Help me find the BEST blade (or two or three)

[clango]

Except a few, I have used almost all the blades you mentioned. And sooner or later they all disappointed me because their performance was not constant. Furthermore, I always use the same razor, a long-handled Merkur.

And then I wanted to try the Kai thanks to the excellent reviews I had read in this wonderful forum and on my blade supplier's blog.

I've been using it ever since.

Kai, Kai, Kai. the cut is always smooth and sharp to the point and I use the same blade for at least a week.

The consistency of production quality is remarkable. After thousands of trials, I have encountered less than 5 blades that were not smooth on the first cut. However, I left one of these inserted in the razor in the second house, left closed for the winter for 2 months!

 

[JanVanDerVoort]

(I posted this as part of another thread, but I think it is getting lost because of that thread title)

As a newbie+++ (not brand new, but not nearly as experienced as many here), the "hunt" for the BEST or PERFECT or FOREVER blade seems elusive, confusing, and inundating as there are hundreds of blades/variations (e.g., Derby Professional and Derby Extra), plus the many iterations of different countries some blades have traveled (eg, Wilkinson Sword (at least 4 countries: England, Germany, China and I think I am missing one).

The point is that *I* am looking for a great blade for me. Naturally, the popular reply is "try out several and see what works for you; move up as you get more experienced" and so on. On the surface (more puns), this all makes sense. BUT BUT BUT, the # of blade permutations to tryout are overwhelming, and while some peopelk will steer you clear of, for example, Derby (see quote above), I find that is untrue (and unfair) to the blade and the new shaver/gentlman.

I DID try a Derby Extra in Merkur 34c and the shave was VERY good. I did 3 passes, nice and slowly, carefully for a beginner (actually used FACE lather method, which I much prefer) and then I used my Vikings Emperor Meiji (adjusted to 3--OMG!!--using the "comb" side of that DE razor) using a Derby Extra (not same blade as in the Merkur--a fresh one in each). While some people may truly be horrified, the shave was incredibly close. So it took 4 passes? Meh. No biggie, I *assume* many of us here ENJOY (that is the point (more puns)) the time shaving often for aficionados and "hobbyists" such as us on here. (There are 260M Americans (I know we have International people here, too! ) but only a sliver (more puns) are on here.

ANYWAY, The Derby Extra gets short shrift. It is an excellent blade when, perhaps, paired with the right razor. (And, of course, we know the basics:

Platinum in/on a blade helps maintain a sharp edge; Tungsten reduces corrosion; Chromium helps maintain sharpness and so on.

So while the Derby Extra that I used yesterday is not an Astra Superior Platihum (Green), Feather or Personna Platinum Chrome (just to name a few very popular brands/specs), it is a fantastic blde (very forgiving, great for sensitive skin/beginners; not great on coarse, so on), it is still a GREAT blade. (Sounds like I am defending it a bit!)

In any event, I AM curious to know that if you could only take THREE different blades to use for the rest of your life, what would it be? The more people that answer, the more informed and %%%s do make a difference in my book. I assume Feather will be on the list.

Cheers; Happy New Year.

I only need 1 blade, Willy’s! I use it in a Fatip open comb. Very forgiving and lasts forever!

 

[Bosh Hog]

Get Nacet blades while they are still at a reasonable price.

 

[Hugh]

Nacet, Feather, Voshkod followed by Kai

Is someone keeping score on the most popular three in this thread?

 

[MrMoJoe]

Get Nacet blades while they are still at a reasonable price.

View attachment 1818659

I recently stocked up on Nacets and GSBs for this reason.

 

[Proper Irish]

In any event, I AM curious to know that if you could only take THREE different blades to use for the rest of your life, what would it be? The more people that answer, the more informed and %%%s do make a difference in my book. I assume Feather will be on the list.

Cheers; Happy New Year.

•Feather
•Perma-Sharp
•Astra SP (Russian)

I really like Bic Chrome Platinum & Gillette Super Platinum (blacks) as well but they seem to be picky about razors, whereas the 3 above perform wonderfully in all the razors I’ve tried so far.

 

[mjacobs2036]

The longer I do this double edge blade thing...the more I realize that any blade that you use...as long as it isn't a cartridge or disposable...is SO much better!

 

[AshleyC]

Sharper is better, but I've come to understand I prefer blades that are "sharp enough".

 

[BigAlVista]

Sharper is better, but I've come to understand I prefer blades that are "sharp enough".

...and smooth enough

 

[cakaguna]

In any event, I AM curious to know that if you could only take THREE different blades to use for the rest of your life, what would it be? The more people that answer, the more informed and %%%s do make a difference in my book. I assume Feather will be on the list.

Cheers; Happy New Year.

1). GSB - all the razors I’ve tried, most consistent, close, and comfortable

2). Nacet - works better in some razors than others, but rarely gives me irritation. Not as close as GSB

3). Personna

 

[dunadan]

Wizamet Super Iridium, Polsilver Super Iridium and Kai.

Bummer that Polsilvers are no longer made.

 

[musicman1951]

Wizamet Super Iridium, Polsilver Super Iridium and Kai.

Bummer that Polsilvers are no longer made.

I find very little difference between Wizamet and PolSilver. I'm not sure I could identify which blade was which in a blind test.

 

[dunadan]

I find very little difference between Wizamet and PolSilver. I'm not sure I could identify which blade was which in a blind test.

I agree for the most part. May be its just the placebo of the Polsilver being unobtanium now.

 

[musicman1951]

I agree for the most part. May be its just the placebo of the Polsilver being unobtanium now.

I purchased 400 from a forum member for around $63 years ago. Then I was frightened into buying 400 more with stories about their ultimate demise - which didn't happen. A few years down the road now it does seem it was an omen of things to come.

 

[dunadan]

I purchased 400 from a forum member for around $63 years ago. Then I was frightened into buying 400 more with stories about their ultimate demise - which didn't happen. A few years down the road now it does seem it was an omen of things to come.

800 Posilvers! Enough to last a lifetime.

 

[HoosierTrooper]

Well, it’s been seven months and seven pages of advice, wonder if the op ever found the BEST blade.

 

[CaptKirk1988]

I have derby extra (green) blades (I think pre 2016) they are ok but I’m almost completely new to de safety razors. I have been researching Astra green, and Nacet Blades. Seems like they are quite good from what I’ve read.

As for your question in green, I have only tried derby extra (green).

 

[brianshave46]

Wow, lol why only 3? I have at least 50 different brands of double edge blades and most of them shave well, some better than others of course. But, since 3 is the magic number haha

Gillette 7 o'clock Super Platinum (Black)
Gillette Wilkinson Sword
Gillette 7 o'clock Super Stainless (green)

Those are great blades that I could shave with for the rest of my life

 

[DamascusSteel]

Hard choice for 3 blades.
I have enjoyed every shark blade variation I've tried
Rapira Superstainless
Astra Blue
Permasharp
Personna
Those are my go too

 

[JCinPA]

I find very little difference between Wizamet and PolSilver. I'm not sure I could identify which blade was which in a blind test.

I had one tuck of Polsilvers from a decade ago in my drawer, and just got some Wizamets in a sampler. I agree with you, I cannot tell the difference.

For 3 choices I could shave with for life? At the moment I would say (not ordered, they feel the same):

• Gillette 7 O'Clock Super Platinum (blacks)
• Gillette Nacets
• Wizamets

But the blacks and Wizamets are $0.30 per blade while the Nacets are $0.15, so there's that. I'm really indifferent between these, and there are plenty more I have not tried, so I'm sure there are others I'd like just as much.