Razor Blade Guide: All Brands 2025
Razor blades are the heart of traditional shaving, and choosing the right blade can make the difference between an exceptional and a disappointing shave. Every year, millions of men and women worldwide search for the perfect blade that matches their skin and hair type. With over 50 brands on the market and thousands of razor-blade combinations, the world of blades can seem confusing. This guide will help you find the ideal blade for you!
Quick Overview - What You'll Learn
- Aggressiveness Levels: Mild (3-4/10), Medium (5-7/10), Aggressive (8-10/10) - how to choose
- Cost per Shave: €0.02-0.15 vs €0.50-1.00 for multi-blade cartridges (95% savings!)
- Blade Life: 3-8 shaves depending on quality and hair type
- Top Brands: Feather (Japan), Astra (Russia), Wilkinson (Germany), Kai (Japan)
- Coatings: Platinum, Teflon/PTFE, Chrome, Ceramic - what each offers
Why is Blade Selection So Important?
The blade is the only part of the razor that touches your skin and cuts the hair. A wrong choice can lead to irritation, razor burn, cuts, and ingrown hairs. Conversely, the right blade for your skin type can transform shaving into a pleasant experience with flawless results.
Each blade has unique characteristics that affect its performance: sharpness (how easily it cuts hair), smoothness (how smoothly it glides on skin), durability (how many shaves it lasts), and coating (which affects glide and longevity). The secret is finding the balance that suits your needs. Learn more about post-shave skin care for better results.
The 5 Keys to Choosing the Perfect Blade
- Skin Type: Sensitive = mild blades, Normal = medium, Resilient = aggressive
- Hair Density: Fine hair = mild, Normal = medium, Coarse/Dense = sharp
- Experience: Beginners = mild-medium, Experienced = any aggressiveness
- Razor: Mild razor + sharp blade or Aggressive razor + mild blade
- Frequency: Daily shaving = mild, Every 2-3 days = medium-sharp
Understanding Blade Aggressiveness
A blade's aggressiveness determines how "strongly" it cuts hair and how intensely you feel the blade on your skin. It doesn't necessarily mean aggressive blades are bad - they just require more careful technique and are better for experienced users or coarse hair:
| Level | Rating | Characteristics | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very Mild | 2-3/10 | Extremely gentle, forgive mistakes Derby Extra, Shark Chrome |
Beginners, very sensitive skin |
| Mild | 4-5/10 | Balanced, safe Astra SP, Voskhod, Dorco |
Daily use, sensitive skin |
| Medium | 6-7/10 | Good cutting, moderate feel Gillette 7 O'Clock, Wilkinson |
Experienced, normal skin |
| Aggressive | 8-9/10 | Very sharp, intense feel Kai, Perma-Sharp Super |
Advanced, coarse hair |
| Very Aggressive | 10/10 | Extremely sharp, requires caution Feather Hi-Stainless |
Experts, very coarse hair |
How we measure aggressiveness:
Aggressiveness depends on: cutting angle (sharper = more aggressive), blade thickness (thinner = more flexible and sharp), steel quality (Japanese steel = sharper), coating (platinum/teflon = smoother).
Pro Tip: If you're a beginner, start with blades rated 4-6/10 and gradually work your way up. Don't go straight to Feather!
The Best Razor Blades by Category
After extensive research and analysis of thousands of reviews worldwide, these are the top blades for each category and user type. All are available in The Two Barbers collection:
Best for Beginners
Astra Superior Platinum #1 Beginners
The ultimate blade for beginners. Perfect balance of cutting/comfort.
View More
Best for Daily Use
Best for Coarse Hair
Best Value for Money
Global Best Sellers & Insider Tips
Globally, Astra Superior Platinum is #1 in sales due to excellent price/performance balance. Feather is considered the "holy grail" for experienced users but can cause cuts for beginners.
Insider Tip: Most professional barbers use Astra or Perma-Sharp for daily use and Feather only for special occasions.
Hidden Gems: Tiger Platinum and Elios Swedish Steel are excellent blades that aren't as well-known but offer flawless performance!
