Diving In - Need help with blade choice

[Kaen]

I've recently purchased a Merkur 34C and am wondering if diving in with a Feather blade is a bad choice. I've heard these are better suited for someone who has been using their razor for awhile and I'm wondering if I should stick to the Merkur blades for time being.

I have a very light beard(shave 4 days/week) and probably would consider my skin sensitive. I also have to take blood thinners, so there is that.

Also, I know this is the DE Razor forum, but I'm also looking for a good suggestion on a first brush for bowl-lathering.

Thanks!

 

[cwnidog]

I've recently purchased a Merkur 34C and am wondering if diving in with a Feather blade is a bad choice. I've heard these are better suited for someone who has been using their razor for awhile and I'm wondering if I should stick to the Merkur blades for time being.

I have a very light beard(shave 4 days/week) and probably would consider my skin sensitive. I also have to take blood thinners, so there is that.

Also, I know this is the DE Razor forum, but I'm also looking for a good suggestion on a first brush for bowl-lathering.

Thanks!

Whether or not to dive in with a Feather kind of depends on your technique, but I'd say give it a try. I'm not a big fan of Merkur blades myself, but they might work great for you. I note that this is your first post, if you're new to DE shaving you might want to try one of the sample packs of blades that are so common, you can get a feel for a number of brands and see what suits you. As for brushes, Parker makes a pure badger that I like, you can pick one up for around $30.

 

[tinashubby]

I say go for the known sharper blades such as Feather or Astra SP. You need to learn proper technique anyway. I think Derby's have prolly turned many people off to DE shaving.

 

[mmack66]

Gillette 7 O'clock Black Super Platinum
Gillette 7 O'clock Blue Super Platinum

 

[Mick]

Start with the Astra SP (superior platinum). It is a good solid middle of the road blade that always performs well. This blade is also a good match for that Merkur razor. You won't be disappointed

They are still under $10 for 100 blades delivered to your door

http://www.amazon.com/Superior-Prem...1347467080&s=generic&sr=1-3&tag=5336612468-20

 

[retturn2blades]

Start with the Astra SP (superior platinum). It is a good solid middle of the road blade that always performs well. This blade is also a good match for that Merkur razor. You won't be disappointed

They are still under $10 for 100 blades delivered to your door

http://www.amazon.com/Superior-Prem...1347467080&s=generic&sr=1-3&tag=5336612468-20

+1

 

[GershwinInParis]

Try all of them, of course. You'll find the one(s) you like best eventually. Many shops will have sampler packs, and that can be a good way to go. I like shark super chromed,, myself. Very smooth. Astras are good, too. But only way to know if you'll like them is to try them.

 

[wrinkles2]

I suggest A sampler pack.
I also recommend The Israeli Crystal Blades, Astra, And Personna Lab Blues.

 

[tinashubby]

I also suggest you build your own sampler pack based on recommendations of these fine, experienced members. Some sampler packs that are pre-packaged are full of stuff that is not really highly recommended.

 

[njpaddy]

I have a friend (light beard/sensitive skin) who began wetshaving using a 34C and Feather blade and 5 years later it's still the only razor and blade he uses. I usually prefer Merkur blades in my 34G as they are more forgiving. I also sometimes use Red Pack Personnas and Gillette 7 O'Clock Blues in it. For me, Feathers and 7 O'Clock yellows are too aggressive.

 

[PMT]

My 2 cents, I am so hooked on ASTRA SP for my 38c, and 7 o'clock green for my FB as I like a Gillette blade in a Gillette razor!

 

[InfernoOrangeSS]

Gillette 7 O'clock Black Super Platinum

These are my favorite blades to date. Never had a nick, and only once had a weeper. Just a great blade. I have not tried the Astra SPs yet, but as luck would have it, I wonderful seller on the B/S/T forum gifted me a pack with a Ball End Gillette I bought from him. Just arrived today.

 

[MadHatterMike]

I'd try the Dorco ST-300 and the USA made Personna for a super mild shave. I found them extremely forgiving of how you shaved. Save the Feathers, Gillette Yellow's and such for the weekend when you've got more time.

 

[Kaen]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I ended up ordering the Standard Sample pack from West Coast Shaving. Can't wait to try them out.

I also couldn't wait to try my new razor out and used the blade that came with it. Again this is the Merkur 34C. I did run into some newb issues and could use some tips/guidance.

I used 2 passes, first with grain, then against. Wife said my face never felt so smooth. I had zero nicks or cuts, but it did turn my upper lip and under my chin into a bloody mess. I don't know how to describe it, but it was like oozing from my pores as if I had shaved my skin off. This could have been made worse by my blood thinners though.

Any ideas on what I'm doing wrong?

Thanks!