Alright Blade Gurus...give me some wisdom!

**AirForceMX** · 06-13-2012, 06:51 AM

I have the type of skin/beard combo everyone thinks they have when they first start wetshaving....whiskers thick as steel, and moderately sensitive skin. Really though...thats my set up. I've been DE shaving for roughly two years now and I'm still trying to find a good blade...well my "perfect" blade. Heres my results so far. If any of you guys are bored out there gimme some constructive criticism and maybe point out some good blades that have worked for you!

MedPrep-Not Smooth, SAS, almost no razor burn
Astra SP-Very Smooth, DFS, mild razor burn
Feather, Smoothest Blade I've every tried, BBS...at the cost of razor burn however

I'm sure I could get these blades above to work better for me if I really take the time and scrutinize my technique every day, but I'd really like to find a blade I can enjoy without having to "worry" about my angle/pressure etc. My technique is very good anyways and I'm pretty positive that is not the issue.

Some blades I've tried in the past and need to revisit. 7 O'clock Yellows, and Greens, Sharks.I've heard a lot about Super Iridiums I need to give those a shot too. Seem like I need to find a sharper blade, but not so sharp that it eats up my fairly sensitive skin. Thanks for any input!
P.S. I've already done a ton of research, just trying to see what the crowd has to say

**DavidB** · 06-13-2012, 07:16 AM

Not sure I can offer any advice, but am curious what razor(s) you are using.

Dave

**OccamsBadger** · 06-13-2012, 07:24 AM

I'm going to think outside the box a little on this one. I have the same problem, wiry whiskers and sensitive skin. I think many of us are here on B&B because that combo is hard to handle and getting a great shave is difficult for us.

I started as a DE shaver in the 1960s and wandered off into cartridges like most others in the late 1970s. When I got back into DE, I bought a Merkur 23C and a large sample pack of blades. The Astras, Sharks, MedPreps, Red Personnas, and Feathers worked the best for me but it wasn't that super shave I wanted. The Bluebirds, Derbys, Gillette 7 O'clock greens and blues just didn't work for my face at all. The bluebirds were especially rough and got the nickname "Face Weasel". I was comfortable with my technique and that didn't seem to be the issue.

Then I bought a Weber DLC bulldog razor and it changed my shave completely. The blades that I had picked as working well started working super. I went back and retried all the ones that didn't make the cut and they had improved immensely. I love my Weber but I don't want to make that the focus here. The big thing is that whether it's the extra heft, the more aggressive blade exposure (weber is still fairly mild but more aggressive than the 23C), or some other factor, this new razor just works better for me. It hits my natural sweet spot without my having to fuss with it.

So, the answer might not be a new blade, it might be a new razor. I don't have enough experience to start recommending razors but I did want to let you know - I fixed my blade problems with a new razor.

Has that worked for anyone else?

**AirForceMX** · 06-13-2012, 07:29 AM

Originally Posted by OccamsBadger

So, the answer might not be a new blade, it might be a new razor. I don't have enough experience to start recommending razors but I did want to let you know - I fixed my blade problems with a new razor.

Has that worked for anyone else?

Thanks for the input. I've been using a 66 SuperSpeed but now that you mention it, I'm pretty sure when i was using my Red Tip I was getting no razor burn at all. Funny since it is more aggressive than the 66. I think I'm gonna try out the ole Red tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestion!

**cfender** · 06-13-2012, 08:14 AM

At the end of the day I think the Feather is the superior blade but it's not a perfect blade. I can get more stubble with less effort with the Feather than any other blade I've tried. That includes, among others, Med Prep, Super Iridium, 7 O'clock Black/Blue/Yellow, Polsilver, Perma-sharp Super, Gillette Silver Blue, and Gillette Bleue Extra.

The issue is that I often get carried away with the Feather and keep going (unnecessarily) closer and closer and create irritation or draw blood. Irritation seems to be especially a risk if I'm using Feathers for several days in a row.

So I believe that I am often still not conservative and cautious enough with the Feather. I've had great shaves with other blades but I've had far more of them with the Feather than anything else.

**Hawkeye5** · 06-13-2012, 08:17 AM

You are using a 60's razor, why not try 60's blades?
Personal opinion only, sample Personna 74 and Gillette Spoilers. Miles ahead of any current blade for me. Yes they cost more, but they last twice as long.

**Nanker/Phelge** · 06-13-2012, 08:19 AM

I've found Gillette Blues to be a very nice balance, the Blacks are alright too. Got one of each in a "build your own sampler" type deal here:

http://www.shoeboxshaveshop.com/nivsspgiplth.html

**man00ver** · 06-13-2012, 10:59 AM

The blades that come to mind for you to try are the 7 O'Clock Super Platinum (Blue or Black package; try them both).
I find the Red Tip a much less irritating shaver than the Flare Tip. You might want to locate a '40s-style Superspeed or Aristocrat if you can.

**GencoOliveOilCompany** · 06-13-2012, 11:20 AM

The Gillette 7 O'Clocks are wonderful...I agree that Blues are somewhere in the middle in terms of aggressiveness....Blacks and Yellows the sharpest...but all of them are plenty sharp. Lord Platinum Class is a great blade as are Lord Supers (blue and white box). Finally, I still cannot believe the quality for the price, but Super-Max Super Stainless blades have been giving me great shaves. Super-Max also has Titaniums and Platinums that are fine, but much more expensive.

Blades are never a "this will work for everybody" package. You need to experiment....it's very subjective. Just buy 5 at a time, and work your way thru them; that expenditure will not break the bank. You'll know after 2 shaves if it's your blade. Please do not buy in bulk unless you really like the blade.

**raisindot** · 06-13-2012, 11:28 AM

If you're getting a lot of razor burn, it may mean that you're doing too many passes or applying too much pressure, which you may be doing because your whiskers are 'prepared' to be cut. You didn't mention what your pre-shave regimen is, but you might want to try Kyle's prep--cover your face with a thin layer of shave cream or soap and then apply a hot, wet rag or towel to your face for a couple minutes. This may help you get a better shave with less irritation. You might also want to try something like the Nivea pre-shave soap--it can really get them whiskers standing at attention and ready to cut.

**AirForceMX** · 06-13-2012, 07:27 PM

Originally Posted by OccamsBadger

So, the answer might not be a new blade, it might be a new razor. I don't have enough experience to start recommending razors but I did want to let you know - I fixed my blade problems with a new razor.

Has that worked for anyone else?

Took your suggestion and popped a brand new MedPrep into my RedTip this morning. Close shave, and ZERO razor burn! Funny that the Red Tip is more aggressive than the SuperSpeed, but I'm not complaining! I guess my face just likes the RedTip better. Thanks again buddy!