Another Shot @ the Derby Extra

[Slant-Fan]

I have tried Derbys in the past and gotten terrible shaves. I found them to be downright dull. I couldn't imagine how many forum members praised their sharpness and smoothness. To me they were on par with Dorco,i.e., essentially worthless. I first tried the Derby in a Merkur Slant bar. This was months ago and I remember it was a very disagreeable experience. Then when I was trying different blades for my review of the Merkur Slant Sledgehammer I returned to the Derby Extra. I shaved with this combo two consecutive days and it was terrible.

In reading the recent Treet Blue review and the following discussion I had been thinking of how interesting it is that different individuals can shave with the same brand and have such different results. I reflected on my experience with the Derby and realized that I had only tried it in the Slant and the Slant hammer. It occurred to me that the Derby being a mild blade would possibly preform well for me in a mild razor.

I took my Gillette DR Rocket and a brand new Derby and did a real good prep. I did a two pass shave and got as close, smooth and irritation free a shave as I have ever had. I am glad that I gave the Derby another try. I am still a Feather and Gillette Swede fan but it is nice to have another blade to go to if I choose to.

[Xavier]

What is your "standard" for the Slant?

From all the talk about Derbys I thought it was the "standard" to measure other blades. So, I got a 100 pack and will measure for a couple of years all the other blades in sample packs. I yet to try a Feather on my Slant, but from what I hear this is the last step blade. Got many more steps (blades) to go, but I am going to sneak in the Feather in next week for first trial.

[Slant-Fan]

What is your "standard" for the Slant?

From all the talk about Derbys I thought it was the "standard" to measure other blades. So, I got a 100 pack and will measure for a couple of years all the other blades in sample packs. I yet to try a Feather on my Slant, but from what I hear this is the last step blade. Got many more steps (blades) to go, but I am going to sneak in the Feather in next week for first trial.

Early on I bought 200 Feathers I liked them so much. They are my usual blade in the Slant & whatever else. Having gone through a 5 pack iof Swedes I like them more but already having the 200 Feathers and the Gillettes costing more I am still debating on a bulk buy. Try the Feather it is great in the Slant IMHO.

[jeffb]

I am glad that I gave the Derby another try. I am still a Feather and Gillette Swede fan but it is nice to have another blade to go to if I choose to.


+1 here!

I recently gave Derby blades another try and have been getting some excellent, irritation free shaves. I found that in my case, Derby's work well with my Gillette razors and Feathers work well with my Merkurs.