Blade Sharpness

[PeteRazor]

I read a lot of comments especially about Feather blades being too sharp resulting in their face being cut. Coming from using a straight razor, it doesn't make sense to me. Because you would never complain about a straight being too sharp, you want it sharp. In straights bad technique or dull blades get you cut. Apply too much pressure, use a bad angle, or go over an area too much and your face will suffer.

Since I'm new to DE and have only used Derby I'll leave open the possibility, but in my limited experience I've found that a more aggressive razor has a bigger impact on the comfort vs closeness of the shave. Seems like people need something to fuss over and in DE the brand of the blade is made the hero or the culprit.

 

[Balthier]

the sharper a blade is the easier is to cut yourself if your not careful and the easier it will be able to cut through heavy thick growth. With a very dull blade you could cut yourself more trying to get a close shave. This seems to be why people of varying degrees of experience say YMMV. I'm not sure what makes some blades so smooth platinum coating(example astra SP) combined with sharpness although I don't think red pack personnas have coating do they?

 

[jlindy]

I don't think red pack personnas have coating do they?

They do, they're platinum coated

 

[Uncle Erik]

It depends on your technique and razor. If you're good with a DE and have a razor you know well, a very sharp blade is a joy. I disliked Feathers when my technique was poor, but got an incredible shave from a Feather this morning.

 

[sproosemoose]

I think people do actually complain about straights being too sharp for example with a 0.25 micron paste / spray - the edge is too fragile and not smooth feeling.

I use Sharks, they are pretty sharp and I love it the sharper they are, although yeah they will really cut you if you have a pimple etc. maybe slightly less chance with a less dull blade, but you'd probably still cut yourself so I see your point.

 

[LarryAndro]

Can a straight razor be too sharp? Some time back, I was on a StraightRazorPlace.com thread where this was discussed. You would think civil war had broken out! There are definitely different opinions.

By the way, I am on the side of light and right: a straight razor can be too sharp.

 

[DE Shaver]

I read a lot of comments especially about Feather blades being too sharp resulting in their face being cut. Coming from using a straight razor, it doesn't make sense to me. Because you would never complain about a straight being too sharp, you want it sharp. In straights bad technique or dull blades get you cut. Apply too much pressure, use a bad angle, or go over an area too much and your face will suffer.

Since I'm new to DE and have only used Derby I'll leave open the possibility, but in my limited experience I've found that a more aggressive razor has a bigger impact on the comfort vs closeness of the shave. Seems like people need something to fuss over and in DE the brand of the blade is made the hero or the culprit.

As you've indicated in your post, a person using a straight razor will cut themselves if they don't have their technique down. In the same vein, a DE razor blade that is very sharp will not be as forgiving as a "duller" blade. Individuals that state a DE blade is "too sharp" are really saying "my technique is not perfect." However, I'm sure a number individuals will voice some disagreement but that's my take on the matter.

 

[PeteRazor]

As you've indicated in your post, a person using a straight razor will cut themselves if they don't have their technique down. In the same vein, a DE razor blade that is very sharp will not be as forgiving as a "duller" blade. Individuals that state a DE blade is "too sharp" are really saying "my technique is not perfect." However, I'm sure a number individuals will voice some disagreement but that's my take on the matter.

This is what I'm thinking. Because when I was trying to decide what brand to get, I'd get opposite opinion that made me confused as heck. On youtube, one of the experts said Merkur was the base line to which all blades are compared to. Then I read numerous bad reviews by users on Merkur. Similar reactions to other brands. I ended up with Derby because many positive reviews by customers but then I read comments here that they dull as dirt. They seem fine to me but I think I'm going try other brands such as Feather, Iridium, Astra... just out of curiosity sake.

I could see people getting defensive but its not my intention to call you out as a bad shaver. Its more of curiosity of the fervor people feel towards blade brands.

 

[Go West Young Man]

There are more qualities in a disposable blade than just sharpness. You need to consider longetivity, smoothness, coatings, edge grind, etc, in making your choice of preferred blades. Obviously you can't objectively analyze each of these criteria, but you can definitely feel the difference on your face.

 

[JMP]

I agree with it being more about "poor technique" or maybe technique learned with a more dull blade. I shaved the first time with a merkur, and threw it away that night. I learned for the next couple weeks on feathers, and it took me forever to shave, but they were great, sharp and no razor burn. I am still "blade sampling" and placed an order for both iridiums and astra sp....each time I try a derby, red pack IP, or crystal, they just feel dull!!!

 

[Maul555]

I agree with it being more about "poor technique" or maybe technique learned with a more dull blade. I shaved the first time with a merkur, and threw it away that night. I learned for the next couple weeks on feathers, and it took me forever to shave, but they were great, sharp and no razor burn. I am still "blade sampling" and placed an order for both iridiums and astra sp....each time I try a derby, red pack IP, or crystal, they just feel dull!!!

This is the first I have heard about Merkers being the sharpest blade around. I was under the impression that feathers are the sharpest made. I may have to give merkers a try now.

/Red IP and Feather user

 

[Don]

This is what I'm thinking. Because when I was trying to decide what brand to get, I'd get opposite opinion that made me confused as heck. On youtube, one of the experts said Merkur was the base line to which all blades are compared to. Then I read numerous bad reviews by users on Merkur. Similar reactions to other brands. I ended up with Derby because many positive reviews by customers but then I read comments here that they dull as dirt. They seem fine to me but I think I'm going try other brands such as Feather, Iridium, Astra... just out of curiosity sake.

I could see people getting defensive but its not my intention to call you out as a bad shaver. Its more of curiosity of the fervor people feel towards blade brands.

