Hi all! I thought I'd offer some feedback on the blades I've used so far. I've used them all in my Merkur 34C except the Crystal which was used in my Ikon OSS and the Derby which was used in my Parker 99R.
Astra SP-This was the first blade I tried in the 34C when I began wet shaving. I got the impression that it was too sharp and not very smooth. I experienced irritation on my 2 shaves with it. I will revisit this blade to determine how much my technique was involved.
Gillette Wilkinson-This was the second blade I tried in my Merkur 34C. The difference in comfort from the Astra SP and this blade was night and day. It was very smooth and still sharp enough to get the job done efficiently. This is my favorite blade to date.
Derby Extra-This was the first blade I used in my 99R. A horrible experience. This blade was certainly less sharp than the Astra SP and the Gillette Wilkinson. Very uncomfortable shave with lots of pulling and tugging. IMHO this blade is junk.
Crystal-This was the first blade I used in the OSS. A good experience. Seems equal to the Gillette Wilkinson for sharpness however it may be just a little less smooth to me, but only very little. I'll try this in my 34C and see how it goes.
Personna Blue-Used in my 34C just this morning. A good experience. Perhaps slightly less sharp than the Gillette Wilkinson but just as smooth. I'll continue to use this blade as well.
Astra SP-This was the first blade I tried in the 34C when I began wet shaving. I got the impression that it was too sharp and not very smooth. I experienced irritation on my 2 shaves with it. I will revisit this blade to determine how much my technique was involved.
Gillette Wilkinson-This was the second blade I tried in my Merkur 34C. The difference in comfort from the Astra SP and this blade was night and day. It was very smooth and still sharp enough to get the job done efficiently. This is my favorite blade to date.
Derby Extra-This was the first blade I used in my 99R. A horrible experience. This blade was certainly less sharp than the Astra SP and the Gillette Wilkinson. Very uncomfortable shave with lots of pulling and tugging. IMHO this blade is junk.
Crystal-This was the first blade I used in the OSS. A good experience. Seems equal to the Gillette Wilkinson for sharpness however it may be just a little less smooth to me, but only very little. I'll try this in my 34C and see how it goes.
Personna Blue-Used in my 34C just this morning. A good experience. Perhaps slightly less sharp than the Gillette Wilkinson but just as smooth. I'll continue to use this blade as well.
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