Total noob with a blade question

**rup3rt** · 04-26-2012, 07:43 PM

I have been looking to DE shaving for a while and finally decided to take the plunge. I've bought a 34C (still waiting on my soap to get started) and made my own sampler based on what appears to be popular around here. I've bought a few blades of the following:
Lord Stainless
Feathers
Astra SP
Gillette Super Thin
Med Preps
7 o'clock blacks

I'm hoping to get some suggestions on what order blades to use. I'm hoping that some of them will be forgiving as I learn. My skin is probably a weenie thanks to years of an electric shaver. I have coarse hair, which is why I wanted some sharp blades in my sampler.

The 34C came with a few Dorco 301s. Should I throw the Dorcos into the mix or just work with what I bought? I know Feathers will be last. I'd hate to look at them wrong and get cut

I'm hoping the DE will put some fun into shaving for me!

**turtle** · 04-26-2012, 07:51 PM

Welcome to B&B

My suggestion is pick one (any one) and stick with it for the next 2 to 3 months until you can get a perfect shave. Then look at one of the others.

Blade leap frogging is not going to be enjoyable until you can get a consistently close smooth irritation free shave day after day.

**mblakele** · 04-26-2012, 07:52 PM

Welcome to B&B!

John at WCS has this in his FAQ

Q. In which order should I try the razor blades from the sampler pack?
A. Don't get too caught up in the order, except save the Feather for last. The most important part of the process is giving each blade enough time before making your opinion. In fact, often you may come back after your technique has improved that your opinion of a blade has changed. Have fun!

**rup3rt** · 04-26-2012, 08:13 PM

Thanks guys! My goal was to use a brand at a time to keep the shaves consistent and give me a chance to rate each blade.

The WCS FAQ was a good find. It's just one more reason to hold onto the Feathers until I'm worthy to use them :)

**deruitem** · 04-26-2012, 08:17 PM

I agree with sticking to one for a good amount of time. But..... if you are just not happy at all try something else. I started with derby blades and was about to throw in the towel until I tried sharks and some others. I still dont like derby but I can get a good shave from them now

**RCC** · 04-26-2012, 08:21 PM

I say pick one.
Then start practicing all the other techniques and processes that will help you get a DFS.
IMO - it takes quite a while until one becomes entirely comfortable with the various aspects of DE shaving and how they play together.
If you find the blade you have selected initially doesn't seem to be comfortable, try another.
You'll be able to figure out what works with the rest of your skills as they develop.
HTH

**RedRocks** · 04-26-2012, 08:26 PM

That's a real good question. I am barely a month in to DE shaving, and as tempted as I am to try every blade I can get my hands on, I totally agree with with the above. I have only gone through two of my Walgreen Stainless blades but plan on sticking with them for at least another month before I try something else.

~Frank

**Yorch** · 04-26-2012, 08:26 PM

For the as yet unanswered question: Yes, throw the Dorco 301, I actually like them better than Astra and Lords. Who knows, maybe you'll be one of the lucky ones to love cheap blades, and the money you save will be wisely invested in soaps and creams and lotions and...

**Straight Rasier User** · 04-26-2012, 08:34 PM

Map Your Face to know the way the hair grows.

Make sure your preparation is right on.

Blades good luck.

A Blade is different for each razor and each user.

Pick one and only one and get your technique down.

The one and only blade is your Best Blade.

Now take the next blade in the same razor and see if it is better.

If it is ... then it is your new Best Blade.

If it is not ... then try another of the same Blade.

Continue with this process.

Have Fun.

**Prof. Moriarty** · 04-27-2012, 03:44 AM

Welcome to B&B.

**Useless shaver** · 04-27-2012, 04:00 AM

Good advice above.

Welcome and enjoy your shaves!

**dpmtherrien** · 04-27-2012, 04:45 AM

Originally Posted by mblakele

Welcome to B&B!

John at WCS has this in his FAQ

This is perfect advice.

**Artistik** · 04-27-2012, 05:00 AM

Welcome to B&B and to the art of wet shaving!

**Oblique Human** · 04-27-2012, 05:23 AM

Originally Posted by rup3rt

I'm hoping to get some suggestions on what order blades to use.

Try alphabetical but leave the Feathers for last.

**majeiks** · 04-27-2012, 05:35 AM

Some great advice. Looking forward to hearing about your experience.

**Sledgehammer39** · 04-27-2012, 06:27 AM

Welcome Aboard!

**adios_mach_3s** · 04-27-2012, 06:39 AM

Once you get technique down and have tested all of those blades, you may want to try some Derby's. I have a coarse beard as well and the Derby's, though they may not be as sharp as some of the others, seem to give me one or two more shaves before going dull.

**NickCutlip** · 04-27-2012, 12:07 PM

Welcome to B&B !!

**PugslyCat** · 04-27-2012, 12:34 PM

Welcome to B&B!

I have to agree with the others about finding one blade you can stand to use for a while until you have your technique down, then start the blade hopping. I didn't do that when I started and really couldn't tell the difference between a discount store blade and a Feather. I have stuck with the discount store blades for a year and am just now getting back to the sampler pack.

**rup3rt** · 04-27-2012, 06:03 PM

Thanks for all the great advice!

Yorch, I'll throw the Dorcos in the sampler and see what happens.

PugslyCat, I think that's a good idea. I might check out Wallyworld and see if mine has the Wilkinsons in stock. If those are good enough for now, I'll stick to them before moving on to my sampler.