Having seen a microscopic view of a Merkur blades edge online, no wonder so many dislike them. So I'm not sure who the "expert" was claiming Merkur was the "base line".

I have recently tried and enjoyed Shark SS in a pre-1951 Gillette TTO, no idea what the model is, and enjoyed the two shaves. If the blade stumbles on the third shave, not a problem as you can get these blades for as little as 11 cents per blade.

I have also found Astra Keramik a good blade in my Merkur Futur, six shaves worth on the most recent blade.

IMHO, blade/razor combos differ, perhaps not as much as the skin on an individuals face, but there seems to be some dynamic here, some blades not working well in a particular razor, while some seem to 'sing'. A blade sampler is the way to try a lot of different blades. What they say is true, YMMV.

 

[Chester]

I don't claim to have the oodles of experience that others here may have, nor am I claiming flawless technique, but the very first blade I ever used was a shark, in the first two razors I ever used (a parker 91R "meat slicer", and a 1906 single-ring). I didn't know it at the time, but I had jumped directly into the deep end of the blade-sharpness pool, with perhaps two of the most aggressive razors possible. It was, one might say, a terribly instructive experience with regard to rapidly improving my technique.

I've yet to shave with a feather, but I do like iridiums a lot, and astras, and the sharks are very familiar to me. A few nights ago I tried my first derby and it wasn't bad at all -- it did a great job. I've been told that they get a little smoother after the first shave. As I see it, these are all very sharp blades, and if I don't pay attention to the little moles and scars on my face, they will get cut, but I know how to manage them. In my mind, sharper is better. I don't want a duller blade, or to be caught in mid-shave with one, so I retire all my blades after 2 shaves.

My $.02, cheap.
-- Chet

 

[Ponce]

I agree with it being more about "poor technique" or maybe technique learned with a more dull blade. I shaved the first time with a merkur, and threw it away that night. I learned for the next couple weeks on feathers, and it took me forever to shave, but they were great, sharp and no razor burn. I am still "blade sampling" and placed an order for both iridiums and astra sp....each time I try a derby, red pack IP, or crystal, they just feel dull!!!

I've had the same experience. While I won't tell people they shouldn't like the blade they like, some of the most popular blades on these forums won't effectively cut my growth. I absolutely need a sharp blade; otherwise DE shaving is unpleasant for me. As a result, I have to adjust my technique to fit this style of blade. I occasionally cut myself, but this is a lot better than the irritation and tugging I get with duller blades.

 

[JMP]

This is the first I have heard about Merkers being the sharpest blade around. I was under the impression that feathers are the sharpest made. I may have to give merkers a try now.

/Red IP and Feather user

I think you misunderstood. I threw the Merkur away because it was dull, hacked my face, and was overall a terrible blade for me. : )

 

[raisindot]

I think many "Feather Fanatics" (of which I was one once until my health plan refused to pay for any more blood transfusions) basically use the argument, "Feathers are perfect--if you're getting cut, then it's your fault, not the blades."

I don't think is true at all. While my technique may not be "perfect," it's good enough that I don't cut myself with any other blade other than Feathers (consistently) and Super Iridiums (occasionally). I think there definitely is a relationship between sharpness and cutting that's not necessarily caused by technique. Some people just have face contours that are easily weepable, and sharper blades will open 'em up regardless of the lightness of their touch.

Don't get me wrong--I love the feel and smoothness of Feathers and if they didn't cut me up I'd be a Feather Fanatic, too. I finally decided that I'd rather have my blood stay inside me.



Jeff in Boston

 

[DE Shaver]

I think many "Feather Fanatics" (of which I was one once until my health plan refused to pay for any more blood transfusions) basically use the argument, "Feathers are perfect--if you're getting cut, then it's your fault, not the blades."

I don't think is true at all. While my technique may not be "perfect," it's good enough that I don't cut myself with any other blade other than Feathers (consistently) and Super Iridiums (occasionally). I think there definitely is a relationship between sharpness and cutting that's not necessarily caused by technique. Some people just have face contours that are easily weepable, and sharper blades will open 'em up regardless of the lightness of their touch.

Don't get me wrong--I love the feel and smoothness of Feathers and if they didn't cut me up I'd be a Feather Fanatic, too. I finally decided that I'd rather have my blood stay inside me.



Jeff in Boston

I think you bring to light a couple of things. The first is that sharpness does not equate to smoothness or usability, although there is a relationship. A sharp blade will cut through hair easier, without tugging or dragging but will also cut uneven skin. Secondly, what is the point of a sharp blade if it cuts up your face. Granted, I prefer sharp blades as they also tend to be better made but I wouldn't sharpness s the sole criteria for measuring a blade's performance.

If a blade is always drawing blood and you've ruled out technique then it may not be the right blade for you. You may have a bumpy face and a super sharp blade will cut into your skin whereas something not quite as sharp will be more forgiving. By way of example, I like Iridums a lot and although they are not, IMO, quite as sharp as Feather, they are smoother to me I enjoy using them. That may be better or desirable for some users of razor blades.

 

[Lusitano]

I tried a Feather for the first time today and I can say that they are sharper than Iridium, Astra or Gillette 7o'clock. And they are also smooth while shaving, while Gillette and Iridium are rough.

 

[blood_type_O]

I really don't have a favorite blade brand. I have tried around 20 different brands of blades of varying sharpness and get a fine from from all.

To me, it is more important to match the blade with the razor to get a great shave.

for example, I like a sharp blade in a mild razor (i. e. feather in a tech).