What makes Derby blades so bad?

[chrisf8657]

You know, I see them in pictures everywhere. Derby. Derby - Derby Derby Derby!
But when a majority of people try them out, it irritates and gives razor burn like nothing else,
I thought they were the most popular when I started, and found out just like most people - they BURN.

You would think with a blade like that it wouldn't be in a majority of DE razor pics on the net.

What is the deal with these blades?

 

[Luke Sky High]

This is simple: THEY DON'T CUT!

 

[bryan1980]

Bad is a subjective term. It's true that they don't seem to work for most people (myself included), so I think the question should be "Why don't these blades work for most people?" I've seen posts on here that state that Derby's were all the rage a few years ago.

It seems that most people have better luck with them in an aggressive razor, like an R41, or any variety of open-combs.

 

[Firewalker]

The user or the razor they are used in. Derby blades are mediocre, not too sharp or dull, not aggressive or smooth. They work well in my Gillette Knack but pull like hell in my Super Adjustable. Try a different razor and see if you get a better shave but remember, a lot of razor burn has to do with the way you shave and not the blade or razor.

 

[mdevine]

I suspect that the people who don't like them are more likely to post about them than those who are satisfied with them. When I first started lurking here four years ago, they were the most recommended blade, especially for newbies. I still keep them in my rotation and get great shaves with them. I much prefer the shaves I get with them to what I get with Feathers, which I find too rough. I suspect that there are more who like the blade than dislike them.

 

[blzrfn]

I used one this week in my aluminum (black) handled Super Speed with excellent results. I had to use a little pressure, which is usually not recommended, but in this case worked well. I can't say that they will work in every razor for every user, but don't judge something based on what you read on the internet. Especially since there are so many vendors that offer these in 5 packs or as part of a sampler, just give them a try and form your own opinion.

 

[chilliman64]

you could ask 'what makes Shark blades so bad?' and the answer would be the same - variable mileage (YMMV). Derby blades work for me, it is unfortunate for you that they don't work given their price! I love them.

 

[Nasty Canasta]

Absolutely nothing wrong with the Derby. I love them and they are my go to blade.

 

[maxman]

I've never been a fan. I used them when I first started. For a whole year before I found a blade I liked better.
Some do like them though.
That's good news because they are cheap and plentiful.

I'll pass though.

 

[aihpcfl]

Yep, there are people who like them, even love them, going by the forum. I think they are fine based on my limited sample. My only gripe if I were going to gripe is that one was done after two shaves. But pay attention and you'll see there are blades loved by many but don't work so well for others. It's variable.

 

[BrianL]

I like them, they are inexpensive and plentiful and work with my face.

 

[chrisf8657]

Hmmm. Half and Half right now.
Well, like it's always said on here I see: YMMV.

Different strokes for different folks!

 

[demaro]

I love Derby blades , they work very well for me.

 

[bhorsoft]

Derbys and Sharks are my go-to blades. No problems with either, get 3 shaves out of 'em and ditch 'em. Went through a sampler kit and I liked 'em both better than most of the others - the others I liked were at a significantly higher price point.

 

[Steve in Shalimar]

They work great for me. The price is right too.

 

[TheLegalRazor]

They work well for me and the price is great.

 

[Valerius]

Nothing wrong with them, they also have an attractive price.

 

[nemo]

Derby blades are fine. Most of the noise we hear about Derby blades comes from a minority of users with low post count and I'm assuming few shaves under their belts. Bad experiences are broadcast loudly and the happy users like me quietly don't complain and enjoy using this economical blade.

Improper prep and technique are usually what makes for the bad shave, not the blade.

 

[Firewalker]

Derbys and Sharks are my go-to blades. No problems with either, get 3 shaves out of 'em and ditch 'em. Went through a sampler kit and I liked 'em both better than most of the others - the others I liked were at a significantly higher price point.

Have you had the chance to try the Ripira blades? Like the Sharks, they are nicely sharp and seem to be very smooth.

 

[MikeGJ]

Derby blades are a little rough on the first shave, but you can fix that by palm stropping. OTH, there are many other blades just as good that don't require stropping to tame the first shave. YMMV!