Blunt Blade?

[calexs]

I've really got the hang of DE shaveing this past week and a half. I strted corking blades before I used them and have had great smooth shaves without a single nick (I was previously getting weepers and razor burn a few times per shave)

I know some people here don't accept that corking has any benefits, but it seems to work for me. However, the past two blades I used (from different Derby packs) have not shaved well at all. After three passes (I had been using two passes as I'm pretty new to this, but with good results) it's hardly touched the surface and I look like I haven't shaved since yesterday.

Although I swap creams and soaps around daily, I think it's definitely a blade issue. So I think I've just overdone the corking (too many passes through the cork) and blunted the blade so it's not really cutting. Does anyone think this is likely? Or maybe something else?

I think my technique is pretty good and I no longer get any irritation or the sorts so I think the cutting angle is good.

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

[biomesh]

I would honestly focus on technique and prep before performing any equipment modifications (i.e. corking blades).

If you want to try how different blades perform, I would get a blade sampler pack and work through it first with the blades as is.

[calexs]

Thanks for the advice. The only think I'd say is I've been using Derbys and had good success this past two weeks since I started corking the blade. It's just the last two days I've had problems with. I know what you're saying though.

Or maybe it's my improving technique that has given me better shaves and the corking is all in the mind and is just making the blades less effective?

[thirdeye]

It could just be a simple case of a bad blade.

[biomesh]

Or maybe it's my improving technique that has given me better shaves and the corking is all in the mind and is just making the blades less effective?

I can't comment on corking, but working on your prep and technique will definitely improve your results.

[Consettmag]

I seem to get a consistent shave with Derby's and never really had any bother about bluntness. As stated, may just be the bad luck of a blunt blade through corking.

That leads me nicely onto what is all this corking about? Sounds bizarre to me! Is it because the blade is too sharp? How many swipes through the cork? Etc, etc, I'm puzzled.

[calexs]

Well for me, the blade was too sharp and lead to minute nicks and some redness on the neck every shave. Since I started corking - about 1 or two swipes through a cork for each side - after advice I got from a B&B member I've had really smooth shaves, no nicks or cuts whatsoever and absolutely no redness or irritation at all. So it must slightly dull the blade and make it a little more forgiving. I have a fairly light beard and it suits me.

I think some people here snigger at it and some totally dismiss it.

[Skier]

Have you tried starting with a different blade? The Dorcos or Merkurs may allow you to slap in a new blade and not bother with corking.