I have recently started using a Gillette SC New (fantastic)and have a RFB and an Old Type on the way to try. What blades do you guys recommend? I am using Gillette Platinum blades now. I have wiry course hair and enjoy Gem and injector blades the best. Haven’t gotten along with Feather blades in DE’s or AC style razors. Thanks in advance!
Gillette New Blades
- Thread starter Howlelujah
- Start date
Blades are a YMMV thing, but here's my experience.
I have a wiry, coarse old-man beard now, but not especially dense.
Old Type: Astra SP or Suneko
NEW SC: Nacet
RFB: Don't know yet, as I just gone mine yesterday and haven't used it yet. However, my NEW Long Comb is fairly aggressive and likes the Astra SP.
I haven't used the Gillette Platinum, as those are no longer produced, as far as I know. My guess is that they're on the sharper end like the Nacet. The Old Type and NEW LC are fairly aggressive razors. The SC is less so. For me, smoother blades work better in aggressive razors.
Feathers are the most extreme blades, in my experience. I haven't cared for them either. The Nacet is not quite as sharp, but much friendlier on the face.
I think you'll be pleased with the Old Type. It's both smoother AND more efficient than either of my NEWs. It might be the best DE razor ever made.
However, you will want to be careful to properly align the blade on the pins on your Old Type. Unlike the NEWs, the Old Type was designed for original 3-hole Gillette blades, and modern blades can be a bit loose on the pins before you clamp down the cap. Make sure that the blade is straight and even on both sides before clamping down fully.
I have a wiry, coarse old-man beard now, but not especially dense.
Old Type: Astra SP or Suneko
NEW SC: Nacet
RFB: Don't know yet, as I just gone mine yesterday and haven't used it yet. However, my NEW Long Comb is fairly aggressive and likes the Astra SP.
I haven't used the Gillette Platinum, as those are no longer produced, as far as I know. My guess is that they're on the sharper end like the Nacet. The Old Type and NEW LC are fairly aggressive razors. The SC is less so. For me, smoother blades work better in aggressive razors.
Feathers are the most extreme blades, in my experience. I haven't cared for them either. The Nacet is not quite as sharp, but much friendlier on the face.
I think you'll be pleased with the Old Type. It's both smoother AND more efficient than either of my NEWs. It might be the best DE razor ever made.
However, you will want to be careful to properly align the blade on the pins on your Old Type. Unlike the NEWs, the Old Type was designed for original 3-hole Gillette blades, and modern blades can be a bit loose on the pins before you clamp down the cap. Make sure that the blade is straight and even on both sides before clamping down fully.
Just about any decently sharp blade can work well in a Gillette New SC. I've experimented with quite a few. Some favorites include Perma-Sharp (gold/red pack), Nacet, BIC Chrome Platinum, Personna Med Prep. If you like Gillette Platinum, you would probably like the Gillette Silver Blue, also.
When I see "Gillette New Blades" like your title, this is what I think:
Use whatever blade you normally use, I'm usually using Russian (Astra, Perma-sharp, Polsilver).
I do like my Derby blades, too.
Use whatever blade you normally use, I'm usually using Russian (Astra, Perma-sharp, Polsilver).
I do like my Derby blades, too.
D
dunadan
What kind of top cap does your NEW SC have? IIRC, they came with a number of different kinds and there is what is considered to be a 'correct' cap with shoulders that fit into the recesses of the baseplate.
But to answer your question, I prefer Wizamet in the NEW SC and RFB and a Rapira Platinum Lux in the Old.
But to answer your question, I prefer Wizamet in the NEW SC and RFB and a Rapira Platinum Lux in the Old.
Congratulations on your NEW SC! And the RFB is one of my favorites!!! As far as blades go, I suggest Nacet, GSB, or Perma-Sharp from Gillette. Also consider Astra SP. Those all work great in my NEW's, RFB's, & Old Type. Enjoy!
- Thread starter
- #7
I had Nacets sitting around but I don’t recall ever using them before. Wonderful first shave in the New SC. Thanks for the blade suggestions. I’ll add the others to my list to try.
Blades in my opinion depend on your own personal face... There are some that really do not agree with me and there are some that are pure bliss..... Journal your shaves... You will then find out what works for you. It's the blade that you do not expect that might turn into Excalibur. I suggest Razor Blade Club for tucks.
Nice razor!!
My personal ‘top-tier’ for what is worth (in no particular order):
Personna lab (or med prep)
Personna red
GSB
Polsilver (or Wizamet SI)
Astra SP
Nacet
My personal ‘top-tier’ for what is worth (in no particular order):
Personna lab (or med prep)
Personna red
GSB
Polsilver (or Wizamet SI)
Astra SP
Nacet
EclipseRedRing
I smell like a Christmas pudding
I understand the idea behind different blades suiting different razors but I do not subscribe to it myself. To me it is another example of shaving hobbyists needlessly over complicating a very simple process. I use Voskhod, Rapira, and Ladas current production blades, and also vintage Jewel and Gillette Thin blades. I use all these blades in all my vintage DE razors, including a New, RFB, and Single Ring, and they all work well enough in any combination. If you have a current DE blade or blades that you like then stick with them is my advice.
I'd say that most good blades should suit most good razors, but there's definitely an odd "this particular blade is great in one razor but not so good in another with my particular face" every now and then.
For example, I couldn't really make Rapira Super Stainless work for me in Parker Variant which is one of my favorite razors. But I just tried it in a Super 84 and it wasn't bad at all (not very long lasting BBS, but smooth and easy).
