Do I really need a sharp blade?

[drlvegas]

I've been trying different blades the past couple weeks--same razor, cream, prep, etc. The Personna Labs, Israeli IP's, and Astras all give me an almost identical shave. The Labs are clearly sharper, and I have to be more careful when using them.

Since they really don't seem to give a better shave(at least with the Weber ARC), is there any reason to use them?

I plan on doing a similar test with a tech & I'm expecting to notice more difference between blades due to the mildness of the razor.

 

[TallyShave]

All razor blades are sharp. Some perform better in different razors and for a set of circumstances including skin type, beard type, prep, etc. The only thing that matters is what works for you.

 

[Nils]

Personally, I'd say you need a comfortable blade. Never mind the sharpness (or rather the opinions on sharpness put forth on B&B ), if the blade feels good and gives you a great shave: you've found the right one.

 

[jwilock]

I've never understood why some people seem to take almost perverse pleasure in mentioning how often their favorite blade draws blood. Of course it's ususally one known for its sharpness. Why would anyone use a blade that they regularly cut or nick themselves with IF they can find one that does not have that same affect.

 

[bryan1980]

I've never understood why some people seem to take almost perverse pleasure in mentioning how often their favorite blade draws blood. Of course it's ususally one known for its sharpness. Why would anyone use a blade that they regularly cut or nick themselves with IF they can find one that does not have that same affect.

+1. If you're getting multiple nicks or weepers, something's not right about your shave. The only time I've ever got more than one weeper was when I tried a Feather for the first time. It was worse than my first DE shave ever. So, even though the Feather shaved me closer than any other blade I had tried up until then, it's not worth the trade-off. Besides, I love shaving, why would I do anything to delay the next shave opportunity!

 

[vertelselaar]

Apart from the pleasure and comfort a blade can give you, I find it oh so lovely when a true sharp blade dances over my skin and whisks away the beard. On the other hand a blade that tugs the hair irritates my skin and ends quickly in the bin. Is it sharpness or smoothness, are the two correlated? I don't know. What do you think?

 

[CB1]

Apart from the pleasure and comfort a blade can give you, I find it oh so lovely when a true sharp blade dances over my skin and whisks away the beard. On the other hand a blade that tugs the hair irritates my skin and ends quickly in the bin. Is it sharpness or smoothness, are the two correlated? I don't know. What do you think?

And therein lies the million dollar question. Does sharpness = closeness and finding the balance of closeness and comfort!

 

[Robert45]

If youe blade doesn't give you a comfortable shave, I don't think it is worth the time to use,

 

[smalltank]

I have to admit when I was totally to DE's..IP in the blue n whites for the BEST blades I ever used..plat+chrome coated ;-)

 

[craig94yj]

I received a PIF blade sampler from a good gentleman here at the B&B and I really enjoyed trying the different blades. I have not yet tried a Feather, but the Personna Lab gets a lot of love from me. That being said, I can still get a BBS shave with a Wilkinson Sword that come 10 for $1.78 at Wal-Mart. I see Feathers going for 40 to 50 cents a piece and you can use a WS for less than 18 cents. Throw it out after one use and you are still ahead. I personally get 3 good shaves from one blade and I don't even care to try for more at that price. Use what works for you and doesn't burn or nick your face or your wallet. Good luck.

 

[El Judio Bravo]

I see somebody else mentioned it, but here I'll put in my 2¢ worth:

What you need is to find a good combination of ax and blade. Only trial and error can help you in this. But the reward? Ah ...

 

[Face&Head]

I started DE shaving in 1966 and what I've found is that irrespective of the razor, the sharpest blade you can find is the one to use. Every blade currently available is sharp enough to cut you and if you draw blood, it is your technique not the blade that caused the damage. Over the last 46 years I've had plenty of nicks & weepers and every single one of them was my fault. When guys talk about "unforgiving" blades, what they're saying is that they're unforgiving of weak technique. The sharper the blade the less inclined you are to add pressure or do excess passes. This lessens the chance of a cut or irritation. It's also the reason I don't try to stretch the life of a blade as every blade degrades with each pass. There are many good blades out there but IMO the idea that newbies should avoid the those with a reputation of being sharp is a mistake. For me, the easiest smoothest shaves are with a fresh über-sharp blade.

