Derby

Derby is a renowned brand in the shaving industry, known for its high-quality razor blades that provide precision, durability, and comfort. Manufactured in Turkey by Azmüsebat, Derby has established itself as a leading name in professional and personal shaving. The brand has become a global favorite, supplying barbershops, retailers, and shaving enthusiasts with superior quality blades that meet international standards.

With a reputation built on advanced technology, strict quality control, and a commitment to innovation, Derby razor blades are widely used across Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East. The company adheres to world-class manufacturing standards, ensuring sharpness, longevity, and a smooth shaving experience.

This guide explores Derby’s history, the technology behind its razor blades, its commitment to global quality standards, and why it is trusted by millions worldwide.

1. The History and Evolution of Derby

Derby was established in 1940 under Azmüsebat, a Turkish company specializing in razor blade production. From its early years, Derby focused on manufacturing high-quality double-edge (DE) razor blades, quickly gaining recognition for its precision engineering and durability.

Over the decades, Derby expanded its product line to include:

• Double-edge razor blades (for traditional safety razors).
• Single-edge blades (for professional barber razors).
• Cartridge razors (for modern shaving convenience).
• Disposable razors (for travel and everyday use).

With continuous investment in technology and research, Derby became a pioneer in blade coating techniques, ensuring a smoother, irritation-free shave. The brand gained a strong international presence, exporting to more than 50 countries worldwide and competing with some of the biggest names in the razor industry.

Today, Derby remains one of the top-selling razor blade brands globally, trusted by professional barbers and personal shavers alike.

2. What Makes Derby Razor Blades Stand Out?

A. World-Class Manufacturing Standards

Derby razor blades are produced in Turkey’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, using high-grade Swedish stainless steel. The company follows:

• ISO 9001 Quality Management System Standards, ensuring high precision and consistency in every blade.
• Advanced multi-layer coating technology, which enhances sharpness, smoothness, and longevity.
• Stringent quality control processes, making sure each blade meets global industry standards.

Derby’s commitment to high-quality materials and cutting-edge technology has made it one of the most respected brands in the shaving industry.

B. Unique Coating Technology for a Superior Shave

One of Derby’s greatest strengths is its innovative blade coating technology, which ensures a smooth and comfortable shave. Each blade is coated with:

• Chromium – Improves blade hardness and durability.
• Ceramic – Enhances longevity and prevents rust.
• Platinum – Ensures sharpness and precision.
• Tungsten – Increases resistance to wear and tear.
• Polymer – Reduces friction, minimizing skin irritation.

This multi-layer coating process makes Derby blades long-lasting, ultra-sharp, and gentle on the skin, making them a favorite among professional barbers and wet shaving enthusiasts.

C. Versatility and Compatibility with Different Razors

Derby razor blades are designed to be compatible with a wide range of razors, including:

• Traditional safety razors (double-edge razors).
• Straight razors and shavettes (single-edge blades for professional use).
• Cartridge razors (for everyday convenience).
• Disposable razors (for on-the-go shaving).

This versatility makes Derby a top choice for wet shaving fans, barbers, and home users who value precision and comfort.

3. Derby’s Best-Selling Razor Blade Products

A. Derby Extra Double-Edge Razor Blades

One of the most popular double-edge razor blades in the world. Known for its smoothness and affordability, Derby Extra offers:

• Mild yet sharp cutting edge, suitable for sensitive skin.
• Platinum-coated blades for longevity and durability.
• Perfect balance of sharpness and comfort, reducing nicks and irritation.

These blades fit all standard safety razors and are a favorite among beginners and experienced wet shavers alike.

B. Derby Premium Double-Edge Blades

Designed for experienced shavers and professionals, Derby Premium blades offer:

• Sharper edge for a closer shave.
• More refined platinum and polymer coating, ensuring ultra-smooth glide.
• Ideal for coarse and thick hair, providing a precise cut with minimal passes.

These blades deliver a barber-quality shave, making them a top choice for safety razor enthusiasts.

C. Derby Professional Single-Edge Blades

Perfect for barbershops and professional shaving, these blades are pre-cut for:

• Straight razors and shavettes.
• Sharp and smooth performance for detailing and lining beards.
• Consistent, high-quality results with every use.

