7 o'clock black. Surprising!!

[atison]

Started my sampler pack with a 7 o'clock yellow blade, and had poor results with it. Irritation, cuts, nicks, and just not a comfortable shave. Moved on through the others in my pack with one standing out, the famous Feathers. Thought they were going to be my go to blade.

Then I tried the last blade in my pack, the 7 o'clock black blades. Didn't have high hopes since their cousin left my face in poor condition. Just finished my 3rd shave with the blacks and these blades are great. Not as sharp as the feathers but there is something different that I like. It is hard to explain, but the only word that comes to mind is "soft".

The blade cuts through the hair with little resistance, but oh so softly. It was such a strange feeling, and I never thought I would describe a blade as soft.

For comparison, the Feathers gave me outstanding shaves with no irritation/nicks/weepers. They have been standing above all else for me so far. But these blacks just feel oh so smooth.

Going to go back to the yellows in all fairness and of course go through a few more Feathers and Blacks to see what my go to blade is. Might wind up ordering 50 Feathers and 50 Blacks as I get comparable results from both, just that they feel different.

Oh, and all these are in my HD but with an array of soaps used.

 

[Hex]

+1

I agree.

I also got poor results from the Yellows, whereas the Blacks worked well.

Now if I could only find them at a cheaper price. If I remember correctly, they cost more or the same as Feathers.

 

[Deliverator]

I really like the blacks. After trying a number of blades I had settled upon Iridiums, but with the recent unavailability I have started trying out some new blades, and the blacks are my new favorite. Just about as sharp as the Iridiums, but noticeably smoother. A very very nice shave.

 

[BladeDE40]

I found them to be on par with Iridiums, but I go with the Iridiums as they are about $0.15/ blade cheaper.

 

[BroJohn]

The Gillette Blacks are simply exceptional. I think they're probably the best blade in current production.

-- John Gehman

 

[luvmysuper]

The Gillette Blacks are simply exceptional. I think they're probably the best blade in current production.

-- John Gehman

+1

I like 'em!
I'd choose them over Feather for sure.

Their Green brothers are not half bad either.

 

[beginish]

The Blacks are my favorite blade. Almost as sharp as a Feather, but they last twice as long for me.

 

[xillion]

The Blacks and Blues are my favorite 7 O'clock blades. They are both sharp, smooth, and long lasting.

 

[dingaan]

I agree that the black 7 o'clocks are excellent- they are one of my favorite blades- better that the feathers for me. I also like the 7 o'clock yellows though.

 

[beyboo]

the gillette blacks are simply exceptional. I think they're probably the best blade in current production.

-- john gehman

+2

 

[wulfgar1976]

I had a bad Sharp Edge once - unless it was simply that it wasn't the right blade for the razor. My experience with the black SPs is that they are excellent for two shaves and mediocre for the third. I seem to have the complete opposite experience to the majority of people in that regard. Sharp Edges aren't as smooth but they are sharper and longer lasting. I'll use the black SPs again but it's not going to be something I use often because it isn't cost effective for me. I prefer the blue Russian SPs so far.

 

[SRock]

The 7 O' Yellow is one of if not my favorite blade. However, I don't think I could have used it and/or enjoyed it when I was a newbie. I do however, have some of 7 O's in Black that I have yet to try. Perhaps that will be tomorrow.

 

[Drybonz]

I like the yellows, but haven't tried the blacks. I will have to see if I can track down a pack and give them a go.

 

[Patrik]

It is hard to explain, but the only word that comes to mind is "soft".

The blade cuts through the hair with little resistance, but oh so softly. It was such a strange feeling, and I never thought I would describe a blade as soft.

I get the exact same feeling whenever I shave with current production Gillette Platinums (aka "cardboard Swedes" to some). It's a wonderful sensation.

Haven't tried the black SPs, and the price doesn't motivate me to buy any. The yellows treat me quite nicely.

 

[mharris127]

The 7 O' Yellow is one of if not my favorite blade. However, I don't think I could have used it and/or enjoyed it when I was a newbie. I do however, have some of 7 O's in Black that I have yet to try. Perhaps that will be tomorrow.

I see that you are active duty military in Japan. Be sure to bring back a large supply of your favorite blade and shaving soap when you return to the States, we now have a very poor selection of DE supplies in the stores whereas supposedly Japan, India, Vietnam and Greater Russia still have a great selection of DE shaving items available locally. Also, it is just about impossible to buy a new DE razor in our stores. I have to use the bay to order most of my supplies.

Also, don't be tempted by those new fancy 3 and 5 blade gizmos upon your return. Four blades for the Fusion or Mach 3 are between $13 and $17! You can buy 10 DE blades for less than $2 in discount stores (only one brand available, though -- the ones I tried are OK but not nearly as sharp as a Feather). To buy Feathers shipped from Japan, I paid about $8.75 a ten-pack (about 40 shaves) shipped! I bet in Japan they are much cheaper -- but $9 is for DE blades is definitely better than $26 plus for an equal number of shaves from the Mach 3!

 

[hipfan]

The Black Ninjas are awesome, awesome blades. Sharp, smooth, and long-lasting IME.

 

[SRock]

I see that you are active duty military in Japan. Be sure to bring back a large supply of your favorite blade and shaving soap when you return to the States, we now have a very poor selection of DE supplies in the stores whereas supposedly Japan, India, Vietnam and Greater Russia still have a great selection of DE shaving items available locally. Also, it is just about impossible to buy a new DE razor in our stores. I have to use the bay to order most of my supplies.

Also, don't be tempted by those new fancy 3 and 5 blade gizmos upon your return. Four blades for the Fusion or Mach 3 are between $13 and $17! You can buy 10 DE blades for less than $2 in discount stores (only one brand available, though -- the ones I tried are OK but not nearly as sharp as a Feather). To buy Feathers shipped from Japan, I paid about $8.75 a ten-pack (about 40 shaves) shipped! I bet in Japan they are much cheaper -- but $9 is for DE blades is definitely better than $26 plus for an equal number of shaves from the Mach 3!

Ironically I find a much better variety and better prices online.

 

[atison]

Just started my second 7 o'clock black blade (had the yellows in my hand, but wanted another go at the super smooth black).

Well I am absolutely sold on these blades. This time the shave situation was my optimal condition. 3+ days of growth gives me my best shaves, and with this blade it turned out to be the most pleasurable experience putting a cutting device to my face.

MWF for my lather (didn't get my best lather from it either) and got the most BBS shave with ZERO nicks/cuts/irritation. I mean ZERO discomfort during or after the shave. Truly outstanding shave.

I really feel this is the elite of blades for me in my HD. Still like the feathers as they are a close second and a little cheaper. Might wind up ordering 50 of each.

Going to be real hard to go back to any others in my sampler after todays shave.

 

[mharris127]

Ironically I find a much better variety and better prices online.

That surprises me -- I thought Japan was still mainly a DE country (outside of the large cities). I was hoping for your sake that the famous Feathers were cheaper in their home country than shipped here.

As for your military service, I thank you. It is people like you that make the United States and associated countries (such as Canada and the UK) great!

 

[ackvil]

I may have to give the Blacks another try. The last time I tried them my neck suffered from incredible irritation - so much show I got rid of them after just one shave. The Russian Yellows, on the other hand, are great for me.