Sampling new blades

[Chiller]

Hi, I have just received my 1st sample pack of blades. Up until now, all I have used are israeli personnas and boots own brand which I'm guessing are also israeli personnas as they said "made in israel" on the back of the packet and were packed identically although for some reason, I thought the boots ones were sharper?! Anyway, my sample pack contains 7 blades: treet platinum super stainless, super-max stainless, super-max super stainless, astra superior stainless, astra superior platinum, shark yellow super stainless, feather hi-stainless. My question is, what is the best way of reviewing them? I was thinking of getting my notepad out and doing some sort of scoring system but what kind of things should I be looking out for etc? Also, does anyone think I should do them in any order? Eg sharpest 1st. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Oblique Human]

Each blade should be good for 2-3 shaves. How many razors do you own? I'd recommend choosing 2 favorites, then write the name of the blades in one column, then 2 further columns for the razors. Use each blade once with each razor, then note your observations in that list. If you only intend to use one razor, then I guess you could draw up a simpler list.

 

[ackvil]

The order doesn't really matter. What I do is use one razor and go through one of each blade. I shave with the same razor and blade until the blade starts tugging and then I toss. I take notes on each shave putting down what razor and blade combo, soap or cream I was using, the quality of the shave with respect to closeness and smoothness, and the number of shaves I got with the blade. I then move on to the next blade and do the same thing. After I go through the blades I move on to the next razor and do the same thing. I don't use a scoring system but if that helps you go for it. For me the three qualities I rate are: closeness of shave, smoothness, and number of good shaves I get from the blade, and price.

 

[CharlieFoxtrot]

I can usually tell within the first pass whether or not a blade is going to see a second shave. The balance between sharp & smooth is what I look for in a new blade. I generally toss them after two shaves, so longevity isn't really a factor for me.

 

[Chiller]

This morning I had my 1st shave with one of the new blades "super-max stainless"

After a quick wash I lathered up in my normal fashon and and began to shave. I instantly knew this blade wouldn't be the one!
It pulled right from the start with that rough cutting noise which you only normally get when the it's time to change blades.
Even though right from the start the blade seemed poor, I continued to shave until I had done a 3 pass shave (I've decided if 3 passes aint enough, then the blade isn't worth keeping)
Once I had rinsed off the remaining lather, I inspected the shave.
The results were not satisfying at all, the shave was patchy and my stubble was still long enough to give my daughter a "chin pie"!
I'll be giving it 1 more chance tomorrow and if the results are the same, its getting binned!

 

[inspiringK]

Some good advice. I will add that if you feel like sticking to one of the blade types, don't feel a need to try another right away, no harm in reloading with the same type of blade a few times before moving to the next.

Also, I'll selfishly ask, I have been meaning to try those Treet Stainless blades, let us know what you think of them.

 

[Chiller]

No problem, I will keep you updated with this thread

 

[Oscroft]

Hi Chiller, you say you tried Boots blades - does that mean you're in the UK?

If you are, I'd be happy to send you a few more blades to try - just send me a PM with your address.

 

[Cheapogit]

Hi Chiller, you say you tried Boots blades -

I found them quite long lasting and not overly aggressive (especially on 2nd+ shave), I quite like them.