Supplemental sampler packs

[SDraconis]

I was trying to get started on the cheap, so at the beginning I just picked up an Economy sampler blade pack from WCS. Now, I am trying to try some different (and ideally sharper) blades at the recommendation of some forum members here.

The problem I'm having is that whatever sampler packs I can find that include these other blades also include some of the ones I've already tried. Are there any "supplemental" sampler packs available that don't have this kind of overlap?

 

[mblakele]

Which blades are you looking for? If you're jonesing for feathers, you can get 20 for $10 from dridiot (http://doubleedgeshavingplace.com/). That isn't a sampler, and you could get them cheaper in bulk, but it isn't a big committment either. He also has Kais, and has a good reputation here.

I think you should have some RPIP (red pack israeli personnas) in that sampler? Those are widely held to be pretty sharp, and I agree. You should also have some derby blades, which are very sharp for me. I found the crystals kind of dull, but I only tried one blade and maybe I was having an off day with my blade angle. I haven't tried the Dorco 300 blades yet.

I'm not surprised that you can't find a sampler with no overlap. Almost everyone seems to get decent shaves with either derby or RPIP blades (or both), so most samplers include them.

 

[SDraconis]

Which blades are you looking for?

I think the kinds that were mentioned were Astra, Shark, and Feather.

I think you should have some RPIP (red pack israeli personnas) in that sampler? Those are widely held to be pretty sharp, and I agree. You should also have some derby blades, which are very sharp for me. I found the crystals kind of dull, but I only tried one blade and maybe I was having an off day with my blade angle. I haven't tried the Dorco 300 blades yet.

I'm not surprised that you can't find a sampler with no overlap. Almost everyone seems to get decent shaves with either derby or RPIP blades (or both), so most samplers include them.

I've found that the Red IPs and Derby's still didn't cut quite well enough. I know I have a rather tough beard and that back with cartridge razors, it took pressure and a few ATG go-overs on certain spots to get it to where there was no visible stubble. (My old roommates where always amazed that they could hear the blade battling the hair on my face).

 

[michiganlover]

Check these links for some samplers that are a little different than those at West Coast:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=126291

http://www.bullgooseshaving.net/blsapa.html

Also, you can always create your own sampler, by adding one pack of each of the types you want to try to your shopping cart. It might come out a little more expensive that way, but at least you won't be getting blades you don't want in your sampler (like the detested Merkur).

 

[honed]

West coast shaving has a great variety in their stock, low shipping price.
Get one or two of each you want to try. Won't set you back many $

addendendum;
I have a tough, wiry, wicked beard.
I must use a sharp blade.

So my recommendations for you to try are in no particular order:
Feather
Kai
Super Iridiums
Gillette Sharpedge (yellow pack)
Gillette Bleue
Perma-Sharps (Turkish, own brand, not the Gillette ones!)
Rapira

 

[SDraconis]

West coast shaving has a great variety in their stock, low shipping price.
Get one or two of each you want to try. Won't set you back many $

So my recommendations for you to try are in no particular order:
Feather
Kai
Super Iridiums
Gillette Sharpedge (yellow pack)
Gillette Bleue
Perma-Sharps (Turkish, own brand, not the Gillette ones!)
Rapira

I wish WCS had more of those on your list. They are also sold out of Feathers. Do you happen to know of any reputable store that sells more of those? I'm thinking of just grabbing the 7 O'Clock yellow, Iridiums, and Feathers from bullgooseshaving mentioned above. Edit: Looks like Tha Baron does custom samplers too. I'll have to inquire with that vendor once I nail down a proper list of what I want to try.

I've also heard that Astra blades are pretty sharp. Should those also be on the list?