Noob question (one of many to come)

[PaLoGia]

Why do Merkur blades get such a bad rap? I mean, they're the only ones I've used so far, but they SEEM okay. I had about 6 days of growth and knocked it out in 3 passes (WTG, ATG, XTG) plus a little touch up.

Everything I've read on here talked about how disliked they are. I just wasn't sure why.

 

[Schwert]

Try something else and you will probably find out right away.

They are not smooth for me...more like scraping off the hair rather than cutting it smoothly. Very expensive and a poor shave in most hands.

 

[mdunn]

I think its not that theyre bad themselves, its just that other blades are so much better.

 

[michiganlover]

They get a bad rap, for being an average blade at best, and for being super expensive (.50 cents each, most blades cost .10-.20 each).

Their high cost is not backed up by being high quality, therefore many of us consider them to be a total rip off.

I don't think they are awful blades, but they simply don't agree with many newbies at all. They seem to be less smooth than other blades.

In a nutshell, far far better blades are available for far far less money.

I have tired them twice, once when I was a new shaver about a month in: I found them to be awful, and again about six months later: at which point I found them to be usable, but nothing about them would warrant continued usage, not as smooth as others, and not as sharp as others.

 

[Navig8tor]

In a nutshell, far far better blades are available for far far less money.

QUOTE]


+1

 

[talibeard]

I dislike Merkur's price tag much more than the shave; I tried more blades that were (far) worse than that were better.

 

[PaLoGia]

So being new to this, what should I go with?

 

[DaveAri]

In a nutshell, far far better blades are available for far far less money.

QUOTE]


+1

+2 Just note that I too don't like them much, with my first razor before I really read much of B&B I bought 2 packs. I think I used two blades before trying others. I love Red Packs and Crystals, Then Astra's. Try a sample pack since everyone is different. Also each blade works different with different razors. But remember one thing any razor blade even with bad reviews are still very sharp and could hurt very much if not handled with care.
As I was a newbie once (I still think I am, but now I call myself an experenced newbie) ask all the questions you like. This is a great board with really helpful people.
Best of luck and welcome.

 

[luvmysuper]

Why do Merkur blades get such a bad rap? I mean, they're the only ones I've used so far,.

There you go.

They get a bad rap, for being an average blade at best, and for being super expensive (.50 cents each, most blades cost .10-.20 each).

Their high cost is not backed up by being high quality, therefore many of us consider them to be a total rip off.
.

Yep, that would be it.

 

[PaLoGia]

Are Derby blades too much of a newbie standard to use, or should I be looking into something like Israelis or something?

 

[luvmysuper]

Are Derby blades too much of a newbie standard to use, or should I be looking into something like Israelis or something?

Any blade is fine to start with, no need to worry that one is too sharp etc.
Pick up a blade sampler pack from Westcoast Shaving and try some different ones to see which brand works best with your hair and skin type.
Good Luck

 

[jsrdrnr]

Any blade is fine to start with, no need to worry that one is too sharp etc.
Pick up a blade sampler pack from Westcoast Shaving and try some different ones to see which brand works best with your hair and skin type.
Good Luck

I would agree with this. Just remember the basics of angle and pressure and all that and you will be fine!!!

 

[KennD]

They get a bad rap, for being an average blade at best, and for being super expensive (.50 cents each, most blades cost .10-.20 each).

Their high cost is not backed up by being high quality, therefore many of us consider them to be a total rip off.

+1 For a similar cost, you could get a Feather blade, for example, and see how different the blades feel. Then again, I do strongly believe in the idea that YMMV, so what is a mediocre and expensive blade for one person might be the perfectly priced and performing blade for you!

Also, I've heard the theory that many newly purchased DE razors come with a Merkur blade as the first blade, and therefore it's often the first blade that we're exposed to in the world of wet-shaving, long before we've gotten any technique down. I know that was what happened to me. I haven't taken another shot at shaving with a Merkur blade since then, but that's mostly because I found so many other blades that I enjoy using for a lower cost.

 

[michiganlover]

Also, I've heard the theory that many newly purchased DE razors come with a Merkur blade as the first blade, and therefore it's often the first blade that we're exposed to in the world of wet-shaving, long before we've gotten any technique down. I know that was what happened to me.

That doesn't account for the fact that seasoned vets, who have shaved with Merkur blades after they have developed adequate technique still write them off as being average, and a waste of money.

The Merkur blade packaged with a new Merkur razor has a very high likelihood of being total garbage, as it is simply sitting in the bottom of the box, and free to shake, and bounce in the bottom of the box during multiple trips through the mail. This is sure to dull the blade.

 

[PaLoGia]

The Merkur blade packaged with a new Merkur razor has a very high likelihood of being total garbage, as it is simply sitting in the bottom of the box, and free to shake, and bounce in the bottom of the box during multiple trips through the mail. This is sure to dull the blade.

Yeah the Merkur blade what came with my HD was a ***. It was all bent out of shape. Went right out to the trash with the box.

 

[GFlanagan3]

The Merkur blade packaged with a new Merkur razor has a very high likelihood of being total garbage, as it is simply sitting in the bottom of the box, and free to shake, and bounce in the bottom of the box during multiple trips through the mail. This is sure to dull the blade.

I was always taught if you aren't careful you might learn something.I never considered with my new Merkur that I only got 2 really good shaves with that blade.Tonight's was not that good. Hmmmm time to change blades.....thanks for the heads up michiganlover