The participants, from left to right in the photo:
· Super Iridium - discontinued
· Polsilver Super Iridium in production
· Polsilver discontinued (?) but available
I decided to compare these three blades as I read so much about them and the popular opinion is that they are generally excellent. I became curious if I could distinguish them in any way since it seemed that perhaps they may be the same blade, the iridium name aside. In previous mini-reviews I have observed differences between various blades in terms of performance and longevity over the course of six shaves, with different razors and soaps/creams. Since I have enough blades and time enough (Mon through Fri) I thought I would give it a shot.
The Protocol
Each shave was for 1 to 1.5 days growth on a beard of average density (although I think each whisker is harder than average). The prep was almost always either a hot shower or a prolonged face-washing at the sink with warm water and liquid soap. No difference between the prep methods was noticed.
Each shave was a two-pass DFS. I wouldnt know a true BBS if it bit me on my B. The first pass was a WTG/XTG combo, and the second pass was a XTG/ATG combo. Each blade was tested for 6 shaves.
The creams/soaps used are those known to be generally accepted by BBers as being high quality; e.g., RazoRock Classic, XXX, S. Maria,King Louis Lavender, 888 Eucalyptus, R-160; Cella, La Toja Stick, Klar Kabinett, Mikes Natural, Institut Karite, Proraso Red, etc. Various popular aftershave splashes and balms were both always used after a cold water rinse.
Summary of the Results
· Super Iridium (discontinued)
The first two shaves started off on the aggressive side (Progress @ 2.5 and Fatboy @ 5), thinking that I may expedite the rate of blade deterioration. I ended up with two excellent shaves, including the best Fatboy shave I ever had. No tugging, blood or irritation. On second pass through the goatee area I had the razor glided so easily that I had the feeling of forgetting to put the blade into the razor. I call this the WTB effect, or wheres the blade? ATG on the neck was quite nice as well. The AS sting was minimal, but noticeable.
The third and fourth shaves were somewhat aggressive (New Long Comb and Merkur 39C, respectively). Excellent shaves; no tugging, smooth w/o irritation. ATG on neck was particularly smooth in the third shave, but the fourth shave brought two weepers. Both shaves yielded excellent WTB effects in the goatee area. Interestingly, the Long Comb resulted in a more pronounced AS sting, while the fourth shave with the 39C yielded essentially no AS sting.
In my view there were some initial signs of early blade deterioration in the third and fourth shaves. I know, it could be my technique.
The fifth and sixth shaves (Red Tip and Weber ARC, respectively) were also excellent-smooth, no tugging, no blood or irritation. Excellent WTB effects in both shaves and very good ATGs. One difference is that the Red Tip did yield the most significant AS sting yet, even though the milder Weber ARC provided a minimal sting.
These two milder razors likely compensated for some of the deterioration I found in the third and fourth shaves, although the AS sting with the Red Tip supported the earlier conclusion.
In my view, even though we saw a few weepers and a wowee AS sting in the fifth shave, I still think these are terrific razor blades. I have to consider that I started this blade out with a somewhat extended use in aggressive razors, which may accelerate a blades deterioration.
· Polsilver Super Iridium in production
The first two shaves were on the aggressive side as above (Super Adjustable @ 5; Progress @ 2.5). My notes say these shaves were perfect and excellent. No irritation or tugging even though one could feel the blade cutting. The Progress gave me two weepers that I attribute to my technique. Each razor provided excellent ATGs on the neck, and WTBs in the second pass. AS sting was minimal.
The third and fourth shaves were somewhat aggressive (Fatip and Aristocrat, respectively). Fatip yielded one weeper and a significant AS sting (although not a yowee). No blood with the Aristocrat and a mild, but noticeable AS sting. Both razors gave only good WTB effects as opposed to the more common excellent WTBs.
The fifth and sixth shaves used the Merkur 37C and Super Adjustable @ 5, respectively. The slant was so awesome that I hardly felt the razor-no blood, tugging or irritation. Excellent WTB and ATG on neck. AS sting was minimal. The sixth shave was also excellent although there was one weeper on the neck, but this was during a touch-up or third pass. There was no tugging although I felt the blades presence. The WTB was good and the AS sting minimal but noticeable.
· Polsilvers (? discontinued ?)
The first two shaves were with easy, nonaggressive razors, that provided superb, smooth, effortless shaving w/o any irritation or tugging. Going ATG on the neck was painless. The second pass in the goatee area was so smooth I thought wheres the blade or WTB? Generally, the blades presence was innocuous and the AS sting was minimal no discomfort.
The third and fourth shaves were with more aggressive razors (Progress @ 3, Fatip), therefore I felt the presence of the blade more than in the previous two shaves. In spite of feeling the blade cutting, there was no tugging, which is about the best you can expect from an aggressive razor. There were a couple of weepers but nothing needing immediate attention. WTB was excellent, even with the aggressive edges. Shave was close, and as expected the AS sting was more noticeable, but not uncomfortable at all.
The fifth and sixth shaves were both with the Merkur 37C and were as smooth and effortless as the first two shaves. The second pass WTB effect was excellent in both cases, as were the ATGs on the neck. My notes indicate that the blades could have been fresh, for all I knew. And the AS sting virtually none.
Polsilvers just seem awesome, maybe flawless. What is so amazing is the apparent lack of any deterioration over the course of six shaves. Out of curiosity I snuck in a seventh shave, and some early signs of deterioration were beginning to be seen.
Conclusions
· All three blades are capable of excellent shaves throughout all six shaves, though some indications of minor amounts of deterioration can be seen mainly in the Super Iridium and the Polsilver Super Iridium.
· The Polsilver seemed to have the most trouble-free routine, but not by much at all.
· Polsilvers slightly superior performance could be due to the fact that its first two shaves were not as aggressive as were the first two shaves with the Super Iridium and the Polsilver Super Iridium. In other words, there was more performance pressure on the latter two blades, so they showed signs of deterioration a bit earlier than did the Polsilver.
· In general, I would conclude that these blades are basically equivalent in almost all performance parameters. Polsilvers = Super Iridium = Polsilver Super Iridium.
· I cannot rule out that two or more of these blades are identical. The fact that two have the word Iridium does not mean that Polsilvers are not Iridium coated. In fact, given the popular belief that blades are often named and labeled for marketing purposes, none of these blades may be coated with Iridium. But this is pure speculation.
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