Shaving with a safety razor rewards consistency and technique, but the blade you slide into that head still sets the tone for your shave. One blade can turn a mild Merkur 34C into a whisker-melting marvel; another can make the same razor feel scratchy and unforgiving. I have shaved for years with everything from modern CNC razors like the Henson razor to vintage Gillettes and aggressive open combs. I’ve tried the usual suspects and a few sleepers, across soft soaps and slick creams, with a badger shaving brush one week and a synthetic the next. What follows isn’t a lab test with microscopes and spreadsheets. It’s the ranking I actually use when friends ask what to buy, with a focus on real-world performance and value per shave.
A quick note on context. Beards differ, razors differ, and your water does too. The same blade that sings in a Henson Shaving AL13 might feel harsh in a Shavette or a straight razor’s disposable system. I always shave after a hot rinse, with a hydrated lather built from a tallow soap or a slick vegan shaving soap, and I change blades every 3 to 5 shaves depending on the steel. If your routine diverges, adjust expectations.
How I judged performance and value
I’m weighing sharpness, smoothness, longevity, coating feel, consistency batch to batch, and price per blade. The ideal blade clears thick growth without tugging, feels controlled on the second pass across the grain, and leaves no drama on the alum block. Longevity is measured in comfortable shaves before noticeable drop-off. Value is what you pay for those good shaves. Availability matters too, since not everyone wants to chase down obscure imports. I also factor how a blade pairs with common razors: the Merkur 34C, Henson Shaving’s AL13 and Ti22, mild vintage Techs, and mid-aggressive razors like an open comb Fatip or adjustable on mid settings.
The list that actually matters
1) Perma-Sharp Super
If I had to pick one blade to keep in the drawer, this is it. It’s very sharp without the brittle, bitey sensation you get from the most aggressive edges. In a 34C, it glides and mows; in a Henson razor, it tracks predictably, letting the geometry set the angle. I reliably get four excellent shaves, sometimes a fifth if I’m using a particularly slick cream. The first pass clears two days of growth with almost no feedback. On cost, it sits in the sweet spot: not bargain-basement, not premium boutique. Perma-Sharp also behaves well in more assertive razors, staying smooth on the neck where hair tends to cross in odd directions. If you’re moving from a disposable razor to a double edge razor and want a forgiving but efficient start, this blade belongs at the top.
2) Gillette Nacet
Sharper than Perma-Sharp by a hair, with a crisp first and second shave that make two-day growth feel easy. Nacets have a clean edge, so you feel the hair part with little drag. In a Henson Shaving AL13 Mild, Nacets deliver a quick, low-blood-risk shave. In a mid-aggressive head, pay attention to pressure on the jawline, because the blade punishes a heavy hand. I average three to four strong shaves. The edge softens notably after the third, so I don’t stretch them unless I’m traveling. Value is strong given the prevalence of multipacks online, and I’ve found consistent quality.
3) Astra Superior Platinum (Astra SP, green box)
Astra SPs are the workhorse recommendation. They are not the sharpest blade in the drawer, yet they often give better shaves than sharper competitors because they’re predictably smooth. In a Merkur 34C or a vintage Tech, the Astra SP gives a classic, low-risk shave that still reaches close with a third touch-up pass. In the Henson razor lineup, they feel almost too mild in the Mild variant, but they pair nicely with the Medium. Four shaves are normal for me; five is pushing it. Price per blade is excellent, and they suit most skin types, especially if your neck gets angry at feather-like edges.
4) Gillette Silver Blue
This blade comes alive with good lather. On a day when I load a dense knot and work a glossy layer of tallow soap, Silver Blue feels like silk. It’s a notch less aggressive than Nacet, with a smoother coating. If you prefer a single blade razor that quietly does the job without reminding you it’s there, this is it. I often reach five comfortable shaves with Silver Blue, especially when shaving daily. In an aluminum Henson, it’s almost autopilot. Value skews mid to high, but the longevity offsets the cost.
5) Feather Hi-Stainless
Feather’s reputation is earned. Out of the wrapper, they are the sharpest double edge razor blades I’ve used, especially on coarse growth after a weekend. The first two shaves are surgical, then the edge settles fast. Many shavers bin the blade after the second or third shave, which makes them expensive on a per-shave basis. They shine in milder razors: pop a Feather into a Merkur 34C or Henson AL13 Mild and you create a balanced pairing that clears stubble without chatter. Technique matters, particularly with a Shavette that uses half a DE blade. Tiny lapses show up as weepers. If you want maximum efficiency in minimum passes, and your skin tolerates it, Feathers deliver.
6) Personna Lab Blue (a.k.a. Personna Comfort Coated, USA-made when available)
The face feel is forgiving, almost cushiony, thanks to coating that mellows the first shave. Sharpness is sufficient for medium to coarse growth, but you may want an extra buffing pass on the chin. Where Personna shines is irritation control. If your skin flares with aggressive steel, these keep the peace. I get three, sometimes four, very consistent shaves. Pricing and availability have shifted over the years with changes in manufacturing, so check sourcing. When I recommend a starter kit for someone moving from an edge razor cartridge to a safety razor, I often include Lab Blues because they shorten the learning curve.
