More shaves with more expensive blades.

**New Orleans** · 05-17-2009, 11:26 AM

Do you get more shaves with a more expensive blade, as opposed to a Crystal or Dorco, for instance?

**bonusmarple** · 05-17-2009, 11:46 AM

I get 4 shaves with a Dorco or Crystal, so for the more expensive blades like 7 O'Clocks, Feathers, Bolzano, Iridium, here is the breakdown.

- 7 O'Clocks (Sharp Edge, Super Stainless, and Permasharp) = yes, about 1-2 more shaves
- Feather = no
- Bolzano = no
- Iridium = yes, about 2-3 more shaves

**New Orleans** · 05-17-2009, 03:25 PM

More responses please; I'm about to make a big blade order and need more information!

**redgrandam** · 05-17-2009, 03:27 PM

Not necessairly. You should really test out the blade first before ordering a lot of them. Compare with a few other samples so you have something to compare to. But certainly price does not equal more shaves, nor does it mean you will get better or closer shaves. I get my best shaves out of Derby's, and they are certainly not an expensive one.

**citizensoldierny** · 05-17-2009, 03:34 PM

Order a sampler pack and find what is right for you before placing a big order. West coast shave has some good ones.

**SRock** · 05-17-2009, 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by citizensoldierny

Order a sampler pack and find what is right for you before placing a big order. West coast shave has some good ones.

+1. What we say may be totally the opposite from what you discover. For example the 7 O'clock SharpEdge (Yellow) is in my top three. I read a post the other day where they were compared to Dorco or Merkur (blades I can't use).

**erudolph** · 05-17-2009, 07:10 PM

The sample pack: I think what happens is, you get started in DE shaving and you order a sample pack. You make some decisions about what blades you like. Then you shave for a while and start asking different questions about the blades, for example, what blades last longer, or what blades are good in this razor I just acquired, but your sample pack is exhausted. So, you need to order another.... This may happen several times.

**ctakim** · 05-17-2009, 10:08 PM

Also, you have to watch out for inherent bias, conscious or unconscious. If you know you paid more for a blade you might (and I would) be inclined to try to get more use out of it.

**Synack** · 05-17-2009, 10:28 PM

Personally, I've been able to get at least three nice shaves out of any blade, except Feather. I have to ditch a Feather after the second shave or it just starts feeling more like a Dorco

.

**New Orleans** · 05-18-2009, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by erudolph

The sample pack: I think what happens is, you get started in DE shaving and you order a sample pack. You make some decisions about what blades you like. Then you shave for a while and start asking different questions about the blades, for example, what blades last longer, or what blades are good in this razor I just acquired, but your sample pack is exhausted. So, you need to order another.... This may happen several times.

This is a very good point. As a newbie it will take me years to sort this out. I need the help of the experienced shavers on the forum.

**Fozziebear** · 05-18-2009, 10:58 AM

I'm taking it pretty slow. I've found a razor I like for now: 1969 Gillette SA Long Handle. At some point in the distant future (read: when I have disposable cash), I might get a little RAD and try a Merkur this or that. The same thing goes for my cream (Proraso, for now). Now that I have reasonable combination there, I'm going through the sample pack.

As for cost, I seem to be getting 2-3 decent shaves from Dorco (dirt cheap blades). I got 1 horrible shave from a Merkur (much more expensive than Dorco). So ... YMMV, but ....

NO! More expensive does not automatically mean a better blade.

I hope this helps. Hey, this is my 25th post. I think I've just graduated to DE envious.

Cheers,
Matthew

**ctakim** · 05-18-2009, 09:24 PM

Originally Posted by Fozziebear

I'm taking it pretty slow. I've found a razor I like for now: 1969 Gillette SA Long Handle. At some point in the distant future (read: when I have disposable cash), I might get a little RAD and try a Merkur this or that. The same thing goes for my cream (Proraso, for now). Now that I have reasonable combination there, I'm going through the sample pack.

As for cost, I seem to be getting 2-3 decent shaves from Dorco (dirt cheap blades). I got 1 horrible shave from a Merkur (much more expensive than Dorco). So ... YMMV, but ....

NO! More expensive does not automatically mean a better blade.

I hope this helps. Hey, this is my 25th post. I think I've just graduated to DE envious.

Cheers,
Matthew

You've got a great vintage Gillette shaver. Love those long handled Super Adjustables!

**Fozziebear** · 05-18-2009, 10:10 PM

Originally Posted by ctakim

You've got a great vintage Gillette shaver. Love those long handled Super Adjustables!

Thanks, I like it.

I'll be loading up my first Derby Blade, tomorrow morning. I'm looking forward to it ... I think.

Cheers,
Matthew

**Luc** · 05-19-2009, 04:05 AM

+1 on the sample pack.

You can always make your own and buy the minimum (5-10 blades) of each. It might cost more right now but trying them for 5 blades would be easier than being stuck with 99 blades...