Ranking Blades on aggressiveness?

[eric n]

There are a lot of posts concerning which razors are more and less aggressive, but I'm having a hard time finding a thread on the aggressiveness of blades. I'm sure there are some, but I can't seem to find them. I know that the feather blades are the second coming of wolverine's claws, but what are other blades like?

I'm currently using Astra blades with a Merkur 34c and it's a really pleasant experience, but I would like to experiment with something a little sharper. My "technique" is not yet light handed, so I know I don't want to go with the feathers, but would be interested in going just a bit more extreme.... Recommendations?

 

[ByMyBeard]

I've asked about this as well. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a consistent answer. The 34c does at least seem pretty popular, so perhaps you can get some input based on that.

 

[Cagliostro]

Astra seems to be fairly forgiving and also sharp might want to give them a shot, also there are Supermax they seem about the same as an Astra for me. I love and use mostly Feather myself, if not Feather then Astra or even Derby. I have a 5 pack of Voskhod blades from mother Russia on the way as we speak so, I'll give those a try here soon. But yeah in my experience Astra might be a good fit for you, try some sampler packs many offer and yes for now you might want to stray from Feather, BUT...if you want give a Feather a try...you might be taken aback by it and again you may not the variables are many my friend.

But my advice is try the sampler packs, it makes things easier in choosing a blade that you like...it is what I did and I just happened to love Feather right off the bat.

 

[coyotewhisper]

Blade aggressiveness is more difficult to rank. Each blade performs differently in the choice of the razor you are using. a blade that you might find aggressive might not be for another person.

There are blades that are sharper then others i.e Feathers, Gillette 7 o' clock Black, Blue and Yellows etc. Blade sharpness does not always equate to comfort.

As a newer shaver I would recommend for you to purchase a blade sampler. Then you can try a variety of blades to test for yourself.

 

[xxvaleria]

There is little consensus on what is meant by aggression. Some think it means sharpness, and some think it means efficiency in cutting. Others think it means discomfort or nicks and weepers. It probably depends more on the razor--blade exposure, blade angle, type of razor (slant, OC, etc.). I believe that almost any blade can be "aggressive" in the right razor, at least for a few shaves. Because YMMV, there can be no absolute ranking of blades.

You might check out these articles:

http://www.shaving101.com/index.php/education/double-edge-shaving/269-double-edge-razor-blades.html

http://www.shaving101.com/index.php/education/double-edge-shaving/48-choosing-the-right-blade.html

 

[Cumberland Sausage]

I don't think I'd consider any blade "aggressive". Some are sharper, some smoother, but so much depends on the user and razor that to rank even those qualities is far from easy.

 

[briggs]

I agree with Coyotewhisper on the subject of rating blades' aggressiveness and comfort.

I really like Feathers, but limit them to the mild (2-3) settings on my Slim Adjustable, and have learned not to use them with a Tech, which is considered a mild razor. I don't have any experience with the razor you are using, but if it is more aggressive than that, and you are not yet confident of your technique, I would hold off on the Feathers for a while. You're going to need some shaving skills and refined prep to realize their qualities, and avoid the hazards.

You're setting off on an adventure. Learn and enjoy!

 

[eric n]

Perhaps I phrased things incorrectly. I would like to get a closer shave with my merkur. I am currently using astra? Does anyone have recommendations of a blade which would give me that shave without being punishing?

 

[BrookR1]

Astras are plenty sharp. Go ahead and try the Feathers in your Merkur. The first time I tried Feathers, they were nice, but I didn't feel like I was in any danger of slicing my nose off.

If you really want a closer shave, look into a more aggressive razor but stick with a blade that you are familiar with so you can see the difference. I would look into purchasing a Merkur Futur. It's plenty aggressive when dialed up, but can be tamed without any problems. I keep mine set at 3 and it provides me with shave slightly more aggressive than your 34c. It goes to 6.

 

[BarnOwl]

You will probably be better off getting a more aggressive razor. Astra is a good sharp blade. Try a feather and see if that fixes it. If not go to a more aggressive razor.

I jumped from the Merkur 180 to the FaTip. Wow what a change. I went from having to push on the razor to almost BBS in 1 pass with Astra.

 

[dmnall]

With a feather in my ss, sa, HD slant and sledgehammer slant BBS with a two pass *wtg and atg* with them. Derby's 3 pass + TouchUp astra and Gillette 7 o'clock black and yellow 3 pass...

 

[drawonme]

The Personna blue labs and meds (same blade) are sharper than the Astra SPs but very comfortable. The labs are crazy-cheap on Amazon now. They seem to me to be as sharp as Feathers but smoother. Ymmv.

Marty

 

[weizemanner]

Astras are a sharp blade. You can get a blade sampler and see if anything changes, but the only thing really sharper would be a feather. You do have one of the least aggressive razors out there so you probably won't notice much difference in irritation because the blade is barely touching the skin anyway.

That said, a more aggressive razor will change your shave quite a bit. I notice that your join date is last month. I would suggest sticking with what you have to get the technique down before blaming the equipment and developing AD's. You have a fine razor and blades right now.

 

[drawonme]

+1 for that recommendation!

Marty

 

[Hinano_Paul]

Again plus 1 on the samplers, but in my limited knolwedge, BIC's, Persona Red, or Gillette Silver Blue may be a good next step. I have used Astras and found them a little rough for my face but the above mentioned all worked fantastic and could get 95% BBS with them. AT the time I was using a Merkur 23C and a 1904/1906 closed bar both very similar heads to the 34 if not the same. My cents anyway.

 

[UnCL3]

Perhaps I phrased things incorrectly. I would like to get a closer shave with my merkur. I am currently using astra? Does anyone have recommendations of a blade which would give me that shave without being punishing?

Personna Lab blues are really sharp, and really cheap (about 13 cents each). I dislike the Astras personally; too irritating. Others love them. Try a variety and find a fit for your face and wallet.

Uh, that didn't seem to come out right, but you get my drift

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190795436389?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

 

[Sharp's]

Astras are a sharp blade. You can get a blade sampler and see if anything changes, but the only thing really sharper would be a feather. You do have one of the least aggressive razors out there so you probably won't notice much difference in irritation because the blade is barely touching the skin anyway.

That said, a more aggressive razor will change your shave quite a bit. I notice that your join date is last month. I would suggest sticking with what you have to get the technique down before blaming the equipment and developing AD's. You have a fine razor and blades right now.

+1

 

[kingfisher]

There's no such thing as an "aggressive" blade. Some are sharper than others, and some are smoother than others. That's pretty much it.

Most people want to find a blade that is a good combination of sharp and smooth. That's different for everybody. You have to try a whole bunch of different blades in order to find the one (or two or three) for you.