Crystal DE Blades

**Giant** · 09-17-2008, 04:54 PM

Well, I am currently working my way through my West Coast Shaving sample pack, and I have run into a very strange situation with the Crystal blades. I had heard good things about these relatively cheap blades, so I was very excited to give them a try.

I have shaved with them a few times now, and I find that they feel terrible on my face. They feel as if they are skipping across my face, and raking the skin.

However, when I feel my face, I find that they are doing an excellent job. Two passes (one WTG and one XTG) and I am getting a DFS, and in some places, I am very nearly BBS.

Most of the discomfort comes during the actual shave itself, and my skin is only slightly more irritated after shaving than with other blades. I really don't know what to make of these blades. They make the shave much less enjoyable, but who can argue with results?

**joshmpdx** · 09-17-2008, 05:03 PM

For me, the primary goal of spending a ridiculous amount of time shaving, shave shopping, and thinking about shaving in general, is a quest for the perfect shave.

The situation you describe would definately not cut it for me.

don't you feel with the skipping and jumping that your face is being nicked up all around. life is too short with all the fun toys available.

what other blades are you enjoying??

josh

**iamdarkangel2005** · 09-17-2008, 05:06 PM

I have this blades for sale, but they are called Israeli Personnas Super +.

Perhaps this blades are not good for your skin! Is weird I shave with them and get a clean shave, not a sharp as other blades but it does do job. Specially if your face is sensitive like mine. Have you tried with another razor? Usually if a shave for me skips like you said, then it is something that I am doing wrong.

Is this the only blade that you get this results?

**Swat** · 09-17-2008, 05:17 PM

I found the same thing to be true regarding the shave. For me Derby's are far preferred and I've got 100 on their way to me. I classify the crystals similar to the Dorcos in the WCS sampler.

**stobes21** · 09-17-2008, 05:32 PM

I've not found that to be my experience with Crystals. I find them to be slightly sharper but a bit harsher than derbys. I get good shaves from them.

However, if you aren't you should try something else. There's no reason to put up with a painful experience just for a close shave. That's the whole reason we're here, right?

**shyrlock** · 09-17-2008, 06:59 PM

Everyone can get a different result and perception. I really like the Crystal blades, they give me a smooth comfortable shave X4 from each blade. The only blade, from the WestCoast sampler that I like better is the Swedish Gillette.
This is truly a "Your Mileage May Vary" situation. The only blade that most people agree on is the Merkur. It's bad.
Try them all and go with the one you enjoy shaving with.
Cheers,
Mike

**DunEdinRanger** · 09-17-2008, 08:55 PM

I recently got ten good shaves from the Crystals.

**SamCracker** · 09-18-2008, 05:47 AM

I also get excellent shaves from the Crystals. I also get great shaves with the Merkur blades, except when used in my Merkur razor, go figure!

**lostinwv** · 09-18-2008, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by Giant

Well, I am currently working my way through my West Coast Shaving sample pack, and I have run into a very strange situation with the Crystal blades. I had heard good things about these relatively cheap blades, so I was very excited to give them a try.

I have shaved with them a few times now, and I find that they feel terrible on my face. They feel as if they are skipping across my face, and raking the skin.

However, when I feel my face, I find that they are doing an excellent job. Two passes (one WTG and one XTG) and I am getting a DFS, and in some places, I am very nearly BBS.

Most of the discomfort comes during the actual shave itself, and my skin is only slightly more irritated after shaving than with other blades. I really don't know what to make of these blades. They make the shave much less enjoyable, but who can argue with results?

You've just perfectly described my experience with these blades. I have used them for 3 consecutive days on two different occasions, and I find that the end results are good, but the shave is unpleasant in the manner you described.

My decision: no more.

Derby's shave pretty much as close for me, without the down side.

Dave

**sol92258** · 09-18-2008, 10:43 AM

Crystals are similar for me. Usually by the 3rd shave, they're quite smooth and good results, but the first couple of shaves are kinda rough. I've had luck "corking"* the blades before first use as well.

*actually using a piece of polystyrene foam, but "corking" sounds better and easier to type than "polystyrening"
**for more info on "corking" blades, simply search the sight for "corking"

**tvphotog** · 09-18-2008, 01:04 PM

Giant,

Check your blade angle. If you're holding the razor too vertical, it'll scrape and skip while still cutting the whiskers(and your skin.) Set the razor head on your skin with the handle parallel to the floor and lower it until you hear the whiskers being cut. Watch that angle and occasionally, put the handle more parallel to the floor to make sure you're holding it. That allows the blade to cut the way it's supposed to, without scraping the skin.