Crystal vs Derby

**Ray-Vigo** · 04-24-2009, 02:46 PM

Does anyone here have a comparison of Crystal blades to Derby ones? I have Derby blades here and find them to be alright-- they're not the sharpest, but they are gentle on the skin for me. Where does Crystal fall in terms of sharpness and irritation compared to Derby as a general matter?

**GardenWeasel** · 04-24-2009, 02:49 PM

The only comparison I have is my personal preference for Crystal over Derby...

**jrcrow79** · 04-24-2009, 02:52 PM

nothing beats comparing with a Sample Pack!

**sphiny** · 04-24-2009, 02:53 PM

For me, Crystals tugged like no other, but didn't irritate. Derbys performed pretty well; they were sharper, and still really gentle.

That being said, I no longer use either blade, as I prefer Astras, and recently bought 100 from WCS.

**Ray-Vigo** · 04-24-2009, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by jrcrow79

nothing beats comparing with a Sample Pack!

That's exactly why I ask-- I have a sampler pack here. It's time to change blades, but I have two functions tomorrow and can't really go around red faced all day. The Red Pack Personnas were close but caused more redness than the Derbys. Was just wondering if the Crystals were more likely to cause redness than the Derbys before I load up prior to the stuff tomorrow, or if the Crystals were a quality blade.

**freddy88** · 04-24-2009, 03:07 PM

The Derbys and Personna Reds are, by far, my two "go to" blades. I have found the Crystals a rough irritating shave. I do not get any nicks or redness from them, just not comfortable while I'm shaving. The Derbys and Personna Reds, on the other hand, give me BBS comfortable shaves. I have tried all of them in a few different types of razors (open comb, three piece, TTO) and with different shaving soaps and the results always seem to be the same. However, there are some men who genuinely like Crystals and aren't crazy about Derbys. As with razors and shaving soaps (and creams), this is very subjective. If you haven't already, invest in a razor sampler pack that includes the Crystals and directly compare them with the Derbys. It really is the only way to find out which of them will better suit you. Good luck!

**Teiste** · 04-24-2009, 03:29 PM

Ray;
its hard to compare the Derbys to the Crystals or to the Red Pack IPs.For me the Crystals and the Red Pack IP are a nose ahead of Derbys on sharpness and being smooth.However it depends also what DE razor are you using with them.
I find Derbys great in any SS but not on the adjustables,while the IPs ones are great in all,specially in adjustables or even in a SS blue tip one.
Hope you can find the right one for you.

**kwk285** · 04-24-2009, 03:33 PM

I tried to like Derbys but I couldn't. No matter the number of passes, I was never happy with the quality of my shave.

For me Crystals give me a geat shave with 2-3 passes and clean up.

This a big user preference issue.

**bonusmarple** · 04-24-2009, 06:45 PM

I don't really care for Derbys and I need to cork the Crystals to get a good shave.

**soapbox** · 04-24-2009, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by sphiny

For me, Crystals tugged like no other, but didn't irritate.

Clearly you haven't experienced Dorcos (300, 301, whichever).

That being said, I no longer use either blade, as I prefer Astras, and recently bought 100 from WCS.

+1 I like Astras.

**soapbox** · 04-24-2009, 07:14 PM

Originally Posted by Ray-Vigo

That's exactly why I ask-- I have a sampler pack here. It's time to change blades, but I have two functions tomorrow and can't really go around red faced all day. The Red Pack Personnas were close but caused more redness than the Derbys. Was just wondering if the Crystals were more likely to cause redness than the Derbys before I load up prior to the stuff tomorrow, or if the Crystals were a quality blade.

Go with one that you know does well. Experimenting on an important day isn't a generally good idea.

**instpasr** · 04-24-2009, 07:15 PM

I prefer derbys.

**whitebar** · 04-24-2009, 08:36 PM

Originally Posted by soapbox

Go with one that you know does well. Experimenting on an important day isn't a generally good idea.

This is excellent advise!

**Tommy C** · 04-24-2009, 11:45 PM

Originally Posted by Teiste

Ray;
its hard to compare the Derbys to the Crystals or to the Red Pack IPs.For me the Crystals and the Red Pack IP are a nose ahead of Derbys on sharpness and being smooth.However it depends also what DE razor are you using with them.
I find Derbys great in any SS but not on the adjustables,while the IPs ones are great in all,specially in adjustables or even in a SS blue tip one.
Hope you can find the right one for you.

+1
I have to agrre here. I have tried Derby on my SS and it was a fine shape, but Derby with the Slim caused irritation. Personally I think Derbys are sharper but they are not necessarily give a better shave.

**niko_p** · 04-25-2009, 12:52 AM

Originally Posted by whitebar

This is excellent advise!

+1

PS: feather feather feather

**Advil** · 04-25-2009, 01:06 AM

i'll take crystals over derbys any day

**cop** · 04-25-2009, 02:52 AM

I think it' a close race between Derby's and Crystals. I like both, they are in the same price range, and they shave well. I like the Crystals a little more cause they give me a more gentle and more smooth shave.
But it may be the opposite for you. You have to try both in different razors and judge for yourself.
Good luck
cop

**New Orleans** · 04-25-2009, 03:30 AM

Originally Posted by Ray-Vigo

Does anyone here have a comparison of Crystal blades to Derby ones? I have Derby blades here and find them to be alright-- they're not the sharpest, but they are gentle on the skin for me. Where does Crystal fall in terms of sharpness and irritation compared to Derby as a general matter?

They are close. Crystal is a bit smoother, but I don't think you'll notice much difference on your face. Good luck.

**MAK** · 04-25-2009, 06:17 AM

I'm a Crystal fan.

**Rufust445** · 04-25-2009, 06:35 AM

Originally Posted by soapbox

Clearly you haven't experienced Dorcos (300, 301, whichever).

Dorco 300's and 301's are NOT the same blade.

The 300 has a two-stage grind, the 301 has a single stage grind and is PTFE coated. Most people who have tried both find the 301 sharper and smoother than the 300.

The 301 for me is comparable to a Crystal or Derby.

YMMV