Seeking a new blade

I have an assortment of moderate supply (GSB, 7 O'clock yellow, Polisilver, Israeli Persona, Voskhod) and am looking to expand my horizons. I know the YMMV factor is real but advice would be welcomed. I'm seeking the balance between sharp and smooth. All to be used in vintage Gillettes, Rockwell 6C, Merkur HD38, EJ and the like.

I've never tried Nacets, Lord or Treet. It's been years since I used a Permasharp. Same for Astra SP which I seem to remember liking but I've recently read that they have plummeted in quality (is this so?). Amazon has Astras from different sellers indicating them as being Russian, USA, and being from Derby International, LLC which I think means Turkish.

Thanks for any thoughts...

Kai makes the best DE blades in my opinion - razor sharp, but smoother than Feathers.  Plus, no glue bumps to deal with!

Astra SP is my primary blade and I have not detected any decline in quality.  All the Astra blades I've used over many years have always stated on the box that they were made in Russia.

You should revisit Permasharp.

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(04-08-2022, 08:40 AM)Jags009 Wrote: You should revisit Permasharp.

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was just thinking that...

Below are the results of an expanding horizons attempt.  Daily blade was an Astra SP.  HTH.

http://shavenook.com/showthread.php?tid=...#pid988853

Another vote for permasharps. I used them almost exclusively for years. Just recently started going back through an old sample pack but the permasharps remain a favorite.

(04-08-2022, 06:16 AM)Grande Wrote: I have an assortment of moderate supply (GSB, 7 O'clock yellow, Polisilver, Israeli Persona, Voskhod) and am looking to expand my horizons. I know the YMMV factor is real but advice would be welcomed. I'm seeking the balance between sharp and smooth. All to be used in vintage Gillettes, Rockwell 6C, Merkur HD38, EJ and the like.

I've never tried Nacets, Lord or Treet. It's been years since I used a Permasharp. Same for Astra SP which I seem to remember liking but I've recently read that they have plummeted in quality (is this so?). Amazon has Astras from different sellers indicating them as being Russian, USA, and being from Derby International, LLC which I think means Turkish.

Thanks for any thoughts...

I really like Nacets and I also have the Merkur 38C and the Rockwell 6C. I also really like Rapira Platinum Lux. I found they gave me a similar shave as a Feather. I do beliebe the Nacets are a popular and solid choice. Some newer blades (new to me) I am currently trying and liking are Bolzano Superinox, Phoenix Shaving Platinum Strangelets, and Voskhod. This is my second go round with the Voskhod, my first experience wasn't great. This time around was a nice surprise, but also a different razor could certainly be the reason. Just my .02¢.

Permasharps are as good as any. If you want to try a tuck of Lord Platinum Class send me a PM.

Lord Platinum Class was the first blade I liked a lot and has always given me excellent results.

(04-08-2022, 01:21 PM)TheLegalRazor Wrote: Lord Platinum Class was the first blade I liked a lot and has always given me excellent results.

I like those blades too. Its funny how you hear virtually nothing about them.

Nothing wrong with the Astra SPs.
Have you tried Polsilver Super Iridiums already?

one of my favorite blades is the Gillette Wilkinson sword made in India. I think the very low price puts some folks off but for me, the blade is very sharp and very smooth.

Polisilver SI are my favorites thus far. Because the price was too low not to, I ordered 100 Astra SP and Lord Platinum class. Used Permasharps years ago but just don't remember them.

I think the reality is that there are lots of good blades available today. Part of the pleasure of wet shaving being a hobby and not a task is enjoying the variety. Who doesn't like seeing a pile of different color tucks of blades awaiting your decision as to which to choose today?
 
On the list of still wanting to try:

Kai
Nacet
Wilkinson
Bolzano
Persona Lab/Med

Silver Star was a pleasant surprise the last time I left the reservation.

(04-09-2022, 05:14 AM)Uncas Wrote: Silver Star was a pleasant surprise the last time I left the reservation.

I neglected to mention those. I bough them on a whim and love them. Everyone just doesn't seem to sell them.

Thumbs up on RyznRio's post above. When I first got back into wet shaving, I tried a bazillion different blades. The one that I kept coming back to was the Wilkinson Sword made in India. (NOT to be confused with the awful Wilkies made in Germany). While some of my razors will give better shaves using a different blade, the Wilkies from India seem to be the most universally acceptable blades in almost all of my razors. For me it has the best balance of durability (number of shaves) and sharpness. It is the razor blade that I use to judge all others.
:-)
- Bax

(04-09-2022, 12:43 PM)Mike Distress Wrote:

(04-09-2022, 05:14 AM)Uncas Wrote: Silver Star was a pleasant surprise the last time I left the reservation.

I neglected to mention those. I bough them on a whim and love them. Everyone just doesn't seem to sell them.

Never been on my radar. Yet another to try.

There is a way to sample blades individually or in small numbers, I don't know if it is permitted to name the source so I won't. The fact that I never ordered Silver Stars in any quantity has more to do with the amount of blades I already have, and brand loyalty, than any lack of performance. They would be an excellent choice for anyone looking to start a stash. Given enough demand I'm sure Phil could come up with some.

(04-10-2022, 02:53 AM)Grande Wrote:

(04-09-2022, 12:43 PM)Mike Distress Wrote:

(04-09-2022, 05:14 AM)Uncas Wrote: Silver Star was a pleasant surprise the last time I left the reservation.

I neglected to mention those. I bough them on a whim and love them. Everyone just doesn't seem to sell them.

Never been on my radar. Yet another to try.

I was pleasantly surprised. I really like them.