Best blade w/ a red tip?

[Mr. Imperial]

G'day folks,

So, I rock two razors: a Merkur 23C and a '56 Gillette SS red tip. After several months of blade trials, I have found what I believe to be the best blade for my Merkur...the Feather. The only thing that comes close is the Astra, but it's clearly the Feather.

I've not had such luck finding my red tip's soul mate. I think probably the best I've had so far is the red IP. Feathers seem a bit too harsh, as do Astras.

So, I'd like to know your favorite blade to use with a red tip. One that I haven't tried but would like to is a Gillette 7 O'clock (yellow pack). I'd also like to try a Swede, since I hear such good things about them. And, for that matter, I'd like to try an Iridium Super as well. I've tried one Shark blade, but thanks to crap lathering I don't think I did it justice.

On a related note, then, could anybody point me to a website that would allow me to build my own blade sampler pack? Or is there anybody who would like to trade a couple blades for a couple blades?

Thanks!

 

[tsmba]

I've found choosing the right blade for a given razor to be pretty much trial and error. Though blades I normally like for my slant-bar *might* work just as well in my Red-Tip, it might also be that I prefer another one. I really like the 7:00 Yellows you mentioned.....give them a try!

 

[Batman]

I just brought out my red tip after shelving it for a while. Very nice shave with the Astra.

 

[shamus]

For my 1955 Red tip I have had great success with the Feathers in the Yellow pack, (Gray Pack were too harsh), Gillette 7 O'Clock Yellow Russian and Black super platinum Indian blades, Astra Super Platinum and Wilkinson Sword or Merkur Blades as my final selection. The best way to try out these blades would be sampler pack till you find whet works for your in the Gillette Red Tip. Cheers

 

[DSB]

For me, the Gillette Yellows are perfect with my Red Tip. They are available at www.westcoastshaving.com and www.bullgooseshaving.com

Both sites have them available in 5 packs and 100 packs (20 packs of 5 each).

 

[Sir Jammy Fishpaste]

+1 on the yellows in a Red Tip. Very smooth - as close to a UK Wilkinson as you get I think

 

[Pike]

In the past couple years I have used Feathers in every razor...then I got in on a group buy for some Red IP's.....As you mentioned, they are working well for you and the fabulous red tip. I love Astras, I just don't have the patience to remove the huge glue spots on them! (though I find IP's smoother over all) I still love feathers, but for the price the red IP is my blade of choice. I find it works well in all my razors and lasts longer than a feather. As for putting together a sample pack.....check out westcoastshaving.com The have ready made samplers, and I believe you have the option to build your own. Great customer service there as well.

 

[Christopher_loaf]

I use the Red IP in my red tip. Just seemed to click.