Derby 'extra' Stainless.

[Kwaka_Chris]

I am finally around to testing different blades on my face after getting used to enough technique that I can shave every portion of my face to BBS and my neck and chin to a DFS.

Lately I have really been enjoying the red Personna blades, finding them both sharp and smooth and quite compatible with my technique. Today I decided that I would unwrap one of these that I have in my DE blade tray


I lathered up with Proraso cream after a hot shower, popped a Derby into my Merkur 34c and went to town. I shaved the usual WTG, XTG, then a final XTG or ATG for my face.

I also shaved my neck WTG then XTG, usually I don't venture any further than this or I get irritation.

My verdict? the blade doesn't seem to be any difference in sharpness to the Personnas, however DAMN! it felt so smooth almost as if it wasn't touching my face. This was a double edged sword (no pun intended) as it made me feel that I could get away with an ATG or XTG 3rd pass on my neck to make it closer to a BBS finish.

... I was wrong, decent amount of burn and 2 weepers after applying some balm, but its all gone now, fantastic shave I just received though from them, I Think I will be buying a bulk load of these to include in rotation with a bulk load of Personna Red's !

[DEmole]

I started with the Derby Extras...then tried the Red Personna after reading all the rave reviews of the Personna. I was surprised to find that the RP blade seemed to drag more than the Derby and was more irritating to my face. I like the RP blades (will probably try them again soon) but the Derbys are my current 'standard' blade due to the consistency and cheap price.

If that was your first shave with the Derby give it a try tomorrow! I find that days 2 and 3 are the 'sweet spot' with the Derby blades...the first shave is a little rough then then next two days are excellent.

[Kwaka_Chris]

If the first shave is usually considered 'rough' then these blades would shave like rubbing butter on my face tomorrow haha.

[demaro]

I enjoy using Derby blades also, Very smooth !!

[Sledgehammer39]

I started with Derby's early on, but something changed with them and I just don't get along with them all that well nowadays.

[inspiringK]

I started with Derby's early on, but something changed with them and I just don't get along with them all that well nowadays.

I had the same experience, they just tore my face up. So, I took a picture of a new Derby blade under the microscope - once I saw it, it was obvious to me why they weren't as smooth as I expected.

Spoiler:

[Chadtheguru]

So, I took a picture of a new Derby blade under the microscope - once I saw it, it was obvious to me why they weren't as smooth as I expected.

Wow! Really??

I tried a couple of them and they seemed acceptable. So I bought the big cheap brick and they don't seem sharp enough. Could be a change in my technique?

[El Judio Bravo]

If Derby blades work for you, you're a lucky guy. They're both inexpensive and widely available.

I tried 'em and they didn't pass muster with me. Luckily I've found lots of blades I like and some of them are a very good buy in bulk.

[Uplorry]

Derby blades are value for money but Astra platinum works better for me.