Using Feathers, want something less sensitive to a beginner technique.

[Mike R.]

I'm a relatively new DE shaver.

I am using Feather Hi Stainless as my first blade.

I would like to try other brands, but have no idea where to start.

Can anyone recommend a brand or two I might want to look at?

For reference, I use:
Merkur Classic HD
Proraso pre/post cream
Proraso cream (in the green tub)
Taylors lavender shave soap

 

[lindcruiser]

Here are a couple of great sample packs~
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Sample-Packs_c_1.html
http://www.bullgooseshaving.net/blsapa.html

 

[Luc]

+1 on the razor blade sample pack. That's the best way to find what works for you!

 

[Guruschmuru]

+ 1 on the sample pack, BUT if you are keeping your kit fairly stable, then you can rotate and establish which blades work well etc. However, changing many factors (razor / cream etc) AND the blade could mean you have too many variables to make a judgement.

To answer your question, if I had to pick two from a fairly standard sample pack, then Derbys and Gillette 7 O'Clocks are good all-rounders. Guess what comes next...........YMMV!

 

[Groat]

For a second, I read the title to say that you wanted something less sensitive than Feathers. I was thinking something like a broken bottle would fit the bill.

I'll also recommend a blade sampler pack. I'm working my way through one right now and it's been an interesting experience so far. Different blades absolutely have different properties, and the only way you'll see which ones work for you are to try them out.

 

[paules]

+1 on the sample pack too.

I have used nothing but Feathers since I started DE shaving 3 years ago but found them too aggressive for an open comb British Gillette that I picked up recently.

So I ordered a sample pack and have found the Red Personnas a much better blade for the open comb. Will continue to use the Feathers in less aggressive razors.

 

[Loric]

Astra Superior Platinum are very smooth for me. I love feathers, but they can be a bit to sharp and harsh if my technique is bad or I'm using my slant. I got two sample packs not to long ago and have worked threw most of them, and the Astras seem to be the smoothest most forgiving (but still sharp!) for me. I heartily suggest a sample pack like everyone else, but if I had to pick just one I say Astras.

 

[Chester]

brand or two I might want to look at?

My two would be:
- Iridium Super
- Astra Superior Platinum

... and if I had to suggest a third -- Red Pack Israeli Personnas.

Hope it helps,
-- Chet

 

[droy3]

Gillette Yellow Packs
Red Personnas
Iridiums - I find them a little rough be comparison to the ones above but still smoother than the Feathers

Cheers,

Doug

 

[Mike R.]

Thanks everyone!

 

[don.putnick]

Hi Mike,

I'm the contrarian around here when it comes to sample packs for beginners. I'm assuming you're a DE beginner from your join date and post count; if that's not the case, just ignore the rest of my post.

It is difficult, but not impossible, to tell the difference between blades if your technique isn't repeatable. Of course, it's fun to play around with new products so go right ahead, but plan on trying a sample pack again for real after your technique is solid.

FWIW, my personal blade search ended up with Gillette 7 O'Clock Yellows.

 

[brg]

I have that razor (Merkur 34C), and the Feathers seem just a little too sharp (I have only used 2 blades so far).

The Iridium Super strikes a much better balance, it is just sharp enough to get good results, but not too sharp as to cause irritation or razor burn if your technique is not 100% yet.

 

[Chester]

I'm the contrarian around here when it comes to sample packs for beginners. It is difficult, but not impossible, to tell the difference between blades if your technique isn't repeatable.

This is a very good point. The frequent recommendation at the newb forum, and I know it works, is to change one thing at a time (and get comfortable with it for a couple weeks) before changing something else.

In this case, someone appears to have jumped onto feathers right away (might have come with the razor, might have been a first choice, no telling how it started), and I actually like that he's just looking for a couple brands to make things a little smoother and forgiving. Keeping it simple can pay real dividends.

There are few things more bewildering than to look into a bag of 15 different blade brands and try to figure out or assess all of them... and I think that goes whether you're new to the DE thing, or you've been at it for a year. So, I think your contrarian observation is well-placed.

-- Chet

 

[Mike R.]

In this case, someone appears to have jumped onto feathers right away (might have come with the razor, might have been a first choice, no telling how it started), and I actually like that he's just looking for a couple brands to make things a little smoother and forgiving. Keeping it simple can pay real dividends.

-- Chet

Exactly!

The feathers were a recommendation from the retailer I purchased the razor from. I knew nothing of blades or sampler packs and they said that the Feather's were one of their most popular brands.

Simple is what I am going after. Simple and repeatable.

I worked a trade with a forum member for some Derby Extras and will pick up a pack of the others mentioned here.

Then just keep the brand that works best.

As as a side note, those Feathers are sharp!

 

[MaxJ]

I'd recommend Astras and possibly Iridiums. Most of the sharpness of a Feather but more forgiving. If Feathers are your goal then stick to a blade on the sharp end of the scale like these guys.

 

[DE Shaver]

I find the Israeli Personna (a.k.a. Super+ Platinums, Crystals) are a good, forgiving blade that are suited for beginners. They don't have some of the baggage some blades have (e.g. Feathers) and I can't recall any complaints about them, although like with any blade YMMV. As such, they make for reliable blade purchase.

 

[jlk819]

Hi Mike,

I'm the contrarian around here when it comes to sample packs for beginners. I'm assuming you're a DE beginner from your join date and post count; if that's not the case, just ignore the rest of my post.

It is difficult, but not impossible, to tell the difference between blades if your technique isn't repeatable. Of course, it's fun to play around with new products so go right ahead, but plan on trying a sample pack again for real after your technique is solid.

FWIW, my personal blade search ended up with Gillette 7 O'Clock Yellows.

I couldn't agree more. I got into DE shaving only about 6 months ago. I was given a Merkur 23c and a huge pack of Vincent blades (not very well regarded in the community). I shaved at least 3 months with that setup and got better and better results as my overall technique got better and I understood the grain patterns of my beard (something I'm still learning each day.)

I only recently switched to trying new blades, and the differences between brands really jump out at me now. I don't know that I could have told the difference during my first few months.

If the OP is looking for something smoother, I found the Red Pack Personna's to be pretty smooth. My advice would be to get a smoother blade, then focus on technique. You'll be better able to judge what works best for you then.

 

[buyandhold2018]

I gave away a lot of Feather portable razors to friends and family and I always included a few Israeli Red IP blades. I think they are a very friendly blade that can also offer up a great shave. Now I mostly use Feathers because my technique is much improved.

 

[dalecooper51]

I gave away a lot of Feather portable razors to friends and family and I always included a few Israeli Red IP blades. I think they are a very friendly blade that can also offer up a great shave. Now I mostly use Feathers because my technique is much improved.

I am a big fan of the feather portable and red pack personna. It is my daily driver and gives me a great shave. I've tried a wide variety of blades and the red pack Personna or the Gillette Super Thins seem to work the best for me in that razor.