Newbie question about which blades to use...

[pipskicks]

I hope some veterans can help me with this. Everyone is told to get a "variety" pack and try different blades to find what they like. I found that changing the blade often changed other factors, as much or close to as much as changing the razor did, so it would possibly hurt my technique since I had to adapt to a new blade or I didn't know what I was doing wrong, if it was me or the blade.


So I listen to the advice, I have feathers and I have never used one (and I'm partially not using them because of the price :wacko: I don't want to end up liking them lol). But I was wondering if I should try to stick to one razor, or maybe a pack of razors until I finish them (I throw them away after 3 days on the dot just to make sure the blade dulling isn't a factor)?

I guess I'm wondering did you guys just keep changing blades and not really have an issue with it messing with your technique or did you try and stick to one blade to just get your technique down before trying to find which blade you liked the best?

[Oblique Human]

yes, keep changing blades.

[Face&Head]

I hope some veterans can help me with this. Everyone is told to get a "variety" pack and try different blades to find what they like. I found that changing the blade often changed other factors, as much or close to as much as changing the razor did, so it would possibly hurt my technique since I had to adapt to a new blade or I didn't know what I was doing wrong, if it was me or the blade. So I listen to the advice, I have feathers and I have never used one (and I'm partially not using them because of the price :wacko: I don't want to end up liking them lol). But I was wondering if I should try to stick to one razor, or maybe a pack of razors until I finish them (I throw them away after 3 days on the dot just to make sure the blade dulling isn't a factor)? I guess I'm wondering did you guys just keep changing blades and not really have an issue with it messing with your technique or did you try and stick to one blade to just get your technique down before trying to find which blade you liked the best?

You may need to change your technique with different razors but it shouldn't change with the blade. Feathers are a great blade and can easily be found for <$0.27 each so somewhere between $0.05 and $0.09 a shave. I think there is less chance of cuts, nicks, burn & other irritation with a fresh sharp blade as you're less likely to use much pressure or do additional passes. I have a good idea how long a specific blade lasts for me, so I switch it out one shave earlier. Moreover, if the blade doesn't feel perfect at any time during the shave, out it goes. I never keep going if it starts to tug at all.

I think variety packs are fine, but when starting out technique is everything. I would limit your variables until you feel reasonably confident and relaxed about your technique. It doesn't take long and then you can work through the variety pack with a better chance of properly evaluating which blade suits you best. I would caution against making a judgment based on one blade and certainly not one shave.

[Straight Rasier User]

And I agree ... Technique is Everything.

One Blade and then later the Sampler Pack.

[deruitem]

I started right away with a sampler. I also found that technique is everything but I still dont like derby blades. I started with a couple of those and was about to toss in the towel but then I tried a shark. That being said I would still try a couple of different blades at first. Once you find something that seems "not bad" stay with it for a month or more then hit a sample pack

[pipskicks]

I started right away with a sampler. I also found that technique is everything but I still dont like derby blades. I started with a couple of those and was about to toss in the towel but then I tried a shark. That being said I would still try a couple of different blades at first. Once you find something that seems "not bad" stay with it for a month or more then hit a sample pack

I guess that's the shot, finding one like the Shark that I feel like is stable and I can learn on it. Probably can with a bunch but one bad shave and you start questioning everything! Just too many variables!

I wish I had gotten more of certain types of blades, but I think I have enough where I could use one for a little and maybe order some more if need be. Luckily a few friends have been starting wet shaving so we sorta traded what each of our variety packs didn't have, but I'm sure I can get some more from them if I need to practice on more of one specific brand luckily.

Boy there really is a lot of trial and error, and just so many things that can help or hurt that it gets confusing sometimes!

[celestino]

You may need to change your technique with different razors but it shouldn't change with the blade. Feathers are a great blade and can easily be found for <$0.27 each so somewhere between $0.05 and $0.09 a shave. I think there is less chance of cuts, nicks, burn & other irritation with a fresh sharp blade as you're less likely to use much pressure or do additional passes. I have a good idea how long a specific blade lasts for me, so I switch it out one shave earlier. Moreover, if the blade doesn't feel perfect at any time during the shave, out it goes. I never keep going if it starts to tug at all.

I think variety packs are fine, but when starting out technique is everything. I would limit your variables until you feel reasonably confident and relaxed about your technique. It doesn't take long and then you can work through the variety pack with a better chance of properly evaluating which blade suits you best. I would caution against making a judgment based on one blade and certainly not one shave.

+1