Timor Razor Blades Review: The Underrated Budget DE Blade

After 23 years of wet shaving and testing over 300 different razors and blade combinations, I can confidently say that Timor razor blades are one of the most underrated budget options in the DE blade market. These German-made blades deliver a smooth, forgiving shave that punches well above their price point—especially for shavers with sensitive skin or those new to double-edge safety razors.

I first encountered Timor blades about eight years ago when a fellow shaving enthusiast recommended them as an alternative to the sharper, more aggressive blades I was using at the time. Skeptical but curious, I ordered a pack and was genuinely surprised by the results. They’ve remained in my regular rotation ever since, particularly for days when my skin needs a gentler touch.

What Makes Timor Blades Different

Timor blades are manufactured in Germany by the Timor company, which has been producing shaving products since 1920. Unlike many modern DE blades that prioritize extreme sharpness, Timor takes a more balanced approach. These blades are moderately sharp with a coating that provides excellent glide—a combination that results in fewer nicks and less irritation for most shavers.

The first thing you’ll notice when handling a Timor blade is the build quality. The edge is consistently ground, and the blade sits flat in every razor I’ve tested it with—no warping or chattering issues that plague some cheaper alternatives. The platinum-chromium polymer coating isn’t just marketing speak; you can actually feel the difference in how smoothly the blade moves across your skin compared to uncoated stainless steel.

Performance Across Different Razors

I’ve tested Timor blades in everything from mild vintage Gillettes to aggressive modern razors, and they perform admirably across the spectrum. Here’s what I’ve found:

In Mild Razors

Timor blades excel in mild razors like the Weishi 9306 or the vintage Gillette Tech. The moderate sharpness provides enough cutting power for a close shave without the blade feeling dull or tuggy. If you’re using a Merkur 34C safety razor or similar mild razor, Timor blades are an excellent match.

In Aggressive Razors

Here’s where Timor blades really shine for certain shavers. In an aggressive razor like the Mühle R41 or Fatip Piccolo, the blade’s moderate sharpness actually becomes an advantage. You get the efficiency of an aggressive razor without the skin-shredding harshness of pairing it with ultra-sharp blades like Feathers. This combination works particularly well for shavers with coarse hair but sensitive skin.

In Adjustable Razors

With my grandfather’s 1959 Gillette Fatboy—the razor that started this whole journey for me—I typically run Timor blades at setting 4 or 5. They provide consistent results without requiring me to dial down the aggression as I would with sharper blades. In my Merkur Futur adjustable razor, settings 2-3 work beautifully with Timors.

Blade Longevity and Value

One area where Timor blades genuinely impress is longevity. I consistently get 5-7 comfortable shaves per blade, which is above average for budget-priced blades. Some shavers report getting even more shaves, though I prefer to change blades before they start tugging.

At current prices, a 100-pack of Timor razor blades typically costs between $12-16, putting the per-shave cost at around 2-3 cents. That’s competitive with other budget blades like Derby or Dorco, but with noticeably better performance in my experience.

How Timor Compares to Popular Alternatives

After testing thousands of shaves with various blades, here’s how Timor stacks up against other common options:

Blade	Sharpness	Smoothness	Longevity	Best For
Timor	Medium	High	5-7 shaves	Sensitive skin, beginners
Feather	Very High	Medium	3-5 shaves	Experienced shavers, tough beards
Astra Superior Platinum	Medium-High	Medium-High	4-6 shaves	All-around daily shaving
Derby Extra	Low-Medium	Medium	3-5 shaves	Very sensitive skin, mild razors
Voskhod	Medium	High	4-6 shaves	Smooth shaves, similar to Timor

The closest competitor to Timor in terms of smoothness and forgiveness is probably the Russian-made Voskhod blade. Both deliver comfortable shaves with minimal irritation, though I find Timor slightly more consistent from blade to blade. Astra Superior Platinum blades are sharper and work better for very coarse beards, while Derby blades are milder but tend to feel duller more quickly.

