RayClem's Blade Evaluations

After a few weeks I can honestly say Bic CPs are the blades for me. I bleed alot less if at all now that I’ve adjusted my technique, and I only get a very faint hint of redness after the fifth day of shaving.

I am delighted that you are loving the BIC Chrome Platinum blades. They are wonderful blades for me as well.

BIC blades are super sharp, so they can definitely produce a pink lather. I am glad to see that your technique is improving and such instances are becoming less frequent.

If you are still getting irritation from the shave, consider the following:

1. Make sure you are using a top-tier soap. I can offer some suggestions if you wish. 
2. Make sure your lather is properly hydrated.... ether too wet and thin or too thick and goopy can reduce performance.
3. For me, using a razor at a shallow blade angle (off the cap) helps reduce irritation; but that technique does not work for everyone.
4. Make sure you use a very light touch. You only want enough pressure to keep the blade in contact with your skin. If you use excess pressure, you will be removing skin cells with every stroke. That will lead to irritation.
5. Avoid aftershaves with alcohol and menthol as these irritate tender skin. Witch hazel contains only 14% alcohol and should cause no more than minimal irritation if your shaving technique is good.
6. Do not try to push your blade beyond its useful life for your face. If it starts to feel somewhat dull or rough, it is time to replace it.
7. If the above suggestions do not work, consider using a less aggressive razor. For example, I have Karve C, D and E plates. I have to be very careful when using the E plate to avoid irritation as I have little experience with that plate. With the C plate, I can shave on autopilot. The D plate is somewhere in between. Likewise, I have to be carefull using the Timeless 0.95 head, but easily get a smooth shave using the 0.68 head.

A Bic CP in a Yaqi Tile is divine. It makes me wonder why I bother with any other blade.

That being said, a Derby Usta in a Parker Soloedge is also quite excellent. Perma-sharps are also very good, but the Usta has an extra level of smoothness, better for a daily driver I think.

Both of the above are great options. Smoke em if ya got em.

After a few weeks I can honestly say Bic CPs are the blades for me. I bleed alot less if at all now that I’ve adjusted my technique, and I only get a very faint hint of redness after the fifth day of shaving.

I am delighted that you are loving the BIC Chrome Platinum blades. They are wonderful blades for me as well.

BIC blades are super sharp, so they can definitely produce a pink lather. I am glad to see that your technique is improving and such instances are becoming less frequent.

If you are still getting irritation from the shave, consider the following:

1. Make sure you are using a top-tier soap. I can offer some suggestions if you wish. 
2. Make sure your lather is properly hydrated.... ether too wet and thin or too thick and goopy can reduce performance.
3. For me, using a razor at a shallow blade angle (off the cap) helps reduce irritation; but that technique does not work for everyone.
4. Make sure you use a very light touch. You only want enough pressure to keep the blade in contact with your skin. If you use excess pressure, you will be removing skin cells with every stroke. That will lead to irritation.
5. Avoid aftershaves with alcohol and menthol as these irritate tender skin. Witch hazel contains only 14% alcohol and should cause no more than minimal irritation if your shaving technique is good.
6. Do not try to push your blade beyond its useful life for your face. If it starts to feel somewhat dull or rough, it is time to replace it.
7. If the above suggestions do not work, consider using a less aggressive razor. For example, I have Karve C, D and E plates. I have to be very careful when using the E plate to avoid irritation as I have little experience with that plate. With the C plate, I can shave on autopilot. The D plate is somewhere in between. Likewise, I have to be carefull using the Timeless 0.95 head, but easily get a smooth shave using the 0.68 head.

The Karve E plate is pretty much my go to. If I'm using an unfamiliar blade, that's usually the razor I will reach for. For me, I find it to be an excellent combination of efficiency and comfort. I know it's definitely considered a more aggressive plate and it definitely would be for most people who prefer their razors on the milder side.

I just recently tried the Bic Chrome Platinum (4th use) in my Game Changer 105–P and I have to say it was a fantastic shave. The efficiency was off the charts and the comfort and the smoothness were still present. I know that leans heavily on the side of an aggressive combination. After two passes, WTG and ATG, I was just barely on the outskirts of BBS. I do have to say the shave was incredibly smooth. I'm not sure if that's the blade itself, the game changer (I find them to be incredibly smooth razors), or a little bit of both. I do have to add that this is with four days of growth, I usually shave with two. I found this to be a great combination if you're looking for high efficiency while still maintaining comfort and smoothness. Granted, it may very well be overkill for a daily shave, but I think even if I was shaving with my usual two days growth, this would've sufficed for me.YMMV!!!

A Bic CP in a Yaqi Tile is divine. It makes me wonder why I bother with any other blade.

That being said, a Derby Usta in a Parker Soloedge is also quite excellent. Perma-sharps are also very good, but the Usta has an extra level of smoothness, better for a daily driver I think.

Both of the above are great options. Smoke em if ya got em.

I do not have a Yaqi razor, but I did pick up the Parker SoloEdge. I only have a few shaves in with that razor. I used the PermaSharps and they are a good blade in that razor. I still have a few Derby Usta blades and will take your suggestion of trying them in the SoloEdge. If the Usta blades are a good fit, I might order a 100 pack of half blades. I also have a 100 pack of DuraBlade 7 AM half blades. The Lord SilverStar blades might also be a good choice in that razor.

