Question re: Astra Superior Platinum

[scoran]

I got a 5-pack of these to try and they have been dreadful. Just gave up the second blade after its first use, due to butchering my neck. I had to leave the house with no less than four band-aids. (The first time I tried them I wrote it off since I was new to DE shaving then.) Regarding my technique, I get a DFS with Astra Superior Stainless (no cuts) and BBS with Gillette 7 O'Clock Super Stainless (no cuts) and Feathers (minimal nicks since I'm new to these).

So my question: this pack says they were manufactured in Hungary. Could that be the problem? Aren't Astra's normally made in Russia?

I'm giving these up, but want to understand why Astra Platinums get so many rave reviews on B&B.

 

[Sunflake]

All of mine were made in St. Petersburg Russia. Fantastic blade.

 

[scoran]

All of mine were made in St. Petersburg Russia. Fantastic blade.

Thanks - this makes me suspect some Astra Platinums are inferior-grade.

 

[Mick]

All my packs say

ZOA Petersburg Russia
Distributed by Proctor & Gamble Czech Republic

 

[Purplemonkey]

You are not alone. I love the Astra SS and Feather but the Astra SP shredded my face.

 

[mastershake]

your dont say petersburg on them?? i know mine boxes say turkey but on the individual 5 packs they do say russia.

 

[parsifal54]

Mine say Russia as well

 

[El Judio Bravo]

Petersburger AsSPlats are AOK.

 

[BubblesTGB]

Love the Astra SP but all that I've used have been made in Russia.

 

[merkur59]

Love the Astra SP but all that I've used have been made in Russia.

+1

 

[oldtrout]

A recently purchased pack lists:

V'yrbce: Made by ZAO Petersburg Products Int., Pulkovskoye Shosse 54, St. Petersburg, 196140 Russia.
Imal Yeri: Rusya

 

[Relentless]

Just shaved with one tonight. The 5-pack sides have different distributors listed in different languages; of which Hungary is one. On the bottom it says "Made by ZAO Petersburg Products Int." in St. Petersburg, Russia. Nice blades.

BTW: Smooth shave in my Merkur 37C. Much more forgiving than the Feathers in there.

 

[Radium]

I personally can`t really tell the differences between the Astra SS or Astra SP. I think the SP might be slightly sharper due to batch to batch differences between the two and the SP seems to last a bit longer too. Perhaps try another batch of SP to see if it was just a bad pack for you?

 

[Firewalker]

Love Astra SP and SS, sharp but not wicked.

 

[John Von Wuggz]

I had the same experience with these blades except I kept them. Pulled them out a few months later and had a much better experience. Still not my favorite but in my top 5.

 

[Samji]

All of mine were made in St. Petersburg Russia. Fantastic blade.

+1

 

[scoran]

A recently purchased pack lists:

V'yrbce: Made by ZAO Petersburg Products Int., Pulkovskoye Shosse 54, St. Petersburg, 196140 Russia.
Imal Yeri: Rusya

Thanks, Relentless. I'll take a look. Seems a shame the SP's bloodied my neck while the Superior Stainless have such a nice feel.

 

[scoran]

I had the same experience with these blades except I kept them. Pulled them out a few months later and had a much better experience. Still not my favorite but in my top 5.

This is helpful, thanks. Reading the reviews I was feeling quite alone, like I was the only one with a problem.

 

[superkreep]

I've really enjoyed Astra's, made in Russia

 

[chrisf8657]

What is the difference between the SS and SP?