Derby today vs Crystal last week

**lsbrodsky** · 12-08-2008, 03:48 AM

This is my second week of DE and I moved to the Derby blade today. Not sure I could tell much difference from the Crystal last week. I did a 4th pass in a few places on my jaw and neck with no irritation or cuts so all is well. Maybe any differences will show up in the 2nd or 3rd shave with this blade.

**expatCanuck** · 12-08-2008, 12:56 PM

If you can't tell the difference then, for you, there may well be none.
That said, you'll want to go back to the Crystal to check whether, because of improved technique, that's the smoother blade for you.

Remember -- always be comparing known blade to unknown blade. One variable at a time.

- Richard

**lsbrodsky** · 12-08-2008, 01:05 PM

Thanks. I am going to try about 10 days with the Derby then move on to the swedish Gillette in my sampler pack, then the Feather. I am keeping a log so I can go back and try some of these blades again before I buy a large quantity. Having said that, I am still amazed that there was little difference between the Crystal and the Derby. The Derby was quieter as it was cutting so maybe that means it is sharper. The difference between the Crystal and the Merkur was huge. The Merkur gave me an ugly shave. My technique contines to improve, no doubt, but this really is not brain surgery. There is so much good advice on this forum that if you have been shaving with cream and a Sensor variant as long as I have, most of the advice just makes good sense.
Larry

**DirtyDave** · 12-08-2008, 01:10 PM

I like them both. I couldn't really decide which one I preferred, so I just wound up using them both. Maybe I just like having a choice, who know?

**Gobstopper** · 12-08-2008, 05:21 PM

I had interesting experiences with the Derby and Crystal blades(in a Gillette SS black handle). I first started with a Dorco, went pretty well, then tried a Derby. WOW, I don't know if it was a bad blade, but it really tore my face up. Next, the Crystal worked pretty well(a slight bit rougher than the Dorco). On a whim I thought I would try a Derby again. This time around it was quite similar to the Crystal. Some irritation on the ATG pass, but nothing compared to the first Derby. It's possible, but not that likely that my technique vastly deteriorated from week 1 to 2(Dorco to Derby). Not quite sure what to make of it.

**Watchmen** · 12-08-2008, 06:13 PM

In addition to technique, there's the fact the fact is getting more conditioned as shaving continues from day to day and week to week.

**deshaveman** · 12-08-2008, 06:33 PM

Don't take this the wrong way but if you are new to DE shaving I would highly recommend that you stop trying new blades until you have your technique down pat. If you found a blade that doesn't rip your face to shreds (crystals) then keep using them until you are getting consistently smooth irritation-free shaves for a whole week. I got there at about the 5-week mark. Some people take longer, some shorter. You want to get to the point that you are angling the head of the razor and taking strokes without thinking about it (i.e. muscle memory).

Until your technique is developed you really can't evaluate different blades/razors/soaps/creams effectively because you can't be certain whether it is a blade or your technique....the soap you picked or the way you made the lather. Evaluating the performance of a blade or razor is most effective when you can control the other variables. When trying a new blade I can pull out a razor I know well along with a soap that I know gives great glide and cushion. I whip up a lather that I know will do the job for me. Eliminating other variables I can effectively evaluate just the blade. I do the same with new soaps. I pull out a known razor and blade combo and then just experiment with the lather. It the blade drags or I get irritation I know it has to be the soap.

Don't worry. There will be plenty of time to try out all these blades. The first few weeks of DE shaving is about developing technique. Until you do you can't effectively evaluate the performance of various blades.

**Masterofsparks** · 12-08-2008, 07:28 PM

I exclusivly use Derby blades and I find that my first shave with a new blade can at times cause me problems. When I cork the blade it works fine; or if I use a new blade on about two days growth of beard WTG the second and third passes do fine. Anyway that is my experience!

**Bobtrumpet** · 12-08-2008, 08:17 PM

Originally Posted by deshaveman

Don't take this the wrong way but if you are new to DE shaving I would highly recommend that you stop trying new blades until you have your technique down pat. If you found a blade that doesn't rip your face to shreds (crystals) then keep using them until you are getting consistently smooth irritation-free shaves for a whole week. I got there at about the 5-week mark. Some people take longer, some shorter. You want to get to the point that you are angling the head of the razor and taking strokes without thinking about it (i.e. muscle memory).

Until your technique is developed you really can't evaluate different blades/razors/soaps/creams effectively because you can't be certain whether it is a blade or your technique....the soap you picked or the way you made the lather. Evaluating the performance of a blade or razor is most effective when you can control the other variables. When trying a new blade I can pull out a razor I know well along with a soap that I know gives great glide and cushion. I whip up a lather that I know will do the job for me. Eliminating other variables I can effectively evaluate just the blade. I do the same with new soaps. I pull out a known razor and blade combo and then just experiment with the lather. It the blade drags or I get irritation I know it has to be the soap.

Don't worry. There will be plenty of time to try out all these blades. The first few weeks of DE shaving is about developing technique. Until you do you can't effectively evaluate the performance of various blades.

Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!

If you just started using a DE, even if you are keeping all the other materials the same (brush, soap/cream, etc.) you do have several variables every day - blade, angle, pressure, etc. If you really hone your technique with all the same equipment, you'll be in a better position to evaluate new gear.

**lsbrodsky** · 12-09-2008, 04:02 AM

Logical, but I do not have the patience. I want to find the best blade for me then perfect technique. I feel OK with this because I spent several weeks learning the shaving brush use and multiple passes with my Sensor. I am at the point where I can shave several passes, 3 or 4, with my Progress and not have any nicks or irritation. My Sensor gave me more irritation on 2 passes than I am getting with 4 on my neck with my DE.
Today was the second day on the Derby and it was even smoother than yesterday. This could easily be my go to blade.