As many of us are users and advocates of NOS DE blades, it is inevitable that some interesting private communication about these blades will take place between members from time to time. Just such a discussion has been ongoing between yomuppet and me regarding the merits and characteristics of various old stock blades. What has emerged is a proposal to compare, side by side, two of our favorite blades, the Gillette Platinum Plus;
and the Schick Plus Platinum:
We propose to complete a semi-controlled experiment in which anyone else who has access to these particular blades is welcome to participate.
The Guidelines:
The experiment will take place over the course of six shaves; three with each blade.
To reduce variables, the experimenter will use the same razor, brush, soap or cream, and prep routine for all six shaves. Each shave should be completed in the same manner, i.e., number and direction of passes. These choices do not need to be the same for all experimenters. Everyone does not need to use the same tools and techniques. Just choose your setup and method of shaving and use it exclusively and consistently throughout the experiment.
One more thing. This will be a blind test so we will be enlisting the help of an assistant to load the blade into the razor to assure that the identity of the blade is concealed from us. Due to the fact that the Schick blade has telltale lines printed on the end tabs (see picture above), we will coat the end tabs of both blades with White-out (we tried it...it works and it holds up under water).
Shave #1A- using unidentified blade "A"
The shaver will post his impressions based on the blade's characteristics of sharpness and smoothness. Comments on closeness of the shave, number and severity of any nicks or cuts, any tendency toward razor burn, and any other observations should be included.
Shave #1B- using unidentified blade "B"
Just as with the first blade, the impressions of this blade's characteristics will be posted.
Shaves #2A #2B #3A and #3B will alternate between the same two blades. Each blade will be used three times and comments should include how the blade performance changes, if at all, over the course of three shaves.
At the completion of shave #6 we will open the razor to reveal which blade we have been using for each shave. Then we will make our final observations based on all collected information.
We hope that many of you will participate in this venture and that some lively and informative discussion will be generated.
We will begin on Monday 2/16. Feel free to jump in anytime.
and the Schick Plus Platinum:
We propose to complete a semi-controlled experiment in which anyone else who has access to these particular blades is welcome to participate.
The Guidelines:
The experiment will take place over the course of six shaves; three with each blade.
To reduce variables, the experimenter will use the same razor, brush, soap or cream, and prep routine for all six shaves. Each shave should be completed in the same manner, i.e., number and direction of passes. These choices do not need to be the same for all experimenters. Everyone does not need to use the same tools and techniques. Just choose your setup and method of shaving and use it exclusively and consistently throughout the experiment.
One more thing. This will be a blind test so we will be enlisting the help of an assistant to load the blade into the razor to assure that the identity of the blade is concealed from us. Due to the fact that the Schick blade has telltale lines printed on the end tabs (see picture above), we will coat the end tabs of both blades with White-out (we tried it...it works and it holds up under water).
Shave #1A- using unidentified blade "A"
The shaver will post his impressions based on the blade's characteristics of sharpness and smoothness. Comments on closeness of the shave, number and severity of any nicks or cuts, any tendency toward razor burn, and any other observations should be included.
Shave #1B- using unidentified blade "B"
Just as with the first blade, the impressions of this blade's characteristics will be posted.
Shaves #2A #2B #3A and #3B will alternate between the same two blades. Each blade will be used three times and comments should include how the blade performance changes, if at all, over the course of three shaves.
At the completion of shave #6 we will open the razor to reveal which blade we have been using for each shave. Then we will make our final observations based on all collected information.
We hope that many of you will participate in this venture and that some lively and informative discussion will be generated.
We will begin on Monday 2/16. Feel free to jump in anytime.
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