Our highly valued customer Mr. Verbeeck from Kontich, Belgium, has tested various double edge blades over the past months using an almost scientific method. Recently he shared his findings with us. As you know, we greatly appreciate it when customers take the trouble to inform us about our beautiful shaving products. In this special blog you can read the reviews of the blades. Enjoy reading.
Approach to blade review
The research started purely out of interest and curiosity about the quality of the blades under normal use. Normal use means how long they last without exaggeration. Fortunately, Mr. Verbeeck did not allow himself to be tempted into so-called "shaving sadomasochism"; going on too long with too dull blades so that comfortable shaving is no longer possible. As soon as the blade is dull, it goes in the trash. Obviously, going on too long means irritation and razor burn all day. 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 used safety razors
During the test process he used the following razors:
- Merkur 38C double edge safety razor
- Merkur 39C Slant Bar double edge safety razor slant razor head
The length and weight of these safety razors provide a pleasant balance in the hand during shaving. These razors are especially suitable for normal to heavy beard growth. The Merkur 39C razor head has a slant razor head. This provides a slight diagonal angle on the skin.
The personal shaving process
According to Mr. Verbeeck, he has 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 (Tea tree oil) to disinfect.
Then he uses the Proraso pre-shave cream 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 1 minute of applying on the cheeks with the shaving brush, 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 effect of this oil has 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 penetrates the skin well 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 is unmatched. Astra comes close, but Feather is the Pitbull in the lineup. A stubble eater of size. Men who want to be super smoothly shaved should shave with Feather.
But beware, Feather is not always a sweetheart. Sometimes it shows its teeth, just like the Pitbull. But the hand of the master is decisive. Slightly too much pressure on the safety razor or using a too blunt shaving angle quickly causes a shaving cut. Shave with calm movements, take your time and above all do not apply pressure. Just gently place 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 Russian invasion of Ukraine, we have stopped selling this brand). Slightly 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 calmly over 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 impressive in terms of quality and surprisingly sharp, so a bit sharper than the Merkur. And less sharp than the Feather and Astra. Also with this brand, be careful while shaving, as it can be a bit biting. 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 previous 2 (Feather and Astra), but has a surprisingly long practical use without razor burn. Interesting and remarkable actually. Due to the slightly lower sharpness, you need to occasionally adjust the diagonal shaving angle a bit, but the result is just as good: more than good. It is forgiving and thus has little chance of irritation if the shaving rules are properly followed. Recommended for finer skin or for men who quickly suffer from shaving irritations.
Effortlessly without irritation, you can shave 13 times with it. From the 14th shave, it definitely runs out: a tugging feeling that surely signals the end. Bravo for this 'Fritz', because the quality is top. Credit where credit is due!
Number of shaves: maximum 13.
