I tried these blades when I first began wet shaving three years ago. They came with my EJ razor. I. Hated. Them. I tried Sharks, Gillette Silver Blue (which I remember liking), store brand Personna, Wilkinson Sword (which I love ��� bought a 100-pack), Merkur, And currently working on an Astra green 100-pack. I'm not having particularly good luck with the Astras; they have a good subjective feel, but it seems like I nick myself with them Every. Single. Day. (This isn't technique ��� I rarely cut myself with Wilkinsons or Gillettes.). So, I thought I'd try some other blades.
My face is very sensitive, and I have light growth, so I was looking for something not as aggressive as Astras, and Wilkinsons are more than I want to pay for blades. I ordered a pack of Derbys, and I have to say I've completely changed my mind about them. They're not as subjectively smooth as wilkinsons, but they just don't irritate my face like Wilkinsons and Astras do. My loathing of Derbys early on was spurred by lack of technique, I believe. I don't think these blades are for everyone, but for a light beard and sensitive skin, they work wonders with a light touch. Still using them in the EJ 89, with either Palmolive cream or Ogallala soap. My face feels better post-shave than with sharper blades, and my wallet feels better with the cheaper price. I may have found a new daily blade...