NOS Gillette Blue Blades - good?

[surfingrob]

I have a couple of the bubble packs (5 blades ea pack), and thinking of using them.

Don't know much other than they can make great foxhole radios...

How would you rate them in general, or against the new generation of blades (Astra, IP Reds, Feather, etc.)?

Thanks!

Rob

 

[Mitsimonsta]

Depends which blades you are talking about. The original 'Blue Blades' were laster replaced by 'Bleue Extra' which were Stainless Steel and made in France - hence the 'Bleue' spelling.

If the blades themselves are black - a process called 'bluing' - then they will be carbon steel. The bluing process is there to protect the steel from rust. I have some of these in a blue plastic dispenser (also known as "King Gillette" blades due to the picture of King Gillette on the front of the container). They shave quite differently and they WILL RUST. You need to check the edges carefully before using. Here are the King Gillette blades:

I am not sure by what you mean 'Bubble pack', but it could be a plastic bubble on a cardboard hanger like these. CTR gives them a big wrap - they are the last of the Gillette Carbon Steel blades from either the late 1970's or possibly early 80's. Again, make sure you remove the blade from the razor after use and treat with alcohol (ispropyl) to stop them rusting.

 

[dcobranchi]

I attempted to shave with my first Super Blue blade last Sunday. I barely made it through one pass before chucking the blade for an Astra. It just didn't feel sharp. Lots of pulling and tugging.

 

[taylor0150]

i love the blades, i absolutely love them. try them!!!

 

[surfingrob]

Depends which blades you are talking about. The original 'Blue Blades' were laster replaced by 'Bleue Extra' which were Stainless Steel and made in France - hence the 'Bleue' spelling.

If the blades themselves are black - a process called 'bluing' - then they will be carbon steel. The bluing process is there to protect the steel from rust. I have some of these in a blue plastic dispenser (also known as "King Gillette" blades due to the picture of King Gillette on the front of the container). They shave quite differently and they WILL RUST. You need to check the edges carefully before using. Here are the King Gillette blades:

I am not sure by what you mean 'Bubble pack', but it could be a plastic bubble on a cardboard hanger like these. CTR gives them a big wrap - they are the last of the Gillette Carbon Steel blades from either the late 1970's or possibly early 80's. Again, make sure you remove the blade from the razor after use and treat with alcohol (ispropyl) to stop them rusting.

Thanks Joel.

yeah bubble pack was a bit vague. Similar to your link, but look like maybe smaller pack of what you showed? cardboard pack like this:

I'll try one and see how it does. I was also asking since i'm not that familiar w/ blades. Working slowly through a big sampler pack as well and currently cant tell much of a difference yet...

Thanks for the info and tips - much appreciated!

Rob

 

[surfingrob]

I attempted to shave with my first Super Blue blade last Sunday. I barely made it through one pass before chucking the blade for an Astra. It just didn't feel sharp. Lots of pulling and tugging.

Daryl - i saw some of the "super" blue blades... wonder if you got a bad one? new in package? Luckily not what i have, but i did get a set for a complete "package". Bought my buddy a Slim Adj. in box, it was just missing the super blue 10 pack in the slot. So got one to complete it for his bday. Same year and quarter he was born. Kinda fun.

Anyway... I'll pass on the warning to clean the blade after use, and hopefully they aren't THAT bad for him.

Thx!

Rob

 

[surfingrob]

i love the blades, i absolutely love them. try them!!!

sweet! at least not going to go to waste. I'll get one in and give it a go.

Any other sage advice? If they don't rust, how do they compare?

Rob

 

[taylor0150]

sweet! at least not going to go to waste. I'll get one in and give it a go.

Any other sage advice? If they don't rust, how do they compare?

Rob

if you keep them in very ideal conditions (alcohol, oil, dry) then they should last several more shaves then a modern blade. the reasoning is that usually the rockwell hardness of the blades is very higher then modern stainless blades. if everything doesnt work out though i am a buyer

 

[dcobranchi]

Daryl - i saw some of the "super" blue blades... wonder if you got a bad one? new in package? Luckily not what i have, but i did get a set for a complete "package". Bought my buddy a Slim Adj. in box, it was just missing the super blue 10 pack in the slot. So got one to complete it for his bday. Same year and quarter he was born. Kinda fun.

Anyway... I'll pass on the warning to clean the blade after use, and hopefully they aren't THAT bad for him.

Thx!

Rob

The package was opened but appears to be missing one blade. I got them along with a razor I bought on the B/S/T. The blades are dated the same as the razor H-2 (1962), so they may be the original pack that came with the razor.

I had been saving them for a 50th b'day shave. Alas, didn't go according to plan.

Maybe I'll try again at 60.

 

[Jack Russell]

I got a pack with a SS flair tip I bought, first shave was magnificent, can't say the same for the 2nd shave though blade was noticeably duller but still got a reasonable shave, my neck was a bit irritated though.

Jack Russell