My current favourite DE blade

[kiwimike]

Hi all.
For quite some months I had settled on Polsilver SIs as my blade of choice- a great allrounder.
Then my local supplier sent me some Gillette SBs to trial.
They immediately felt both sharper and smoother than the PSIs and seemed to glide through my stubble with ease- I really liked them.
I thought about making a bulk purchase of the GSBs and then received some more blades to trial:
Kai- felt rough and irritated my skin.
Super Max super stainless- 1st shave was really nice and smooth but by the second shave the sharpness had dropped off majorly and I couldnt use them.
Croma- like a rusty tin can- straight in the blade bank!
Polsilver stainless- very similar to the PSIs.
So I went back to the PSIs to revisit my former favourite blade and they felt the same- rough on the 1st few shaves but smooth out nicely, loud cutting sound, reasonably sharp but nothing outstanding, 6 shaves per blade- overall a good blade.
So then I thought I would compare the GSB to the PSIs once more and it confirmed my initial impressions: very sharp but also very smooth- even smooth on the first shave, next to no irritation, good longevity- for me almost the perfect blade.
I will need to make a bulk purchase before they disappear.
So my current favourite combination: 24mm TGN Grade A silvertip, Mikes pine and cedarwood soap, Merkur 34C HD, Speick splash, and GSB blade.
More Good shaves to come..........

 

[elverdiblanco]

Are the Gillette Silver Blues in danger of disappearing?

 

[kiwimike]

I have read they have been discontinued, but I dont know for sure.

 

[Dtown]

I have not burned through my sampler packs yet, but I like Merkurs even over the Feathers at this point.

 

[mistercitizen]

The Gillette Silver Blues are my favorite blade right now as well. Ironically, the Polsilver SI's are also probably my second favorite. Both give at least 6 or 7 great shaves per blade..... which translates to great consistency overall. No dull shave here, sharp shave there...... just smooth and sharp for 6 or 7 shaves.

Ben

 

[coyotewhisper]

Gillette Silver Blue, stands out in my blade rotation.

 

[mistercitizen]

This thread just made me pull the trigger on another 300 of these wonderful blades. I got 200 a couple weeks ago..... so I should be pretty well stocked up for a while.

Ben

 

[wagstaff]

A generous friend just PIF'd me a tuck of GSBs. I think I tried them in a sampler just over a year ago, but I don't remember my impressions one way or another. My prep and technique were considerably worse then, anyway, so I'm about ready to reasses anything I tried that long ago.

 

[ArNav]

I have about 400 of them, but I have even more Polsilver SI.
Both are very good but I think I like Polsilver SI just a bit more.

 

[Darkbulb]

In my vast experience (sarcasm) I have just realized that;
- Astra is sharper than Derby, but
- Astra irritates my skin more than Derby.

I guess finding that 'personal holy grail blade' is a big part of what this wet adventure is all about

 

[Haegar]

The GSB is also my favorite (together with the Indian black 7 o'Clock), while I also like and use Feather, Astra SP and Astra SS.

 

[renewingmind]

I've only tried about a half dozen blades but currently my favorites are Gillette Silver Blue and Derby. Trying a Lord for the first time tomorrow.

 

[kiwimike]

In my vast experience (sarcasm) I have just realized that;
- Astra is sharper than Derby, but
- Astra irritates my skin more than Derby.

I guess finding that 'personal holy grail blade' is a big part of what this wet adventure is all about

I dont get along with Derbys or Astras.
I really wanted to like the Astras (because they have many fans and they are cheap) but I just dont.
Thats where the GSB strikes it big for me- sharp AND smooth.
In my limited experience finding the right blade and mixing the perfect lather are key points in wet shaving.

 

[Haegar]

Thats where the GSB strikes it big for me- sharp AND smooth.

+1
Yes, this is striking! Unequaled. I prefer the GSB in the R41 over every other blade, but I don't put it very often in some milder razors.

 

[BubblesTGB]

This is my favorite blade as well. I have been trying many others to make sure, but so far, the GSB wins. I'm now fighting the urge to buy more.

 

[Darkbulb]

I dont get along with Derbys or Astras.
I really wanted to like the Astras (because they have many fans and they are cheap) but I just dont.
Thats where the GSB strikes it big for me- sharp AND smooth.
In my limited experience finding the right blade and mixing the perfect lather are key points in wet shaving.

Thanks for that. Yeah I apparently got quite a sensitive skin so it will be "fun" to track down what works best for me.
Will see if I can get hold of a small sample of the GSB. Thanks again.

 

[kiwimike]

Yeah Ive got sensitive fair skin so all 'conditions' need to be pretty much perfect to eliminate irritation- thats why its such a challenge- and thats the fun part.

 

[Laird]

I find Derbys feel a little tuggy at first, but if I am careful with technique, the quality of the finished shave is excellent. I know they don't get a lot of love on the forum but after re-visiting them I don't mind them at all. In fact I just ordered 350 more to add to my stash of Shark Super Chromes. I know... it's weird.

 

[Jeff_H]

I bought 200 of the GSB and 100 of the Voshkod. Due to various trades to try different things I have about 175 of each now. I plan to buy more of both soon. The GSB's are great blades and I would be disappointed if they disappeared. I know I would find something else, but I would prefer not to.

 

[kiwimike]

Just had another great shave with the GSB.
When I have minimal sting from the Speick splash I know I have had a smooth shave.
Ive got a great combination going ATM.