Blade Coatings: What They Mean and What They Offer
Modern razor blades aren't just pieces of steel - they have advanced coatings that dramatically improve their performance. Each coating offers specific benefits:
| Coating Type | Benefits | Ideal for | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum | Increased lifespan, anti-corrosion protection Maintains edge 20-30% longer |
All skin types | Astra SP, Feather, Perma-Sharp |
| Teflon/PTFE | Excellent glide, reduced friction 40% less resistance |
Sensitive skin | Shark, Voskhod, Dorco STP |
| Chrome | Harder surface, cleaner cut Increased durability |
Normal/tough skin | BIC Chrome, Lord Chrome |
| Ceramic | Ultra-smooth surface, zero oxidation Stays sharp longer |
All types | Derby Premium |
| Polymer | Extra comfort coating, gentler shave Ideal for beginners |
Very sensitive skin | Shark, Treet |
Warning: Blade Myths
Myth 1: "More expensive blades are always better" - WRONG! Price doesn't determine suitability for your skin.
Myth 2: "Feather is best for everyone" - WRONG! They're too aggressive for most beginners.
Myth 3: "A blade works the same in all razors" - WRONG! The razor-blade combination is crucial.
How to Test and Choose the Right Blade
Finding the perfect blade is a personal journey that requires a methodical approach. Follow these steps for guaranteed success:
1 Buy a Sample Pack (2-3 weeks)
Start with a sample pack of 5-8 different blades. Include various aggressiveness levels: 2-3 mild (Derby, Shark), 2-3 medium (Astra, Wilkinson), 1-2 sharp (Feather, Kai). This gives you a complete picture of what's available.
Pro Tip: Don't buy 100-packs before testing! Many make the mistake of bulk buying the first blade they like, only to discover better ones later.
2 Test Methodically (4-6 weeks)
Use each blade for at least 3 full shaves before switching. The first shave with a new blade can be misleading - many blades "open up" after first use. Keep notes!
Pro Tip: Test the same blade in different conditions: with different soaps, after 1 day vs 3 days growth, morning vs evening. You'll be surprised by the differences!
3 Keep a Shaving Journal (Critical!)
For each blade note: Sharpness (1-10), Smoothness (1-10), Durability (how many shaves), Irritation (yes/no/where), Overall experience (1-10). After 4-6 weeks you'll have a clear picture.
Pro Tip: Use a simple 1-5 star scale for quick recording. Also note which razor you used - the same blade can work differently in different razors!
4 Optimize the Combination (2-3 months)
When you find 2-3 favorite blades, try them in different razors if you have them. A mild razor + sharp blade can give the same result as aggressive razor + mild blade. Find YOUR combination!
Pro Tip: 80% of users settle on 2-3 different blades: one for daily use, one for "tough days" with lots of growth, and a milder one for travel or when skin is irritated.
The Ultimate Selection Test
After all testing, do the "split face test": Shave half your face with blade A and the other half with blade B. The difference will be immediately apparent! This is the ultimate test to understand which blade suits your skin best.
Smart Tip: When you find your ideal blade, buy a 100-pack to last 1-2 years. Prices keep rising and you'll save 30-40%!
Blade Usage and Maintenance Techniques
Secrets for Maximum Performance and Longevity
1. Blade Preparation: Rinse new blade with hot water before first use to remove any manufacturing residue. Some users do a "cork test" - gently pulling the blade through cork to align the edge.
2. Proper Installation: Ensure the blade sits perfectly aligned in the razor. Even slight misalignment can cause uneven shaving and irritation. Tighten well but not excessively.
3. During Use: Rinse blade every 2-3 strokes in hot water. DON'T tap the razor on the sink - it destroys the edge! Just rinse under strong water flow.
4. After Shaving: Rinse thoroughly, pat dry with towel (don't rub), and leave razor open to dry. Moisture is the blade's enemy!
5. Storage: Keep blades in dry place, away from bathroom if humid. A small box with silica gel keeps blades in perfect condition.
When to Change the Blade - The Signs
- Tugging instead of cutting: The first and clearest sign. If you feel the blade "pulling" hairs, change it immediately!
- Need more passes: If you usually do 2 and now need 3, the blade has lost its edge.
- Irritation without reason: If you suddenly have irritation without changing anything else, the blade is dull.
