For me anyway, I have thick fast growing trees stumps that some may call a beard and these blades just cannot handle it. They start off ok I guess but are quick to dull and pull on my beard, it feels like I just rubbed glass shards on my face. But no fear I just received an email with the tracking # of my feather blades, should be here by Wednesday, I cant wait. I also ordered some Wilkinson Sword made in Germany, don't know why but I'll give them a shot maybe for an alternative.