Back when I started in 2016 and searching for the "blade" I had bought a used razor and the seller sent a couple of these blades and out of all the ones I tried this one was about the best(the one on the left). I also like Wilkinson Sword Classic from Germany and Feathers but prefer either of the other two. I bought 100 of these direct from India and with a packaging date of 7/15 back in 2016. I was down to around 25 or so and earlier this year I found a US seller and a good deal for the same blade, or so I thought(blade on the right). These were packed 1/21, different outside blade wrapper, they are a single wrapper with no inner white wrapper like the old ones. I am on my 7th blade and blade #6 I got through one pass and had to change it for another as it pulled so bad. I believe this is the second I had to toss out of the first 6 blades after a pass. I don't ever recall having to toss any of the older version. I also seem to only get 4 shaves on average instead of at least 6, this doesn't bother me so much since I bought a lot of 200. My friend also uses this blade and I even traded a pack for one of his older version and he said he took one with him on a road trip and said it was the worst shave he had in a while and regretted bringing it along.
So my question is for those that have used these before and have bought the newer style with the different blade packaging I am wondering if you have noticed a difference also? I am just curious of others that have used these blades have noticed this. Yes, I understand YMMV when it comes to blades but just think it is odd that it is from the same plant in India. But, I guess production change over the course of 5 years so maybe the machines are wore out now after making millions of blades. It seems like the one good are as good as the old ones but again they seem a little different or not quite as sharp. Maybe my beard is getting more like fencing wire as I get up in age.
So my question is for those that have used these before and have bought the newer style with the different blade packaging I am wondering if you have noticed a difference also? I am just curious of others that have used these blades have noticed this. Yes, I understand YMMV when it comes to blades but just think it is odd that it is from the same plant in India. But, I guess production change over the course of 5 years so maybe the machines are wore out now after making millions of blades. It seems like the one good are as good as the old ones but again they seem a little different or not quite as sharp. Maybe my beard is getting more like fencing wire as I get up in age.