Ah Bolzano

[Griffo]

After a couple of weeks of going through a smapler which inclided Lord Super, Asco (not as bad), Shark SC and some other blades from the Lord camp in my R41 and have incredibly uncomfortable shaves I decided to return to Bolzano. Noww the other blades gave a decent shave but I got nicks from the Sharks and the others were just like scrapping a cheese grater down my cheek (not that I know how that feels I'm just guessing here).

I bought 4 packs of these late last month to try them out. they are quite expensive, up there with Feathers and you only get 5 in a pack but these German made blades are just superb in the R41. (for me that is).

they are sharp and comfortable and after 2 weeks at wincing with my shaves with the other blades in the R41 and even cointemplating bring my EJ back in to action during the week and keeping the R41 for weekends last nights shave was wonderful and it's 12 hours later now and I'm only just starting to feel a bit of stubble starting to creep through.

Used in conjunction with proraso Green tub and an Omega Pro 48 brush I find the combo of R41 and Bolzano just fits the bill.

Shame they are so expensive over here in the UK.

That now means that I'm down to 3 brands in the R41 which are my go to blades now - Feather, Astra SP and Bolzano - would be typical that 2 of those brands are amongst the most expensive

I'm back to enjoying my R41 again.

 

[ArNav]

If you like Bolzano, you should try Souplex.

 

[bastimret]

source for Souplex blades?

 

[ArNav]

Try here:

http://www.shaving.ie/products/Souplex-Double-Edge-Blades.html
http://www.traditionalshaving.com/products/100-Souplex-Razor-Blades.html
http://www.scherenprofi.com/10-pcs-of-souplex-razor-blades

 

[bastimret]

Thanks!

 

[Griffo]

Those are US sites so to order from them the cost would shoot up as I'd have to pay VAT and customs delivery charges as well.

I'll have a look and see if I can find them available on our side of the Atlantic.

 

[ArNav]

GRIFFO

http://www.shaving.ie and http://www.traditionalshaving.com are from Ireland.

 

[bastimret]

And I can vouch for fantastic service at shaving.ie

I'll have to throw some of the blades in my basket next time I'm shopping there.

 

[Griffo]

GRIFFO

http://www.shaving.ie and http://www.traditionalshaving.com are from Ireland.

Thanks - my mistake, I went over there and they were quoting in USD so assumed it was US.

 

[shave~extacy]

Gillete blacks are great as well, others worth a look since you referenced every blade I use are also Polisilver from bullgoose

 

[Chester]

If you like Bolzano, you should try Souplex.

Both are excellent Solingen blades. The souplexes are probably my favorie current-production blade.
-- Chet

 

[jwilock]

If you like Bolzano, you should try Souplex.

... or Timor. I like all three but have a slight preference for the Timors.

 

[talibeard]

If you like Bolzano, you should try Souplex.

Though both are from Germany, they are very different in my opinion. Bolzano's come from Feintechnik in the former GDR that also makes Elios, Croma and Merkur blades and to me all those have familiar characteristics. Souplex blades on the other hand come from Medyna in Solingen and are in my opinion much (much!) smoother than all the Feintechnik-offerings and one of my fav blades.

Despite that I love them I don't find Souplex blades very good for aggressive razors; they easily start to 'vibrate' in razors where lots of blade is sticking out unsupported. Not that I have found my fav in the R41 yet; I am still working through my options with that one.

 

[ArNav]

I'm not sure in what plant they are manufactured, but Bolzano/Timor/Souplex I associate together for some reason, there is similarity.
As far as I know Elios are made in Spain.

 

[talibeard]

I'm not sure in what plant they are manufactured, but Bolzano/Timor/Souplex I associate together for some reason, there is similarity.
As far as I know Elios are made in Spain.

Here is an interesting link about who makes what concerning DE-blades. It does not seem to be a fool-proof list but it is an interesting starting point.

When you experience similarity between different blades than, for you, this is true. Just keep in mind the YMMV-principle. I agree with you that there is a certain resemblance between Timor and Souplex though Timors just don't do it for me while Souplex does.

 

[Griffo]

Interesting link that.

May buy some Souplex blades and give them a try - annoyingly about the IE website they sell FaTips as well (not that I would buy one of course, ahem)

 

[ArNav]

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Helios_Razor_Blade

"Country of Manufacture: Spain and in Germany by Feintechnik GmbH"

Although it can be that they were formerly manufactured in Spain but now only in Germany.

 

[talibeard]

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Helios_Razor_Blade

"Country of Manufacture: Spain and in Germany by Feintechnik GmbH"

Although it can be that they were formerly manufactured in Spain but now only in Germany.

Yes, it is like with the Bolzano blades; these used to be rather well-known Italian blades but they only come from Germany now. That is the tricky thing with brands; once you think you know something things might have changed. I started DE shaving with Czech Astra SS blades and liked them a lot. They have an almost identical package but are from Russia now and a completely different blade to use.

 

[bakerbarber]

Me want

 

[Griffo]

Done the whole week (4 days) with the same Bolzano blade and chucked it last night. Had a great week of shaves, smooth and very close. Very happy with this blade in the R41.

After the Shark, Lord (various) it's hard to describe how much smoother the shave has been this week.

Going to try the Gillette Super Platinum next week and then maybe head over to Ireland for a few Souplex and maybe one or 2 of the other blades they are selling on that site.