I posted a while ago about "rediscovering" the Astra SP. My oh my what a smooth shave! I have noticed slight irritation and drying afterwards however since using them. I've tried a lot of different creams, and I know its not brush burn because I'm using a soft Parker badger brush. I've had some boars in the past with no issue as well. I think I'm going to try out my old standby the Personna Med Prep tomorrow. I remember there was some slight tug to it, but maybe it will be easier on my face. We shall see! Which one do you prefer!?
Might have to let go of the Astra SP...
- Thread starter AirForceMX
- Start date
Feathers.
Definitely the SP.
Astra
haven't tried either, but this is the second time today I've heard of this "brush burn" phenomenon. this really exists?
could there not be some other variable your neglecting? I hear so much about the degree of smoothness and forgivingness
with those Astras. Best 'O' Luck. Brush Burn huh, I don't want to ever experience that.
could there not be some other variable your neglecting? I hear so much about the degree of smoothness and forgivingness
with those Astras. Best 'O' Luck. Brush Burn huh, I don't want to ever experience that.
Sorry to hear about the irritation, Astra SP's are my go-to blade. They're cheap, and great performers.
- Thread starter
- #7
I've tried Feathers. I don't like having to concentrate as much and after a few days my face starts hating me for using them! I have moderately sensitive skin.
I think the Astra's are sharper, but I toss them after two uses because they seem to degrade quickly. At $10 for 100, I'm not sweating it either. Maybe it's the water out there or any number of local variables in that God-forsaken country. We had to have our water tested weekly because of possible chemical weapon contamination from the Soviet invasion. Just for grins, grab a couple extra bottles of water and shave with those for a week and see if it helps. Be sure to keep the moon dust out of your brushes as well.
Med Prep.
Some people with sensitive skin can get irritated by using too much pressure and repetition while face lathering or applying bowl lather to the face. Usually happens with prickly low end badger brushes. So yes, it is real.
- Thread starter
- #11
Thats another possibility that ran through my head. I think I only get two good shaves out of them as well. I've been doing three though. First shave is pretty good, second is amazing, and then third is just kinda good again. Each shave though I get that slight irritation afterwards. Maybe on the third shave I'm irritating my face enough that it carries over to the next day when I put a new blade in. I'm still gonna try a Med Prep tomorrow but if that doesn't work I'll try for a two-fer Astra SP! I like your water idea too!
maybe your not using the right brush, if it is too soft, your not massaging the soap into the face therefore not conditioning the hairs, its almost like half dry shaving
I'm with you, the Astra SP is fine blade, but not for my face at all. My favorites are the Dorco-ST301 and Big Bens.
I've just returned to a DE after many years of disposables.
I bought a blade assortment which included Astra and Feathers. The Astras were fine, the Feather wacked me up terrible. Two bad cuts. I chalked it up to my inexperience and put the Feathers back on the shelf until I get more experience.
The only bad blade I have tried is Wilkinson Sword last week from Wally World. One and a half shaves from a blade.
Mitch
I bought a blade assortment which included Astra and Feathers. The Astras were fine, the Feather wacked me up terrible. Two bad cuts. I chalked it up to my inexperience and put the Feathers back on the shelf until I get more experience.
The only bad blade I have tried is Wilkinson Sword last week from Wally World. One and a half shaves from a blade.
Mitch
AirForce - good luck on finding the cause of the burn. Astras aren't my favorite blade, just a solid go to blade for me but I had my 4th shave today with one (usually toss after 3) and for kicks I used it in a Weishi TTO with a Arko stick and it still gave me a DFS! Still I tossed it after as they say, for $.10 / 4 shaves is fine in my book
Gene
Astra SP were my go-to before I realized that my technique had gotten good enough to regularly use Feathers, and Feathers were my go-to before i realized how amazing Red Personnas are.
subjective thing, blades
subjective thing, blades
Subjective indeed, Red Personnas were my go-to before I realized how good Astra SP's are!
I tried (for the first time ever) a Personna Red in my Tech today, rather than my usual Astra. I found that it gave me a smooth shave, but the Astra gets closer. I'd have no problem using the Reds, but given a choice, I'll stick with Astras.
Platinum blades work better for me.
Astra SP and SuperMax SP.
Astra SP and SuperMax SP.
