If you were blind-tested....

[mastinomaven]

If you were blind-tested, would you know which blade you were using from your rotation? I have used a rotation of 15 different blades over the last year, and if someone else installed a new blade in my razor I do not think I would guess right more than 10% of the time. I think all the blades I use are roughly equivalent, with most falling in the middle between a couple of exceptions, such as the terrible (Gillette 7am Super Stainless) and the wonderful (Iridium Super). I am convinced that the reputation of the blade in some cases can color our subjective impressions. I was told the Feather was the sharpest, for example, but if I hadn't heard this I would have assumed it was middle-of-the-road after using it. I found it smooth but not particularly sharp. To me, the choice of razor overrides the difference in blades by a wide margin, so I don't find myself being too choosy about blades anymore, just which razor to put them in.

 

[BurkDarkpatches]

+1 on single/double blind testing, for almost anything we recommend here (razors, soaps, AS, etc). Razor blades, however, are the easiest to test. Often thought about it, never done it.

Steve

 

[dpmtherrien]

I'm able to get a decent shave from just about any blade. The Merkur's are the exception, I just don't care for them, even though they'll do in a pinch. My technique is pretty good so a shave, from a DE or a straight will last for 2 days, I can even get by on that third day is necessary.

So I'll shave at the most 3 times a week, so a pack of blades will last me a good long time. Even longer if I use my straight for awhile. I guess I've never really tested the blades I use in my DE's. Unless they're really a lousy blade I'll just use them until that pack is empty.