Blade recommendations anyone?

[jestah93]

So, I've been wet shaving for a couple of weeks, and although I know some say not to switch blades in the beginning since the important part is getting used to the process, I did just that. I shaved a few times with a 50s Tech and personna blades, then iridium, both of which gave me a decent shave (considering my progressing technique), but then last night I used a Wilkenson sword, and it was completely different. No burning or irritation, and it just felt great. I attribute this partially to what I'm doing with the razor, but I feel like it has to have something to do with the blade itself.

Any thoughts or recommendations on this? I'm going to keep using these blades and see what I come up with, but I know they're not considered one of the best, so I figure I could eventually do even better. There are just so many options and factors to keep in mind, I'm not sure where to go next!

 

[Mick]

Get 100 Astra SP blades from Amazon for around $10 delivered. that will keep you busy for a while

 

[temjeito]

Don't switch yet. If you like the wilkinsons, use them for several weeks, until your technique is down to the point where you'll know what is the blade and what isn't.

That said, the Astras are a great choice as well. They're a great value and pretty generally get positive reviews around here.

 

[Chadao]

Get 100 Astra SP blades from Amazon for around $10 delivered. that will keep you busy for a while

+1

 

[ryan2022]

I second the Astras. Those and the Gillette silver blue. My favorite blades by far. Sorry if this was a double post.

 

[rokeo]

Astras are good blades and the price is a bonus

 

[Kev Kev]

I've got 100 Astras, but eventually I'm looking to weave in some Feathers into the rotation after I get entirely acclimated with the Astras.
I agree with the point made a few posts above about getting a 'feel' for technique & the blades before switching.

Kevin

 

[dreadpirate]

I would second that recommendation.

Get 100 Astra SP blades from Amazon for around $10 delivered. that will keep you busy for a while

 

[Dalejr]

Any vintage stainless blades, that is if your not concerned about price.

 

[PDman]

Another vote for Astra SP.

 

[novitiate]

Get 100 Astra SP blades from Amazon for around $10 delivered. that will keep you busy for a while

I purchased 100 Astra SP's (Russian mfg.) but they had a nasty surprise. On one blade end they are poorly trimmed leaving a hook. It hangs out enough to tear right into you unless you nip it off with nail clippers. This annoyance aside, they shave great.

 

[keithmax]

Don't worry to much about what other people say about the wilkinson blades. What is best is what works for you. Astra work for allot of people but they are terrible for me. To make things more confusing different blades work in different razors.

There are many vendor that sell sample packs of blades. I recommend you buy a blade sampler and do not blind buy a 100 blades you have never tried no matter how cheap. Work through the sampler then buy you box of 100.

 

[jestah93]

Thanks Keith, I think that's a good plan. I'd be wary of buying 100 of anything that I've never used before, but I suppose I'll make sure a sampler I get has Astras in it, just to see what all the fuss is about

Don't worry to much about what other people say about the wilkinson blades. What is best is what works for you. Astra work for allot of people but they are terrible for me. To make things more confusing different blades work in different razors.

There are many vendor that sell sample packs of blades. I recommend you buy a blade sampler and do not blind buy a 100 blades you have never tried no matter how cheap. Work through the sampler then buy you box of 100.

 

[novitiate]

I'd be wary of buying 100 of anything that I've never used before

Indeed!

I'll add one more to the mix, Gillette GOAL blades. I've had great results with them in my '38-'41 fat-handle Tech.

 

[aihpcfl]

I am in the You Should Experiment club, but I think you should stick with one blade for at least a couple weeks of daily shaving. Get a sample pack and work through it one blade pack at a time. Don't use brand X one day or one week and then brand Y the next. Finish a pack before you open another, or whatever works best for you to sort of force you to spend a number of weeks using the same blade. Also apply the same to the other things like soaps and creams, etc.

I think Astra SP blades are good. I also think the Walmart Wilkinson Sword blades are ok. If you like the Wilkinson blades you can always buy more and put them in your queue.

You may eventually find that you could shave with anything, even a dull steak knife and a bar of Ivory Soap, or you may find that you will not shave with anything other than one particular setup.

 

[SteveWY]

Get 100 Astra SP blades from Amazon for around $10 delivered. that will keep you busy for a while

Exactly this. I don't know how long you have been using a DE but let me say this (IMO)... shaving issues are rarely the blade. You were using very good blades. Some blades are very sharp and not very forgiving especially for someone new to the craft. I know, I walked that road! Pick a blade brand ans stay with that for at least a month, longer is better. get your total routine down and when you get consistently great shaves then it is fun trying new blades.