July 23, 2009

Top Picks for Double Edged Razor Blades

Over the last month or so, I've been trying out different brands of double edged razor blades for my Merkur safety razor, thanks to DeRazorblades, and I've come up with my top 3 picks. (Your mileage may vary...)

I tried the Wilkinson, Bic, 7 a.m., Dorco, Merkur, Personna, Astra, and Sharp so far, and with the first shave, I didn't find much difference in the quality of the shave. But with each subsequent shave, I began to notice a preference in myself for certain ones.

My top 3 picks for DE razor blades:

1. Merkur Super - This was my favorite, by far. The quality of the shave was consistent throughout the week, with only a hint of dullness by the fifth day. Even on the last day of the week, I got a great shave.

2. Wilkinson - I thought this was a quality blade which held up well during the week, but by the fourth day, there was a definite 'drag' while shaving. I still got a week's worth of shaves from it, but I was wishing for a new blade on the sixth day.

3. Astra - I had never heard of this brand, and I fully expected it to rank at the bottom for quality and longevity, but it was a contender. The shaves were good, though it also had a hard time making it through an entire week.

So my question to you is: What is your choice of razor blade for your safety razor, and why?

Image: jaqian at Flickr

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Posted by Derek Markham at July 23, 2009 12:23 PM

Comments

I like Derby's. For me they are the best compromise between "sharpness" and "forgiveness." I like Crystals too. Feather blades from Japan are a class unto themselves but you must be *very* careful with them.

Posted by: mantic59 at July 23, 2009 1:24 PM

I really like Gillete Swedes, the ones in the blue package. They seem to last the longest and give the best shave for the longest number of days. I just wish I could find them more consistently!

Posted by: Destro85 at July 27, 2009 7:35 PM

I just went back to using a double-edge about two months ago. The razor I bought came with 7 a.m. blades and they give a good shave. But I had bought some Personna's before I got the new razor (I was sure I was going to find my old brass razor, maybe I still will . . .) and when I tried one of them the shave was pretty bad. I have a thick beard, but it's not exceptionally coarse. Does anyone else have any luck with these blades?

Posted by: Joe Cline at July 29, 2009 8:21 PM

Definitely second the Wilkinson Sword Classic blades. They last me a week - still very comfortable on day 6, still an excellent shave on day 7. Inexpensive, easy to find too.

Posted by: MikeF at August 3, 2009 10:34 AM

I've only been shaving with a safety razor for a couple months, but I've got a thick beard that is a bear. Feather is the only thing that provides a smooth and lasting shave with Proraso soap. I didn't like the Derby, Shark, Wilkinson, or Personna's. Definitely spend money on a good variety sampler and proceed with caution.

Posted by: mikelp at October 27, 2010 10:40 PM

I'm agree with You, "merkur" is the best, "leather" cuts too much and "bic" cuts less, but all of them have a good honed blade.

Anyway, every face has an appropriated double edged blade.

Posted by: Epíleg at November 2, 2010 3:59 AM