WooHoo! and One Question

[wrslr]

Just got my set today!!!! I listed it before when I introduced myself (I'm a newbie), but I'll do it again below. Can't wait for the morning. Was going to shave tonight, but had dinner with the in-laws (can't miss that). Anyway, tomorrow will be my first DE shave!

Set I put together lurking on this site for a couple of days:
Merkur 34C HD
D.R. Harris Arlington Shaving Cream
Edwin Jagger Best Badger Brush
Edwin Jagger Shaving Soup Bowl
Colonel Conk Razor Stand
125 Blade Sampler Pack

My one question is how should I attack my sample pack? There are 125 total razors, with some of the packages having 5 razors and others having 10 (but you probably already knew that). So, should I try one pack at a time and work my way through them all, or should I try one blade and when finished with it move onto another brand of blade? Then continue the cycle, just ranking the blades as I go along. Suggestions would be helpful.

 

[Gary H]

Use whatever blade most catches your eye first.

 

[Nomad1600]

I'd suggest choosing a nice easy going blade and staying with it for a while during the time you get to know your razor and the technique that will get you close and comfortable shaves. Changing blades will throw variables into the process. Hopefully the sampler has a few Astra SP blades to start.

 

[Toothpick]

My one question is how should I attack my sample pack? There are 125 total razors

I think you mean razor blades. Although some folks here do have 125 total razors
Just messin with ya we know what you meant.

The 34C was my first razor, solid performer!

I'd suggest using one pack (5 blades or 10) until it is gone. one pack at a time. This way you really get a feel for the razor blade. Also as your technique and whole shave process improves you will find that blades you try now that weren't so good will be better down the road.

It's all up to you though!

 

[wrslr]

Oops, yes I meant blades!!

 

[Jeff_H]

Blades are so personal to the specific user that it's really hard to tell you which one to go to first. The best thing you can do is read about some of the blades in the blade section and see if you can get a feel from the posts how they may work on your specific skin.

Astra's are right now considered to be about the best all around blade; sharp, smooth and last between 2 & 5+ shaves. Many of the Gillette blades get rated very high. Sharp. Some say forgiving, some say harsh. Of those, it seems the Silver Blues get the best ratings for smoothness. Red Personna's, Israeli Personna (crystal +) also get good ratings for sharpness and smoothness. If I was having this conversation with you in person, I'd likely tell you my suggestion would be the Astra's. From there it would depend what's in your pack.

 

[edgerunner]

I can suggest you try a half pack of blades (3 or 5), then move on, try all blades, then make another iteration through all brands. If at the early stage, you sense a blade is particularly harsh, unforgiving, or anyway uncomfortable, put it aside, go on with others, and revisit that one later. The main thing is not to judge any blade at this point because there could be more than one reason for it not to work well. Have fun, explore your new shaving gear and let us know how it goes.

 

[franz]

I can suggest you try a half pack of blades (3 or 5), then move on, try all blades, then make another iteration through all brands. If at the early stage, you sense a blade is particularly harsh, unforgiving, or anyway uncomfortable, put it aside, go on with others, and revisit that one later. The main thing is not to judge any blade at this point because there could be more than one reason for it not to work well. Have fun, explore your new shaving gear and let us know how it goes.

I agree, FWIW.

Enjoy your new kit!