 brands left out of a hefty sample kit. Those being feathers , Crystal and a lord stainless. I tried Astras early in the piece while having no idea and cut myself a bit. I am going to go back to an Astra before the Feather and if i dont slice and dice of which i am confident i wont , then a feather next it will be.

 

[wulfgar1976]

I found the Feather in my Muehle R89 was very smooth and forgiving. It's as though it was made for that razor. In my Parker 98R, on the other hand, it's like a meat slicer.

If you're confident that your lather is good and that your technique is up to scratch, there's no reason not to try a Feather.

 

[Lesmore]

I've loaded a Personna in my Muhle...it's ready for tomorrow's shave. I'll be careful and report back after the shave.

Les

I tried the Personna today. I'm not ready for it. Too sharp for this beginner. Popped a Gillette 7 0'Clock blade in the Muhle. In awhile I will give the Personna another shot, when my skill level has increased.