Our highly valued customer Mr. Verbeeck from Belgium's Kontich has tested various double edge razor blades over the past few months using an almost scientific method. Recently, he shared his findings with us. As you know, we greatly appreciate it when customers take the time to inform us about our beautiful shaving products. In this special blog, you can read the reviews of the razor blades. Enjoy reading.
Review approach to razor blades
The research started purely out of interest and curiosity about the quality of the razor blades under normal use. Normal use means how long they last without exaggeration. Mr. Verbeeck fortunately did not succumb to so-called 'shaving sadomasochism'; going too long with too dull blades to the point where comfortable shaving is no longer possible. As soon as the blade is dull, it goes in the trash. Obviously, going too long means all-day irritations and razor burn. Of course, Mr. Verbeeck's results are subjective.
The following 4 favorite brands were tested and described:
- Feather
- Astra
- Wilkinson
- Merkur
He was very pleased with the product information on our website. The description of the sharpness matches his own observations. His experience is also that the Feather blades are very sharp and Merkur is comfortably sharp.
The safety razors used
During the testing process, he used the following razors:
- Merkur 38C double edge safety razor
- Merkur 39C Slant Bar double edge safety razor with slanted shaving head
The length and weight of these safety razors provide a pleasant balance in the hand while shaving. These razors are particularly suitable for normal to heavy beard growth. The shaving head of the Merkur 39C has a slanted shaving head. This provides a slight diagonal angle of attack on the skin.
The personal shaving process
According to Mr. Verbeeck, he has a normal beard growth. He always starts with some lukewarm to warm water on a washcloth and disinfects the skin with Isobetadine soap. Occasionally, he uses Tea tree oil to disinfect.
Then he uses the pre-shave cream from Proraso with eucalyptus extracts and menthol: nice and fresh. He does not rinse off the pre-shave and starts lathering with the fresh Proraso Green shaving soap. The whipped shaving foam goes over the pre-shave. After applying it to the cheeks with the shaving brush for 1 minute, the beard hairs have softened, and you have a lovely thick creamy protective layer. He adds a little Tea tree oil to the shaving foam. This makes the shaving foam even thicker and creamier. For your information, Tea tree oil comes from the tea tree in Australia. It has a skin disinfecting and caring effect. Among the Aboriginals, the healing properties of this oil have been known for centuries.
After shaving, he rinses everything clean with nice cold water and treats the skin again with Tea tree oil. The oil absorbs well into the skin and leaves no greasy film. After each shaving session, both the razor and the blades are cleaned and dried. This ensures a longer lifespan of the razor blades and thus more shaving comfort.
Feather Hi Stainless Double Edge razor blades 10 pieces
The sharpness of this Japanese blade is unmatched. The Astra comes close, but the Feather is the Pitbull of the bunch. A serious stubble eater. Men who want to be super smooth should shave with Feather.
But be careful, Feather is not always a sweetheart. Sometimes it shows its teeth, just like the Pitbull. But the hand of the master is decisive. A little too much pressure on the safety razor or using too blunt an angle can quickly lead to a shaving cut. Shave with calm movements, take your time, and above all, do not apply pressure. Just gently lay the razor against the skin is more than enough.
Number of shaves: maximum 9.
Astra Double Edge razor blades Superior Platinum
The Russian Astra razor blades also perform strongly (since the invasion of Russia into Ukraine, we have stopped selling this brand). A little less aggressively sharp than the Feather, but certainly pleasant. Also with these blades, be careful not to apply too much pressure. The advice here is to let the razor glide gently on the skin and take your time.
Number of shaves: maximum 7.
Wilkinson double edge razor blades Sword
Wilkinson sounds Anglo-Saxon, but it is a true German. It is of good quality and surprisingly sharp, thus slightly sharper than the Merkur. And less sharp than the Feather and the Astra. Also with this brand, be careful while shaving, as it can be a bit nippy. So apply all the previously mentioned shaving rules well. But it is certainly also a top choice for pleasant shaving.
Number of shaves: maximum 12.
Merkur double edge razor blades Super Platinum 10 pieces
This German is clearly less sharp than the 2 previous ones (Feather and Astra), but has a surprisingly long practical lifespan without razor burn. Interesting and remarkable actually. Due to the slightly lesser sharpness, you may need to adjust the diagonal shaving angle a bit more regularly, but the result is also accordingly: more than good. It is forgiving and thus there is little chance of irritation, as long as the shaving rules are properly observed. Recommended for finer skin or for gentlemen who quickly suffer from shaving irritations.
You can shave effortlessly without irritation 13 times. From the 14th time, it definitely declines: a tugging feeling that certainly indicates the end. Bravo for this 'Fritz', as the quality is top-notch. Credit where credit is due!
Number of shaves: maximum 13.
