Pick my next blade.

[Sendit]

Ok, so having gone through my second Astra Superior Platinum blade. I think my technique is sound enough, that I can identify whether any future issues are me....or a blade.

So, I want to shift gears and see if any of my other samples might be better for me. The Astra is a good blade, but I just don't feel like it is as good as it gets.

My sample pack included the following blades:

Feather Hi-Stainless
Persona Platinum
Crystal
Derby
Astra

I am confident enough with my pace and technique to try a sharper blade. I am on day 6 and have gone from 2 pass WTG to 2 pass (WTG/XTG) with no weepers or nicks. I don't want to come across over confident, but also don't want Feathers excluded from consideration because I might remove my earlobe.

Looking forward to input as always.....

 

[tfinch]

To me Astra is sharper than Derby, Crystal or Personna. Out of your sampler that just leaves the Feathers. They're just a little less forgiving, but still just razor blades. Nothing to worry about.

 

[eth]

Of that lot, Crystals and Personna Platinum Chrome are similar (but not identical, I find Crystals milder), so whichever blade you pick you're in for a different experience. I say pick blindly, Feather included in selection. Even if you find a great blade, it's a good idea to explore every now and then, and see how various blades feel compared to your favourite(s).

 

[WVUfanMG]

I would recommend sticking with the Astra SP for a while longer. With only 6 shaves under your belt, I think the general consensus, at least here, would be to stay with the same blade for a while before venturing out on a sample pack. I started out with a Feather blade, found it a bit too aggressive for me and have been using the Astra SP for a while. The blade may be giving you more confidence than is warranted at this point, to be honest. Do you use alum block to get feedback on your shaves?

I certainly don't want to discourage you from trying other things, but is there a specific reason you want to try another blade? If it's working, why not hone your technique (and get your face more accustomed to this style shaving) to where you're doing WTG, XTG and ATG passes comfortably? After all, you have the rest of your life to check out other blades etc. Sometimes, all it takes is one really bad experience to turn someone off of this forever.

As always, YMMV, so if you are set on trying something else, I'd try the Feather.

Good luck!

 

[Mick]

Astra is a pretty good blade. Hard to go wrong sticking with that one for a while

 

[Haggises]

I'd stick with and finish off the Astra.
Not to be rude, but 6 days in I would guess you have not mastered your technique and there will be bad shaves in the days ahead that you will find it hard to figure out what exactly went wrong. Minimize guessing for now.
Rest of sampler will still be there in a week when you've finished the Astras.
Good luck!

 

[Sendit]

All good feedback......thanks for the candor and input.

I guess I should share that, I live by the idea that a position is just an opinion until it is challenged. If you still believe something after it has been challenged, it is no longer an opinion, it is a belief. I readily open myself up to challenge so that I determine the strength of my position. So you guys challenging my ideas, if you disagree, is very helpful. Thank you.

To add more information to the topic.....

I am not looking to experiment for the sake of experimenting. The very first time put the DE razor to my face and removed cream, I felt this amazing, smooth feeling as the hairs were cleanly removed from my face. It was unlike any shaving experience I had ever had. Now that the "newness" has worn off (I know....just 12 passes) I am able to really see through the exhilaration and wonder and evaluate what I am really feeling.

The blade is removing (reducing) the beard, but I still catch myself adding pressure to the razor to get closer. This is a failing of my technique for sure but I feel like, with a sharper blade, I will be able to let the razor work for me and achieve the same (or better) closeness. Also, the lack of pressure will translate to a better overall shave.

Additionally, I don't want to portray my 12 passes as "old pro" status......I mention my 12 passes to suggest that, if I was going to do something fundamentally wrong to make the train leave the tracks there would be indications at this point. Right?

Keep it coming guys...it is helpful.

