Here are the comparables - Sharp like a Feather, smooth like an Astra; the blade to get a BBS shave
Here's my criteria when picking out razor blades: how sharp they are, how smooth they are, and how consistent they are from blade to blade. Since I only use a blade once, twice, maybe three times, how many shaves I can get out of a blade is not on my radar. Cost is relative to the user; I'm over sixty with over a dozen razors, hundreds of blades, and a lot of experience. Cost isn’t a factor to me, but a great shave is. Only BBS (Baby Butt Smooth) shaves for me. If I had to pick only three safety razors to use, they would be Feather, Astra Superior Platinum, and Wizamet Super Iridium. Feather because they are the sharpest blades made. I tend to use Feather on a two-day growth beard with an open-comb razor. Unless you are an experienced shaver, I caution you to take your time, keep the razor's angle consistent, and use smooth strokes with a light touch with a pressure on the skin that works well for you. Or your face will have nicks, cuts, weeps, and burns. But it will be close. Astra is my go-to blade. By that, I mean I can throw them into any razor, and I know they will be smooth and comfortable, and not so sharp that they will be prone to nicks. They're the perfect balance between sharpness and comfort. It usually takes me three passes to get a BBS shave. Now, my Wizamet Super Iridiums. From experience, I make the sharpness comparable to top brands like Feather. What sets the Wizamets apart is that they are a smooth shave, like an Astra. A very smooth shave, I have regularly gotten BBS shaves with these guys in two passes or less - sometimes in one pass with touch-up. Very impressive. I reserve the use of Iridiums in my favorite moderate-shave open combs. On a regular five shaves a week, I'd say I'd use Feathers 1 day, Astras 3 days, and Wizamet Super Iridium Blades 2 days. Verdict: They are exceptionally sharp blades, giving smooth shaves that are close and comfortable. Read more
