Best blades for newbie (in a Gillette British Tech)

**Rev-O** · 02-05-2009, 09:56 AM

Hi all

TOTAL NEWBIE here and about to start DE shaving. I bought a long-handled barber pole 38C (which I think has the same head as the HD?) and the seller threw in a Gillette British Tech (alu) for free.

Question 1: which should I start with?

Question 2: I've got some Derby's for the Merkur but which is best for the Tech?

Question 3: What's the difference between a SuperSpeed (which you lot all seem pretty keen on) and aluminum Tech? Is there much in it?

THANKS

**pal** · 02-05-2009, 10:16 AM

IMHO, if you already have Derby's, look no further. I think they are the best all around blade avalible.

A Super Speed has twist open silo doors and is all in one piece. A Tech comes apart in three pieces. To change a blade in the Tech you have to take the razor completely apart while the SS you just twist the handle. I hope this makes sense.

**Leche** · 02-05-2009, 10:29 AM

Originally Posted by Rev-O

Question 2: I've got some Derby's for the Merkur but which is best for the Tech?

The best blade is the one that works for you. If its the derby then use it. If not find something else. Blades are trial and error.

**Chacki** · 02-05-2009, 12:18 PM

I was never a fan of the aluminium Tech , i found it far to light tbh.
I learnt my shave technique on an HD.

Ive tried the Tech again since , but found it to be to mild for myself.

For me , i'd learn on the 38C , the better weight will help you get away from the habit of applying pressure easier imo.

+1 on the Derbys i think they are a nice all round blade.

**drthrd** · 02-05-2009, 01:04 PM

As for blades I would get a sampler pack. http://westcoastshaving.com/ has some good ones.

**Coop** · 02-05-2009, 03:25 PM

I'd start with the tech. It is mild, but properly used, it will yield a surprisingly close shave. Whichever one you choose to start with, stick with it until you more or less master it- switching back and forth between razors at this stage will not be a productive exercise. Get a sample blade pack and experiment with blades instead until you find the right combination. I'm personally not a fan of either of the blades you have- try a swede or a yellow gilette in the tech.

**netsurfr** · 02-05-2009, 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by drthrd

As for blades I would get a sampler pack. http://westcoastshaving.com/ has some good ones.

+1 if your current blade is not working for your new razor, try a sampler pack. Many folks use different blades for different razors. I personally like feathers in any razor.

**Tigger23505** · 02-05-2009, 03:46 PM

+1 on sample packs. Every face is different, every razor is different. The same model razor or even the same razor in different hands on a different face will produce different results with the same blade.

++1 on the trial and error.

5(+) on sticking with one razor to learn technique.

In closing, you will, if you are like most of us need to resist the urge to change things for a while. You should pick one brush, one soap, one razor and one blade. Use the entire package of blades, to learn the razor. Keeping the same brush, soap and prep try a different blade. Use enough of this blade to see whether it works for you or not. Then try another one. Depending on your personality you may or may not want to keep a paper record of how things are going. My guess is that about 1/3 of the regulars here are record keepers.