Is there a blade guide anywhere ?

[Wingfan13]

After reading different users here talk about the right blade for them I am wondering how the different blades compare. Is there a blade guide anywhere ?

I have very thick, coarse and wirey hair. I also happen to have sensitive skin. When I shave it feels fine but a day later I have irritation and some tiny whiteheads that drive me crazy. I also get ingrowns but only on my neck. Most of the issues are on my neck and chin around my lips. I am wondering if I should be using a different blade or if I just still suck.

Right now I am using Derby Extra. I shower and put conditioner on my face, soak everything in hot water and apply VERY little pressure.

Any thoughts or help ? Thanks in advance.

 

[mbrossar]

Blade choice can be a very personal thing, and for some, it even varies by razor. Best advice I can give you is try a sample pack from West Coast Shaving and see what suits you best.

Good luck!

 

[Wingfan13]

Blade choice can be a very personal thing, and for some, it even varies by razor. Best advice I can give you is try a sample pack from West Coast Shaving and see what suits you best.

Good luck!

Should I just be looking for a blade that very easily cuts my hair ? I guess I am not experienced enough to know what to look for.

 

[jlindy]

Here's a list of blades from the wiki:http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/List_of_Razor_Blades The list has links to the reviews of the various blades.

 

[mblakele]

Should I just be looking for a blade that very easily cuts my hair ? I guess I am not experienced enough to know what to look for.

This is YMMV territory, hence the blade sampler packs that are so often recommended here.

You might try http://www.bullgooseshaving.net/bumvpblsapa4.html since it has some of the sharpest blades around: feather and iridium. I've heard someone on this forum express affection for every brand in that sampler, and I've tried most of them myself with good results. For me, the crystals and sharks are on the mild side, while the Gillette yellows and the Astras are somewhere in the middle.

I'll add that while blade samplers are well worth trying, the blade might not be the problem. Irritation and acne-like side-effects can be caused by too much pressure, poor blade angle, poor lather, or some combination of the three - in a word, technique. So whatever you do, keep practicing.

 

[Jim]

As you describe your beard and skin, you want a very sharp blade.

The feather is one place to start, a sampler is a good idea.

Don't forget to do good prep on your beard before shaving.

 

[Mr. Styptic]

I agree with Jim, you should try a very sharp blade that slices through the whiskers without tugging at them. Tugged whiskers that snap back into the follicle below the skin are the cause of ingrown hairs, according to what I've read. Ingrown hairs on my neck were the issue that led me to wet shaving.

The whiteheads might be eliminated or reduced by extra cleansing after shaving, followed by lots of cold water to close the pores and make it tough for irritants to enter your skin.

 

[The Last Chimney]

Try skipping the conditioner. Some are designed to actually strengthen hair, making it more difficult to cut.

If you still need the extra lubrication after the shower, try either Kyle's Prep, which is applying a hot towel to a lathered face and then relathering, or use a pre-shave oil. Olive oil works fine.

 

[DirtyDave]

The Feather may be a good choice. I don't know if an aggressive razor or a milder razor will make the best match, but I am betting a more aggressive razor like a slant may do the trick.

Also consider a good preshave oil.

Good luck and let us know how things go.

 

[Pilky]

I'd try an Astra blade. They're my favorite blade followed by Feathers, still haven't tried Iridiums but i hear they're good.