A question for those who've been DE shaving since before carts were invented.

[Foyle]

For those of you who remember having to shave with a DE because carts hadn't been invented yet, do you believe that modern DE blades are better than the blades produced back in the day? A couple of years ago I bought an NOS pack of Gillette Blue blades that were still sealed in cellophane. When I opened them they looked pristine, but they were possibly the worst bladed I'd ever tried. I suppose time could have deteriorated the edges, but they looked un-corroded. They were so rough that I tossed the blades after the second stroke.

So, do you remember how blades used to be well enough to make a comparison to the modern DE blades now available?

 

[DrAwkward]

I think turtle has been shaving with a DE since pre-cart days, but I don't know if he ever used a Gillette Blue. Stainless blades came out in the 1960's and became almost universal in the 1970's. So carbon steel blades, like the Blue, would have been produced only in very small numbers after 1970 or so. I just shaved with a pristine 1956 B-1 Blue blade on Saturday. It was not a very close shave, but it did not produce any nicks, weepers, or irritation.

 

[poppi]

I started shaving in about 1961/62 and the I used the carbon steel blades of the day and hated it. Was so glad when the stainless blades showed up. Night and day difference. Now there are so many options, it's hard to choose sometimes.

Some talk about the good old days, but today is much better

 

[The Dean]

I started with DE before carts were available (let's be clear, JUST before). I always had terrible shaves and had to change the blade after a shave or two. I won't blame those old blades though (too many stories about how good they are from very knowledgable posters)--I'm sure it was my total lack of technique and proper prep.

But I do think there is extra value put on older products by many here. I also have a hard time believing these blades were incredibly superior to those that are made today.

 

[xxvaleria]

Newer technology, since the carbon steel blade, makes all the difference. Stainless steel, plating, coatings. Newer blades tend to store better and last longer, IMHO. The only exception that I can think of would be the Personna 74 blades--especially in an injector razor.

 

[DrAwkward]

I started with DE before carts were available (let's be clear, JUST before). I always had terrible shaves and had to change the blade after a shave or two. I won't blame those old blades though (too many stories about how good they are from very knowledgable posters)--I'm sure it was my total lack of technique and proper prep.

But I do think there is extra value put on older products by many here. I also have a hard time believing these blades were incredibly superior to those that are made today.

OK, let's not throw the baby out with the bath water. Many of the 1970's and 1980's vintage stainless blades are the equal of the best modern blades. The Gillette "Spoiler," the Personna 74, the Gillette "Swede," the UK Wilkinson Sword ...
NB: I am NOT claiming the vintage blades are superior to modern ones (except that they last longer), but they are nonetheless very good.

 

[santamariasteve]

I have been a wet shaver daily since 1951.

The blades today are definitely better, both in durability and in sharpness.

 

[RapidRobert]

I think that the coated blades of the 1970s and 1980s are every bit the equal of anything made today. Schick, in particular made a blade from @ 1975-1985 that was the b-o-m-b.

 

[evnpar]

I've been wet shaving since 1962, and agree with others that todays blades are superior to what was available then. I felt like I started to get good shaves once stainless steel blades were available.

 

[Toltepeceno]

I de shaved up until I went to boot camp and it was Gillette blades (don't remember more than that, but it was what I had access to) and one razor. My beard was young, but I know I am getting better shaves now and I think it has more to do with access to more razors and blades. Whether better or worse (blades) then I'm not sure if it was that or not having variety to find the right blade. I do know during boot camp de blades were not allowed and several years later pretty much everyone back home had switched to disposables because they liked them better. I stayed with them after boot camp, they were what was avail to us at the exchange and ships stores.

One thing i think is that back then shaving was a chore and most just got whatever blade and razor was available and scraped their face. I think with the access to variety and forums like this DE shaving has become more "enjoyable" than it was considered then. There was no talk of pressure, blade angle, etc., it was just "you know where the razor and blades are". I think if there was the same variety, information, etc. back then there would have been less of a shift to disposables.

 

[dparish1952]

Started in 1968 with Gillette and my face stayed a bloody red mess until a doctor in 1970 recommended Wikinson Sword. Kicked Gillette's ***.

 

[Brauntex]

I clearly recall a dramatic improvement transitioning from blue blades to SS back in the day, and a noticeable improvement going to SS coated as well. I can't really say the old blades were any better or worse than the current blades though as I don't think I really knew how to make a decent lather or much about face prep or technique when I first began to shave.
With the many blades available today compared to the relatively few back then however, I can say there is a much broader range of blade experiences available to gent's today.

Buster

 

[The Dean]

OK, let's not throw the baby out with the bath water. Many of the 1970's and 1980's vintage stainless blades are the equal of the best modern blades. The Gillette "Spoiler," the Personna 74, the Gillette "Swede," the UK Wilkinson Sword ...
NB: I am NOT claiming the vintage blades are superior to modern ones (except that they last longer), but they are nonetheless very good.

Sorry if I gave the impression I was dissing the older/earlier blades. That wasn't my intention. Actually, your last sentence and mine are pretty much two sides of the same coin.

 

[bengrussell]

I've been shaving DE since I was about 20 so that would be 1972. Yes the new blades are better. Have always shaved with brush and soap puck in a mug. I've worn out several brushes in that time. I shave SE about half the time too. Didn't start that till later.
Ben

 

[Big Jim]

When they were new, I got better shaves from Gillette Blues than I did from Gillette stainless. The Blues didn't last near as long though. I believe the reason for the better shave was the thinness of Blues. They were kind of like today's Feathers, except not stainless.

Just to be clear though, I strongly prefer cartridges to DE today. When I have attempted to go back, the shaves are extremely disappointing.