First sampler pack just came

[sharpie1195]

Hello all! I just received my first blade sampler pack from WCS. It consists of the following:

10 Merkur Platinum stainless
10 Feather New Hi stainless
10 Crystal chrome
5 Red Personna-Israel
5 Bic chrome platinum-France
5 Astra superior platinum
5 Gillette 7 O'clock yellow sharpe edge
5 Derby extra
5 Dorco platinum

I am not sure where to begin. I do plan to save the Feather blades for last. The only blades I have experience with so far are the American blue Personnas, generic ones. I thought maybe the Crystals would be a good one to start with? I am open to any suggestions. I am going into "unchartered" territory. I just recently started using a DE razor. I own an Edwin Jagger DE8x series along with a Merkur 25c long handle open comb.

[polardude1983]

Really I would just pick one and kinda go with it. In the end you are gonna try all of them. So does it really matter which one you try first or last?

What blade works for me might not work for you.

I think Astras work for me, but not sure about feathers.
Others will swear on feathers.

Some will say start with a derby, some say astra and so forth. Pick one it's not gonna kill ya. And if you don't like the blade you can always choose a different one the next day :)

Another day, another shave.

[nycalling]

My opinion? Go from the mildest to the sharpest, so you aren't disappointed with the end shave. Then, mentally figure which shave you enjoyed the most and gave you the least nicks and weepers. I'm a newbie myself, but I also have the EJ DE89 and I like the feather blades with it.

[Predict]

I asked this same question not too long ago. It doesn't matter where you start, I recommend that you use 2 or 3 of each blade then once your technique is down go back through them again to find the perfect blade for you. Any blade you try now is going to feel different a month from now.
Good luck, and happy shaving!

[sharpie1195]

Hello all! Today was my first shave with the Astra superior platinum blades. I found these to be very smooth cutting blades. They seem to be sharper than the generic blue Personnas I was using. I did get some razor bumps near my chin, but that is most likely poor technique on my part. I was able to get a DFS with these blades. This is my best blade thus far, but I just starting my exploration. I will keep you all posted.

[shuasdad]

I used one Dorco and never looked back. Could've skipped it.

[huntingdan]

Good luck finding your blade. Personally I love the Red IP's!

[Sledgehammer39]

Congrats, you got some good blades in that sampler!

[Gatsby]

Hello all! Today was my first shave with the Astra superior platinum blades. I found these to be very smooth cutting blades. They seem to be sharper than the generic blue Personnas I was using. I did get some razor bumps near my chin, but that is most likely poor technique on my part. I was able to get a DFS with these blades. This is my best blade thus far, but I just starting my exploration. I will keep you all posted.

Glad to hear that you like the Astras. They really are a great blade for the price.

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

Sharpie:
My humble advice is to try 2,3,4 or 5 blades (however which amount per blade brand), before moving on to the next blade (my one & only 'go-to' blade is Shark Super Chrome).

Also, long ago 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 [and then the KAI's]. 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 follows;

a) Razor Blade / Country / Type

b) Sharpness? (aggressive, moderate sharpness, mild sharpness, tugging or pulling, ect...).

c) Closeness of Shave? (DFS, CCS, BBS, ect...).

d) Smoothness/Roughness of Shave? (moderately smooth, very smooth, very,very smooth, ect...).

e) Comfort of Shave? (no irratation, slight irratation, touch of burn, itching, ect...).

f) Overall Rating? (awesome, great, passable or unpleasant).

g) Compatible with your Razor(s)? (yes or no).

PM me with your e-mail address and I will send you my workable spread sheet example.

"A razor [blade] can't be sharpened on a piece of velvet." Author Unknown

[sharpie1195]

Thanks. I think I will save the Feathers for last...they scare me.

[bkfist]

Thanks. I think I will save the Feathers for last...they scare me.

Feathers are nothing more that really good blades. Nothing more, nothing less. They are not mystical or magical, and some don't find them particularly "comfortable". Nobody (always an exception) argues that they are not the sharpest blades out there, but it's a matter of degree of sharpness. Almost all of the blades in your sample pack are "razor sharp" (there are a couple I'd equate more along the lines of rusty tin can, but that's my *opinion*)

The Count does have a point, if you start with the sharpest, you'll eventually learn the proper technique and the duller/milder blades will be a snap. Feather, Kai, Personna blue (med & lab), Gillette Blacks - they FORCE you to have good technique because if you don't you'll get a nick.

[Triad]

Try them all!!!

[sharpie1195]

Hello all! I would like to thank all for the great advice. Today, I tried the Gillette 7'Oclock sharpedge for the first time. I feel this is a sharper blade than the Astra SP. I was able to get a BBS shave with this one using my Edwin Jagger DE8x series razor. I can see how pressure has a huge impact on the overall shaving experience. My only dislike of this blade is the packaging. It should be like the package the Feather's come in. I have saved an old jar of Prorasso pre/post cream to reuse for used blades. I will just duct tape it when full and dispose of it. I was surprised that I did not have any irritation whatsoever. So far, this is my preferred blade. I may change my mind later, but so far this is the verdict.