A change in Astra Superior Platinum packaging

[Jussi]

I thought that this information should be delivered before the counterfeit theories begin to form (in some cases they're justified, as with some Iridium Supers).


As I recently ordered blades (for our shop), I was informed that the packaging of Astra Superior Platinum blades shall go through a small change in the near future.

"DE blades will be packed only in wax paper inside the printed tuck of 5's/10's"

"the wax paper is retained to protect blade edge. This by no means affects the quality and lifespan of the products!"


Personally, I feel that it's for the better. Less paper, less waste, less hassle when changing the blade. If it shows in price, it'll be even better!


Left: The current packaging. Right: The new packaging.

 

[VerbaVolant]

I think I can see the most important change, the change that we all dream about: the wax spots. They appear to be put in the center of the blade, like Feathers. For the people that do not know Astra blades, they have four nasty wax spots on the corners of the blade, most of the time oozing over the edge and always leaving wax residue on the razor.
If what I see is true, wax on the center of the blade would be a huge improvement.

Please be kind and confirm that.

 

[ArNav]

I don't see any difference.

 

[VerbaVolant]

1. There is no paper wrapper over wax paper.
2. The wax paper that protects the blade is now the correct size and folded, overlapping lengthwise over the centre of the blade.
3. There are two visible spots in the centre of the blade, spots that are different shade than the rest of the paper. If you ever used wax paper you would know that if you touch it with grease that spot becomes translucent. From the picture posted this seems to be the case. Feather blades have wax spots on the centre of the blade holding the blade centred inside the wrapper and keeping the wrapper closed.

 

[VerbaVolant]

I thought that this information should be delivered ...

Jussi,
Thank you for this informative post. Would you mind if I copy your picture and post it on another forum?

 

[Jussi]

I don't mind at all, please do. I cannot confirm the new location of wax spots - it can be that they've added one, but it can be that they've reduced them. Our order comes in old style, but I believe that we'll see the new package soon, as Astra SP sells like hotcakes. For a good reason, I might add.

 

[Seadooer]

I hope this change reflects in a price drop.

 

[Jussi]

Well, they're already the best "tapwater-price" blades there is, so I wouldn't hold my breath.

 

[BlackBard]

Thanks for the heads-up. I'll have to look for the new packaging when I finally need to reorder - in about two years.

 

[5savages]

I hope this change reflects in a price drop.

How much do you think they should cost after these changes?

I like the change in the wax paper wrapper, but I'd much prefer that the paper wrapper remain.

 

[infabo]

How much do you think they should cost after these changes?

I like the change in the wax paper wrapper, but I'd much prefer that the paper wrapper remain.

We should be glad, that they just rationalized the packaging and not closed down the whole production of double edge blades. So, better don't call for lower prices - Astras already were dirt cheap.

 

[ateace]

We should be glad, that they just rationalized the packaging and not closed down the whole production of double edge blades. So, better don't call for lower prices - Astras already were dirt cheap.

+1

 

[Seadooer]

How much do you think they should cost after these changes?

I like the change in the wax paper wrapper, but I'd much prefer that the paper wrapper remain.

Concidering they take a step out of the prcess I'd say 50cents at least.

 

[inspiringK]

Wow, I'd love to get confirmation on the reduced wax residue annoyance. The wax buildup on my razors caused by this blade is the only reason why I stopped using them. It would be great to have the option of returning to Astra

 

[britewhiteram]

how hard is it to rinse your razor in hot water or at least hit them with a gentle scrub with a brush every once in a while?

I like the more conservative packaging, less waste, less handling, all around just better for everyone

 

[Jussi]

I wash my razor every time I change the blade. However, I welcome the "less wax" -approach, as well as "less unnecessary package" -approach. I had to order 10 000 "old" style blades, but, in the future, I shall be happy to sell more ecological and - if it really is so - more user friendly (i.e. less wax) product.

The thing that irks me most with GSB and ASP is that they're both products of PPI and, thus, sometimes have glue/wax all the way down to their cutting edges. That usually results as tugging, if I don't remember to rinse the blade carefully with very hot water before shaving.

Still, they're both on my go-to -list, as they work incredibly well in R89 and in R41.

 

[inspiringK]

how hard is it to rinse your razor in hot water or at least hit them with a gentle scrub with a brush every once in a while?

It's plenty easy. Though, once you find yourself scrubbing wax spots off of 20 razors before having to polish them at the end of the year, it becomes a real annoyance. I just enjoy using a blade more when when I know I am not slathering wax on my razors.

 

[britewhiteram]

It's plenty easy. Though, once you find yourself scrubbing wax spots off of 20 razors before having to polish them at the end of the year, it becomes a real annoyance. I just enjoy using a blade more when when I know I am not slathering wax on my razors.

I believe I found you problem... 20 RAZORS???!!!??? wow thats quite the collection, you may have slight case of RAD I currently have 2 razors and only really use 1, which gets cleaned on a bi-monthly basis due to the fact that I only shave every couple days as opposed to every day like most, even at that I havn't seen any wax build up on my lonely razor.. I must be doing something wrong?

 

[VerbaVolant]

It's plenty easy. Though, once you find yourself scrubbing wax spots off of 20 razors before having to polish them at the end of the year, it becomes a real annoyance. I just enjoy using a blade more when when I know I am not slathering wax on my razors.

Agree with you inspiringK. I only have four razors and clean the one I use after every shave. Not an issue. The wax spots bother me as well and I cannot "rinse" them, like many people here suggested. I have my water heater (electric) set for 55°C and could not rinse off the wax with water at that temperature. Not mentioning that I refuse to waste two (or more) minutes every day of my life just for "rinsing" the stupid blade and not to mention the wasted energy/money down the drain.

 

[TallyShave]

Really like the apparent change to the wax application. Looks similar to the way Feather does it. Great change. Also, if people aren't buying these blades because they cost too much...well, I don't know what to say.