I've been using HEMA blades quite happily for a couple of years now. I believe these are rebranded Personna's (?). They are readily available close-by and cheap. Living in the Netherlands, you don't have much choice if you don't want to order online. Lately however I was getting a bit frustrated by the quality of the blades. My last pack of 10 contained at least three dud blades. I thought I'd give Astra's a whirl so cycled 20km's up to Kapper Eric (Scheerwinkel.nl) in Leiden, and while I was there I picked up a pack of Feathers, and a pack of Timors as well. Feathers really are considerably more expensive than the HEMA's and Astras, but I've had great results with them in the past on the few occasions when I've been able to get them. Here in the The Hague I have really not found any place that sells DE blades outside of HEMA. I'm very curious how the Astras will work out. I've had three shaves with one so far and like the results at least as much as a (good) HEMA blade.
Moving on from HEMA
- Thread starter timsackbutt
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That depends on what you consider a Personna. They are made by Personna in Israel, but they are not a rebranding of a blade commonly referred to as Personna. They are the same blades that are sold in the UK in Asda, Tesco and Boots stores. Packs sold in Asda actually are branded as Personna as you can see, Tesco and Boots blade packs carry their respective store brand. And for the sake of completeness, let's mention the rest: Personna Platinum Chrome (commonly referred to as Red Personna/Red IP/Red Israeli, since they had red wrappers several years ago), Crystals (which are also sold under a variety of other brands). From what I have read the supermarket brand blades (Asda/Tesco/Boots/HEMA) are not the same as the Crystals, but the whole subject of which Personna blade is which is fairly confusing. I bought 4 packs when I was in London last week, so maybe I can figure it out for myself. Looking forward to trying them, let's hope there are some good ones at the top of the pack.
In The Hague there's Drogisterij van der Gaag located on Groenmarkt, opposite 't Goude Hooft that has shaving supplies, including DE blades. Choice however is limited. Good luck!
I buy my Personna blades from Connaught in the UK ... good price, low shipping costs, and fast service ... recommended!
In fact, shipping from Connaught is often less expensive than shipping from a Dutch webshop (thanks to the crazy TNT Post prices in the Netherlands).
I couldn't agree more with the above.
BTW I did try HEMA razor blades too, not my cup of tea.
You probably won't like the Personna Platinum Chrome blades either then.BTW I did try HEMA razor blades too, not my cup of tea.
They're my favorite blades.
Correct, Personna's didn't float my boat.
- Thread starter
- #8
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I should have thought of them. I bought my slant razor there. I cycle past on the way to work. I'll see what they have soon.
