Can someone date this vintage Gilllette Blade for me?

[sarimento1]

Hi fellows, I'm wondering if one of you experts can estimate a date of manufacture for this pack of vintage Gillette blue blades I picked up on the bay??
Any idea or warning about actually shaving with these blades??
Many thanks!!

 

[Dalejr]

Since it's a O with patent numbers it's 1944.

 

[sarimento1]

Thanks Rob. So, is that 15 (letter o) plus 1929?? And was gillette making both blue wrappers as well as red/black in 1944?
lastly, would you shave with one of these?? best, mur

 

[Dalejr]

Yes they did, here's Mr Razors site that has all the info you would ever need on blades: http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierklingen/Rasierklingen.htm . The blade appears to be rust and corrosion free so I would say it's safe. I've used Super Blues and although a bit rougher than stainless they smooth out over a few shaves.

 

[sarimento1]

Thanks for the further info! I decided to experiment with the blue blade; it was pristine from the wrapper, although I still gave it an alcohol bath before using. Not terrible, but definitely rougher than the later coated and stainless blades. While it could have 'smoothed out' over time, I went ahead and tossed it into the used blade bank, replacing with a silver blue. Much better. Maybe I'll get a little more adventurous next time and live with it through a couple shaves to see actually how it performs after 'break in'; or maybe not? Nevertheless, the blue was a nice cosmetic match for the 1930-something Sheraton open comb, which is a fine thing. PS...while anticipating the MdC fougere on it's way, I pulled out a sample of QCS' fougere. It was a nice soap, altho lather- and scent-wise, IMO, not on par with their Vostok or other flavors. So, I'll continue to look forward to receiving the MdC fern in a couple weeks. Have a nice weekend folks.