This is supposed to be the last comparison of old vs new Russian PPI blades. On the left we have a pack or double wrapped Iridium -Super. Bought in January 2010, which means manufactured in 2009 or earlier. On the right a pack manufactured 09/2022. Single wrapped of course.
Again same comparison method. Only the blade has been the variable. Everything else the same: razor, brush, cream, aftershave.
I had to repeat the test in another razor to be 100% sure. The first razor was 7 O'clock Sterling, then again two shaves but in the Lupo 95SB.
These blades do not shave the same. The 2022 has a lower sound while cutting. The old one - higher. The new one had a very light tugging when I went ATG on my moustache (with both razors, mind you). The old blade just glides effortlessly like a hot knife through butter. The most important thing: after I did the first pass, during the second one I start feeling irritation with the 2022 blade (both razors, again). And that irritation increases by the end of the shave. No irritation whatsoever with the old Iridium -Super. During the application of aftershave the stinging with the new 2022 blade is 4 times more.
The difference in closeness of shave is negligible. I think still the old one shaved a hair closer, but most users will not notice it.
So to sum it up. And this is my personal opinion: Gillette made in the late 2000s in Russia a legendary blade, that has been ruined in the last years. So what you buy now is not those old magnificent packs. Is is like a poor imitaion.
P.S. Some users said they see a difference between 2019 and 2022 Iridium -Super. That will be tested too. I have 2019.
Also there will be done a testing of those Iridiums versus the Polsilver Super Iridium.