What's a good blade sampler pack to get?

**extarbags** · 08-01-2010, 07:50 PM

Hi guys. Long time lurker, first time poster here.

Here's the deal: I've been wetshaving for a few months, and it's been awesome. I love it so much. I've been using the Shark SC blades that came with my razor, and I don't have any complaints... but those are the only ones I've used. From what I gather, they're at least pretty well-regarded, but since I'm down to my last few and it's just about time to order some new ones, I thought it might be good to get one of these sampler packs I keep hearing about, so I can try out a range of blades and see what I like best.

The problem is that all the sampler packs I'm finding have a massive amount of blades in them. I don't want five each of twenty different blades, because even if I do find one I really like, I'll end up either spending forever using ones that aren't the one I really like or else wasting a bunch of them. That's lame. So is there a way to get a true variety pack, with maybe one or two each of, say, the five blades you guys think I should definitely check out? And as an aside, what should be on my list, apart from Feather, which I already know about?

**mblakele** · 08-01-2010, 08:08 PM

Welcome to B&B!

I don't have a solution to the 5-10 pack problem. The vendors have to eat too, as I'm sure you understand.

If you like Sharks then you might try Lord Platinums.

**aimsport** · 08-01-2010, 08:10 PM

Well I would suggest anything with an Astra SP, Iridium, Feather, and Red IP.

Like this: http://www.bullgooseshaving.net/buprdeblsapa.html

**redandgreybeard** · 08-01-2010, 09:06 PM

There are a few vendors on Ebay who sell sample packs that don't include full packs.

You may consider this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=180513333566

It has Astra, Feather, Gillette 7 O'Clock Green, Derby, Feather and a few others.

**cnnc97** · 08-01-2010, 09:16 PM

When I was looking for a good sampler I finally decided I didn't want to get a bunch of blades that I didn't really want to try. So what I did was just decide which blades to try and made my own sampler from WCS. Might have cost me a little more, but at least I got what really wanted to try and didn't end up with blades that I wasn't interested in. You will get 5-10 of each so you might still end up with some that you know you don't like after the first blade, but probably not as many if you are wise with your choices.

**extarbags** · 08-01-2010, 09:33 PM

Originally Posted by cnnc97

When I was looking for a good sampler I finally decided I didn't want to get a bunch of blades that I didn't really want to try. So what I did was just decide which blades to try and made my own sampler from WCS. Might have cost me a little more, but at least I got what really wanted to try and didn't end up with blades that I wasn't interested in. You will get 5-10 of each so you might still end up with some that you know you don't like after the first blade, but probably not as many if you are wise with your choices.

Actually, it's barely more expensive at all. Looks like I can try out Lord Platinum, Astra SP, Feather, Iridium, and Red IP for about $14.50. For 35 blades, that's not bad at all, and they're all ones I'm interested in trying, so that's probably what I'll do. I guess I just assumed that doing it that way would be too expensive. Thanks!

**cnnc97** · 08-01-2010, 09:42 PM

That's pretty close to what I bought. You will do well with those. If you order from WCS and don't already have something for the used blades you might want to pick up one of the blade banks for a buck. Shouldn't add anything to the shipping costs.

**Sir Ronald** · 08-02-2010, 03:15 AM

Originally Posted by extarbags

Hi guys. Long time lurker, first time poster here.

Here's the deal: I've been wetshaving for a few months, and it's been awesome. I love it so much. I've been using the Shark SC blades that came with my razor, and I don't have any complaints... but those are the only ones I've used. From what I gather, they're at least pretty well-regarded, but since I'm down to my last few and it's just about time to order some new ones, I thought it might be good to get one of these sampler packs I keep hearing about, so I can try out a range of blades and see what I like best.

The problem is that all the sampler packs I'm finding have a massive amount of blades in them. I don't want five each of twenty different blades, because even if I do find one I really like, I'll end up either spending forever using ones that aren't the one I really like or else wasting a bunch of them. That's lame. So is there a way to get a true variety pack, with maybe one or two each of, say, the five blades you guys think I should definitely check out? And as an aside, what should be on my list, apart from Feather, which I already know about?

you cant really expect a shaving vendor to send out a 5 pack of 5 different blades for the sum of 80 cents. its not realistic. I personally think that 5-pack blade samplers are perfect. I think you need to have 2 or 3 blades of a particular brand to get a proper idea of how that blade will shave. don't be a cheapskate! you're saving enough money DE shaving to lash out on a sample pack or two. I got a razor sample pack with 5 different brands for $12, it allowed me to have a couple of weeks worth of shaving with each brand - really get a feel for each one. what's the hurry?

**CoachClassRow13** · 08-02-2010, 03:39 AM

This is as close as you'll get to what you're looking for, and it's a B&B vendor. Sam is super responsive to emails, has great prices, and very fast shipping.

Look for the "Ultra Sample" (32 blades, 2 blades each) in the first post.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=113013

Best of luck!