- Visible wear: If you see rust, spots, or irregularities on the edge, discard the blade.
Golden rule: When in doubt, change! A blade costs €0.10-0.20. Irritation lasts 2-3 days. Do the math!
Frequently Asked Questions about Razor Blades (FAQ)
What is the sharpest razor blade?
Feather Hi-Stainless from Japan is unanimously considered the sharpest blade on the market (10/10 sharpness). Made with the same technology used for surgical scalpels. However, extreme sharpness isn't for everyone - it requires flawless technique and steady hand. For most people, a 6-8/10 blade is ideal.
How many shaves does a blade last?
Average 5-7 shaves, but depends on: hair coarseness (coarse = 3-5), shaving area (face+head = fewer), blade quality (premium = more), technique (proper angle = more). Feathers usually last 3-4 shaves, Astras 5-7, Derbys can go 10. Cost: €0.02-0.05 per shave!
Which blades are best for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin we recommend: Derby Extra (mildest, 3/10), Shark Super Chrome (PTFE coating for glide), Astra Superior Platinum (balanced), Voskhod Teflon (extra smooth). Avoid Feather, Kai and other very sharp blades. Also, always use good pre-shave oil and alcohol-free after shave balm.
Does the same blade work the same in all razors?
No! The razor-blade combination is crucial. A Feather in a mild razor (Merkur 34C) can be perfect, while in an aggressive razor (Mühle R41) it can be dangerous. General rule: Mild razor + Sharp blade or Aggressive razor + Mild blade. Experiment to find your ideal combination.
Why do blades have different coatings?
Each coating offers specific benefits: Platinum increases lifespan 20-30%, Teflon/PTFE reduces friction 40% for sensitive skin, Chrome hardens surface for cleaner cutting, Ceramic offers ultra-smooth surface. Choice depends on your needs - for sensitive skin prefer Teflon, for durability Platinum.
How do I properly store blades?
Moisture is the biggest enemy! Store in dry, cool place away from bathroom if humid. Ideally in closed drawer with silica gel packet. After use: rinse thoroughly, pat dry with towel (don't rub), leave razor open to dry completely. NEVER leave blade wet in razor - it will rust!
Can I shave with expired blades?
Blades technically don't "expire" if stored properly. The date is more for coating than steel. If there's no visible rust or deterioration, they're safe. However, coatings (especially Teflon) may lose effectiveness after 5+ years. When in doubt, test one - if it cuts well, it's OK!
Why is the first use of a blade different?
Many blades have protective coating that "breaks in" on first use. Also, microscopic imperfections in the edge smooth out. That's why many users find the 2nd-3rd shave better. Feathers are an exception - they start extremely sharp and "mellow" later. Tip: Don't judge a blade by its first use!
Buying Guide: How to Start Right
The Smart 4-Step Approach
Step 1: Sample Pack First (€15-20)
Buy a variety pack with 5-8 different blades. The Two Barbers offers excellent options. Include:
- 2 mild (Derby, Shark)
- 2-3 medium (Astra, Wilkinson, Dorco)
- 1-2 sharp (Perma-Sharp, Kai)
- 1 very sharp (Feather) - only if experienced!
Step 2: Test & Record (1-2 months)
Try each blade for 3+ shaves. Keep notes on sharpness, comfort, durability. Don't rush - patience will be rewarded!
Step 3: Select Finalists (2-3 months)
Choose the top 3 and buy 20-30 of each. Use them alternately for a month. The winner will emerge!
Step 4: Bulk Purchase (3+ months)
When you find the ONE, buy a 100-pack. Save 30-40% and have enough for 1-2 years. Prices keep rising!
Budget Guide - How Much Does It Cost?
Annual Blade Cost:
- Value Choice (Tiger, Lord): €8-12/year (€0.02-0.03/shave)
- Mid-Range (Astra, Wilkinson): €12-18/year (€0.03-0.05/shave)
- Premium (Feather, Kai): €20-30/year (€0.05-0.08/shave)
Comparison: Gillette Fusion = €180-240/year. Savings: 90-95%!
Smart Tip: Buy your favorite blades during sales (Black Friday, discounts). You can save an additional 20-30%!
Find Your Perfect Blade Today!
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