In Defense of Derby

Like many novice wet shavers, I began my DE journey with Derby blades. As my technique improved and my confidence grew, I moved on to sharper blades, never to return to the "dull" Derby blade again. Fast forward 2 years and a Wolfman 0.61 gap later, the Derby blade has made a triumphant return! After using my preferred Personna blade in my new Wolfman, my initial shave felt a little too aggressive. I decided to try a Derby blade to tone down the aggression level and the results were excellent. If you are struggling with an aggressive razor, pop in a Derby blade and give it a go. Cheers!

GoHabs how you liking your Wolfman? Was it worth the 2 year wait.

GoHabs how you liking your Wolfman? Was it worth the 2 year wait.

The wait was certainly worth it, thanks for asking. It is a thing of beauty (as you know). I didn't think the 0.61 gap would so aggressive, but the Derby blades help. I would like to try the 0.54 gap now, so the hunt continues ...

When I started traditional shaving exactly 3 years ago (today is actually my Wet shaving anniversary!!), derby was one of the blades I tried. And like most, I quickly decided that my beard is too 'tough and coarse' for such a dull blade, and quickly started using feather blades exclusively. No fast forward 2 years, I tried them again last year. And guess what, now I can get great shaves with them in most razors, even though they aren't my favorite.

I wonder, would I hate Merkur blades if I use them now?

When I started traditional shaving exactly 3 years ago (today is actually my Wet shaving anniversary!!), derby was one of the blades I tried. And like most, I quickly decided that my beard is too 'tough and coarse' for such a dull blade, and quickly started using feather blades exclusively. No fast forward 2 years, I tried them again last year. And guess what, now I can get great shaves with them in most razors, even though they aren't my favorite.

I wonder, would I hate Merkur blades if I use them now?

Happy Anniversary!

When I started traditional shaving exactly 3 years ago (today is actually my Wet shaving anniversary!!), derby was one of the blades I tried. And like most, I quickly decided that my beard is too 'tough and coarse' for such a dull blade, and quickly started using feather blades exclusively. No fast forward 2 years, I tried them again last year. And guess what, now I can get great shaves with them in most razors, even though they aren't my favorite.

I wonder, would I hate Merkur blades if I use them now?

Congrats on 3 years, Sourav!

You know the 1st blade I tried(3 yrs this past Oct.) was a Feather.  I ordered a Merkur 34c HD on Amazon with Personna Blue Labs(100 ct to save money   .) While I was waiting I ordered the Feather Popular on a whim.  The Feather Popular got delivered first, so I used that with the included Feather blades.  I'm lucky the Popular is so mild, even with Feather blades, because I know back then I was using way too much pressure.

I also tried Derby blades not long after that.  Wow, those were dull blades that pulled and dragged.  Today, I suspect that my lather was no where near where it should have been back then and that was why the blades seemed so bad.  Maybe I should try Derby blades again now with more shaves and lathers under my belt.

When I started traditional shaving exactly 3 years ago (today is actually my Wet shaving anniversary!!), derby was one of the blades I tried. And like most, I quickly decided that my beard is too 'tough and coarse' for such a dull blade, and quickly started using feather blades exclusively. No fast forward 2 years, I tried them again last year. And guess what, now I can get great shaves with them in most razors, even though they aren't my favorite.

I wonder, would I hate Merkur blades if I use them now?

Congrats on three years..............and yes, Merkur blades are really that bad.

Congrats on 3 years @iamsms! It will be 3 years for me tomorrow!

A common theme with Derby is that many people try them when new at DE shaving and they dislike them. Fast forward a few years and these same people have their prep, technique & favorite razors down pat and when they whimsically try the Derby again the "discover" it's a good blade. I have seen this repeated on so many forums as to be normal. Per usual, it's the magician and not the wand.

The new Derby Premium are really good!