Iridiums. Are they really that great?

[KWyKJJ]

This is the one blade I have not tried yet. Currently i'm using up my stock of 482 vertical Derbys which I have to cork and some left over bluebirds I have. I do enjoy the bluebirds and the Derbys are nice once they are corked. But, I keep hearing great things about Iridiums. Being that i'm a poor student i've been avoiding ordering a pack of these because after shipping it would cost me $10 just to try out a pack of blades that I may or may not like. So I want everyones input. Those of you who like Bluebird or Derby and have tried Iridiums, give me a comparison. I would also like to hear from those of you who don't like Bluebird or Derby but like Iridium. Thanks for the input ahead of time everyone.

Regards,

-JJ

 

[LittleJon]

I haven't tried Bluebirds but have tried Derbies, besides the bad few I get in recent pack when they were on, I got great shaves from Derbies. The QC issue though, I got rough shaves every other blade I think.

To compare I think the Iridums are much smoother and sharper than Derbies, you do have to be careful with Iridiums as they are almost as sharp as Feathers but I found them smoother a tad smoother. Hope that helps.

 

[KWyKJJ]

Yes, that is very helpful, thank you. Smoother is a good thing. I didn't quite care for Feather because I personally didn't feel they were at all smooth. I had to keep my eye on them because if I blinked they cut me. Anyone else? How does the sharpness of an Iridium compare to a Bluebird?

 

[Uncle Erik]

I haven't tried Bluebird blades, either, but have a nice supply of Derbys. Derbys are usually a decent shave for me, but they're not my favorites. I usually use Red IPs or yellow Gillette 7 O'clocks.

I bought a razor recently from Bullgoose and he was kind enough to include a pack of Iridium blades. I've put just one through the DE89L so far, but am very pleased with the results. It gives me a smooth, close shave and I plan to use the rest of the pack to get a handle on them. So far, so good. If the quality holds I'll hit up Bullgoose for a 100 pack.

 

[Kevan]

IMO Iridiums are as sharp and as smooth as Feathers, but much less likely to leave little spots of blood on your face. I love them.

 

[LittleJon]

Yeah my last three Iridiums lasted for about 6 shaves each, whereas Feathers for me lasted about 3, maybe 4 shaves, if I pushed it.

 

[xillion]

I use both Blue Birds and Iridiums. Right now Iridiums are my go to modern blade. For me they are sharper and smoother than Blue Birds. They are on par sharpness wise with Feathers but are much much smoother. So much so that at times I cannot even feel the hairs being cut, but I know it is happening because I hear that satisfying sound of whiskers being whisked away. Iridium Blades have never given me any weepers the way Feathers do. Also, I find Iridiums as good as Gillette 7 O'Clock Sharp Edge, one of my other favorite blades. Both blades are actually made in the same Gillette factory in St. Petersburg. Another plus is that I have never in found a bad Iridium blade in the 100+ blades I have gone through, the quality control is very good. If you would like to try a few Iridiums PM me and I will send you some for free.

 

[TiberiuR]

I can second that Iridiums are smoother and sharper then Debyes. My first shave was with a Derby, and I found it sharp and smooth. That was my first impression. When I tried Iridiums, I thought this were just like the Derbys. Sharp and very smoooth. But when I tried Derbys again, it was obvious that Iridiums where far sharper and smoother. And they last quite allot. I just shaved today with a Iridium, and it was my 6th shave with it! Still great!
But make sure you get a couple to try out before buying them in bulk!!!!

 

[bill mcdill]

Iridiums are sharper than Derbys. I find Bluebirds as sharp as Feathers and either is my go-to blade. Iridiums are a close second in sharpness, IMHO.

 

[pauls51]

I find the iridiums to be just a tad less sharp than feathers but alot smoother!

 

[raisindot]

KW, I love the Irrdiums. As others say, they are incredibly smooth, probably one hair less sharp than Feathers and because of this don't cut me up nearly as much as the Feathers do. They do cut me, however, something I've learned to live with.

If you are indeed the poor student, PM me and I can PIF you one to try out.


Jeff in Boston