Ranking blades for aggressiveness

[JeffM]

Just received my bullgoose sample pack of blades (great service and quick shipping)and as a newcomer would like to get a general idea of their relative aggressiveness which I translate as sharpness. I would like to begin with a tame blade and work my way up. The blades included are:
Derby Extra
Gillette 7 O'Clock
Astra SP
Iridium Super
Red Personna
Feather New Hi-Stainless

Any thoughts?

 

[jgkeegan]

Just received my bullgoose sample pack of blades (great service and quick shipping)and as a newcomer would like to get a general idea of their relative aggressiveness which I translate as sharpness. I would like to begin with a tame blade and work my way up. The blades included are:
Derby Extra
Gillette 7 O'Clock
Astra SP
Iridium Super
Red Personna
Feather New Hi-Stainless

Any thoughts?

Try the Feathers last, preceded by the Iridium Supers.

 

[Scott0079]

Just received my bullgoose sample pack of blades (great service and quick shipping)and as a newcomer would like to get a general idea of their relative aggressiveness which I translate as sharpness. I would like to begin with a tame blade and work my way up. The blades included are:
Derby Extra
Gillette 7 O'Clock
Astra SP
Iridium Super
Red Personna
Feather New Hi-Stainless

Any thoughts?

Here's the order I'd suggest:
Red Personna
Derby
Astra SP
Gillette 7 O'clock
Iridium
Feather

 

[ackvil]

Here's the order I'd suggest:
Red Personna
Derby
Astra SP
Gillette 7 O'clock
Iridium
Feather

I agree. Keep the Iridium and Feathers for last. The only possible change is to do the Derby first and Personna second.

 

[Scott0079]

I agree. Keep the Iridium and Feathers for last. The only possible change is to do the Derby first and Personna second.

Well so I was almost perfect....story of my life.

 

[VT_Hokie]

i agree. Keep the iridium and feathers for last. The only possible change is to do the derby first and personna second.

+1

 

[jlindy]

would like to get a general idea of their relative aggressiveness

Umm... I think you mean sharpness... Aggressiveness is a function of the razor . I can't speak for the Derby's, but you ought to like all the other blades on your list. Keep in mind when doing your comparisons that not all blades will do well in all razors. Case in point... Bluebirds don't work very well for me in my old type open comb, but are quite nice in my 40's Super Speed

 

[don.putnick]

I'm the contrarian when it comes to sample packs for beginners. I'm assuming you're a DE beginner from your join date and post count; if that's not the case, just ignore the rest of my post.

Until your technique is repeatable, you might not be able to tell the difference between differences in blades and variations in your technique. It's fun to play around with new products so go right ahead, but plan on trying a sample pack again for real after your technique is solid.

 

[Rob88]

Here's the order I'd suggest:
Red Personna
Derby
Astra SP
Gillette 7 O'clock
Iridium
Feather

Ive tried all these blades with the excepting of the Iridium. Which gillette 7 o'clock you using ?

If its the yellow variant id agree with the above ranking. If it is the green, id probably try it before using the Astra.

Id 100% say use the Red Personna before the derby. This way you wont get turned away from DE shaving

 

[the beav]

I thought I'd update this thread and add a few blades for new people. Feel free to add blades, make changes, and comment.

Starting off with the dullest blades, here's the order in sharpness that I'd suggest:

Merkur, Derby, Treets, Big Ben, Lords, Bluebirds
Sharks (both SS and SC)
Bolzano
Red Personna or Israeli Crystals
Gillette 7 O'clock Russian Greens
Med Preps. etc
Astra SP
Gillette 7 O'clock Blues
Gillette 7 O'clock Russian Yellows
Gillette 7 O'clock Indian Blacks
Super Iridiums
Feathers

For my own use I wouldn't go lower than Personna Reds and maybe Bolzano's, although the Bolzano's are a poor value price-wise. I would consider Russian Yellows and anything above that as very sharp. Astras work well for me in Old Types. A good choice for a new guy is the Astra; it's a cheap, middle of the road blade and you can work your way up/down from there.