Alternative to Astra SP’s?

[TerryCTR]

Hello, I’ve used an EJ DE89 for many years now and after lots of blade testing I ended up settling on the Astra SP’s which seemed to suit my sensitive skin but slightly coarse hair combo - so much so that I bought years worth of supplies when they were produced in Russia. The previous derbys I used pulled the hair and the feathers were just too sharp for me although gave a great shave.

I’m now finally out and from reading endless threads and watching a few videos today it would seem the India produced versions are more aggressive and no doubt won’t suit me.

So, I thought I would ask on here if anyone has found a good alternative thad works well with the DE89?

Thanks

Terry

 

[Jay21]

Any of the Dorcos. The Titans are the smoothest and mildest while being deceptively sharp.

 

[NorthernSoul]

Have you tried the Dorco Primes?

How about Personna Comfort Coated (made in USA)?

 

[cranewarrior]

Hello, I’ve used an EJ DE89 for many years now and after lots of blade testing I ended up settling on the Astra SP’s which seemed to suit my sensitive skin but slightly coarse hair combo - so much so that I bought years worth of supplies when they were produced in Russia. The previous derbys I used pulled the hair and the feathers were just too sharp for me although gave a great shave.

I’m now finally out and from reading endless threads and watching a few videos today it would seem the India produced versions are more aggressive and no doubt won’t suit me.

So, I thought I would ask on here if anyone has found a good alternative thad works well with the DE89?

Thanks

Terry

I say just give the Indian Astra a try. Even slightly sharper is bound to be less change than switching brands and models, assuming Gillette tried for continuity and it seems they did.

But if you want to look around, two of the smoother blades I have tried this year were the Silver Star and Suneko. They are not extremely sharper than Astra SP.

You could also try some of the Treet blades like Treet Falcon.

 

[TerryCTR]

Thanks for the replys, not that it matters I guess but U.K. based and was hoping to pick up some this weekend.

I guess I should order some samples of the above and go from there. Good point on the Indian version, slightly sharper may still work for me so will give them a go before committing.

Thanks

 

[NorthernSoul]

If you are in the UK you can probably order cheaply from Connaught. They still have the Gillette Platinum which is a smooth mid-sharp blade. If you are open to Lord blades, they have some that would probably work well for you. Maybe look at the Lord Super Chrome blades.

 

[nlife]

I suggest trying the Indian made astra's as well. As you know blades are subjective and peoples experience can vary rather wildly when it comes to them.

 

[HoosierTrooper]

Lots of suggestion in this recent similar thread:

Tell me a blade better than the Astra.

The first blade I ever tried was the Astra Superior Platinum DE. I had no idea if it was any good, a local barber sold be a pack together with a Chinese made safety razor (since replaced). It seemed to do the job. So I stocked up on Astra blades and they have been my daily blade ever since...

www.badgerandblade.com

 

[Juanmosey]

Flydears. No glue spots, clean as a whistle and shave great. Dirt cheap on Temu. How is Temu BTW?

 

[TerryCTR]

Lots of suggestion in this recent similar thread:

Tell me a blade better than the Astra.

The first blade I ever tried was the Astra Superior Platinum DE. I had no idea if it was any good, a local barber sold be a pack together with a Chinese made safety razor (since replaced). It seemed to do the job. So I stocked up on Astra blades and they have been my daily blade ever since...

www.badgerandblade.com

Yeah one of many I threads I trawled today, minus the specifics of pairing with the DE89.

 

[BigJ]

I also find the Russian Astra SP ‘top-tier.’

Other blades that I really enjoy (in no particular order):
Personna labs (or med preps)
Personna reds (Israeli)
GSB
Nacet
Wizamet SI (or Posilvers)

 

[Pinto90]

You could also try some of the Treet blades like Treet Falcon.

I was startled when I read on amazon Italia a review by a gentleman who called the Treet Falcons aggressive and sharp.
It's okay that they cut well but I don't like them too aggressive.
I just bought two hundred blades of them.

Getting back on topic about a replacement blade to the Astra SP I am of the opinion that the Dorco Titans is a good alternative.

 

[kingfisher]

Have you tried the Astra SS blades?

 

[cranewarrior]

I was startled when I read on amazon Italia a review by a gentleman who called the Treet Falcons aggressive and sharp.
It's okay that they cut well but I don't like them too aggressive.
I just bought two hundred blades of them.

Getting back on topic about a replacement blade to the Astra SP I am of the opinion that the Dorco Titans is a good alternative.

I don't think they are aggressive. Sharp enough but nothing like Nacets even.

 

[helicopter]

Definitely start with the Indian Astra, which seems to be well-made to the same specification as the Russian one. It also has a good price.

Matgicol Swedish, FlyDear SP, and Rhinoceros are also good, but I don't think they are as consistent from edge to edge or batch to batch as most P&G blades.

Pretty much everything that is sharper than an Astra but isn't a Feather is going to be more similar to Astra than to Feather. Some great blades in that range of sharpness are the Bic CP and the current American AccuTec Personna Comfort Coated "Lab Blue."

 

[TerryCTR]

Have you tried the Astra SS blades?

Possibly a long time ago now, I went through a lot of trial sets and ended up with the SP’s. The SS may be worth a comparison against the Indian SP’s

 

[Juanmosey]

60 Flydears for 99 cents on Ali. That's like "free razor blades."

 

[Mr Scruf]

Tiger platinums for the win!

 

[Jayson74]

Treet Platinum and Gillette Perma-sharp have been good in every razor I have used them in.

I haven't used a DE89 tho.

 

[tejolot3]

I suggest you go sharper. For me, they key to reducing irritation was to do fewer passes, and the key to that was using a sharper blade. If Astra SP treats you well, then I recommend Gillette 7 o'Clock "Russian green" Super Stainless for a sharper alternative.