Should've started this about a month ago, but better late than never. Following the shave, I'll rate each blade 1-10 on smoothness, sharpness, lack of irritation (redness, burn, bleeding), longevity. In each of these categories, more is better. Currently shaving my neck only since I've got the winter beard, but I find it's the most sensitive part of my shave.
I even missed my shave this morning, the shame!
History:
DE89L
Vulfix 1000 Super Badger
DRH Arlington soap
Red Personna
Proraso ASB
This was my starting setup for the first two days of my DE shaving journey. The shave always follows a hot shower and Proraso pre/post while the brush soaks. My first shave was marginal, but I wasn't expecting the greatest results. Two days of growth was exceptionally hard to cut with a red Personna, even after all the prep. Also, lots of tugging and pulling. I'm holding things constant as much as possible (and as long as I can hold all ADs off!), these are the pre/post, soap, witch hazel and ASB. Also, only trying two WTG passes until I get technique down. Irritation was present only at the corners of my neck, a trouble spot. No nicks/weepers.
The second day, the blade did not perform any better. I've concluded that red Personnas do not agree with my DE89L.
Smooth: 3
Sharp: 2
Gentle: 5
Longevity: 5
Next:
DE89L
Derby Extra
This blade was leaps and bounds smoother than the red Personna, and made me enjoy my shave so much more. However, it required three WTG passes to get an acceptable shave. Irritation slightly more than with red Personnas.
Smooth: 5
Sharp: 3
Gentle: 6
Longevity: 5
Next:
DE89L
Personna Med-Prep
I skipped some other blades in my sampler pack and went straight for the Med-Preps, as I had just purchased 300 Supers. This blade in the 89 was extremely sharp, and felt great! No bloodletting, closest two-pass WTG shave yet. Blade's lasted three days, which is what I've calculated as the best balance between performance and value.
Smooth: 7
Sharp: 7
Gentle:8
Longevity: 8
I even missed my shave this morning, the shame!
History:
DE89L
Vulfix 1000 Super Badger
DRH Arlington soap
Red Personna
Proraso ASB
This was my starting setup for the first two days of my DE shaving journey. The shave always follows a hot shower and Proraso pre/post while the brush soaks. My first shave was marginal, but I wasn't expecting the greatest results. Two days of growth was exceptionally hard to cut with a red Personna, even after all the prep. Also, lots of tugging and pulling. I'm holding things constant as much as possible (and as long as I can hold all ADs off!), these are the pre/post, soap, witch hazel and ASB. Also, only trying two WTG passes until I get technique down. Irritation was present only at the corners of my neck, a trouble spot. No nicks/weepers.
The second day, the blade did not perform any better. I've concluded that red Personnas do not agree with my DE89L.
Smooth: 3
Sharp: 2
Gentle: 5
Longevity: 5
Next:
DE89L
Derby Extra
This blade was leaps and bounds smoother than the red Personna, and made me enjoy my shave so much more. However, it required three WTG passes to get an acceptable shave. Irritation slightly more than with red Personnas.
Smooth: 5
Sharp: 3
Gentle: 6
Longevity: 5
Next:
DE89L
Personna Med-Prep
I skipped some other blades in my sampler pack and went straight for the Med-Preps, as I had just purchased 300 Supers. This blade in the 89 was extremely sharp, and felt great! No bloodletting, closest two-pass WTG shave yet. Blade's lasted three days, which is what I've calculated as the best balance between performance and value.
Smooth: 7
Sharp: 7
Gentle:8
Longevity: 8
Last edited: