(02-03-2018, 11:37 PM)wyze0ne Wrote: Sharper doesn't always mean better. For example, I dislike Feather DE blades and they are the sharpest out there. They just feel harsh to me. The only AC blades I've used are Feather Pros (terrible, very tuggy) and Pro Supers (better, but nothing extraordinary). GEMS work better for me than these, but I still have some other AC blades to try like Kais and Schick Prolines. As has been repeated over and over, blades are the most YMMV aspect of this hobby.
Indeed, sharper is not always better, especially if the razor does not suit it. Seen under the microscope, Feather AC blades are smoother than GEM as well, but that advantage can be offset by other factors. YMMV, for sure.
Our design goal is to create a razor that is not mild, but that tames some of the sharpness this family of blades is known for. Put a Feather DE blade into a Feather AS D2 razor, presto, a mild shave with a very sharp blade. We don't want to go that far, but it's the same idea. Find the geometry that cuts your whiskers off with greatest efficiency, but leaves your tender skin alone. I'm very curious to see what we come up with, because in theory, the stouter, sharper blade will be a better shaver — in the right razor.
I think part of the problem with these designs is that they they are derived, in greater or lesser degree, from DE razors. Things that work there may be less effective here, and vice versa. As I'm sure you guys know, the AC blade was not designed to be used in a safety razor, but rather in an AC handle for straight razor shaving. The titanium will help, but it's going to take some experimentation to get it right with this blade/razor combo.
