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A note. Razors are a very personal as a topic as no two peoples skins are alike. Some razors will be good for thicker skin, some thinner. This is just my opinion, form from it what you will. All reviews are done using the handle, a Merkur 37c.

Feather New Hi Stainless: This is the blade i was using prior to buying the variety pack that prompted me to write this up. i've used it for years and loved it. i still recommend it to everyone i know as a first really sharp blade, but it's no longer my personal favorite. Stays sharp for a long time.

Feather Hi Stainless Double Edge: Very similar in name to the *new* hi stainless, very different experience. I find this blade to be TOO hard, and too aggressive. It is a very close shave, but requires me to shave with really hot water & really good technique. Easily the closest shave and the longest lasting blade ive yet tried, but makes my skin very dry and very thin. This is a blade I would use sparingly, only when i want to look my absolute best - not a daily. I have lost track of how long I have been using it, though, and its still like-new sharp. If you have very thick skin it should probably be your go-to.

Shark Super Stainless- I didn't like these. Edge isn't consistently ground, meaning it irritated my skin in more sensitive areas (under my jawline). it is sharp, but low quality. I trashed it after one use and gave the rest to my boyfriend, as his skin isn't as sensitive as mine.

Gillette Perma-Sharp- First-shave is of higher quality than the feather. It is a remarkably thin blade, so i wouldn't suggest it to someone who hasn't used a safety razor before as a first-blade. Stays sharp for a reasonable amount of time, impressive for how fine the blade is. Not long-lasting as the feather, but the fall-off as it dulls is less severe. Overall higher quality. This is presently my favorite blade.

Astra Platinum Gold Pack - These have been repped to me a lot by friends, and I fully understand why. Almost as sharp and as fine of a shave as the Gillettes, but a far harder blade. It dulls less quickly, and is the most durable blade I have yet used. I am very autistic about the closeness of my shave, so the Gillette's hold the crown still. ~~Very good 2nd place, over-takes the feather new hi-stainless as my go-to suggestion for new shavers.~~

Astra Stainless Blue Pack - This is a VERY smooth shaving blade. Not as aggressive of a blade as the Astra Gold Pack, a softer metal that will dull faster - but the quality of the shave is superior to the golds. I would tier the two astra blades equally, they are different blades for different people.