7) Kai Stainless Steel
Kai flies under the radar because of price and packaging, but the blade is serious. They are as sharp as a tempered Feather, with a slightly thicker stock that can tighten clamping tolerances in some razors. The result is a very rigid edge that tracks smoothly at steep or neutral angles. In a Henson, the rigidity amplifies efficiency without adding harshness. I reach three to four top-tier shaves, then a noticeable cliff. If your beard feels like wire and most blades tug on the first pass, try Kai. Expect to pay more per blade.
8) Gillette 7 O’Clock Super Stainless (Green, Russia/India depending on batch)
These split the difference between Astra SP and Silver Blue. They have a calm first shave with a nice glide and respond well to slick soaps. In a Merkur 34C, the blade offers a steady pace, great for daily shavers who prefer two passes and minimal touch-up. Longevity is three to four shaves. Price tends to be friendly, and they’re widely available. Batch variation exists, but not enough to drop them from the top 10.
9) Rapira Platinum Lux
The Rapira family has several blades, and Platinum Lux is the most balanced for me. It has a gentle edge that still clears growth efficiently, especially in mid-aggressive razors. I reach three solid shaves, a fourth if I baby it with a creamy lather. The feedback is audible, which I enjoy for tracking angle along the jaw and Adam’s apple. Cost is low to moderate, so the value is strong. If you hang out in the value aisle but want more refinement than true budget blades, Rapira makes sense.
10) Wilkinson Sword (German-made)
Not the sharpest, not the longest lasting, but reliably comfortable and easy to source in many countries. Wilkinson is a safe bet for someone dialing in angle and pressure, especially after abandoning a disposable razor habit. Three serviceable shaves, sometimes a fourth, with very low drama. In an aggressive open comb or an adjustable set high, Wilkinson can feel underpowered; in milder razors it comes into its own. The blade’s coatings reward a well-hydrated lather. Solid choice for travel kits and backup packs.
Where popular blades didn’t make the cut
I can already hear the Feather-first crowd asking why it isn’t number one, and the Voskhod fans wondering why their favorite is missing. I rank by blended performance and value. Feathers are superb for the first two shaves, then fall off quickly. If you never push past two shaves and you prize surgical efficiency, bump them up your personal list. As for Treet and Derby Extra, I’ve had too much tugging on the first pass with anything more than a day of growth. Some shavers with fine hair love Derby in very aggressive razors, but in mainstream razors like the Henson AL13 or Merkur 34C, there are better options.
Pairing blades with popular razors
The razor head geometry sets exposure and angle, which can transform a blade’s personality. The Henson shaving design controls angle so tightly that ultra-sharp blades lose some of their bite and gain predictability. That’s why a Feather in a Henson AL13 Mild feels smooth, almost restrained, while the same blade in a Shavette can feel like a scalpel with a grudge. The Merkur 34C, a classic two-piece safety razor, likes mid-sharp, smooth blades such as Astra SP, Perma-Sharp, or Gillette Silver Blue. In that head, the combination of moderate exposure and weight distribution keeps the shave steady for most faces.
If you own an adjustable, use blade selection to fine-tune. A Nacet on a low setting gives efficiency without noise. A Personna on a mid setting feels plush and safe even ATG on the neck. Vintage Techs tolerate broader variation; I keep Wilkinsons and Astras for those. In more assertive razors, like an open comb Fatip or a modern stainless razor with higher exposure, try Silver Blue, Perma-Sharp, or Rapira for control, then move up to Kai if your beard demands it.
Straight razor purists will argue that no double edge razor blades can match a honed edge’s feel. They’re right about the artistry, but in daily life many of us reach for a safety razor. If you dabble with a Shavette that loads half of a DE blade, stick with smoother edges like Personna or Astra at first. Feathers in a Shavette will cut, but they magnify any lapse in angle or pressure.
Technique swallows gear, but gear still matters
Technique makes a larger difference than most products do. Hydrate your whiskers: a warm shower or at least a minute of hot water on the face. Build a proper lather, not airy suds. Use a gentle touch, particularly with sharper blades. Keep the angle shallow, especially in razors like the Henson razor whose design expects you to ride the cap. Rinse the blade often; loaded stubble scrapes and causes micro-chatter that feels like tugging. Finish with cool water and, if you’re curious about feedback, a light swipe of an alum block.
Blades interact with soaps. A high-cushion tallow puck helps a sharper blade stay comfortable for that third pass. Creams with glycerin slickness give mid-sharp blades all the glide they need. If your skin hates alcohol, choose a balm rather than a splash afterward. A good shaving brush matters too: a soft-tipped synthetic makes quick, dense lather and won’t hog product, while a broken-in boar has backbone for lifting stubborn stubble.
