I bought a pack earlier this week because I ran out of derbys and all my local store carries are WS blades. I can't decide if I think they're all right or if I totally hate them. What does B&B think?
Opinions on Wilkinson Sword?
- Thread starter Cygnus
- Start date
There are several variations on WS blades. Can you be specific on what yours look like or where they were manufactured?
- Thread starter
- #3
They came in a white package, I didn't catch where they were manufactured before I threw away the package though.
Let's see
I know of the "Black Label" (German I think) which has the white platic case with a black insert.
"White Label" (also German I think) with the white insert
Economie (Blue? UK made?)
Gillette made Indian Wilks (Dark blue) EDIT: these are pretty nice blades by the way. A bit pricey for what you get, but smooth.
And I've seen an Indian Wilk that looks just like the others but has "Platinum" all over the package. I've never seen it since one of our vendors tossed it in as a sample and now I can't remember who it was--great blade though.
Lastly I just picked up a pack of the Brazilian made Wilks in white and gold 3-packs. I'll see how those are over the next few days. The ones you have are just so-so if I remember correctly. Not something I'd buy again.
I know of the "Black Label" (German I think) which has the white platic case with a black insert.
"White Label" (also German I think) with the white insert
Economie (Blue? UK made?)
Gillette made Indian Wilks (Dark blue) EDIT: these are pretty nice blades by the way. A bit pricey for what you get, but smooth.
And I've seen an Indian Wilk that looks just like the others but has "Platinum" all over the package. I've never seen it since one of our vendors tossed it in as a sample and now I can't remember who it was--great blade though.
Lastly I just picked up a pack of the Brazilian made Wilks in white and gold 3-packs. I'll see how those are over the next few days. The ones you have are just so-so if I remember correctly. Not something I'd buy again.
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- Thread starter
- #5
Yeah, I'm finding them to be very mediocre...I don't have to pay for shipping, which is a plus, but the shave is only meh and it can irritate my face.
Wilk sort of fell off, they use to be great.
R
rodeo
Tried one Wilkerson yesterday, and it's coming out of the razor before I shave again today. Wasn't as good a shave as my last blade so my last blade (brand) goes back in for now and then I'll try something else in a few days. I have some Gillette 7 O'Clocks coming to try but right now I am sticking to the Personna Reds from yes, I'll say it - Walmart! So far, no complaints with those from me. I'll experiment with new blades now and then but I won't fix what isn't broke either..
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Actually I think the Personnas from Walmart are not the same as Personna Reds. Personna makes another Israeli blade in white wrappers with little blue circles on them--also sold under the Crystal brand name. I'm almost certain that these are the same as the ones you get form Walmart.
R
rodeo
Whatever they are, I'm pretty happy with them so far. Until I find something better (and I'm not looking too hard) I'll gladly stick with them. If they were unsatisfactory to me, I would be looking harder. My first 5 shaves (ever) with a DE razor had the Walmart personna in it and I didn't get one nick nor cut in those shaves. Nothing to complain about there.
Happy with the shave results too. (Besides, it's buying American).
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Whatever they are, I'm pretty happy with them so far. Until I find something better (and I'm not looking too hard) I'll gladly stick with them. If they were unsatisfactory to me, I would be looking harder. My first 5 shaves (ever) with a DE razor had the Walmart personna in it and I didn't get one nick nor cut in those shaves. Nothing to complain about there.
The Walmart Personas aren't the same as the Personas made in Israel. They're made in ASR's plant in Virginia. I found them a little rough and prefer the Israeli ones. It shows how YMMV with blades more than anything else and if they work for you, great.
I also didn't like German Wilkinsons.
There are just 3 variants of the Indian Wilkinson in order of price
Wilkinson Saloon - made for a cheap single use shave from a shavette
Wilkinson Stainless - sharp blade and also one of the cheapest Indian blades
Wilkinson Premium Plus - Chromium coated blades for extra smoothness. They are really extremely smooth blades
You can check the last two blades in my store for photographs.
The Indian Wilkinsons are budget blades from Gillette. The 7 O'Clock green and black are in the premium range.
What you might have seen is the Wilkinson Stainless blade pack with a 7 O'Clock Super Platinum black blade bundled in the tuck (4+1). Is this what you are referring to ?
I must have been referring to the Premium Plus. I only remembered them saying "Platinum" but I guess I was mistaken. The picture on your site looks like what I remember. It was a very nice blade.
I can get 2 wilkinson swords blade locally, white box/black card, which i find very good, white box/white card, not so good.
They are Chromium plated for extra smoothness, not platinum. I have seen threads where some folks find the Indian Wilkinson Stainless a bit harsh or rough. The Premium Plus is also one of my personal favorites in the low price range of Indian blades which includes the Wilkinson Stainless, Super Max Super Stainless, Super Max Platinum among the relevant and better blades.
Since P&G has India specific rights to Wilkinson Sword, it exports the Wilkinson Stainless under the brand 365 to other countries.
I recently stocked up a 1000 blades from P&G in tucks of 5+1 offer as you see on my website.
R
rodeo
The ones I tried were the "white box / white card" and I agree, not so good..
I tried the German Wilkinsons and didn't much care for them, though I'll try again in a different razor sometime.
I'm still pretty new at this (2 months or so) so please bear that in mind.
I'm still pretty new at this (2 months or so) so please bear that in mind.
I despise the white box/white card wilkinson swords.
- Thread starter
- #19
I dunno, I put a new blade in the razor today (first one started shaving really terribly after the fourth one), and it seems a lot better than the last one. I added a pass, up to three now, which seemed to give me an all right shave. My face seems to be adjusting to them as well...they're definitely not derbys or feathers, but they do okay...certainly a no frills blade experience.
I've been getting them locally $1. I would try other brands if I could get them as easily.
