Blade switch - big improvement

[PipPip]

So far I have been using the Derby Extra blades that came with my Merkur HD in a starter kit from traditionalshaving.co.uk with some mixed results, largely I believed as I'm a newbie and have been learning technique. I was starting to get some nice shaves with little rash and only the odd nick here and there, but during my last Derby shave I picked up a few nicks in new places. So I decided last night to try switching to a Gillette Bleue Extra as I live in France and these blades are readily available plus super cheap. My expectations were quite low for that reason but the result was a big surprise. The shave was far smoother and faster than with the Derby's, I had zero discomfort afterwards and used some Aqua Velva (European brand) after with hardly any sting and best of all not one single nick after 3 passes. They seem to be sharper than the Derbys too as after a with the grain and across the grain pass I felt my face and really there were no patches of stubble, hardly anything left for the against the grain pass. At €1.80 for a 10 pack at my local shop, I've found the blades for me.

[Shadow-cw]

Congrats.
Everyones alittle different, just have to find out what works for you.

[JPM]

Congratulations on the find. When I first started I didn't think different blades would matter that much, but I have found a significant change in the results based on the blade.

[DJSneak]

Congratulations on the find. When I first started I didn't think different blades would matter that much, but I have found a significant change in the results based on the blade.

+1. I have about 20 different blades in a sample pack I picked up and each blade has given me a bit different results. I just loaded up my first Feather last night and understand what everyone says about how sharp they are.

Congrats on finding your blade.

[tater_salad]

Blades make a Huge Diff.. Even the type of blade in a brand.
I tried Astra Platinums and they are AWESOME, i can get a great shave in 2-3 passes.

I tried the Astra Stainless blades and I can't stand them.. I have yet to try them in the Adjustible.. but in my superspeed they make my face burn badly.

As a secondary note.. I think that derby's make a good starting poitn blade.. they aren't the best blade, but they will give you a good consistant starting point.

[MedicBill]

I also did not expect my blade to make a large difference in the quality of the shave. "These guys are crazy, thinking that a blade changes a shave that much!"... Boy, was I wrong. I went from a Merkur blade to a Crystal, and the difference was immediately noticeable. I can't wait to try Feather, as that seems to be the crowd favorite here.

[dpmtherrien]

As you can see from these posts, the blade makes all the difference. Try out as many as you can find. That way you'll find what works for you and what doesn't. You'll also probably find one blade that beats all the others. Keep a record of how each blade works for you. Give each brand a good 5 shaves, and note how the blade was. If you get a really bad shave from a blade, can it and load another of the same brand. It is possible to get a defective blade every so often. If you get two really bad shaves in a row from one brand you can probably write that brand off as not being good for you. Good luck. :thumbup1: :001_rolle :w00t:

[brianw]

Two biggest thing in a great shave....Lather and the choice of blades. Personally Derby's did not work for me , but Crystals did. Every face is different

[jadam318]

Half the battle (and fun) is finding what works for you. Good job!