Professional barbers rely on Derby for its precision and safety, ensuring a flawless, irritation-free shave for their clients.

D. Derby Cartridge and Disposable Razors

For those who prefer modern shaving convenience, Derby also offers:

• Multi-blade cartridge razors with flexible heads for easy contouring.
• Ergonomic disposable razors for quick and efficient shaving.
• Lubricated strips infused with aloe vera and vitamin E for skin protection.

These razors cater to everyday users looking for fast and hassle-free shaving solutions.

4. Why Professionals and Consumers Choose Derby

A. Trusted by Barbers Worldwide

Professional barbers prefer Derby blades for their sharpness, durability, and consistent performance. The brand’s smooth gliding technology reduces irritation, making it ideal for frequent use in barbershops.

B. Affordable Yet High-Quality

Unlike many premium-priced razor brands, Derby offers affordable pricing without compromising on quality. This makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers who still want a high-performance shave.

C. Ideal for All Skin Types

Derby blades are known for their gentle yet effective cutting edge, making them suitable for:

• Sensitive skin (less irritation and razor burn).
• Thick and coarse hair (sharpness without excessive tugging).
• Fine and thin hair (smooth, effortless glide).

D. Environmentally Friendly Option

Compared to disposable razors, Derby’s double-edge and single-edge blades are more sustainable, producing less plastic waste. Many wet shaving enthusiasts choose Derby for its eco-conscious design.

5. How to Get the Best Shave with Derby Razor Blades

1. Prepare the Skin – Use warm water and a pre-shave oil or cream to soften facial hair.
2. Use a Quality Shaving Cream – Lather well for a smooth glide.
3. Shave with Light Pressure – Let the blade do the work to prevent cuts and irritation.
4. Rinse and Moisturize – Use a soothing aftershave or moisturizer to hydrate the skin.
5. Store Blades Properly – Keep in a dry place to prevent rust and extend blade life.

Conclusion

Derby has become a global leader in razor blade production, offering world-class quality, affordability, and innovation. Manufactured in Turkey under strict quality control, Derby razor blades are used by professional barbers and shaving enthusiasts in over 50 countries.

With its advanced coating technology, smooth performance, and commitment to global standards, Derby continues to be a top choice for those seeking a reliable, irritation-free shaving experience. Whether for traditional wet shaving, professional barbershop use, or modern convenience, Derby remains a trusted name in the shaving industry

1. What makes Derby razor blades different from other brands?

Derby razor blades stand out due to their advanced coating technology, precision engineering, and affordability. Unlike many other brands, Derby offers:

• Multi-layered coating technology, including chromium, platinum, tungsten, ceramic, and polymer, ensuring longer blade life and a smooth shave.
• Superior edge sharpness that provides a close and comfortable shave without excessive irritation.
• Blades manufactured with Swedish stainless steel, offering high durability and corrosion resistance.
• Affordable pricing without compromising on quality, making Derby blades a cost-effective option.

These features make Derby a top choice for barbers, wet shaving enthusiasts, and those who want a premium shaving experience.

2. Where are Derby razor blades made?

Derby razor blades are manufactured in Turkey by Azmüsebat, a company known for producing high-quality shaving products for over 80 years. The manufacturing facility follows ISO 9001-certified quality management systems, ensuring global standards in blade precision and safety.

3. What types of Derby razor blades are available?

Derby offers a wide range of razor blades to suit different shaving preferences, including:

• Derby Extra Double-Edge Blades – A balanced blade with mild sharpness, ideal for sensitive skin.
• Derby Premium Double-Edge Blades – A sharper, smoother blade for a closer shave.
• Derby Professional Single-Edge Blades – Designed for straight razors and shavettes, used mostly by barbers.
• Derby Cartridge Razors – Multi-blade razors designed for everyday shaving convenience.
• Derby Disposable Razors – Affordable, travel-friendly razors with lubricated strips for added comfort.

Each product is designed to deliver precision and comfort, catering to both professional and home users.

4. Are Derby razor blades good for beginners?

Yes, Derby Extra Double-Edge Blades are an excellent choice for beginners because they:

• Have a mild sharpness level, reducing the risk of cuts and irritation.
• Offer a smooth, forgiving shave, ideal for those learning wet shaving techniques.
• Work well with most safety razors, making them a versatile and beginner-friendly option.

