Newbie: Derby v Astras

[GentlemanJoe]

So I got my first Astra SP set, here's my impressions:
Packaging. Derby blades have more packaging and plastic packaging per 5 blades which can be used to store used blades. Astra are in plain card. Both are well wrapped individually though.

Blade visual: The Astra is thinner, quite a bit more flexible.

Shave: Using EJ89 and RSC Shave2 cream, with my usual prep of a shower beforehand.
Oh wow, the Astra is something else! First pass was confusing as I did not hear the usual scraping sound of my dense beard, it was much quieter with less resistance. However, the shave was Glide-o-matic! Much less "irritation" than the Derby blades. I am amazed at how different and how much better they perform than the Derby.

 

[tattooed]

You get over the packaging thing and the wax spots pretty easily when the shaves are good. I don't mind Derby, but I'd much rather have an Astra.

 

[BlackBard]

Astra SP is the blade for me.

 

[britewhiteram]

Of the three blades I've tried so far (derby that came with my bluetip SS) Bluebirds(tried two and retired the 5-pack to body duty) and the Astra SP, I highly prefer the Astra so far, I really wouldn't mind using them for every shave if I had to, they are way smoother and sharper than the Bluebird and Derby

 

[Sargon]

I like Astra SP, but I think I like their SS even better. They aren't a long lived blade, but I usually toss after 1 use anyhow.

 

[Cochese2323]

Astras are the only DE blades I own

 

[BigBull]

Astra's are great...so far in my sampler, they rank 3rd when paired with my EJ89. Far better than Derby's, sharper than Shark's...but not quite as good as Personna Lab Blue's and don't hold a competition when compared to the Feather! All I'd tell ya is keep checkin' out more blades...it's fun to see what works best for you. Enjoy!

 

[Toddy]

Astras. At only $8 from bestshave thats 8 cents each!

 

[oneninetyseven]

I've never had a particularly good shave from a Derby blade. Another vote for Astra! (Though I can't decide between the steel and the platinum version.)

 

[pipskicks]

I've never had a particularly good shave from a Derby blade. Another vote for Astra! (Though I can't decide between the steel and the platinum version.)

Easy decision, the platinum is a few dollars cheaper!

 

[BlackBard]

Astras. At only $8 from bestshave thats 8 cents each!

I had to note the irony of your praise for Astra blades as opposed to Derby, while your avatar is Derby Blades.

 

[cryhavoc]

Astra SP's don't perform well for me and I love Derby's, go with what your face likes. Blades are very YMMV.

 

[pipskicks]

I had to note the irony of your praise for Astra blades as opposed to Derby, while your avatar is Derby Blades.

I like the Shark boxes, but unfortunately the shave isn't as cool as the box :/

 

[Toddy]

The Derby blades in the Avatar were the original type made in the UK and far superior to the current offerings.

The original pre war Derbys were as below:

 

[armorrich]

I'm pretty fond of Astra SP's myself...i can usually get from 3-5 shaves out of one before it starts tugging too much. They were my first blade buy and i'll be getting more....cheers, rich

 

[nuclear_shaver]

I'm a newb shaver as well and I love the Astras. I can't speak for the Derby, but I can confirm the Astras newb friendliness.

 

[Jack Russell]

I have only used 1 derby blade on 1 occasion.

Didnt like it at all, much prefer the Astra.

Jack Russell

 

[gwav64]

Tried Feather, Derby, Crystal, Astra SP, Wilkinson Sword, and Shark SC. I prefer Astra SP. They feel like "home" on my face.

 

[Sledgehammer39]

I like Astra's much better!

 

[jd1585]

I had a terrible experience with Derby. I much prefer Astra but I only get 3 good shaves out of them.