 

[WVUfanMG]

I definitely see what you're saying, but I would just add a word of caution (as a fellow newbie) that just when you think you're getting the hang of this, you'll get creative and find a way to irritate your face. At least that has been my experience. If I try to hurry, or cut a corner (so to speak), I end up with a not-so-hot shave. When I first tried the Feather blade (for my first shave), it felt great at first, but my face got a little raw after a couple more shaves. Then I switched to the Astra SPs and things have been going smoothly since then. But, every once in a while I'll get in a hurry and hit a trouble spot with no cream and "boom" irritation. Your face really does need time to adjust to the new method that you're applying to it, and if you say that you are adding a little bit of pressure, you may be headed for trouble. The underlying fundamental of the technique is to use no pressure and let the blade work. It sounds like you really want to try a sharper blade, so I say go for it! Just remember that your face might not be ready for what your brain thinks is a good idea.

Most importantly, enjoy the ride!

 

[Sendit]

I definitely see what you're saying, but I would just add a word of caution (as a fellow newbie) that just when you think you're getting the hang of this, you'll get creative and find a way to irritate your face. At least that has been my experience. If I try to hurry, or cut a corner (so to speak), I end up with a not-so-hot shave. When I first tried the Feather blade (for my first shave), it felt great at first, but my face got a little raw after a couple more shaves. Then I switched to the Astra SPs and things have been going smoothly since then. But, every once in a while I'll get in a hurry and hit a trouble spot with no cream and "boom" irritation. Your face really does need time to adjust to the new method that you're applying to it, and if you say that you are adding a little bit of pressure, you may be headed for trouble. The underlying fundamental of the technique is to use no pressure and let the blade work. It sounds like you really want to try a sharper blade, so I say go for it! Just remember that your face might not be ready for what your brain thinks is a good idea.

Most importantly, enjoy the ride!

This is what makes this community great.....I appreciate the thoughtful insight. I will update here tomorrow if I decide to try something new.

 

[Chadao]

You have a good list. I would remove Derby. I am trying Crystal right now and they are sharp and smooth. Feather is my overall favorite.

 

[Chadao]

+1

Astra is a pretty good blade. Hard to go wrong sticking with that one for a while

 

[Tempotantrum]

I love the Astra! Try others but I bet you'll find the Astra is a keeper - inexpensive and consistently smooth.

 

[ricardo9505]

keep at it. I didn't get my first nick until week 2.
I love crystals, but as always, ymmv. Like feather, some rave about them, some hate them,.

 

[Haggises]

I tried Feathers about a month in. Decided they were too harsh for my sensitive skin.
Tried them a few months later - they got smoother. Tried after a year in - sublimely smooth, sharp and not harsh at all.

You'll come along leaps and bounds in the first weeks, even months, but it keeps getting better. Sounds like you're having a great start!

 

[Seattle]

Which Astra? Astra SP are my fave. Astra SS has not been good for me.

 

[Alphonse]

You are correct.. Astra is not even close to as good as it gets. Keep in mind that I'm a quilted northern ultra plush 3 ply guy... keep that in mind... It is time for your blade quest, Sendit-son. When you've had close, steady relations with 20 or more, you will be well into your quest and your eyes will be opened.

 

[Sendit]

You are correct.. Astra is not even close to as good as it gets. Keep in mind that I'm a quilted northern ultra plush 3 ply guy... keep that in mind... It is time for your blade quest, Sendit-son. When you've had close, steady relations with 20 or more, you will be well into your quest and your eyes will be opened.

Thank you sensei

As an update.......I decided to take the plunge and try the Feather. It was far and away my best shave to date. I went WTG and XTG and found myself adding no pressure and having such a relaxed shave.

I don't want to suggest that everyone will have the same result, but I am sold. I am going to try the Gillette 7 o'clock yellow and decide between that and Feather.

 

[plato]

I love the Astra SP blades. I recently tried the Gillette 7 o'clock yellows and I couldn't believe how smooth they are. I have 100 feathers in wait as well. Maybe my Astras and my yellows will be the uniform blade from now on.

 

[jrward2]

Personna blue labs

 

[plato]

I love the Astra SP blades. I recently tried the Gillette 7 o'clock yellows and I couldn't believe how smooth they are. I have 100 feathers in wait as well. Maybe my Astras and my yellows will be the uniform blade from now on.