I got up this morning and as usual I used an old Norelco electric shaver that my father gave me, I have an old Gillette super speed and have been trying to use it but the blades seem to be dull right out of the package, I bought some blades on the Internet called "Topaz" I think they're made in Pakistan or India, anyway the first blade out just about pulled the hair out instead of cutting it, I am new to shaving with a double-edged razor, I was wondering if anybody could give me advice on which blades I could try. Thanks
Looking for a good double edge blade
- Thread starter al newman
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Before worrying about the blade there are 2 things to think about.
Firstly, shaving with a DE is not like using an electric or cartridge. Do not expect to remove a strip of stubble from your face with a single stroke, it takes a couple of goes.
Secondly, think about technique; have you got the optimum blade angle, pressure, stroke length?
Firstly, shaving with a DE is not like using an electric or cartridge. Do not expect to remove a strip of stubble from your face with a single stroke, it takes a couple of goes.
Secondly, think about technique; have you got the optimum blade angle, pressure, stroke length?
Welcome to the forum. We need a bit more information about your technique. Going back to your question, the Astra Superior Platinum is a good starting blade. However, get a sample pack of a variety to find one you like.
I am not familiar with the Topaz but razor angle is very important with a DE. The super speed is a good razor.
I am not familiar with the Topaz but razor angle is very important with a DE. The super speed is a good razor.
Personna Lab Blue. Sharp, but still smooth. I still use these on occasion, but found I need an even sharper blade for my own face. If I shaved every day, they would be hard to beat, though.
I too switched over from Electric, but I went solely DE, and have since (well, Ive used an SE a few times and I have an Injector I use on occasion). I will never turn back! Electric is so rough on your face, once you get used to wetshaving (took me a few good months) its just a better experience!
I'll never go back to electric. Those things should be banned!
I too switched over from Electric, but I went solely DE, and have since (well, Ive used an SE a few times and I have an Injector I use on occasion). I will never turn back! Electric is so rough on your face, once you get used to wetshaving (took me a few good months) its just a better experience!
I'll never go back to electric. Those things should be banned!
Welcome to B&B, and Happy Shaving!
There's no one blade that is the perfect answer. There are too many variables involved, and your beard is unique. A brand that works perfect for one user might result in a lot of irritation for another.
Order a blade sampler pack from one of the many vendors that carry them ... it is a rite of passage around her. Experiment with different brands, work on your technique, and within a month or two, you'll have your answer.
There's no one blade that is the perfect answer. There are too many variables involved, and your beard is unique. A brand that works perfect for one user might result in a lot of irritation for another.
Order a blade sampler pack from one of the many vendors that carry them ... it is a rite of passage around her. Experiment with different brands, work on your technique, and within a month or two, you'll have your answer.
Al,
Welcome to Badger & Blade. Please look at the ShaveWiki for beard prep and shaving, especially razor angle and not putting pressure on the razor when shaving.
As for blades I know nothing about the ones you are using and everybody seems to have a different preference. For me I have found Astra blades good and Personna Labs fantastic.
Shaving is a holistic process of beard prep, good lather, proper blade angle and pressure, good post shave technique and lots of trial and error to achieve a great shave for you.
Gary
Welcome to Badger & Blade. Please look at the ShaveWiki for beard prep and shaving, especially razor angle and not putting pressure on the razor when shaving.
As for blades I know nothing about the ones you are using and everybody seems to have a different preference. For me I have found Astra blades good and Personna Labs fantastic.
Shaving is a holistic process of beard prep, good lather, proper blade angle and pressure, good post shave technique and lots of trial and error to achieve a great shave for you.
Gary
Welcome to the forum!
i would reiterate what the others have said, already, and the Astra SPs are a good standard blade. Good luck.
i would reiterate what the others have said, already, and the Astra SPs are a good standard blade. Good luck.
Welcome to B&B. The Astra SPs recommended are very good. Feather Brand are about the sharpest. My favorite balde is the Personna Med Preps. Getting a blade sample pack is not a bad idea. A blade I don't care for may end up being your favorite. YMMV.
For someone just starting out a few of the keys are applying ""no pressure and maintaining the proper blade angle. Most of use re-lather for second and third passes in what has been termed the beard reduction method of shaving. I suggest you peruse the Shavewiki link above and watch a few youtube videos (Mantic59's videos get good reviews here). Then come back and ask questions based on your shaves.
For someone just starting out a few of the keys are applying ""no pressure and maintaining the proper blade angle. Most of use re-lather for second and third passes in what has been termed the beard reduction method of shaving. I suggest you peruse the Shavewiki link above and watch a few youtube videos (Mantic59's videos get good reviews here). Then come back and ask questions based on your shaves.
Astra, any Gillette, Personna, and Feathers.
they have all been good blades in my book. You will discover what works best for you as time goes on. Some blades feel exactly like you described and some are just magic.
I think that It's important to find a sharp blade right out of the gate. This way you don't experience "pulling the hairs out" or that dull blade sensation which could discourage you from continuing the wet shaving journey.
find a good sharp blade, narrow down the proper blade angle and then stick with the blade for a few weeks.
they have all been good blades in my book. You will discover what works best for you as time goes on. Some blades feel exactly like you described and some are just magic.
I think that It's important to find a sharp blade right out of the gate. This way you don't experience "pulling the hairs out" or that dull blade sensation which could discourage you from continuing the wet shaving journey.
find a good sharp blade, narrow down the proper blade angle and then stick with the blade for a few weeks.
The 'Topaz' blades from India are generally considered a 2nd tier blade, a very low end blade, indeed. I've not heard much good of them.
As others above have recommended, switch to one of the Personnas, Gillette 7 O'Clocks or Astra SP blades. You likely will be always dissatisfied with the Topaz.
-- John Gehman
As others above have recommended, switch to one of the Personnas, Gillette 7 O'Clocks or Astra SP blades. You likely will be always dissatisfied with the Topaz.
-- John Gehman
Again, lots of good advice. Check the How-to's around for beard prep and other advice. I like the Personna myself, but if you'd rather not wait around for something in the mail, and if your in the US, then Wal-mart in most places carries Wlikenson blades. They're nothing to be afraid of, and the house brand at Walgreens, although more expensive than the Wilkensons, is a S. Korean major manufacturer. I thnk they're Dorco, but not sure. They're also "hanging on the peg" right now.
Plus Wal-Mart has Shave Secret and Walgreens has Creemo. Both products which are in my "worth considering" category, although opinions vary.
That will get you enough time to order an assortment of other blades.
I wouldn't blade-hop too much the first few weeks, but don't be afraid to eschew something that's just flat not working for you.
Plus Wal-Mart has Shave Secret and Walgreens has Creemo. Both products which are in my "worth considering" category, although opinions vary.
That will get you enough time to order an assortment of other blades.
I wouldn't blade-hop too much the first few weeks, but don't be afraid to eschew something that's just flat not working for you.
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