Read good things about Astra SS Blades & have used Astra SP's for a long time. Always regarded stainless stel blades as the lower end of a brand, but experience with Voskhod, Shark SS, and now Astra SS indicates otherwise. The Astra SS was every bit as close & smooth as a Permasharp. A few more comparison shaves will give me an idea of the blade longevity.