Gillette Spoilers

[Northern Bob]

Was fortunate enough to get some off E-Bay and put them to the test in my reliable 57 SS. All I can say is wow! This is not a review just my own experience with them. First shave was kind of so so, but no irritation at all. Second shave was flawless, third shave was flawless, fourth shave was almost flawless. I could feel the blade dulling a bit. I have never ever got more than 3 shaves out of any blade. I think this blade still has a few more shaves in it. I tried different lathers, Williams, Proraso, Cella, Nivea all worked great no irritation what so ever. The aluminum block didn't register a tingle. Appropriate nickname for this blade. Does anyone know of any newer blades that can come close to this one?

Bob

 

[Stubblefield]

Bob, the only new blade that comes close in terms of sharpness is (in my opinion) the Feather. I have shaved with both blades back to back and they seem to have similar characteristics. You won't get as many shaves out of the Feather tho, and the Spoiler is a touch smoother. Make that quite a bit smoother after shave 2 or 3--I can't get a Feather to go past 3 shaves, while the Spoiler can yield double that.

I don't think the new Gillettes shave the same, nor any other new blade for that matter. The Swedes were just as good, I think.

 

[DHoffmeyer]

Yep, figure out an exact Spoiler replacement and win the gratitude of DE shavers across the universe. I have a pack of Spoilers waiting to be cracked open any day now, then I'll start the search anew.

 

[goby]

I tried one and wanted it to suck big time. And it didn't.

They were the best blade I've ever used, including the Personna 74.

 

[Stubblefield]

I tried one and wanted it to suck big time. And it didn't.

They were the best blade I've ever used, including the Personna 74.

Interesting. I go back and forth on this when I compare the two. Some weeks I feel the 74 is better, some weeks the Spoiler (taking longevity out of the mix, of course).

Time for a shave off.

 

[Northern Bob]

Just out of curiosity how many shaves did you get out of the Spoiler, and what razor did you use? I got 6 in a 57 SS, 2 DFS and 4 BBS. The 7th was starting to pull so I switched to different razor and blade. I don't have the greatest prep but all shaves had zero and I mean zero irritation. Funny, Gillette had it all right at one time with razors and blades, but I guess money talks. Thanks for your replies.

 

[beardsareforcavemen]

I know what you mean when you say "wow" about the Spoiler blades. They give such a great shave! They are my favorite. I'm not sure if a comparable blade even exists. I'm sure you'll find something that shaves almost as good, but just not for as many shaves.

 

[Blondie]

Spoilers are just meh. They are terribly overhyped in my opinion. Ask any of the veteran shavers and they will tell you the same thing.

 

[Straight Arrow]

Spoilers are just meh.

Aw c'mon Phil...they're at least meh-meh.

 

[Stubblefield]

Spoilers are just meh. They are terribly overhyped in my opinion. Ask any of the veteran shavers and they will tell you the same thing.

They are double plus meh.

Just out of curiosity how many shaves did you get out of the Spoiler, and what razor did you use? .

I get 4-5 shaves or so, and use a Krona. But that's the only razor I use.

 

[coolbluewater]

I remember when they came out - it was a marketing gimmick because Gillette was losing ground in sales, so they launched a massive TV advertising blitz. You couldn't get away from the ads. I didn't think they were anything special at the time and preferred the Wilkinsons.
Just goes to show by comparison though, how far DE blade quality has fallen these days.

 

[Stubblefield]

I remember when they came out - it was a marketing gimmick because Gillette was losing ground in sales, so they launched a massive TV advertising blitz. You couldn't get away from the ads. I didn't think they were anything special at the time and preferred the Wilkinsons.
Just goes to show by comparison though, how far DE blade quality has fallen these days.

I was just a kid at the time, but yeah, the ads were constant.

I find them to be a decent blade. Even better, now that the annoying ad campaigns are over.

