Reassurance.... New 100 pack of Astra SP's

[JimK]

Nothing earth shaking here, but after receiving a 100 pack of new Shark blades, I was shocked by the ferocious skin eating edge they sported... I also ordered a 100 pack of Astra SC's, and worried that they might have suffered from the same fate of production foibles.

Fortunately, the mega buck St Petersburg razor plant is still cranking out super quality blades, and the first shave from the pack that arrived yesterday was as good as any from my favorite blades of the past... I expect that the ultra smooth shave has something to do with new machinery, and tuned production routines, but I'm just glad that it is consistent and cheap. I have no idea as to what is going on in Egypt, but one of my favorite blades has been reduced to a ragged saw blade. Long live the St Pete plant, and long live a close, smooth shave!

 

[Nick Danger]

How reassuring to read this post as I await today's delivery of my first package of 100 Astra SP blades. I'm a newbie and was hesitant to commit to so many of one brand of blades, but the Astras have been superb for me so far. Glad to know you're finding them to be consistent, too.

Nick

 

[bryan1980]

I wonder if the Lord blades are suffering the same issues as the Sharks? I've been wanting to try some of the Platinums.

 

[DEGuy]

Astra SPP is a good blade. I find the first shave is the roughest; shaves 2-4 or 5 are far smoother. It's like we're honing the blade by shaving with it for the first shave only. But in milder razors, like Gillette's Tech or Feather's AS-D1, Astra blades aren't sufficiently sharp for me. I had used Progress for quite a while and found Astra to be the best blade for me in the Merkur adjustable. Now I use Gillette Techs with Feather or Persona Med Prep blades) or a Fatip Grande OC razor with Astra blades.

 

[Galhatz]

delivered earlier today...

 

[JimK]

delivered earlier today...
View attachment 264245

How do you like them? I'm completely impressed with their consistency. Let me know how your new 100 pack works for you..

 

[JimK]

Astra SPP is a good blade. I find the first shave is the roughest; shaves 2-4 or 5 are far smoother. It's like we're honing the blade by shaving with it for the first shave only. But in milder razors, like Gillette's Tech or Feather's AS-D1, Astra blades aren't sufficiently sharp for me. I had used Progress for quite a while and found Astra to be the best blade for me in the Merkur adjustable. Now I use Gillette Techs with Feather or Persona Med Prep blades) or a Fatip Grande OC razor with Astra blades.

That is the age old question mark in shaving history, and I was happy to read your take. Even today, companies run over each other in an effort to make the best cartridge razor, yet different people prefer different brands.

For DE razor blades, Astra has been awesome fine for me. I also really like a couple of Personna blades, Feathers, and yes, even the lowly dirt cheap Derby is a consistent (if not top shelf) blade that costs about as much for a hundred pack as a two pack of the latest Gillette cartridge.... I won't pay 50 cents each for bulk blades that last 6 shaves when I have a 7 to 10 cent blade that works within the same comfort and performance range for me for 4 shaves....
The Astra blades are not my ultimate shaving blade, but they are pretty close, they deliver a fine first shave, and an awesome second, third, and fourth shave. They are consistent. They are cheap, what's not to love?

I am addicted to trying new blades though, so I always buy some of the latest top dog blades (even the 50 cent blades) just to try when I'm in the mood. Still, it's the Astra blades that do the daily work for me lately, with no blood or complaints. Of course, everyone has different needs, and I'd never dream of telling someone that they really don't enjoy their favorite blade!

For the record, my beard isn't too tough (not piano wire), and my two current razors are the Stahley live blade I grew up with for over 40 years, and the Merkur 38C. Both are great razors, and they work well with my favorite blades.