Comments on: Have a comfortable, close shave

By: magyver

magyver — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 09:34:25 +0000

this one is for Ronald
there are still sharpening systems for double edge blades . My favourite is the Allegro sharpening system . all you do is insert the blade into the machine and slide it back and forth over the two sharpening stones followed by the leather strop . it even automatically changes the blade so it sharpens all four edges .if you use the older blue steel blades you may get as many as 60 plus really good shaves out of one blade . not bad for something made in the 1920's

Just because you cant find it doesn't mean it hasn't been made .

By: Ronald

Ronald — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:04:01 +0000

Has anyone looked at the edge of various maker’s double edge blades under a 10 power magnifying glass, or, better yet, a microscope, to see if they can see a difference in the blade edges?
I looked at a Schick and a Merkur under a 10X glass. The Merkur has a rough edge. The Schick has a much smoother edge.
I checked this out after using one of each blade. The Schick gave me 25 good shaves before it started pulling,
The Merkur blade gave me a worse (it pulled more) shave on the first shave than the Schick did after 25 shaves.
I used to get 60 good shaves out of the Gillette Blue Blade. Now I am doing good to get 30 out of stainless steel, platinum, etc.
Seems the blade makers are just not putting as good of an edge on their blades just so they will get duller faster.
I have not tried the Feather Blades yet, but have ordered some, as they have a reputation for sharpness.
A person should be able to tell just how long, comparatively, a blade will last just by looking at its edge under a microscope.
The whole thing seems to be a "sting" operation though, as sharp blades could go out for weeks and then the makers of these blades start sending out less sharp ones.
It does seem near miraculous to me that in a century no one has come up with a way to sharpen and strop these double edge blades.

By: Sarah Stokely

Sarah Stokely — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 23:35:52 +0000

Stay far from me! :P

By: Cooper

Cooper — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 22:49:55 +0000

awww cmon sarah...

you girls know you love stubble rash ;)

By: Steven Noble

Steven Noble — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 22:38:48 +0000

Shaving WITH the grain is the key.

Once I discovered that, my shaving experience changed.

You get a bit less close, but it's a lot more comfortable, and the lack of irritation makes for a smoother shave in the long term.