My Voskhods - Not Lovin' Them

[brush-mower]

I purchased a bunch of Voskhods based on all the great reviews. But I have found them to be not the "super smooth" blades many find them to be. I find them very tuggy at first, then a few shaves or OK then they die. But thats me.

 

[Miesterio]

What umm were you using for a razor?

 

[rockviper]

How many shaves are you using them for? I generally toss most blades after 3, but can stretch them out to 5-6 if I find myself caught short.

 

[parsifal54]

This is the first negative review that I have read on these blades. Perhaps you want to sell them?

 

[eth]

I purchased a bunch of Voskhods based on all the great reviews. But I have found them to be not the "super smooth" blades many find them to be. I find them very tuggy at first, then a few shaves or OK then they die. But thats me.

And this is exactly how different blades can be for different people. After about 18 months of DE shaving I still haven't bought a 100-pack of one blade. I'm not sure if I've found the blade of all blades, and I prefer not to have huge amounts of blades I won't use. I buy larger samples now (20-50, based on what's available and trying to get a good deal) than I did before (10-15), with experience I can read reviews, compare a reviewers blade preferences to my own, and get a pretty good idea of how the blade will feel. It's not perfect, but it's been a good guide so far.

 

[edw]

Me too did not fall in love with them or any other from same manufacturer.

 

[ArNav]

In Russia the blades love you.

 

[Jeff_H]

I don't know what "a bunch" of them constitutes, but if you decide to sell them let me know. I really enjoy them, for my face, skin type and shaving style.

I thought I found my blade early in the Bic Platinum Chrome. I bought a hundred and shaved with them for over a year with no real issues, using only one razor. Ignorance is bliss. Then I started lurking here again when I was close to out and started reading reviews. Then I started trying different blades and different razors and I haven't been in as good a place as I was. But I will be again.

Then I found the Gillette Silver Blues. Really liked the way they shaved, more than the Bics. They I wanted to try Israeli blades. Then I heard all the good stuff about Voshkod. Of all the blades I've tried, the ones I like most are made in Russia. Now the GSB's are my number 1, followed by the Voshkod...but it's close. Damn close. Then Astra's. Then Israeli Crystals.

It's so odd how different blades react to different people. Maybe it's skin type, maybe it's skin elasticity, face shape. Maybe it's the pressure we each use in our own unique way to shave. Maybe our skin chemistry reacting with the steel. Who the hell knows really. I have found in most things that if the majority says something works well, it usually does for me too. Maybe that makes me a sheep or a lemming, but I guess in reality it just makes me average. It's as hard to get to that realization as anything in life, not just about razor blades.

My point to this whole diatribe is...don't sweat it if they don't work for you and don't feel bad about sticking them in a drawer and forgetting about them or about ditching them and moving on. Finding what works for you is what counts.

 

[Scott0079]

My experience was the same as the OP, I wasn't impressed either.

 

[marcallain]

I tried a Voskhod tonight for the first time after using an Astra SP and I didn't like it. The Astra SP I loved.

I'm still somewhat a newb at this so it may have been my technique.

 

[Mick]

What umm were you using for a razor?

Razor? You mean you are suppose to put them in a razor?

 

[ArNav]

Razor? You mean you are suppose to put them in a razor?

View attachment 357075

 

[parapaul]

View attachment 357075

The naked blade is pretty scary but I can see what's going on. However, *** is the comb for?

 

[ArNav]

However, *** is the comb for?

Probably just a barber's habit.

 

[bendawson]

I watched a Nat. Geo. special that showed something like that. They were shaping/shaving his eyebrows.

 

[brush-mower]

I just tried a Ladas (with a EJ89 head) and it was fantastic for three shaves then smoothly fell off on the fourth. Very nice. I have found this to be the pattern on the Rapira SS as well. Next going to try the Rapira Platinum Lux to see if it has the same three perfect shaves.

 

[edw]

My tip is when you don't like a blade try it in another razor.
Your opinion may change radically.

 

[brush-mower]

As for me, I tried the Voskhod in an EJ89, Fatboy, RazoRock Hammer, and a Weishi. It was never great or 'super smooth'. Clearly this is not the case for most other people. Oddly, I find most of the other popular blades on this forum spot on.

 

[Henrik]

I like them. Very much. I bought 100 from "the other site" (Shaveden) . Rather pricey with p&p to Europe though. Anyone got a fresh tip where I can stash up some more..?

 

[eth]

I think the best source outside US is Balalaika Store on Ebay (a.k.a. Unuta77). Shipping adds up quickly if you buy a lot of things, but $21 for 100 Voskhods shipped to Sweden isn't a bad deal if it's a blade you like.