Bic vs Astra, Personna, Feathers .etc

[Lamboy]

So I haven't been shaving very long and have tried a couple different blades. I have tried Derby and Bic Chrome platinum. The Derby's seemed to tug an awful lot and I had to give it pressure to cut the way I believe it should. This prompted me to try the Bic's. They were definitively a lot sharper but I feel still could be better. How do the Bic's compare to some of the more popular blades Like Astra, Feathers, Personna etc. Should I expect a better shave and comfort?

I know this depends a little personal preference, but basically from what I gather I should not have to apply pressure to get a good shave.

 

[FDEMS]

I really like Astra Sp blades in a Super Speed, Gillette Silver Blue blades in my Techs and Personna (hospital) blades in anything. These are what I use regularly, much better than Bic and Derby IMO. Like you I'm still experimenting. But ultimately blades are a tool and if you do not practice your technique and follow a decent pre shave prep routine it will be hard to enjoy the shaving experience. You'll find what's right for you.

 

[B. Diddly]

hope I'm not double posting. You're right about personal preference being a major factor. My favorite blades are Feather, they are very sharp and smooth. My second favorite are Wilkinson Swords. Though not as sharp, I do find them to be comfortable. I personally found the Personna meds to be the most uncomfortable blades I have used, but to each their own. You might want to stop by the blade exchange here on B&B to try some different ones, or look into a sample pack from an online vendor. Enjoy your shaving

 

[Luke Sky High]

I know I'm gonna flamed... but here it goes
I find Bics comparable to 7 O' Clock yellows. Yes Bics are sharp, but not Feather sharp. It's a widely available blade in Europe and dependable.

A beard prep makes a difference in how a blade is perceived. A mediocre pre-shave will make a Feather stand all out from a Gillette yellow. In the beginning when my beard prep was soaking warm water for 1-2 minutes, only Feathers where good. Now with a generous amount Musgo Real GLO or their pre-shave oil and a soak time of 3-5 minutes even a Rapira Superstainless is scalpel sharp. Still Feathers are my favorite blades.