Getting the most shaves for your money
Price per blade varies widely. Buying 100-packs brings unit cost down dramatically, but only after you test 5 or 10 of a given blade to confirm it agrees with your skin and razor. Perma-Sharp, Astra SP, and Rapira often come in under a few cents per shave when purchased in bulk. Feather and Kai can cost several times more per blade and may still be worth it if you have tough whiskers or shave less frequently and prize speed. Gillette Silver Blue and Nacet sit in the middle, balancing longevity and feel with reasonable pricing.
Storage is simple: keep blades dry. Don’t wipe the cutting edge; just rinse and flick the water away. A quick dip in alcohol displaces water https://lukasuwsz086.wpsuo.com/razors-and-skin-types-matching-the-right-tool-to-your-face if you live near the coast or in a humid bathroom, then air-dry. If you travel with a dopp kit full of cigar accessories or colognes that carry strong scents, seal new blades in a small zip pouch so the paper wrappers don’t pick up fragrances. It doesn’t affect performance, but it keeps your morning routine neutral.
Two candid realities most rankings gloss over
First, batch variation exists. Manufacturing shifts between plants or countries happen, coatings change slightly, and you might receive a tuck that feels different from the last. When a blade you love suddenly nicks more than it used to, try another pack from a different vendor before writing off the brand. I’ve had this with Personna and 7 O’Clock over the years, less so with Perma-Sharp and Kai.
Second, your face adapts. If you move from an edge razor cartridge to a double edge razor, your first week might feel rougher even with a premium blade. Give it ten shaves. The skin calms, your angle improves, and blades that felt too sharp or too dull can fall into place. That’s why starter variety packs are useful. Once you find a favorite, buy in bulk to lock in performance and price.
What about country of origin and coatings?
Some shavers chase specific stamps, treating “St. Petersburg-made” or “Japan” as a guarantee. Origin can hint at consistency, but it is not a proxy for quality on your face. Focus on how the blade shaves for you. Coatings, on the other hand, you will feel. Platinum or PTFE coatings usually smooth the first shave and help the blade last longer. Uncoated or minimal-coat edges, like some ultra-sharp options, can feel raw on day one then mellow. If your skin is sensitive, lean toward coated blades such as Astra SP, Gillette Silver Blue, and Personna. If you want maximum bite for dense growth, try Feather or Kai even if they ask for a lighter touch.
When to change a blade
I treat the alum block as a barometer. If yesterday’s comfortable blade suddenly produces more sting across both cheeks, it’s dulling. Audible tugging on the first pass is another sign. For me, Perma-Sharp and Silver Blue give four solid shaves; Nacet and Astra SP hover at three to four; Feather and Kai stay in the two to four range depending on prep and beard length. If you shave once a week, consider starting each shave with a fresh blade. The few cents you save aren’t worth a rough Sunday.
A compact pairing guide for common scenarios
- Sensitive skin, daily shaver, mild razor like Merkur 34C or Henson AL13 Mild: Astra SP, Personna Lab Blue, Wilkinson Sword. Coarse beard, shaves every other day, medium razor or Henson Medium: Perma-Sharp Super, Nacet, Gillette Silver Blue. Heavy growth after a few days, wants two-pass efficiency with light touch: Feather Hi-Stainless in a mild razor, Kai in a controlled head. Budget-minded without big compromises: Rapira Platinum Lux, Astra SP, 7 O’Clock Super Stainless. Learning with a Shavette that uses DE halves: Personna or Astra before graduating to Feather.
Final ranking with quick notes on value
Perma-Sharp Super - Best all-around mix of sharp, smooth, and affordable, travels well between razors.
Gillette Nacet - Extra bite with good manners, ideal for efficient two-pass shaves.
Astra Superior Platinum - The dependable daily blade that offends no one and fits most razors.
Gillette Silver Blue - Silky and long-legged, rewards careful lathering and delivers calm skin.
Feather Hi-Stainless - Peak sharpness for those who want surgical precision, short lifespan for many.
Personna Lab Blue - Comfort-forward edge that keeps irritation low while learning technique.
Kai Stainless Steel - Rigid, premium sharpness for stubborn whiskers, priced accordingly.
Gillette 7 O’Clock Super Stainless - Balanced and accessible, a steady worker with good glide.
Rapira Platinum Lux - Value choice that punches above its bracket, audible and controlled.
Wilkinson Sword - Widely available, easygoing, and reliable for daily maintenance shaves.
A safety razor and the right blade turn a chore into a small craft. If you already own a Henson shaving setup or a trusty Merkur 34C, start with two or three blades from the top half of this list and give each a proper week. Keep your lather wet, your touch light, and your expectations honest. The best blade is the one that lets you walk out the door with a smooth face and no drama, ready to face the day without thinking about your Razor again until tomorrow.