A 57 Gillette SS and Big Ben meet my face

[s1mp13m4n]

Hello everyone. I am a normal Gillette Tech and Lord Merkur Tech user who has sensitive skin. I read on the forums where the Gillette SS is highly favored and loved....and I just happen to have one so I thought I would try it. First off, I have not heard of a Big Ben blade. The only thing I know about Big Ben is a 1975 Williams pinball machine that I use to play. The blade felt harsh to me. I could feel the blade, yet I did not get razor burn after the shave. I did not feel comfy with it...like I was waiting to get cut. LOL :) Is it the blade or the razor or the combo of both that seems harsh? I like the gentleness of the Tech.

[WhosYerBob]

That's the blade from my experience. The SS is very gentle.

[SUMMERSRL]

I agree with Bob... I suspect it is the blade. My SSs (74, 64, 54, 48-50) typically provide a gentle shave. I tend to have very sensitive skin and can get in-grown hairs and razor burn/irritation pretty easily. None of my vintage shavers give me nearly as much of either as do the modern shavers. Of course... Just one guy's experience. YMMV.

[beginish]

+2. I have had to up the ante with a Feather to make my SS better for me.

[luvmysuper]

What blades have you been using in your Tech and other razor?
If you make a change, you generally should change one thing at a time so you know what caused the problem if you have one.

There were literally hundreds of one the cheap blade makers out there, just browse an antique shop and you can find names you've never heard of. Doesn't mean they are bad, but that would be a lot of testing.

Better to stick with a proven blade.

[s1mp13m4n]

Alright, so to get a more gentle shave from the 57 SS...would you try the redbox Personna, Derby, something else? I have wonderful luck with Gillette Tech and Lord Merkur Tech and redbox IP's.

[luvmysuper]

I use Derbys with not a problem at all, though the IP are also great.
Your call, because no two faces are the same.