Derby

Many HATE them, but I happen to really like Derby blades, a great all-around bargain performer. They do well on my face with every DE razor I have tried them in:
Gillette Old Type
Gibbs OC Old Type knockoff
Flare Tip Super Speed
Slim Adjustable
Lord L6 Premium
Yuma

They also do VERY well in some of the pre-micromatic SE razors, using the half DE blade mod.
I do have one gripe with the full sized ones, though - the packaging - 20 stupid little plastic boxes per 100 blades. At least for the "profesyonel" half blades, the packaging is minimal, recyclable, and/or compostable. Why don't they do 100s of the full sized blades? My guess is that the plastic is locally produced recycled refuse, and probably cheaper than dirt, but if they dropped it they would have to use a hell of a lot less cardboard...

Maybe if enough enthusiasts contact them at derby@azmusebat.com we could get them to change their pollutin' ways.

SOTD - WIN!

WTG with this user-grade but pretty nice "The Cranford" 9/16 full hollow, $12.50 on Ebay. My advice on getting straight razors on Ebay is to avoid all popular brands and get the seller to tell you in writing that there are no cracks. If it's cracked, it's fucked - you'll not hone that out - same goes for large chips. Avoid any chips - common sense, right? There was some pitting on the edge of this razor that honed out just fine. "finished" on the Chinese 12k 100 laps with water. Newspaper stropped 100 laps then 30 on a leather belt. I'm really liking this one. Damned learning curve! I'm looking forward to the day when I am skilled enough to finish a shave with a straight. For now, one damage free pass is enough for me.

XTG and ATG with a half Derby DE blade in the GEM 1912 - I can hardly stop fondling my face! The glassy smoothness!