The short version - a smooth, sharp blade that works great for me.
The longer version - I ordered some Polsilver Super Iridiums after reading how they are sharper than Astras (my usual blade) but smoother than Feathers (these haven't worked well for me). So I loaded one in a Merkur Slant 39c barberpole and did a 3 pass shave (WTG, 45 degrees from WTG one way, 45 degrees from WTG the other way).
The blade cut through tough stubble more easily than my Astras, which on my chin and under my nose is really welcome. I now have one of the best shaves I have had in a while, with no irritation/razor burn/nicks/cuts. That's actually unusual for me. There are definitely patches of stubble and longer stubble under my nose, which I attribute to technique.
They definitely cut more easily with less tugging than my Astras, and considering the results I will be using this a lot more and also experimenting with "sharper blades."
I have a newfound appreciation for the contribution a razor blade can make to a shave. I may actually have to try my Gillette 7 O'Clocks as well. I will say that the idea of shaving with something having the "Gillette" name on it reminds me of Fusions and cartridges, so I am a biased individual.
The longer version - I ordered some Polsilver Super Iridiums after reading how they are sharper than Astras (my usual blade) but smoother than Feathers (these haven't worked well for me). So I loaded one in a Merkur Slant 39c barberpole and did a 3 pass shave (WTG, 45 degrees from WTG one way, 45 degrees from WTG the other way).
The blade cut through tough stubble more easily than my Astras, which on my chin and under my nose is really welcome. I now have one of the best shaves I have had in a while, with no irritation/razor burn/nicks/cuts. That's actually unusual for me. There are definitely patches of stubble and longer stubble under my nose, which I attribute to technique.
They definitely cut more easily with less tugging than my Astras, and considering the results I will be using this a lot more and also experimenting with "sharper blades."
I have a newfound appreciation for the contribution a razor blade can make to a shave. I may actually have to try my Gillette 7 O'Clocks as well. I will say that the idea of shaving with something having the "Gillette" name on it reminds me of Fusions and cartridges, so I am a biased individual.