Sharp blade with mild razor vs mild blade with aggressive razor

[BarryR]

I think I prefer the former (such as Feathers in an EJ DE89 or in a Rockwell 6C with R3 plate) but I'm still trying to figure that out (a mere 13 years after I started wetshaving).

This week I did very well with a Nacet in the Rockwell with the R5 plate (fairly sharp blade with medium razor?) though with the Feathers I think an R5 would be too much.
Likewise, I can't handle Feathers in a Merkur Slant.

I get the YMMV and all that but any thoughts on how these differ?

 

[BigJ]

I am definitely in the ‘mild/moderate‘ razor + sharp blade camp! That set-up provides the most comfortable and highest quality shaves for me.

 

[merovirginian]

This has been true for me. Feathers or Bics/Rockwell 4 is great for my face, but GSB is just okay (and GSB is still sharp). Feathers or Bics in my Karve with C? More likely to get weepers and just a rougher face feel (too sharp for me, imo), but GSB is just right. I think it's a face fit or ymmv, as you acknowledge. For those who prefer mildish razors, I think OP is right. Curious if others feel the same. I bet if I were to shave with an open comb aggressive razor I'd like my blade to feel like cotton balls

It was my experience comparing blades with the Rockwell and Karve that convinced me that razor blades are the most subjective part of shaving. But definitely a fun journey to find the right combinations.

 

[RobDoffrey]

I am definitely in the ‘mild/moderate‘ razor + sharp blade camp! That set-up provides the most comfortable and highest quality shaves for me.

I'm in the same camp as BigJ

 

[shave/brush]

After 8 years of experimenting with many razors and blades I too have settled on a mild razor with a very sharp blade. Right now in my Parker 97, I use a 7 O'clock Yellow or a Personna blue blade. If I want to go the other route I use my Fatip DE with an Astra blade in it.

 

[Tostig]

Another thumbs up for sharp blade with moderate razor. Or medium-sharp blade in moderate razor - Polsilver + GC .84, GSB + Rockwell #4, etc.

 

[catfish1969]

Merkur Progress @ 3, or Rockwell 6S @ 5, with an Astra SP either way.

 

[RookieGuy]

I'm going with the herd on this one, but that's because I only own mild razors. I'm not ready to make that jump yet. Besides, I'm very happy with the results I've been getting.

 

[santamariasteve]

Medium blade with a medium to aggressive razor

 

[Frank Shaves]

After just over two years of using a DE, I have mostly focused on the former but then something happened and I just found my milder razors were requiring too much work. I tried using a sharper blade but right now I am really enjoying pairing a more aggressive razor (like a GC .84) with a not so sharp blade.

What I will say is that this thread raises the importance of matching your choice of blade with razor for the job at hand.


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[Asland408]

I'm in the same camp as BigJ [emoji106]1:

Mild razor sharp blade camp +1

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[ehsa]

i too am in the mild razor sharp blade camp.john

 

[EclipseRedRing]

Mild razor with a sharp blade for me. Dare I say that combination requires, and helps to maintain, better technique? Not sure exactly on what I base that supposition but it seems like that to me.

 

[Billy T.]

Sharp blade with every razor.

 

[Mitzie]

The greatest difference for me, is when I started applying a hot flannel to improve exfoliation before and between passes. The improvement in closeness was an epiphany! And has meant I now only use mild razor heads without the risk of incurring nicks and cuts associated in using more aggressive razors and razor blades for shaving

 

[never-stop-learning]

Aggressive blades in mild - medium razors.

Medium blades in my Fatips.

 

[GaryTha]

Astra SP in Van Der Hagen. Don't forget the Williams. Shaving doesn't get any better than that. (YMMV)

 

[Frank Shaves]

Now I am wondering if I am just going through a phase of interest in more aggressive razors and if in a year or two I will be back in the mild razor with sharp blade camp. I would be curious if any of you went through a phase like that.


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[Fukushima Daiichi]

My beard hairs are thick as boar hair. Sharp blade 100% of the time no matter what razor. So I'm in the mild razor sharp blade camp.

 

[BudgetShaverGuy]

I tried the sharp blade/mild razor route and found it pales in comparison to the aggressive razor/medium sharp blade path.

If you don’t have overly sensitive skin and/or coarse stubble, anything will work, really.