First Shave Blade Choice

[CyberJCM]

Hey guys!

So I'm getting my new DE razor and kit today, a Parker 99r, and I was wondering based on everyones experience, which is a good blade to use for the first wetshave?

My choices are: Merkur, Feather, Crystal, and Shark.

I know this is a subjective opinion, but any advice would be appreciated!

John

[Codfish]

I have a 99R and have enjoyed using it with Astra SPs. My second choice would be Crystals. I really like the 99! Good luck!

Codfish

[Greyfox]

Your choice of course but I'd load the Shark.

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

John:
I'd say it is very wise and 'sage' advice to get a Razor Blade Sampler to see what blade is a good fit (mild, moderate & aggressive, ect...), for your face and Razor. By the way, I happen to like Feathers, Kai's, Treets, Trig and Gillette 7 O'clock just to name a few with my Merkur's 23C & 38C razors.

When you receive your Sampler, my advice is to try 2,3,4 or 5 blades (however which amount per blade brand), before moving on to the next blade.

Also, when I received my Sampler, I started a Thread entitled "In what Order should I test these Sampler Razor Blades?", and the best advice was from member Optometrist a.k.a David who stated;

"I say jump straight in with the feathers. Yes, they are sharp, but you learn very quickly to let the weight of the razor do the work for you. If you can get the feather right, then it's plain sailing with the others. A few nicks and cuts early on are nothing to worry about and stand you in good stead. Start with a lesser blade and it's a continual learning process as you step up the level of sharpness".

Also, member Npsarros stated, "Keep a spreadsheet with every shave [you], have taken, rating each blade as [you], go along". My spread data ratings reads in columns as thus (PM me and I will send you my workable spread sheet example to your e-mail address.);

Razor Blade / Country / Type - Sharpness? (Aggressive [Very Sharp], Moderate Sharpness or Mild Sharpness), - Closeness of Shave? - Smoothness/Roughness of Shave? - Comfort of Shave? - Overall Rating? (awesome, passable or unpleasant), and Compatible with your Razor(s)?

Enclose below is my Thread and member Posted Replies "In what Order should I test these Sampler Razor Blades?", which may be of some interest and help to you.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...ighlight=order

"A razor can't be sharpened on a piece of velvet." Anonymous

Below is the B & B Wet Shaving Instructions and Tutorials.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=71700

Christopher

[Optometrist]

The Shark is one of my 3 blades in rotation and is good blade, however, as I ALWAYS suggest, it has to be the Feather to learn with. Go for it!

[Sledgehammer39]

Pick anyone, you know you are gonna try them all at least once.

[CraigarTA]

I would suggest a blade sampler before going head in with any blade purchases.
No two faces are the same and no razor/blade combo will work the same as well.

Lord Platinums are great in my Super Adjustable, but not in a Slim Adjustable..

[Longsword]

I used Feather. Still do. In fact I haven't tried anything else, though I do have some.

[Eric V]

Pick anyone, you know you are gonna try them all at least once.

+1


I currently favor Feathers, but I did make a run through my blade sampler a few years ago. I'm still open to trying different blades since my technic has improved since I got the sampler selections.

[gixxer]

One thing that is a fairly popular feeling is the Merkur blades are very disappointing. The Feathers are viewed as extremely sharp but they go off fast. Get a bunch of sampler packs and go from there. Whatever brands you dislike out of your samplers sell em or PIF em here in the forum.

I use 7 o clock yellows in one razor, and Super iridiums in the other. Don't bother looking for the SI's they are no longer in productionn and lately there have been A LOT of SI fakes being sold. Get a sampler with the 7 o clock yellows, blacks, greens, and whatever you can get your hands on. You are in CA, you look at westcoastshaving.com? Lots will agree they have great service.

[Foles75]

Well I used the Merkur blade that came with my razor...

After ordering a sample pack.. like other have said on here.. I am torn between the Astra SP and the Shark SC's...

[pal]

I hope you received a couple of "Derby Extra" blades in that sampler. In my opinion, the best beginner's blade. It is not the sharpest,after all, who wants a extremely sharp blade to learn on, but it is a very forgiving and long lasting blade. Good luck which ever you choose.

[datzc]

Crystal first, Shark second, wait a while before you try Feather unless you have styptic pencils, bandages, maybe a tourniquet handy...and Merkur - not at all. To me, Merkur was like scraping a credit card across my face.

[franstjohn]

I like Merkur for the first shave. The Sharks are also a competent blade. However, you have been well advised to widen your horizons with a blade sampler pack. My guess is that you will find more than one good blade.

[akira7799]

For me my razor dictates which blade I use.

If I'm using Bob's Razor Works Bull Mastiff Long Comb New, it's the Shark.

If I'm using the 1959 Gillette Super Speed Flair Tip, it's the Wilkinson Sword.

[dEEp20]

I would recommend buying a blade sampler. If this isn't an option i would recomend the sharks. I wouldn't recommend starting with a Feather, because they're insanely sharp.

[jsj_297]

Out of those, Im going with the Crystals first, sharks second, feathers third, then just throwing out the merkurs. welcome aboard sir!

[Galengwath]

I'm going to go against the grain and suggest trying the Feathers first. They certainly aren't as forgiving and you're likely to nick yourself a bit, but they'll also force you to refine your technique very quickly. Particularly that little concept of using absolutely NO pressure. Of course regardless of what you try first keep sampling blades for quite a while before you decide on a favorite.

[SHO32]

I received the same 4 blades when I ordered from Vintage Blades LLC. In my Futur I started with the Merku blades and went through a couple of them. Got it down to a DFS with them, just never really could get BBS. I then put in the Crystal's, I love those things. I then switched to the Shark blades and I managed one shave out of the blade which was so so at best. The next day using it the blade did nothing but tug and pull on my beard. I can sharpen my pocket knife better than that blade was. I went right back to the Crystal Blades.

Last week I aquired a 1941 Gillette Ranger Tech and droped a Merkur blade in it to give it a try. The Merkur blade in the Ranger Tech is very impressive, I could not get shaves with it like that in my Futur. I can't wait to try the Crystals in the Ranger Tech.

I still have not moved on to the Feather blades. I'm just so happy with the Crystals I really don't see how it could possibly get better.

[Luc]

Any would do.