Sample Pack - Which to try next?

[Klingelnberg]

Well, I've had my first two shaves with a Merkur HD and the sample Merkur blade. Thoroughly enjoyable. I tossed that blade after the second shave and now want recommendations/opinions on what to try next. Should I continue with Merkur blades (have a pack of 5) while I'm learning in order to keep that variable constant, or should I switch already. I have the following blades:

5 Merkur
5 Wilkonson Sword Classic
5 Derby Extra
5 Personna Platinum (red)
5 Astra Superior Platinum
5 Feather
5 Shark

 

[Niles]

Merkur blades generally don't have a good reputation around here. But it's impossible to tell you with any certainty what will work for you. Those are all decent blades. The Feathers are probably the sharpest of that group, so it would be wise to wait a while before you try those. Keep track of your thoughts as you use each brand is the main advice I have for you.

 

[Klingelnberg]

Thanks. It surprises me that Merkur has such a great razor reputation yet the blades are rarely used.

 

[Niles]

Thanks. It surprises me that Merkur has such a great razor reputation yet the blades are rarely used.

The razors are really good. It's the blades that people have problems with.

 

[Mong.]

When I was starting out, I had my first couple of shaves with a Merkur blade too. I didn't like it too much, I found it pretty rough and unpleasant. My first good DE shave came from a Personna Red, but I always wished that I'd started with an Astra SP. I would recommend one of those two, but my preference would be the Astra. It's sharp enough to slice cleanly, but I've always found it to be a smooth and forgiving blade that won't punish less than optimum blade angle and pressure. For me, it was a good learning blade that always gave me a smooth and consistent shave while I got my technique down. I also like the Shark but found it a bit rougher than the Astra, and there are a lot of people who like Derby blades.

As mentioned, stay away from the Feather until you've got a bit more time under your belt. I've been DE shaving for 4-5 months and I still haven't tested one of them yet. Good luck mate!

 

[Blorvak]

I've been working through a sample pack as well, and I don't think my technique is good enough to really tell differences between the blades yet. So, I'm setting some of each blade aside for further testing down the line.

Haven't tried my Merkur blade yet. Maybe that should be my next one.

 

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

My humble advice is to try 2,3,4 or 5 blades (however which amount per blade brand), before moving on to the next blade.

Also, long ago when I received my Sampler, I started a Thread entitled "In what Order should I test these Sampler Razor Blades?", and the best advice was from member Optometrist a.k.a David who stated;

"I say jump straight in with the Feathers [and then the Astra's]. Yes, they are sharp, but you learn very quickly to let the weight of the razor do the work for you. If you can get the feather right, then it's plain sailing with the others. A few nicks and cuts early on are nothing to worry about and stand you in good stead. Start with a lesser blade and it's a continual learning process as you step up the level of sharpness".

Also, member Npsarros stated, "Keep a spreadsheet with every shave [you], have taken, rating each blade as [you], go along". My spread data ratings reads in columns as follows;

a) Razor Blade / Country / Type

b) Sharpness? (aggressive, moderate sharpness, mild sharpness, tugging or pulling, ect...).

c) Closeness of Shave? (DFS, CCS, BBS, ect...).

d) Smoothness/Roughness of Shave? (moderately smooth, very smooth, very,very smooth, ect...).

e) Comfort of Shave? (no irratation, slight irratation, touch of burn, itching, ect...).

f) Overall Rating? (awesome, great, passable or unpleasant).

g) Compatible with your Razor(s)? (yes or no).

PM me with your e-mail address and I will send you my workable spread sheet example.

"A razor [blade] can't be sharpened on a piece of velvet." Author Unknown