DE newb question: Do certain blades match with certain handles? Sizes?

[TAZORAC]

I'm about to make my move to DE shaving. Here's the problem, I've noticed that there at 1000s of razor blades sold, and just as many safety razor handles. Do all blades go with all safety razors, or is there some of indication of size.

For instance I bought some Wilkinson Sword Double Edge Super Chrome blades the other day, and I notice by looking at the pack that it says "2A", are Safety Razors different sizes? meaning would I need a 2A safety razor?

Is it all blades fits all or what?
View attachment 306879

 

[Luminose]

Pretty much every new double edge razor blade will fit into almost every double edge razor. The shape of the slot in the blade with its various holes it so it can fit a variety of razors. I wouldn't worry about it at all the "2A" is most likely just a manufacturing number.

 

[Vercin]

like it says on the box fits all double edge razors

the difference is in the materials and finishing ( sharpness etc ) .. and finding what u'll prefer most

 

[BBrad]

Hey, Tazorac . . . Welcome to the world of DE!! As I'm sure you've gathered from hanging out here at B&B, there's a bunch of guys who aren't the least bit bashful about helping a newbie! Good luck on your DE journey, and remember: If it feels like you aren't using enough pressure on your razor, use less. The best shaves come with the lightest touch!

Oh, about those numbers on the blades . . . some manufacturers put them on the blade just to make us ask questions!

 

[Badgerfat]

Welcome to BnB!!! I would suggest getting yourself a sampler from your favorite online retailer, other than that, not too much I can add.

 

[Mick]

One size fits all.

One blade shaves all.

Now way back in the early days there were proprietary razors that used proprietary blades but they are almost imposable to find and when they do pop up they are gobbled up by collectors so you should not need to worry about those.

 

[SteveWY]

One size fits all.

One blade shaves all.

Now way back in the early days there were proprietary razors that used proprietary blades but they are almost imposable to find and when they do pop up they are gobbled up by collectors so you should not need to worry about those.

+1. Yup, what he said! All modern blades follow the Gillette and ASR designs of the early 1900's. That why the size and cutouts are all identical. It was good marketing back in the day. Now, there is more proprietary development and marketing so you have to buy cartridges (God forbid) from the same manufacturer as the handle.

 

[Shutterbug57]

If you go on e-bay, you will see some vintage blades that have just 3 holes in them. These will not fit in all razors, particularly the butterfly opening razors (TTO) that have a bar that runs across the razor to align the blades. But, like others have said, if you stick with new production blades you should be fine.

 

[NCJack]

There is a Merkur travel razor that uses an off-size blade, but it's the only one I've ever seen or even heard about. Not the eyebrow/mustache or something razor, which is another story entirely

 

[chilliman64]

there are very few DE razors that don't use standard blades, mostly they are vintage. (virtually) all modern DE razors use the commonly available blades. best of luck and welcome to B&B!

 

[TAZORAC]

Thanks for the answers.

 

[Infernal2]

One blade shaves all.

One forum to find them?
One razor to shave them bald and in their SAD confine them?

 

[Lucidor]

You'll be fine. Some shavers say get a few 10 packs out of a blade that doesn't tear you up and use it exclusively with one razor, one soap and one brush for some time to dial in the technique. There are a few different thicknesses of blades that I've come across but that just means they behave differently, not that you can't fit them in the razor.

Some razors and some faces go well together, and some don't mix.

 

[goh2499]

Originally Posted by turtle
One blade shaves all.

One forum to find them?
One razor to shave them bald and in their SAD confine them?