Razor + Blade preference. Is it just me?

[HUF]

I used DE many moons ago when I just started to shave and knew first hand that the aggressiveness of safety razors varies. What I did not know's that there're the best razor + blade combinations. So, it is a knew knowledge gained from you, folks.

Now, I have (so far) only three DE razors and probably a dozen of different brand names of DE blades. It fascinates me when someone tells positively that say, a Fat Boy + Red Personna is the best razor/blade combination for him. To me, all the blades I have tried act pretty much the same way. There is no way I can tell what blade is inside of the razor if I did not put one in myself. I should add that I shave once every three-four days and switch razors and blades all the time. Probably one needs to use the same razor for a month DAILY to notice the difference in performance of a blade. What is your experience, gents?

 

[Foyle]

I use the same brand of blade in every razor: Astra SP, at least as my go-to blade. I do notice a difference between brands of blades though. Some blades just don't work well on my beard. For me, different razor and blade combinations just don't work. There a few brands of blades that I like, but it doesn't matter which razor I put them in. Those particular brands of blades always work well for me.

 

[derjoachim]

As a recent starter (started 2 weeks ago, burnt through 4 blades, head and face shaver) I can distinguish between blades. However, I am not sure as yet how well I could distinguish between 2 very similar blades. I have only one DE razor, so I have not been able to spot any differences there.

 

[chilliman64]

my most versatile blade is the Derby - have used it in probably ten different razors and not had a bad shave yet

 

[redbike]

For me there are some blades, Derbys for instance, that only work well in a few of my 40 DE razors. Other blades - Astra SP's - work well in pretty much every razor. This is the classic YMMV scenario. Keep track of what works, so you're not guessing if it'll be a good shave.

 

[watchiekong]

Distinguishing between blades for me can be subtle especially if you dont change razor often (like me) but vary the blade brand. Sometimes it can be an unconscious thing and sometimes we may attribute it to ourselves, but on the other hand it could very well be the blade:
Slowing down or even shorter/longer strokes as the blade seems harsher on my skin;
I've realised that on certain areas of my face, different blades forces me to adapt my blade approach to skin.
Or having to go over areas more (or less) than needed with another blade.
The odd nick in certain areas you get from one blade and not from another.
Even changing blade shorter or longer than its usual expected number of shaves because "its just one of those days"
Or sometimes, it just aint shaving well..

I've been wet shaving for over 10 years and can usually get the same desired result with whatever razor/blade I use, but the excursion can sometimes differ each day. Sometimes its the razor and so I do have a razor/blade preference. The razor is usually pivotal in my blade choice. Astra SP and Willkinson sword (UK version) usually reduce the likelihood of a not so optimum shaving experience than of the brands I've tried (so far). As always, its a personal preference.

 

[klundtasaur]

I started with a sampler pack of blades and my merkur 180--and eventually settled on Feathers as the blade I liked the best. When I got my merkur slant, I didn't even think about maybe needing a different blade--and (as is apparently common knowledge around these parts) I cut my face all to hell with the feathers. However, Astra's work great in the slant--but I find they don't give me as good of a shave in my 180.

So, +1 to blades being razor/face specific.