Who Should Use Timor Blades

Based on my extensive testing and conversations with fellow wet shavers, Timor blades are ideal for:

• Beginners to wet shaving: The forgiving nature of Timor blades makes them excellent for learning proper technique without the punishment of sharper blades.
• Shavers with sensitive skin: If you frequently experience irritation, razor burn, or ingrown hairs with sharper blades, Timor’s smooth coating and moderate edge can significantly reduce these issues.
• Those who prefer daily shaving: The comfortable, irritation-free shave makes daily shaving more sustainable compared to aggressive blade options.
• Shavers pairing with aggressive razors: If you love the efficiency of an aggressive razor but find ultra-sharp blades too harsh, Timor provides the perfect balance.
• Anyone seeking consistent quality: German manufacturing standards mean you get remarkably consistent blades from pack to pack.

Potential Drawbacks

Honesty matters in reviews, so here’s where Timor blades might not be the right choice:

If you have an extremely coarse, thick beard, you might find Timor blades require more passes than sharper alternatives like Feather razor blades or Gillette Silver Blues. They’ll still work, but you may prefer something with more initial cutting power for maximum efficiency.

Additionally, if you’re the type of shaver who likes to squeeze 10+ shaves from a single blade, Timor might not be your best value option. While they last a respectable 5-7 shaves for me, they don’t have the extended longevity of some platinum-coated blades.

Finally, availability can sometimes be an issue. Timor blades aren’t carried by every shaving retailer, though they’re readily available through online sources and double edge razor blade sampler packs.

My Testing Methodology

For this review, I used Timor blades exclusively for 60 consecutive shaves across six different razors: my grandfather’s Gillette Fatboy, a Merkur 34C, a Mühle R89, a vintage Gillette Tech, a Fatip Piccolo, and a modern Rockwell 6C. I documented each shave, noting comfort level, closeness, any irritation, and blade longevity.

I tested with both traditional shaving soap and modern shaving creams to evaluate how the blade performs with different lather types. All shaves were done with proper prep—hot water, quality lather, and careful attention to grain mapping.

Tips for Getting the Best Results with Timor Blades

Here are the techniques that consistently deliver excellent shaves with Timor blades:

Don’t Over-Press

The smooth coating on Timor blades can tempt you to apply pressure, but resist that urge. Let the weight of the razor do the work. The blade will cut efficiently with proper angle and zero pressure.

Focus on Angle

With moderately sharp blades, angle becomes even more critical. Keep the safety bar in contact with your skin and ride the cap at about a 30-degree angle. Listen for the light cutting sound—that tells you you’re in the right position.

Use Quality Lather

Timor’s coating provides good glide, but don’t skimp on lather quality. A well-hydrated lather from a quality shaving brush maximizes the smoothness these blades offer.

Change at the First Sign of Tugging

While Timor blades last 5-7 shaves for most shavers, don’t push them beyond comfort. The moment you feel any tugging or pulling, swap in a fresh blade. At their price point, there’s no reason to suffer through a subpar shave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Timor blades good for beginners?

Absolutely. Timor blades are one of my top recommendations for beginners to wet shaving. Their moderate sharpness and smooth coating provide a forgiving shave that helps you learn proper technique without the harsh feedback of ultra-sharp blades. They’re much less likely to punish small mistakes in angle or pressure compared to blades like Feathers or Gillette Nacets.

How many shaves can you get from a Timor blade?

I consistently get 5-7 comfortable shaves from each Timor blade. This can vary based on your beard coarseness, shaving frequency, and personal tolerance for blade degradation. Some shavers report getting 8-10 shaves, while others prefer to change at 4-5. I recommend changing the blade as soon as you notice any tugging rather than trying to maximize blade count.

Where are Timor blades made?

Timor blades are manufactured in Germany by Timor, a company with over a century of experience in shaving products. The German manufacturing shows in the consistent quality control—I’ve gone through hundreds of Timor blades and rarely encounter a dud, which isn’t something I can say about all budget blade brands.

How do Timor blades compare to Feather blades?

Timor and Feather blades are almost opposite ends of the spectrum. Feathers are extremely sharp and best suited for experienced shavers with tough beards who can maintain perfect technique. Timors are moderately sharp with excellent smoothness, making them ideal for sensitive skin, beginners, or daily shavers who prioritize comfort over maximum sharpness. If Feathers give you irritation or feel too aggressive, Timor is an excellent alternative to try.

Can I use Timor blades in any safety razor?

Yes, Timor blades are standard double-edge blades that fit any DE safety razor. I’ve used them in vintage razors from the 1950s and modern razors with equal success. They sit flat without warping and work particularly well in both mild razors (where they provide enough cutting power) and aggressive razors (where they tame the harshness while maintaining efficiency).