Next blades to try and which of the Gillette's?

Straight shaving is easy, maintenance is a pain.
That's what has always put me off - i do know how to obtain a consistent sharp edge on a knife, so can well imagine what it takes to straighten, sharpen and hone the length of a straight for shaving with.

8000 grit whetstone is my limit for blades and i usually stop at 1000 for general purpose blades

I suppose if it brings pleasure, then its not a chore, but its not for me - i might one day try a shavette, but even that is not currently doing it for me.
 
Skin and hair is different for everyone.

I have always had some small degree of difficulty with either shaving rash or irritation. I think my shaving prep / technique has improved over the years and moving to DE shaving has certainly helped, but am still amazed that some days it is an effortless smooth BBS and other days i get a few nicks or irritation for no apparent reason.

I would actually agree with the statement that anyone could actually use any blade, and that most of the result you get is down to preparation, taking your time, going lightly and concentrating on finding and keeping the correct angle for that razor.

I know absolutely, for instance, that i could muster a reasonable shave with a Straight if i chose to, even tho i have never used one, but I am confident if i took my time and went very carefully, i could manage an acceptable shave with one, even if it took several hours....

However, it is equally true that everyone will find a combo of razor and blade that will suit them particularly well.

For me it seems to be Merkur 20c + Astra SP, it just works well every time - but is it because that particular combo is outstanding ? or does it just suit the way i go about it and naturally mask the deficiencies in how i go about shaving ? Who knows ?

The only thing i disagree with (in many areas of life) is the sentiment "tried it once and it was garbage"

I would accept "tried it several times and it doesn't seem to work well for me"

Shaving is definitely a micro-science and the difference between ok shave and great shave is tiny details + concentration i think

Excellent post. It's really hard to believe that there are many, if any, bad blades out there. Just blades individuals have had a bad experience with. There must be millions of men in countries like India, Pakistan, Greece, Turkey, Egypt using "bad" blades quite happily.
 
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