Newb checking in Bad Blades? Trying Blades?

**Bobbers** · 07-07-2010, 07:31 PM

I have switched from SE shower shaving to DE wet shaving recently. I have been trying different blades to see what works for me. I have been using each blade for 3 complete shaves and the same brand of brand twice. I then make a note as to what I think about the blade. I have about 35 different brands and several of the brands have more than 1 style, but that is a different story. Need less to say my testing might take awhile. The good news is that when I am done trying blades I will pass the rest along to others. So far I have tried Merkur, Astra, Lord, and Wilkinson Sword.

I tried the first Wilkinson Sword blade and sort of liked the way it shaved and it gave me a very close shave. I tried the second blade and OMG cut my face off. It was not a very good experience. I shave at night and this night I had a couple of adult beverages in me and I was in a hurry. Looking back maybe not the best combination but live and learn right. The second night no beverages and took me time but the same results. I am thinking that the blade might be bad or am I regressing in shaving ability.

My questions are: How often do bad blades happen?
Also I assume that cheaper brands have more frequent bad blades?
Does my logic for testing blades make sense or am I being OCD?

This is my first post and I am looking forward member input.
I have learned a lot from the forums here and am making this a part of my daily routine. I think I am hooked.

Robert

**mblakele** · 07-07-2010, 07:47 PM

I don't have a strong opinion about the Wilkinsons. But I will point out that after the first bad shave, your skin may still be sensitive for some time. That could bias your experience.

**DunEdinRanger** · 07-07-2010, 07:52 PM

Welcome!! Keep us posted as to your blade findings.

**Luc** · 07-07-2010, 08:12 PM

I'm unsure how often it happens as I usually try 2 blades out of a pack, sometimes 3 (when I used a DE) and if they were not smooth enough, next brand. I heard good thing from the wilkinson sword (German made) but the ones down under (Brazil made) aren't that good...

**mretzloff** · 07-07-2010, 09:45 PM

Welcome to Badger & Blade!

**Celticking** · 07-08-2010, 02:24 AM

I am working through a sample pack see my thread

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=156316

I use all 5 of the blades before I move on so on average its 15 shaves per brand before I move to the next one.

**rm71** · 07-08-2010, 04:04 AM

Welcome. I like the German and Indian Wilkinsons.

**Barbash** · 07-08-2010, 04:30 AM

Welcome to B&B!

**ackvil** · 07-08-2010, 05:07 AM

Welcome. Unlike you I had a bad experience with the Wilkinson's. However, I do not know where they came from. My current favorites are Personnas and Crystals. But I am working my way through a sample pack.

**VampyreWolf** · 07-08-2010, 09:46 AM

I'd say your logic for testing works well enough. As mentioned though, if you have a bad shave you might want to take a day or two off. I actually get my best shaves on day 3 if I can wait that long.

I've tossed a few blades when the first pass feels off, the price of a bad blade isn't worth bleeding.

**Bobbers** · 07-10-2010, 10:58 AM

Sounds like it was operator error. Used my Schick Injector for a couple of days to rest my face. This morning I switched blades and used an Astra Superior Platinum and had a great relaxing close shave. Thanks for the input.