For experienced users, Derby Premium Blades offer a slightly sharper edge for a closer shave.

5. How long do Derby razor blades last?

The longevity of a Derby razor blade depends on factors like hair thickness, shaving frequency, and skin sensitivity. On average:

• Derby Extra Blades last 3-5 shaves before dulling.
• Derby Premium Blades last 5-7 shaves, depending on beard type.
• Single-edge Derby Professional Blades for shavettes typically last 2-4 uses in a barbershop setting.

Proper blade storage and rinsing after each use can help extend the blade’s life.

6. What razors are compatible with Derby blades?

Derby double-edge blades are compatible with all standard safety razors, including brands like:

• Merkur
• Edwin Jagger
• Parker
• Muhle
• Feather
• Rockwell

Derby single-edge blades are compatible with most shavettes and straight razors, making them a popular choice for barbers.

7. Are Derby razor blades good for sensitive skin?

Yes, Derby blades are designed with a smooth, forgiving edge, making them ideal for sensitive skin.

• The polymer coating reduces friction, minimizing razor burn.
• The mild sharpness prevents excessive cuts and irritation.
• The ceramic coating improves glide, making the shave gentle on the skin.

For those with highly sensitive skin, Derby Extra blades are the best option.

8. How do Derby Premium blades compare to Derby Extra blades?

• Derby Premium blades are sharper and more refined, ideal for coarse hair and experienced shavers.
• Derby Extra blades are milder and smoother, making them great for beginners and those with sensitive skin.

Both provide high-quality shaves, but the Premium version offers a closer cut with slightly less resistance.

9. Do Derby razor blades rust easily?

No, Derby blades are made with Swedish stainless steel and ceramic-coated to resist corrosion. However, to prevent rusting, it’s recommended to:

• Rinse and dry blades after each use.
• Store them in a dry place away from moisture.
• Avoid leaving them in humid environments, like the shower.

10. Are Derby blades good for coarse hair?

Yes, but Derby Premium blades are the better choice for coarse, thick beards due to their:

• Sharper edge, which cuts through tough hair effortlessly.
• Platinum and tungsten coating, providing durability for dense hair types.

11. Do Derby razor blades work for head shaving?

Yes, Derby blades can be used for head shaving, especially for those who prefer traditional wet shaving.

• Derby Extra is recommended for gentle head shaving, reducing irritation.
• Derby Premium provides a closer, smoother shave, but may require careful technique.

Always use a quality shaving cream or soap for best results.

12. Can Derby blades be used for body shaving?

Yes, Derby blades can be used for body shaving, but they are primarily designed for facial shaving. If using for body hair:

• Use a light touch to avoid irritation.
• Choose Derby Extra for sensitive areas like the chest, underarms, or legs.

13. Are Derby blades environmentally friendly?

Yes, Derby double-edge and single-edge blades are more environmentally friendly than disposable razors because they:

• Are made of 100% recyclable stainless steel.
• Produce less waste compared to plastic cartridge razors.
• Last longer, reducing overall consumption.

14. How do I safely dispose of used Derby blades?

To safely dispose of used blades:

• Store them in a razor blade disposal tin or "blade bank".
• Once full, take it to a recycling center that accepts metal.
• Never throw loose blades in the trash to prevent injuries.

15. Can Derby blades be used for detailing and beard shaping?

Yes, Derby Professional single-edge blades are ideal for beard detailing, as they provide:

• Precision for clean lines and sharp edges.
• Smooth gliding for mustache and sideburn trimming.

Barbers use these blades for detailing and straight razor shaving.

16. Are Derby blades good for wet shaving?

Yes, Derby blades are designed for traditional wet shaving. Using them with:

• A high-quality shaving cream or soap enhances glide.
• A good pre-shave oil reduces friction.
• A proper lathering technique ensures a comfortable experience.

17. Can I use a Derby blade more than once?

Yes, most users get 3-7 shaves per blade, depending on beard thickness and shaving technique.

Are Derby blades tested for quality?

Yes, Derby follows ISO 9001 quality control standards, ensuring consistency and safety in every blade.