Ebay "as is" DE blade lot w/personna 74

[pault28]

I came across this auction and figured I'd jump on it just because of the Personna 74's. The blades look old and dirty, but I figured I would boil them in water to sterilize them and maybe give them a whirl. Am I crazy? I figured if all else fails and they are no good, I'm only out $9. If they are not complete junk and I sterilize them, maybe I can get a few good shaves from the Personna 74 blades. Has anyone else ever bought "used" or "as-is" blades?

Here's a link to the auction...I know they're dirty but I figured I could clean them...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...58695&_sacat=See-All-Categories&_fvi=1&_rdc=1

 

[luvmysuper]

I strongly recommend against your planned course of action my friend.

Many people will use New Old Stock blades they purchase, but those blades have obviously been already used, and I can't imagine;
1. Somebody actually selling them on E-bay
2. Somebody actually bidding for them on E-bay
3. Somebody being willing to try using them.

At least the Gillette thins are wrapped, so there is a chance those might work - but as for the others?

Don't do it.

Just say no.


Put down the used razor blades and back away slowly.

Oh - and please see this thread also...

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=133215&page=4

 

[BroJohn]

Paul, I wouldn't bother with these. And five bucks shipping, to boot.

-- John GEhman

 

[pault28]

I already bought them...dang. I really was just excited to have even come across some Personna 74 blades. I've heard they are simply the best...and longest lasting so I jumped at the opportunity. They almost have a cult following, a mystique. I should have asked beforehand. I suppose finding a lead on an unused Personna 74 is next to impossible? Thanks for the advice guys!

BTW, I'll check out the get-to-gether thread. Thank you.

 

[pault28]

My rationale was that an old used Rolls can be cleaned and reused, why can't these? But then of course when I think about it more, I realize it's really not an apples to apples comparison, definitely apples to oranges.

 

[ajkimmins]

These just scream tetinus!!

 

[luvmysuper]

These just scream tetinus!!

..

 

[DunEdinRanger]

Those blades looked disgusting. I understand the thought processes you use, but wow..

 

[Stubblefield]

I suppose finding a lead on an unused Personna 74 is next to impossible? Thanks for the advice guys!

You just have to be patient. You'll find some at some point. And there are a lot of other worthwhile blades to try--lots of NOS Wilkinsons and Gillettes available. The 74's are great, but not the holy grail.

I would not shave with those blades in the picture, period. The thins are worth a shot, tho.

 

[Straight Arrow]

The 74's are great, but not the holy grail.

If not the 74 then what?

 

[luvmysuper]

If not the 74 then what?

Only the Holy Grail is the Holy Grail.

 

[Hallucinosis]

If you haven't tried Feather and/or Kai blades, I recommend giving them a whirl.

Nostalgia can get you in trouble.

 

[brz90]

I'm fortunate enough to have a stack of Personna 74s and they are great blades. But imho the only thing that really makes them a touch better than other top blades is how long they last. The very best of the other classic NOS blades are pretty much as sharp and smooth, and the best modern blades like Super Iridiums and the yellow pack Gillette 7 O'clocks are not all that far behind. So look out for your chance to get some of the 74s but there's no need for desperate measures.

 

[Stubblefield]

If not the 74 then what?

Well, in terms of number of shaves they are the Holy Grail, in all certainty. There is simply not another blade ever produced that has the longevity of the 74.

But when we are talking about smoothness, and smoothness of shave, I think there are two other candidates that deserve consideration. The first is the Schick plus Platinum. The second is the Wilkinson Light Brigade. Neither blade lasts as long as the 74, but I have found that both yield a slightly smoother shave--especially the LB.


Of course, this is somewhat a matter of personal experience, and preference. I'm sure there are those that find the opposite is true, that the 74 gives them a better shave than the Schick or the Wilk. The more time I spend shaving with NOS blades, I realize all blades have their different personalities, quirks, and plusses, and downsides.

Still, I won't be unloading any 74 stocks anytime soon.

 

[Stubblefield]

Only the Holy Grail is the Holy Grail.

Bridgekeeper: What... is your quest?
Galahad: I seek the Grail.
Bridgekeeper: What... is your favourite colour?
Galahad: Blue. No, yel... auuuuuuuugh.
Bridgekeeper: Hee hee heh.

 

[goby]

Well, in terms of number of shaves they are the Holy Grail, in all certainty. There is simply not another blade ever produced that has the longevity of the 74.

But when we are talking about smoothness, and smoothness of shave, I think there are two other candidates that deserve consideration. The first is the Schick plus Platinum. The second is the Wilkinson Light Brigade. Neither blade lasts as long as the 74, but I have found that both yield a slightly smoother shave--especially the LB.


Of course, this is somewhat a matter of personal experience, and preference. I'm sure there are those that find the opposite is true, that the 74 gives them a better shave than the Schick or the Wilk. The more time I spend shaving with NOS blades, I realize all blades have their different personalities, quirks, and plusses, and downsides.

Still, I won't be unloading any 74 stocks anytime soon.

I think they are great blades, and their longevity is amazing. But I'm quite happy with my Red IP's, Dorcos, Derbys and Lords.

If I had $30 in my pocket to buy shaving gear, I would get a killer soap/cream before I got more 74's.

If a 74 is a "10," then to me a Lord/Derby/Dorco/Red IP is an "8"

But if CF Lime, Trumper Coconut, or Nancy Boy is a "10," then Arko, Williams, or VDH is a 2.

In other words, they are pretty damn good, but they are not that much better than your favorite current blade. It's not like cheap soap vs. high quality soap.

 

[tominabox1]

FWIW: you can't shave with the Holy Grail, its a cup.

 

[luvmysuper]

FWIW: you can't shave with the Holy Grail, its a cup.

But you could trade it for a whole lot of Personna 74's.

 

[Go West Young Man]

Is it deep enough to bowl lather with?

 

[BroJohn]

pault28 --

Send me PM with your address and I'll PIF a dispenser with a few '74s and a few NOS Wilkinsons.

-- John Gehman