Astra SP vs 7 o'clock blacks?

[atison]

Would like to know from those that have used both. Love the Blacks but if I can find something cheaper I will jump on a bulk order.

And would love to hear from those that didn't like the yellows as I hated those, but the blacks are like silk for me. I also love Feathers and get great shaves from them, but the blacks are just soooo smooth.

So, tell me your Astra SP experience.

Thanks

 

[BWagner]

I have used both the Blacks and Astra SPs. In my situation (Mergress, Cella/MWF, Semogue SOC/620) I find the Astras give me an excellent shave...DFS always and BBSS about 75% of the time I can get 3 good three pass (plus touchup) shaves from the Astras. The Blacks did seem as smooth to me nor sharp but as always YMMV. I'm sold on the Astra SPs!

 

[Drybonz]

I read this thread this morning and it inspired me to break out an Astra SP that I had from a little sampler pack.

I think these are really great shavers, and based on the low cost of the blades, they may be, in my humble opinion, the best value blade I have used.

 

[Hex]

I too like Feathers and 7 O'Clock Blacks.

I tried the Astras and didn't like them. They might work well for you though.

 

[Sledgehammer39]

The Astra SS is nice blade. I found that the Astra SP were a little rough the first shave, but would smooth out nicely my next shave. I believe that the Gillette Blacks are slightly better. Get a couple packs of the Astra and try them out before going bulk.

 

[Saltchuck]

I love the Astra SPs, very sharp and very smooth. I haven't tried the Blacks though. Here are a few other comparisons:

Astra SPs: Very sharp, very smooth.

7-O'Clock PermaSharp (green box, made in India): Very similar to Astra SP: sharp & smooth.

7-O'Clock SharpEdge (Yellows): Just as sharp as the Astra SPs, but not quite as smooth.

7-O'Clock Super Stainless (Greens, made in St. Petersburg): Also very sharp, slightly less smooth than the yellows.

Iridiums: Similar to the yellows, but nearly as smooth as the Astra SP.

Conclusion: All these are premium-priced blades except for the Astra SPs. Therefore the Astra SP gets the nod on the performance-to-price ratio.

 

[Dave Deluxe]

When you consider that you can get the Astra SP's for $11.00 per 100 at < Barbers Depot >, they are definitely a bargain. Especially when you look at the price of some of the other blades out there.

DD

 

[SkipH]

I prefer the Astra AP to 7 o'clock black. My favorite blade is Feather and Med Prep Personna is no 2.

 

[vegaskid74]

When you consider that you can get the Astra SP's for $11.00 per 100 at < Barbers Depot >, they are definitely a bargain. Especially when you look at the price of some of the other blades out there.

DD

Actually you can get them for $9 per hundred, shipping included, if you're willing to spring for the 1100 blade pack at Barber Depot (I've done it, twice.)

 

[ateace]

Actually you can get them for $9 per hundred, shipping included, if you're willing to spring for the 1100 blade pack at Barber Depot (I've done it, twice.)

That's really committing to a brand!

 

[talibeard]

When you are referring to the Indian Blacks than for me the SP's are not even remotely close. No difference in price tag would overcome that.

 

[jmg]

I shave with Astra Sp's and like the other posts I find them to give a close and smooth shave...at a very reasonable cost. I change blades after the third shave.