Which blade for first timer

**Cchaplow** · 07-26-2011, 09:58 AM

Hey guys,

My shipment of supplies is arriving today! I purchased a sample pack of blades consisting of the following:

2 FEATHER Hi-Stainless (Japan)
2 BlueBird (Europe)
2 Derby (Turkey)
2 Super-Max Platinum (India)
2 Gillette Platinum (Russia)
2 Gillette GOAL Stainless (India)
2 TREET Platinum (Pakistan)
2 Super-Max Stainless (India)
2 ASTRA Superior Stainless (Russia)
2 ASTRA Superior Platinum (Russia)
2 TRIG Silver Edge Stainless (Pakistan)
2 TREET Classic (Pakistan)
2 Gillette 7 O'Clock Super Stainless (Russia)
2 LORD Super Chrome (Egypt)
2 LORD Platinum Class (Egypt)
2 LORD Super Stainless (Egypt)
2 LORD Classic (Egypt)
2 SHARK Super Stainless (Egypt)
2 SHARK Super Chrome (Egypt)
2 ASCO Super Stainless (Egypt)
2 BIGBEN Super Stainless (Egypt)
2 CROWN Super Stainless (Egypt)

Which blades should I start with and which ones should I stay away from. My beard is fairly coarse and skin is of average sensitivity.

I will be using either a '61 super speed or new EJ De89lbl.

Also in my shipment will be a Simpson Duke 2 Best brush, T&H lavender cream, DR Harris Arlington soap.

Thank you for your help.
Chris

**smalltank** · 07-26-2011, 10:13 AM

Try any of em at your choice..I chose my 1st DE blades by color...;-)

**BRRV** · 07-26-2011, 10:35 AM

If this was me, I'd start with Derby. But that's just me.

Color is good. You could also do it alphabetically. Or by country of origin. You could also put them all in a bag and pull one out every time you need a new choice. Seriously, you'll have to try every one of them - you can't say this one is good and that one is bad unless you try them all (and not just one of each - at least two of each, preferably three, unless it's just so perfectly awful that you want to through the pack away). Some blades will leap out at you as being perfect for you personally, and it's always different for each person (there is no universally accepted "perfect blade" for everyone). For me, Israeli blades are a touch better than certain Russian ones. But I'm still evaluating blades. Up next: KAI.

**StuMcB** · 07-26-2011, 12:16 PM

I'd leave the feather alone or at least untill you've gotten the hang of some of the others.

**JonM** · 07-26-2011, 12:18 PM

I second the Derby. Feathers are great but are best suited for those who have their technique down.

**Artistik** · 07-26-2011, 12:19 PM

Start with the feathers. You will refine your technique real fast!

**JonM** · 07-26-2011, 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by Artistik

Start with the feathers. You will refine your technique real fast!

You are an evil, heartless man. I like it.

**joglander** · 07-26-2011, 12:43 PM

I would hold off on the feathers until you have a bit of experience. Of the blades I have tried, the ONLY blades I consistently had bad experiences with were Derbys. I'd try everything else first.

**Cchaplow** · 07-27-2011, 08:52 AM

Thanks everyone. All of my gear came except for the brush! Now it is scheduled for delivery on 8/2; was hoping to give it all a try this weekend but i guess it will have to wait. Loaded a derby in the EJ and shaved a little patch off my arm. I think that I am going to really enjoy shaving with a DE. I couldn't even feel the blade on my skin. I know that my face is different than my arm but I have high hopes.

**Angry__Panda** · 07-27-2011, 08:57 AM

Feather. Don't let these guys scare you. Feather blades aren't a big deal, they are just made a big deal by all the hype ;) . I started with a Feather, got quite a few nicks, no big deal, that's what a styptic is for.

**joe.attaboy** · 07-27-2011, 08:59 AM

I just returned to wet saving in recent weeks and am also working my way through my sample blade purchase.

I agree with what everyone said about Feathers. Wonderful blades, very sharp and they can be aggressive on the "newbie" face. They were on my 56-year-old mug. However, there's something to be said for "jumping right in." That's a decision you need to make, carefully.

Shave quality varies widely among blades and faces, but I had great success (so far) with the Blue Birds and the Astra Platinums. The Gillette Platinum is also a very good blade, but I didn't like the 7 O'Clocks. I could barely feel the latter blade on my face when I used it. So far, the Astra has been a particular favorite.

Enjoy.

**GregDR** · 07-27-2011, 09:27 AM

Personally the smothest forgiving blade for me has been the Astra SP's. I'd start with those but as you've probably heard already what works well for one person doesn't always work well for another. You'll have to just experiment with them.

Good Luck! and Welcome!

**hawgsfan34** · 07-27-2011, 11:19 AM

Derby, Bluebirds, or the Astras IMO. When your not cutting or nicking yourself with those, try a feather.

**echotron** · 07-27-2011, 11:43 AM

Since your first shaves are really just practice runs ... it doesn't matter. Try the Lord Stainless Steel.

**Squirrelcop** · 07-27-2011, 11:47 AM

I'm only about 3 months into wetshaving myself. I think i tried a Derby for a week then the Feather came next and I haven't looked back. I supposed if I was chopping myself up with it I'd be trying others out but its like butter going trough my stubble. I bought a sample pack too and havent felt the need to search any further. I give all those sample blades to my buddies that I'm trying to switch over now. The Feather's are the way to go.

**Acmemfg** · 07-27-2011, 01:42 PM

Throw the Trigs away...NOW!! They are the work of Satan. Of course if you want your face to look like the aftermath of a Benihana chef's training session, load one up. The Astras are a fine blade. Feathers are...Feathers. Ruthlessly sharp, unforgiving, and capable of one of the best shaves you will ever experience. They do require a skilled hand though.

**shakin_jake** · 07-28-2011, 03:43 AM

I'm the odd man out...my favorite DE blade when I first started with DE razors was and still is the Derby. Haven't shaved with DE's in a while (liking and been using str8's lately)

Best,

Jake
Reddick Fla.

**grimas42** · 07-28-2011, 04:56 AM

I have found that the Super Max blades work best for me. Feathers are a great blade as well, but as others have mentioned the "best" choice changes from face to face.

**deruitem** · 07-28-2011, 05:04 AM

I have used most of these blades at least once as they came from my sampler pack I started with. I started with a derby and hated it. I would choose any of the others maybe a shark or astra. After you can get a good shave with those without nicks or cuts I would jump to the feather. I waited a long time and wished I hadnt. Now that I have gotten a good tech down I can get a good shave with almost any blade. If you keep your touch with the razor nice and light you should be fine.