Gillette PermaSharp blade sale

For those who like the PermaSharp blades previously made in Russia, please note that Amazon has the blades on sale. I purchased mine a few years ago for $16 per 100 blades. The price spiked to $21. Currently, they are on sale for $10.

https://www.amazon.com/Perma-Sharp-Doubl...009BS5CUA/

Gillette PermaSharp blade sale

For those who like the PermaSharp blades previously made in Russia, please note that Amazon has the blkades on sale. I purchased mine a few years ago for $16 per 100 blades. The price spiked to $21. Currently, they are on sale for $10.

https://www.amazon.com/Perma-Sharp-Doubl...009BS5CUA/

I just placed an order for 100.

After a few weeks I can honestly say Bic CPs are the blades for me. I bleed alot less if at all now that I’ve adjusted my technique, and I only get a very faint hint of redness after the fifth day of shaving.

I am delighted that you are loving the BIC Chrome Platinum blades. They are wonderful blades for me as well.

BIC blades are super sharp, so they can definitely produce a pink lather. I am glad to see that your technique is improving and such instances are becoming less frequent.

If you are still getting irritation from the shave, consider the following:

1. Make sure you are using a top-tier soap. I can offer some suggestions if you wish. 
2. Make sure your lather is properly hydrated.... ether too wet and thin or too thick and goopy can reduce performance.
3. For me, using a razor at a shallow blade angle (off the cap) helps reduce irritation; but that technique does not work for everyone.
4. Make sure you use a very light touch. You only want enough pressure to keep the blade in contact with your skin. If you use excess pressure, you will be removing skin cells with every stroke. That will lead to irritation.
5. Avoid aftershaves with alcohol and menthol as these irritate tender skin. Witch hazel contains only 14% alcohol and should cause no more than minimal irritation if your shaving technique is good.
6. Do not try to push your blade beyond its useful life for your face. If it starts to feel somewhat dull or rough, it is time to replace it.
7. If the above suggestions do not work, consider using a less aggressive razor. For example, I have Karve C, D and E plates. I have to be very careful when using the E plate to avoid irritation as I have little experience with that plate. With the C plate, I can shave on autopilot. The D plate is somewhere in between. Likewise, I have to be carefull using the Timeless 0.95 head, but easily get a smooth shave using the 0.68 head.

The Karve E plate is pretty much my go to. If I'm using an unfamiliar blade, that's usually the razor I will reach for. For me, I find it to be an excellent combination of efficiency and comfort. I know it's definitely considered a more aggressive plate and it definitely would be for most people who prefer their razors on the milder side.

I just recently tried the Bic Chrome Platinum (4th use) in my Game Changer 105–P and I have to say it was a fantastic shave. The efficiency was off the charts and the comfort and the smoothness were still present. I know that leans heavily on the side of an aggressive combination. After two passes, WTG and ATG, I was just barely on the outskirts of BBS. I do have to say the shave was incredibly smooth. I'm not sure if that's the blade itself, the game changer (I find them to be incredibly smooth razors), or a little bit of both. I do have to add that this is with four days of growth, I usually shave with two. I found this to be a great combination if you're looking for high efficiency while still maintaining comfort and smoothness. Granted, it may very well be overkill for a daily shave, but I think even if I was shaving with my usual two days growth, this would've sufficed for me.YMMV!!!

The Game Changer 1.05 is the razor I use too.

Also as a side question out of sheer laziness, what is the best way to clean your razor blades without disassembling the razor to minimize handling of blades?

Those blades benefit from a bit of palm stropping IMO. An interesting dilemma though- 200 (maybe) discontinued Permasharps, or 100 Bic CPs?  

What do you choose?

Never mind- Bics are $13.27 for 100 now. And 9% off if you buy two. Just bought 400. They will make great Xmas gifts as well.

Edit- I won’t be the USA for a bit, so I won’t have a chance to test these out. Can someone else check if they are legitimate? There are fakes on the market. Seller is SafetyRazorPlace.

Gillette PermaSharp blade sale

For those who like the PermaSharp blades previously made in Russia, please note that Amazon has the blkades on sale. I purchased mine a few years ago for $16 per 100 blades. The price spiked to $21. Currently, they are on sale for $10.

https://www.amazon.com/Perma-Sharp-Doubl...009BS5CUA/

I just placed an order for 100.

Good thing I jumped, they are back to $18.80/100.

Gillette PermaSharp blade sale

For those who like the PermaSharp blades previously made in Russia, please note that Amazon has the blkades on sale. I purchased mine a few years ago for $16 per 100 blades. The price spiked to $21. Currently, they are on sale for $10.

https://www.amazon.com/Perma-Sharp-Doubl...009BS5CUA/

I just placed an order for 100.

Good thing I jumped, they are back to $18.80/100.

As they say,: "the early bird gets the worm".

I am glad you ordered "when the iron was hot".

Still, at $18.80, they are still a decent value, now there are other blades that become a better value.