Challenge PIF - Astra Superior Stainless Blades - Then And Now

[Grundi]

It's an Epic Battle Between Vintage and Modern Astra Superior Stainless Blades ​

Long considered the blade of choice as many of us began our DE Shaving Journey, how has the Astra Superior Stainless Blade held up over time? Is its reputation well earned? Or simply a rumor begun by some nefarious, shadowy organization?

Which Blade will claim victory?? Only 32 B&B'ers (and myself) will find out!! This Challenge PIF is open to EVERYONE!!

@Space_Cadet has generously provided the Vintage, Czechoslovakian-made Astra Superior Stainless Blades, and I've entered the Modern, Russian-made Astra Superior Stainless Blades. Two versions of the same Amazing Blade, but Only One can be The Champion!!

Those who sign up for this Challenge PIF will get 3 Vintage, Czechoslovakian-made Astra Superior Stainless Blades and 3 Modern, Russian-made Astra Superior Stainless Blades!!

Guidelines for The Challenge:

• Keep your setup as similar as possible to give each blade a fair chance
• You may change your setup, but try each blade in each setup
• Post about your experiences and blade comparisons
• Each participant's opinion is valid for their own experience
• Declare which of these two blades is the winner!!

Here are The Rules:

• Have at lease 10 quality posts (if you don't have 10, get posting!!)
• Declare "I'm In!!"
• Be willing to post about your setup and experience with at least one Vintage and one Modern blade
• Once the 32 slots have been claimed, the PIF Phase closes and the Challenge Phase begins!!
• Have outrageous Fun with this Challenge PIF

Special note to Everyone NOT REQUESTING THE PIF: please feel free to join in anyway. If you have Astra Superior Stainless Blades in your den, now is a great time to dig them out and join the discussion!!

Special note to those participating in the 2021 Shave Purchase Sabbatical - Shave Trek, The Rules allow you to receive up to 3 blades, and I'm honoring The Rules so you can stay in the Purchase Sabbatical AND Participate in the Challenge PIF!! Please let me know what combination of Vintage and Modern Astra Superior Stainless Blades you'd like!!

IMPORTANT: Once you've declared "I'm In!", please send me a PM with your complete mailing address (I'm in the US, so if you're international, YES international B&B'ers are included, please include your Country with your mailing address).

 

[Dean13]

I’m in! Love comparing blades like this, thanks for the cool PIF opportunity!

 

[Chard52142]

I'm in! Can't miss the chance to compare between the vintage & modern Astra blades.

Thank you again to @Grundi and @Space_Cadet for another super Pif Challenge!!

 

[emwolf]

I'm in, never have tried the classic.

 

[MyOldKentuckyHome]

I'm in. Recently started using vintage blades and love the modern Astra SP but haven't tried the SS yet

 

[hairless wonder]

I like the Astra SP but have never tried the modern Astra SS, let alone the vintage one. I might as well take the plunge and try them both. I'm in!

 

[CJB3]

I’m in. Interesting PIF!

 

[Messygoon]

I’m in! Huge Astra SS fan, yet never tried the original.

 

[SharpieB]

I’m in. I would love to try a vintage Astra!

 

[tube_guy]

I'd love to make the comparison. I'm in.

 

[Demolition]

I've never tried Astra SS (either vintage or modern), so this is tempting. However, I'm currently engaged in the Kai Participation PIF and had planned to get back to the Viking's Sword Participation PIF after this ridiculously long-lasting Kai blade is toast.

What to do?!?


(Okay, I'm in. )

 

[gabulldogs]

This should be interesting. I just started wet shaving about three weeks ago and am trying one new blade from a sampler every week. I'll put these in my rotation of blades to use and compare. I'm in, thanks!

 

[bartje-p]

I am in. Great PIF, looking forward. Great that international (non-US) members can participate as well. My compliments

 

[Weean]

This is going to be a very interesting thread, but I've already got the modern Astras (which I could take or leave), I'm looking to move house in the near future (which could see the blades go missing in transit), and I'm beginning to feel like I've too many blade (varieties) already.

I might take the opportunity to get involved as a way of using up one of my Astra SS's if this is still rumbling on when I make my way through my current backlog.

 

[TheBigL]

As I already have both blades, I am NOT in. However, I'll play along.

 

[Chad3]

I’d be interested in this as I am curious if new blades bring something to the table or they should have left good alone. PM inbound.

 

[BradWorld]

I’m in. Love the blade wars!

 

[JackJ]

Man, this sounds like fun, and this sort of generosity is what makes B&B so great. I have not yet tried either the new or vintage Astra Stainless, so I'm in! Thanks!!

 

[JCarr]

Respectfully, not in...but this is really great! Keeping an eye out for the results.

 

[BigJ]

Definitely IN!!

This battle should be epic!!