Blade feel. The best de razor?

[albsat]

I used to be a user that enjoyed blade feel as it was a sign that I was shaving correctly.

Since I got Karve Overlander, no more.

One of the things that I like Karve Overlander is that it is relatively effective and no blade feel.

My neck doesn't enjoy Atg a lot, however I try to get BBS with Karve.

Today I tried to use Gillette Black Beauty. I used to shave at 7 as setting with it. This time it was between 1 and 2. I am surprised that I got a nice near BBS shave like with Overlander. Actually it was quite the same style.

The only thing that I don't enjoy in this matter is that I need to do a lot of short passes. My neck still gets a bit of irritation if I apply AfterShave.

I have read a lot of comments about one or two razors that are very effective and no blade feel. One of them is under my radar.

I don't know about you, but I find effective and no blade feel as a sign of being lazy, but I am enjoying this phase. Maybe we buy those razors that give the best results to us maintaining our "laziness".

 

[Rob72]

As humans, we crave interactive stimulation with our environment, whether is is the "feel" of certain kinds of weather, or smell, taste, etc.. Something that interacts, but gives little to no feedback is not particularly rewarding or relational, e.g., a pet that doesn't react when you're home, to petting, feeding, etc., is not a pet most people will adore.

On the other hand, for those whose goal is simply having a pet, a snail may offer the reward of "having."

You like knowing your razor is doing something, some people only care about the end result.

Shaving with straights you've sharpened will definitely reinforce the need for blade-feel. Nothing worse than being thrilled with your restoration, making a pass and feeling stubble!

 

[DE Steve]

If you don't have one already, I suggest a Merkur Progress.

It may be the last razor you ever buy.

 

[ButterfaceX]

There is no general best, really, in shaving.
Way too many variables. Very subjective....
Blade used, skin type, stubble type, stubble direction, prepare and process used. Users skills....
Have razors will vary in metal, head design, blade expose, blade angle & gap.
Also, user's angle....

As for > My neck still gets a bit of irritation if I apply AfterShave.
Well then don't use it, mostly likely it is the alcohol and or the chemicals.
Or you can try one of these two, either a witch that is alcohol-free or an Alum block process.

You just have to do the work and keep improving your technique and process.
And finding the right razor and blade that works "best" for you.

BFX

& I don't get the lazy reference.....
Plus, a good rule is never judge or label...

 

[Phoenixkh]

I had an Overlander I bought used here on BST. It had been gold plated. I'm not sure if Chris @ Back Roads Gold did the replate but it sure was beautiful. This was very early on in my wet shaving journal, when I was trying to force razors to conform to my still developing technique. The Overlander didn't work well for me, but at that point, I had yet to learn the Razor Language. I ended up selling it on BST. Had I been able to hear and understand that language, I suspect the Overlander would have worked well for me.

I'm approaching my 3 year anniversary (Feb. 18th, 2022) and I let my razors guide me to their best use. I would say, most of my razors are a bit more efficient than the Overlander, but not by much. For those razors with very little blade feel, yet close and comfortable shaves, there are a couple that should always be mentioned, though I still have limited experience...so please factor that in. The Lambda Athena, the Blutt BR-1 1.20, the Lambda Ares, the Atelier Durdan La Faulx (AC razor, however), the Goodfellas Smile Bayonetta, probably the Timeless Ti 0.68OC... These are some of the ones that fall into that category for me. YMMV, as always...

 

[gdawg55]

I have razors that have positive blade exposure and some that are neutral. By majority I prefer the razors with some blade feel most of the time. They tend to work best for me. I do have some exceptions like the Athena and the EJ 3one6 that work great with hardly any blade feel at all. It’s nice to have some variety depending on what you’re looking for that day.

 

[abies]

I'd describe my Muramasa as being very efficient (for me) without any bladefeel, which I like a lot. To me, it's a very smooth efficient shave. It would probably be my favorite razor if it were not for the weight (which is why I find myself deliberating about the titanium version).

I've learned for me the less bladefeel the better. With a good blade it can be fine, but I don't like bladefeel more than no bladefeel, and I find I'm more tolerant of older, more worn, less smooth blades in razors with less bladefeel.

 

[helicopter]

I haven't tried anything from Karve, but when I want a good shave with little blade feel, I usually go for a Gillette, Star, or Schick. There is a decent range from very mild to fairly moderate in my collection there. Actually, Merkur 34, and Muehle R41 aren't too shabby, either.

I had an Overlander I bought used here on BST. It had been gold plated. I'm not sure if Chris @ Back Roads Gold did the replate but it sure was beautiful. This was very early on in my wet shaving journal, when I was trying to force razors to conform to my still developing technique. The Overlander didn't work well for me, but at that point, I had yet to learn the Razor Language. I ended up selling it on BST. Had I been able to hear and understand that language, I suspect the Overlander would have worked well for me.

I'm approaching my 3 year anniversary (Feb. 18th, 2022) and I let my razors guide me to their best use. I would say, most of my razors are a bit more efficient than the Overlander, but not by much. For those razors with very little blade feel, yet close and comfortable shaves, there are a couple that should always be mentioned, though I still have limited experience...so please factor that in. The Lambda Athena, the Blutt BR-1 1.20, the Lambda Ares, the Atelier Durdan La Faulx (AC razor, however), the Goodfellas Smile Bayonetta, probably the Timeless Ti 0.68OC... These are some of the ones that fall into that category for me. YMMV, as always...

I had Chris do several modern razors for me, but Dustin's updated website says they only do Gillette razors now. I did reach out to Dustin and ask about an ABC that he plated for me. I suppose it doesn't hurt to ask. I was sad when Chris dropped stainless steel, and even sadder when Dustin dropped everything else.

I don't have any projects I am so committed to that I would consider sending something to Razor Emporium, so I guess it is the end of an era for me. Hopefully Dustin opens it up again or another serious competitor enters the market.

 

[Merchant Seaman Z]

Pearl Flexi at 4+. Gotta be a little careful, especially since it has some weight.

 

[Quaznoid]

I’m not a big fan of blade feel but if I had to choose razors with “the best” I’d go with the Mühle R41 or the Yuma.