[samsa]

Have you experimented with blades? This was my takeaway after using Merkur blades and I abandoned safety razors for a while. I tried again using Feather blades and the experience was much better: far superior to cartridge shaving. With more practice I also improved my technique which undoubtedly helps.

[4ad]

Yes, I experimented with blades, I didn't think it would make any difference, but to my surprise it makes a huge difference. I still don't understand how there can be such a huge variance in the experience you get with different blades, it's not about the sharpness, they are all sharp.

To be honest, this is a negative point, because it takes time to experiment with blades, and it's extremely unlikely you will be able to find your favorite blades when you travel somewhere.

Practice undoubtedly helps, how much more more can I practice. I shave every other day. In fact, when I used disposables I shaved every day, and I wish I could still do that, but double edge blades are too harsh on my skin to be able to do that. After I shave, I need a day to heal. And this is with special creams and balms and alum blocks. With disposables I didn't even need to use any kind of after shave treatment at all.

[omnimus]

You've probably tried everything but if not try soap with lanolin that helps a lot and try cream instead of soap. Also some people don't get so irritated skin if they use duller blades. But you might just be out of luck.

[omnimus]

I have bought and tried pretty much any brand of blades i could find online. Surprisingly enough when talking with owners of shaving specialist shop the owner said many people prefer duller blades. Its supposed to not irritate the skin so much and take all the moisture out.

I also prefer Feather blades the most but they are expensive compared to rest. When i was looking for alternative funnily enough the next sharpest (and a lot cheaper) was... Gillette blades. They have few different lines and some of them come close to Feather. Now i am torn when buying blades if i cheap out and buy Gillette or go for Feather... (95% of time i support the Japanese :))