Help finding the right blade.

[oldhickory]

Hey Gents
A few weeks ago I got my first DE- Merkur 20C. I am having a lot of trouble getting a close shave. I know most of it is technique. However, after reading around it has been suggested that I may need to look at a blade thats a little wider with more exposure from the razor head. Currently, the two blades I use are the Derby or Merkur blades. I plan on getting a sampler pack. However, are there any other brands that are recommended? Astra is one that I hear a lot about, but I'd love to get some good recommendations. Thanks Gents

Brett

 

[eth]

All DE blades are physically the same size. Microscopic differences are possible due to honing process and coating, but you won't find a significantly wider blade. If you're looking for more blade exposure you'll need to look for a new razor. That said, there are probably blades that will give you a closer shave in your current razor. Neither of your blades are particularly sharp in my opinion, and won't give a very close shave for me either. To improve your shave, look for blades that are different to those you have. A few suggestions, in no particular order:

Astra Superior Platinum ("Astra SP")
Personna Platinum Chrome ("Red Personna", "Red Israelis")
Feather
Polsilver Super Iridium
Gillette 7 O'Clock SharpEdge ("Gillette yellows", "Yellow 7 O'Clocks")

I personally believe most of these will be an improvement to closeness, but not necessarily comfort. At least one of these should be a pretty good (but not necessarily the very best ever) blade for you, but I can't tell you which one(s), you will have to experience them to tell.

 

[musicman1951]

While there are a few who like them, I would venture to guess that you have the two least popular blades on the site.

Astra SP
And Gillette 7 O'Clock - I like the Black the best.
Med Prep/Lab - you probably can't get the Med Prep in a sample, but you can get the Personna Labs.
While some would disagree, I suggest you hold off on the Feathers for a while.