 

[beardsareforcavemen]

I know I already posted here saying that the Spoiler blades are my favorite, but I should add that they're not my favorite because of any advertising "hype" about the blades. Because I've not even heard of any hype. I hadn't even heard of these blades until I just happen to come accross some of these.

Some people probably don't care either way about "the Spoiler" since these haven't been manufactured for many years. If I didn't have some I wouldn't go out of my way and spend a lot per blade just to try them out. Especially knowing that the only way I could get more would be to again go out of my way and spend a lot per blade.

I've yet to find a blade that gives me as many great shaves as "the Spoiler" That's why these are my favorite. I highly recommend these if you can easily get some at a good price per blade.

 

[coolbluewater]

I know I already posted here saying that the Spoiler blades are my favorite, but I should add that they're not my favorite because of any advertising "hype" about the blades. Because I've not even heard of any hype. I hadn't even heard of these blades until I just happen to come accross some of these.

Some people probably don't care either way about "the Spoiler" since these haven't been manufactured for many years. If I didn't have some I wouldn't go out of my way and spend a lot per blade just to try them out. Especially knowing that the only way I could get more would be to again go out of my way and spend a lot per blade.

I've yet to find a blade that gives me as many great shaves as "the Spoiler" That's why these are my favorite. I highly recommend these if you can easily get some at a good price per blade.

Were you shaving in the early '70s when they came out? Because that's when they were heavily advertised.
Do yourself a favor and DON'T try any NOS England Wilks.. or you'll be spending ALOT more per blade

 

[shamus]

I totally agree with Coolwater. I too was shaving in the late 60's and remember when the spoiler came out with all the advertising hype. Gillette was lost big ground to Wilkinson Swords English blades. Also Gillette lost a lot of ground to the Schick Platinum Plus and the Personna blades.

IMO...there was noting special about the Spoiler blade when compared to the Wilkinson Sword English blades or the Personna blades.

Wow how times have changed.

 

[coolbluewater]

Shamus, you're spot-on.

Stubblefield has a valid point re: Feathers, they are the best out there as far as the current-issue blades. Good for 4+ BBS smooth shaves in a SuperSpeed (for me).

 

[beardsareforcavemen]

Were you shaving in the early '70s when they came out? Because that's when they were heavily advertised.
Do yourself a favor and DON'T try any NOS England Wilks.. or you'll be spending ALOT more per blade

I started shaving mid '80s It was just by chance that I had come across these Spoilers. I'm going to start using other blades and save some of them for future use.

Tomorrow I'm going to open a pack of Personna Platinum Chrome blades and try one out for comparison.

I going to have to get some Feather blades and try them too.

From reading here and there the Derby blades seem to get really mixed reviews?!?

Why are the Wilkinson Sword blades expensive? Not made anymore either?
What is NOS?

 

[Stubblefield]

Why are the Wilkinson Sword blades expensive? Not made anymore either?
What is NOS?

NOS=New Old Stock. Generally refers to blades made in the 60's to 80's, which was arguably the zenith of DE blade production. These are blades that were hoarded, forgotten, or left sitting on a stockroom shelf, and are now seeing the light of day.

Some of the Wilkinsons (and others) of the period are believed to be the finest blades ever produced. But as always, take it with a grain of salt.

 

[goby]

Interesting. I go back and forth on this when I compare the two. Some weeks I feel the 74 is better, some weeks the Spoiler (taking longevity out of the mix, of course).

Time for a shave off.

The Spoiler was the smoothest blade I've tried. Wow! But I wouldn't spent 50 cents or more a blade for them. They are not 5 times better than Israeli IP's or 10 times better than the Dorcos I got for 5 cents each.

But I would pay big bucks for the Personna 74's.

 

[slickster514]

Yes, they are good blades. Proves that Gillette can do good thing when they intend to. Besides being smooth, they last longer than current production blades, Gillette or otherwise. I just can't believe the price these blades are selling for on eBay auctions. I've seen prices ranging from $0.80-$1.10 per blade. The sad part is that their numbers are slowly diminishing so it doesn't look good.