Blade Samples

[HarveySpecter]

I'm just now getting hooked on wetshaving and the only blades I have tried are the Derby Extras, which I actually find to be fairly good. However, after doing a bit of research around the forum, I've realized I really do need to invest in trying out a lot of different blades.

I've compiled a list of blades that I want to try, but the problem is, I can't seem to find any good sampler packs anywhere. It seems as if they mostly contain blades that I do not want and it would not be economical to purchase many different sample packs.

Astra SP
Red Personna
Personna Lab Blues
7 o'clock (Blue, Yellow, Black)
Feather
Shark SS

So I ask you guys, how should I go about trying each of these blades without breaking the bank? Is there somewhere I can order them in small quantities without having to pay too much or splitting up orders and worrying about shipping?

Also, are there any other recommendations for blades I should try?

 

[Jakpro]

You might check into the Blade Exchange: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...lade-Exchange-Redux-See-Post-2-for-Stock-List

 

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

Harvey:
Trail & error is the way to go to see what blade (my one & only 'go-to' blade is Shark Super Chrome

), would be a good fit (mild, moderate & aggressive, ect...), for your face and razor.

A long time when I received my Sampler, I started a Thread entitled "In what Order should I test these Sampler Razor Blades?", and the best advice was from member Optometrist a.k.a David who stated;

"I say jump straight in with the Feathers [and then the KAI's]. Yes, they are sharp, but you learn very quickly to let the weight of the razor do the work for you. If you can get the feather right, then it's plain sailing with the others. A few nicks and cuts early on are nothing to worry about and stand you in good stead. Start with a lesser blade and it's a continual learning process as you step up the level of sharpness".

Also, member Npsarros stated, "Keep a spreadsheet with every shave [you], have taken, rating each blade as [you], go along". My spread data ratings reads in columns as follows;

a) Razor Blade / Country / Type

b) Sharpness? (aggressive, moderate sharpness, mild sharpness, tugging or pulling, ect...).

c) Closeness of Shave? (DFS, CCS, BBS, ect...).

d) Smoothness/Roughness of Shave? (moderately smooth, very smooth, very,very smooth, ect...).

e) Comfort of Shave? (no irratation, slight irratation, touch of burn, itching, ect...).

f) Overall Rating? (awesome, great, passable or unpleasant).

g) Compatible with your Razor(s)? (yes or no).

PM me with your e-mail address and I will send you my workable spread sheet example.

“A razor [blade] can’t be sharpened on a piece of velvet”. Author Unknown

​

 

[dharasick]

razorbladesandmore.com is what you're looking for. They have 5 packs of a very large variety of blades.

 

[SteveWY]

Another good vendor is http://www.westcoastshaving.com

Many advise that newbs start out with a sample pack and try out different blades. I did that. In retrospect I think I would have just picked up a 10-pk of any commonly recommended blade and used that for a few weeks until I was settled into my prep and shaving technique. Then I would have gone for a sample pack. There are so many variables when you are first starting out and new shavers seem to blame the blade first. IMO of course.

That said, I agree with the Count. I used a similar rating system and took notes when I was working through the sample pack and other blades I have tried. You can't be too far off if you try a few of the most favored blade brands. Good luck and enjoy your shaves!

 

[Mick]

You need to get your shaving technique down to the point that you can get smooth comfortable close shaves day after day for at least 2-3 months before you go blade jumping.

You are shaving every day, aren't you?

Once you can shave every day and end up with a perfect shave day after day, you can then judge other blades. Until that time it is too easy to say "oh this blade is rubbish what else is out there". All blades on the market are exceptional, otherwise they would not be for sale as no one would buy rubbish with so many others available.

 

[CB1]

Everyone has made good points so far here. I'm about 8 weeks into DE shaving and in the first couple weeks I tried Feathers,Wilkinson's, Derby's and Astra's. Out of those my favorite's were the Feather and Astra's. So for the last 6 weeks I've gone steadily with the same "control" methods of showering while soaking my brush. Then face lathering with Proraso soap. I've mainly used the Astra blades to work on the basics. I've become fairly competent at DE shaving I feel. So with my controls in place I went ahead and custom ordered my sampler pack from West Coast Shaving. I did this because I didn't want any of the blades I already have and like someone previously mentioned, I wanted to get a lot of the ones that seem to be favored by a lot of board members. I've read many times never to count a blade out. It may work down the road as you become more proficient and also may work in a razor you acquire down the road. I plan to try a blade for three or so shaves from each pack. If it feels great I'll probably use one more and mark it good. If after one shave it just doesn't seem to agree with my face I'll try another blade from the pack to rule out a dud. Then keep track of the yeah and neah's based on closeness and comfort. Those are the two important features I want.

It's best to only change the blade in your shaving routine so it is the only variable.

This is just my 2 cents (or maybe a bit more) for what it's worth. Hope it helps another newbie!