 

[gtuck]

In my limited experience, I look for the sharpest, most forgiving blade. If my technique isn't perfect I draw blood with a Feather or Personna Med/Lab. I'd rather do a third pass with a forgiving blade to get a close shave than two passes with an extra sharp one. I've settled on Gillette Blues (especially the Czech ones), Personna IP's, Perma-Sharp Supers, and Super-Max SP's.

 

[SiBurning]

I started DE shaving in 1966 and what I've found is that irrespective of the razor, the sharpest blade you can find is the one to use. Every blade currently available is sharp enough to cut you and if you draw blood, it is your technique not the blade that caused the damage. Over the last 46 years I've had plenty of nicks & weepers and every single one of them was my fault. When guys talk about "unforgiving" blades, what they're saying is that they're unforgiving of weak technique. The sharper the blade the less inclined you are to add pressure or do excess passes. This lessens the chance of a cut or irritation. It's also the reason I don't try to stretch the life of a blade as every blade degrades with each pass. There are many good blades out there but IMO the idea that newbies should avoid the those with a reputation of being sharp is a mistake. For me, the easiest smoothest shaves are with a fresh über-sharp blade.

+1

The only thing I'd add to is that feathers may (or may not) be the sharpest blade, but it becomes a mess very quickly. There's more to a blade than sheer sharpness.

 

[drawonme]

When you find your true love...

 

[PatchesOhoolihan]

I was using wally wilkys. The first time I loaded a feather , I had a neck weeper , didnt even feel it. I enjoy the shave alot more with the feather vs the wilky. I can tell is sharper and less draggy then the wilky. I think sharper is better. I want to try a persona med , heard they are on par with feathers and even a little bit cheaper.

 

[ThePatrician]

Personally, I'd say you need a comfortable blade. Never mind the sharpness (or rather the opinions on sharpness put forth on B&B ), if the blade feels good and gives you a great shave: you've found the right one.

IMO, don't read anything past this. Let me put it like this: everyone agrees that Feathers are the sharpest blades, correct? Well, some people swear BY them, and the others swear AT them. While they are the sharpest, they are CERTAINLY not for everyone.

For the moment, set aside the idea of the sharpness of the blades, and focus solely on the comfort of the blade.

 

[Vittoria]

I just use supermax blades thier cheap (you can get 100 delivered for $12 AU) and they shave just fine stainless or platinum in any mild or more aggresive DE razors
Smithy

 

[Retiredgene]

And therein lies the million dollar question. Does sharpness = closeness and finding the balance of closeness and comfort!

+1 And I enjoy finding that balance! Preface the following with I have not had cuts or weepers to contend with since coming to B&B and getting my technique squared away

YMMV - I find that for me, Feathers (have 100 pack) are the sharpest followed by Med Prep (have 100 pack), Nacent (have 100 pack) and Bolzano (sample pack) and what they have in common is a much closer shave that has a touch of burn when alum is applied. It is quickly gone and nothing when witch hazel is applied. The other "less sharp" blades (for me) that I have found I like, purchased at some great prices and that I have packs of 100 (Astra, Shark SC, Red IP and Derby) which give me a DFS with minimal burn on applying alum. This after sampling almost 20+ different blades.

Why continue with both kinds? Well, since I shave every other day, I have found on a DFS or better, the sharper blades take "at least" 36 hours before I feel the beard stubble appearing. Whereas, the others on a DFS take a 3 pass w/ touchups I start to feel that stubble 24 hours later. Sometimes with the 1st group, I may occasionally even go into the a 3rd day!

That said, it is fun figuring out if "today" I'm going for the sharp blade mowing down beard (Feather today on a 3 day growth) or the solid, allegedly less sharp blade - either way I get a great shave, just different.

Gene

 

[takeshi]

ISince they really don't seem to give a better shave(at least with the Weber ARC), is there any reason to use them?

Nope. Use what works for you. In other words, YMMV.