Newbie needs recommendations

Messages
8
Location
Manchester UK
Afternoon Gents,
I know it's subjective and everyone's mileage may vary, but I'd be delighted if you older hands could save me a few rashes by recommending a DE blade brand suitable for a newbie prone to a touch of shaving irritation. I bought some Feathers but feel I may have leapt in at the (very) deep-end. Looking for the ultimate smoothie glide-joy blade. Hen's teeth ? Cheers.
 
Last edited:
I'd recommend going to RazorBladesClub for EU or Tryablade for USA and ordering different blades (at least 2 of each) to find which blades suit your razor and skin the best.

If you state your razor of choice then the recommendations for blades might be better tailored.

Thanks for this. Razor of choice is Rockwell 6S.
 
I started out just like you - got a razor, and samples of blades, buuuutt...

There is another thread I follow on a different forum which suggests you should keep all of your equipment the same, at least for a little while, to make sure your technique is improving and avoid blaming tools.

I would say if you do get sample packs, make sure you get at least 5 of each (or enough to complete a month) and keep the base plate on your razor the same for that time.

Personally, there are some blades that some people love but some hate, like Derbys. I'd avoid them. Then there's those super super sharp ones like Feather - I'd avoid those too. Go with something almost universally accepted as a compromise of a sharp/smooth blade, like an Astra SP or a Gillette Nacet, maybe as a 20/50 pack and learn your shave until it is comfortable.
 
I started out just like you - got a razor, and samples of blades, buuuutt...

There is another thread I follow on a different forum which suggests you should keep all of your equipment the same, at least for a little while, to make sure your technique is improving and avoid blaming tools.

I would say if you do get sample packs, make sure you get at least 5 of each (or enough to complete a month) and keep the base plate on your razor the same for that time.

Personally, there are some blades that some people love but some hate, like Derbys. I'd avoid them. Then there's those super super sharp ones like Feather - I'd avoid those too. Go with something almost universally accepted as a compromise of a sharp/smooth blade, like an Astra SP or a Gillette Nacet, maybe as a 20/50 pack and learn your shave until it is comfortable.

Thanks, that sounds like very sensible advice
 
There is another thread I follow on a different forum which suggests you should keep all of your equipment the same, at least for a little while, to make sure your technique is improving and avoid blaming tools.

Yes, that's good advice.

Of the many blades I have tried, I think some of Treet's blades (Treet Platinum & Trig Silver Edge) would suit a beginner as they are sharp enough to achieve good results but are very smooth in usage but as ever YMMV.
 
Afternoon Gents,
I know it's subjective and everyone's mileage may vary, but I'd be delighted if you older hands could save me a few rashes by recommending a DE blade brand suitable for a newbie prone to a touch of shaving irritation. I bought some Feathers but feel I may have leapt in at the (very) deep-end. Looking for the ultimate smoothie glide-joy blade. Hen's teeth ? Cheers.

I do not agree with what some say, that there are razors or razor blades for beginners, you are according to your profile 47 years old, I don't think you are going to lop off an ear or do yourself terrible harm by using what are touted as big boys razors and blades.

It's a matter of using a good soap and having good technique, the razor and blades are a personal choice, I have tried most of the better blades and use Nacets, Feathers I thought were not very good at all, as far as razors go I have tried a Muhle r41, MEM, Fatboy and Merkur 34c, non of which I liked for me its the Gillette Tech, this is often called a beginners razor, which it is not.
No doubt you will try a few razors and blades but do not be conned into thinking some stainless steel razor costing ££ coupled with a Feather blade is to be aspired to or a real man's razor.
 
When I started I experimented with various blade type looking for that perfect one which wouldn't cause me irritation.
After I while I perfected my technique of shaving and realized it was me, not the blades, all along.
Sure some are sharper than others, some are more smooth than others. Depends what are you looking for.
I think you'll find your own type based on your personal liking.

Atm, I'm shaving with a Rockwell and I'm testing blades. So far 4 blades, almost identical shaves - all great.
As others already said - buy a sample pack (but at least 3-4 of each) and try to find what suits you best. I ordered 10 packs of 5 on https://www.razorbladesclub.com and I'm pretty pleased.
My advice, based on my experience (best all-around considering sharpness, smoothness, and durability) try the following:
Astra Superior Platinum
Personna Israeli Red (platinum chrome)
Polsilver Super Iridium
Gillette Platinum
Gillette Nacet
Gillette 7 O'Clock Super Stainless (green)
 
When I started I experimented with various blade type looking for that perfect one which wouldn't cause me irritation.
After I while I perfected my technique of shaving and realized it was me, not the blades, all along.
Sure some are sharper than others, some are more smooth than others. Depends what are you looking for.
I think you'll find your own type based on your personal liking.

Atm, I'm shaving with a Rockwell and I'm testing blades. So far 4 blades, almost identical shaves - all great.
As others already said - buy a sample pack (but at least 3-4 of each) and try to find what suits you best. I ordered 10 packs of 5 on https://www.razorbladesclub.com and I'm pretty pleased.
My advice, based on my experience (best all-around considering sharpness, smoothness, and durability) try the following:
Astra Superior Platinum
Personna Israeli Red (platinum chrome)
Polsilver Super Iridium
Gillette Platinum
Gillette Nacet
Gillette 7 O'Clock Super Stainless (green)

Thanks for this. Appreciate the help.
 
I do not agree with what some say, that there are razors or razor blades for beginners, you are according to your profile 47 years old, I don't think you are going to lop off an ear or do yourself terrible harm by using what are touted as big boys razors and blades.

It's a matter of using a good soap and having good technique, the razor and blades are a personal choice, I have tried most of the better blades and use Nacets, Feathers I thought were not very good at all, as far as razors go I have tried a Muhle r41, MEM, Fatboy and Merkur 34c, non of which I liked for me its the Gillette Tech, this is often called a beginners razor, which it is not.
No doubt you will try a few razors and blades but do not be conned into thinking some stainless steel razor costing ££ coupled with a Feather blade is to be aspired to or a real man's razor.
If you want a big boys razor buy a straight ;)

In all seriousness, you get very little irritation using a straight razor. It just comes with the added issue of maybe slicing your face :D
 
When I started I experimented with various blade type looking for that perfect one which wouldn't cause me irritation.
After I while I perfected my technique of shaving and realized it was me, not the blades, all along.
Sure some are sharper than others, some are more smooth than others. Depends what are you looking for.
I think you'll find your own type based on your personal liking...


 
Back
Top Bottom