Single edge or double edge and why ??

Which is better and why??


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This is a very complex question for one fundamental reason:  there is far more variability among single edge (SE) razors than among double edge (DE) razors.  At the risk of "mansplaining" something most of the members here know, DE razors take a standard 0.004" thick DE blade.  While there is variability in steels used and coatings.  Many here would say that there is a range of sharpness/durability from brand to brand, but that is about it

SE razors take a variety of vastly different, non-fungible blades.  First you have the relatively new SE razors that take half DE blades.  These shave similar to DEs except the heads are much smaller providing better sight lines and ability to operate in tight spaces:




Then you have the SE razors that take AC/Feather type blades that shavettes take.  This is a much thicker and longer blade than the DE blade, and the geometry of the blade bevel is different.  These shave somewhat more like a straight razor, the edges last longer, etc.  There are also variations that include "guards" on the blade itself, something that the DE blades do not offer. 

Then there are the SE razors that take the GEM style "spined" blades which again are much thicker than DE blades.  These blades are available in carbon steel which can be stropped and honed,  in addition to stainless which can not. These blades are about 3x thicker than a standard DE blade and give a shave feel more similar to a straight razor.  Feather makes a blade like this without the spine  used in the One Blade razors and the old Valet Auto Strops.



Many of these style razors can be had with "open comb" designs which provide even more blade feel:




Finally, there are the injector style razors like the old Shick injectors or the modern Parker designs.  These blades are also thicker than DE blades, but are not as long as the AC style shavette blades. 

So, unless you specify which type of SE razor you are talking about, it is difficult to make a direct comparison to a DE razor.  Generally speaking, the heads are more compact, at least in depth, for better sight lines and manuverability, and often the blades are thicker giving more of a SR feel.  

IMO, most of the hardware innovation  is in the SE arena.  There have been some very clever designs.

I hope this helps.

Tedolph

Great answer
You just about covered it all
I was mainly asking without specifying the supply co or one blade in particular dealing with SE RAZORS


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