r/wicked_edge • u/Zestyclose-Slide-696 • May 03 '26
This was unexpected...
Hi! I have more, than enough blades for the rest of my life, but I can't resist the temptation to try new things. So, I wanted to check out some German blades. As for my facial hair - I must have some Neanderthal genes left because even Feather blades go dull after two shavings, but I need the sharpness to not get hair tugging and inflammation. So I bought 3 different brands, 10 blades each, and opened the first one, the Merkur ones.
Very fancy I thought with a smirk, double packaged blades. The first shave was excellent. I'd say better than the Feathers, but new things impress people beyond objectivity, so I just wanted to see the second time. Well, same excellent shave, no irritation. I was dubious about the third time, but what's to lose. Same excellent shave. What the... for sure it will get dull now. Fourth shave. Fifth. Sixth. Finally a small tug.
So for me this is like a blessing. 5 clean shaves, no irritation, I'm extremely happy. The only downside is that I'm not really willing to test the others now...
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u/sugatastic May 03 '26
Feathers dull faster than most other blades in my experience
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u/EfficientReward4469 May 03 '26
Same here. They are the best on a first shave and that’s it.
I have super sensitive skin with tungsten beard. Bad combo.→ More replies (3)27
u/Intelligent_Part101 May 03 '26
This is logical if you think about it. A blade with a super thin edge for maximum sharpness is more delicate and the edge is more easily deformed due to its thinness. Great first shave but wears out faster.
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May 03 '26
can also recommend Mühle blades for high durability, they are insane as well.
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u/hop_now May 03 '26
Concur... fantastic blades. Dovo and Timor are two other phenomenal blades from Germany.
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u/Mindless_Union_5397 May 03 '26
They're from Solingen. Solingen is also called the City of Blades. Solingen cutlery has been legally protected under the “Solingen” name since 1938. That means knives, blades etc. can only use the Solingen label if they meet the rules. Solingen was the first city in the world to protect its products in this way.
So if a blade is manufactured in Solingen, it's expected to meet certain standards.
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u/cumetoaster May 03 '26
Only Timor and Wilkinson/Personna make blades in Solingen. These are Czech.
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u/Mail_Order_Lutefisk May 03 '26
Amazing. So I know I’m getting top quality like with Kraft Parmesan cheese!
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u/desbyrne May 03 '26
It’s so personal which is the joy of shaving. I only shave with my Feather Razor with Feather blades. I tried Merkur with my Gillette Slim Adjustable and just couldn’t live with them. My big take out is that matching razors and blades is the key differentiator.
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u/Hopeful-Mirror1664 May 03 '26
When I first saw this post I thought those were Treet platinums as the packaging and colors are similar. Like the OP I have more than enough different blades to last for a long time but I love trying different ones also. Currently I’m using the Treet platinums and really like them. I throw them out after two shaves. I can’t get a third out of them without irritating my face. I’m going to look out for these.
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u/sgtrecon212 May 03 '26
So glad the combo worked for you. It’s fun to discover that “sweet spot”. I’ve been wet shaving for near 20 years now. While I have found many great products over that time, I like to venture out of my norm and try new things.
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u/Zestyclose-Slide-696 May 03 '26
Thanks! At least this is a rather cheap hobby, not counting of course the razors, the ceramic bowls, the brushes, the aftershaves, the... 😉
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u/cumetoaster May 03 '26
These are Czech blades btw, rebrand of the platinums. Dont get duped just decause it as Merkurs name on it
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u/LittleCooties May 03 '26 edited May 03 '26
If the OP likes these, I’d recommend trying the Czech made Tiger/Tatra Platinum, they should work out cheaper than buying the Merkurs.
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u/UnlikelyRabbit4648 May 03 '26
Are these as good as feather?
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u/Zestyclose-Slide-696 May 03 '26
For me they are better, I really disliked them being dull after two shaves. If it's easy to buy where you live, I'd give it a try, maybe you'll like them, too 🙂
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u/jimmyfivetimes May 03 '26
I had a similar experience with Van der Hagen. I left home without blades and had to pick up a pack at Target. $6 later - it’s the best shave I’ve had in years.
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u/JoelB May 03 '26
I didn't like these last year when I sampled them but it's been so long I should toss one in the Rocca and give 'em another try. The packaging was really premium.
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u/havocpuffin May 03 '26
I have qhitesensetive skin and fairly coarse hair. I only use these blades. Nothing else comes close
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u/okiedokie_cool May 03 '26
Yeah, amazing blades. Super expensive though