Sampler - How much of a test?

[Ol'Timer]

I am new at this - I'm developing technique and am reasonably consistent with my daily shave. I don't want to introduce too many variables too quickly, but am using a couple of brushes and am staying with the Feather razor for now.

I have been using the Feather blades that came with the razor, but just got a sample pack and decided to try one of the new blades. The very first pass, WTG, I felt more pull than ever before. It was not painful, and there was no skin irritation, but definitely a pull compared to the Feather blades (which almost cannot be felt)

I continued and got a very smooth shave, no nicks, no burn. I more than likely was more comfortable with this blade as I am still a little tentative with the Feather - kind of like a light saber!

Anyway, here's the question. When trying a new blade brand, how many shaves will you try before deciding to move on?

 

[Speedwell68]

When trying a new blade I think it is best to stay with that brand of blade for the entire pack. When you are learning to shave you technique will not be consistant, so it is best, when evaluating a blade, to stay with that blade to get your technique in tune with it. I am still learning to DE shave and I was swapping to a different blade with every shave, it got me no where fast. So I decided to stay with Derby for a pack of blades, at first I hated them, then as technique improved the more I liked Derbys. Obviously if you shave is sooo bad it leaves you bleeding like a stuck pig, then change the brand of blade. But don't right that brand off, go back to it after a big break and you might find it better. I found this with Gillette Bleues, after a few shaves they were tearing me up, so I went back to my tried and tested and all was well. I will try the GBs again.

 

[Stubblefield]

Anyway, here's the question. When trying a new blade brand, how many shaves will you try before deciding to move on?

I can do it in two shaves. But if I get poor results with a blade I will always come back to it later and give it a second chance.

 

[DE Shaver]

Usally, it takes only a couple of shaves to make the determination for me. However, if you are relatively new to wet shaving, go through the entire pack as you are still adjusting your approach, however small the adjustments may be. It's surprising the number of people that pass judgment on a blade and go back to it later only to find out it shaves quite nice. If, however, the blade is really cutting you up, stop right there a move on. No point in causing undue pain to yourself. You can always go back to it later.

 

[Ol'Timer]

Thank you for your responses. I seem to fall into that camp that makes snap judgements. The Lord blade I was not overjoyed with yesterday was much better today. Patience, patience....

 

[Cheesehead Transplant]

When trying a new blade I think it is best to stay with that brand of blade for the entire pack. When you are learning to shave you technique will not be consistant, so it is best, when evaluating a blade, to stay with that blade to get your technique in tune with it. I am still learning to DE shave and I was swapping to a different blade with every shave, it got me no where fast. So I decided to stay with Derby for a pack of blades, at first I hated them, then as technique improved the more I liked Derbys. Obviously if you shave is sooo bad it leaves you bleeding like a stuck pig, then change the brand of blade. But don't right that brand off, go back to it after a big break and you might find it better. I found this with Gillette Bleues, after a few shaves they were tearing me up, so I went back to my tried and tested and all was well. I will try the GBs again.

This is great advise. I've been using the same blade since I started shaving with a DE three months ago. I received my first sampler pack today and was wondering how long I should shave with each blade. I'm interested to see how the blades perform differently in the two razors I use. My favorite is a Merkur 1904. I also have a Gillette Flare Tip SS, which I find too mild for my liking.

 

[jstark1974]

So far I have tried about 8 different blades (about 1 blade every 3 shaves) and have found that Dorco and Derby work the best for me. But I will not stop there, I'll keep on looking because you never know what else might be out there!

 

[Celticking]

Ive been working my way through a sample pack, I shave every day and use the whole number of blades before moving off. Most of them have 5 of each blade and I get 3 shaves per blade on average, so im only changing once every 2 weeks or 20

Here are the reviews if your interested

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=156316