Sharks SS - why the hate?

[Talal]

Ive heard alot about how terrible these blades are supposed to be, and having a very tough beard and sensitive skin i avoided them. However, i received a rather large blade sampler pack a few months back and there was one lonely shark blade. So i finally got over my fear of "sharks" yesterday, and decided to test out the blade...

Used my EJ razor, SOC 2 badger, biotique palmyra cream (my favourite) to finish with the gentlemens refinery ASB.

quite frankly? my favourite shave of the year so far.. totally nick free and excellent shave. Feedback from the alum block was fantastic too.. im quite pleasantly surprised.. even my wife said "your face looks alot smoother" without touching it..

I was very nervous because i had a 4 day growth as well ( i tend to shave much less in the winter). It managed with no issues... and once again my beard is really tough!


might have to grab a pack or so and test this out further..., looks like the egyptian blades will be worth my time.

The chromes have better reviews so might have to try them as well...

My only question is to those in the know, are all these blades that are made in egypt by the same company (lord, i think?). Im talking brands such as: Sharks, Asko and Racer

thank you

 

[Mick]

I use Shark super stainless blades regularly. I find them sharp and comfortable. No problems with them from me.

 

[rockviper]

All I have at home are the Shark SS and Rapira SS blades. ...... and I have no problem with that!

 

[Nagano21]

I used one from my sampler, It may have been one of my better shaves so far... Not sure why I haven't ordered more of them.

 

[Talal]

very good to hear... ive just read alot of reviews stating the opposite on a bunch of websites and i just feared them ever since.

 

[rockviper]

I have a few hundred. PM me know your address and I'll send you 10.

 

[indytechnerd]

I just finished up using one, 5 shaves and not a single issue. It was a quite enjoyable blade, to me.

 

[MikeGJ]

I like both the Shark SS and SC. I like the Lords, too, from the same factory. Cheap and smooth, adequately sharp.

 

[rocksteady]

The Shark SS give me much less irritation then the Shark SC, they have been one of my favorite blades.

 

[mpmartinez99]

Blades are probably the most "ymmv" thing, but for me Both Shark SC & SS have given me great shaves. Up there in the top of my list especially when you include the price. I have to give the nod to the Super Chrome variety as it has been the most consistent for me out of the two.

 

[mikelz777]

They'd land in the upper middle of the pack for me, like maybe a 7 out of 10. They get the job done quite well but the feel factor for me leaves me preferring other blades more.

 

[5savages]

The Shark SS is one of lowest rated blades that I've used (my rating system), just barely beating out the Laser SP and the Derby. They felt like they were shredding my face. Not an enjoyable shave at all. No tugging though. The Shark SC performed noticeably better for me, but still no better than than the middle of the pack. I won't be buying either of them.

 

[morseman]

As ever ymmv but it felt like i was useing a very dull blade and tossed the 3 blades i tried after the first pass, after the supermax the worst blade i have tried.

just my 2p

 

[mdevine]

The Shark SS blades are one of the better ones I've tried. Of the inexpensive blades, it ranks just behind Astra SP. They make a fine every day blade, giving a close yet irritation free shave. Blades are the item where YMMV most applies. I would rather shave with a Shark or Derby than a Feather or Merkur. For me, the top of the heap consists of Iridium Super and Med Prep Personna.

Mike

 

[Topgumby]

I'm a Shark SS shaver, almost exclusively. No hate at all!

I'm suspicious that there might be a little bit of Groupthink at play here. I wrote a positive review awhile back, and soon after a gent on another forum gave them a thumbs up after doing a microscope check on the blade. For awhile, they got lots of nods as a great inexpensive blade.

Not too long ago, they got panned in a very well written review, IIRC, and after a hiatus from the forum I return to find a Shark bashing thread, and now this one asking why they are a Rodney Dangerfield blade.

Did the blade change? It's not impossible, but I think it's unlikely. Did stubble change? Did the orbit of the moon shift slightly, altering the molecular structure of the Egyptian edge? Is it the Mummy's curse?

I think it's more likely that YMMV is still King, but if somebody's mileage varies and they are an eloquent reviewer, it can create a bandwagon that others might jump on, or perhaps make somebody who likes them less liable to say so in a post.

 

[cubfanbob]

> YMMV is still King

But of course. Shark Super Stainless just don't work for me, but for those of you that enjoy them - I'm happy you do.

 

[bryan1980]

I haven't tried the SS yet, but I thought SC's were pretty good.

 

[bvance554]

I'm a Shark SS shaver, almost exclusively. No hate at all!

I'm suspicious that there might be a little bit of Groupthink at play here. I wrote a positive review awhile back, and soon after a gent on another forum gave them a thumbs up after doing a microscope check on the blade. For awhile, they got lots of nods as a great inexpensive blade.

Not too long ago, they got panned in a very well written review, IIRC, and after a hiatus from the forum I return to find a Shark bashing thread, and now this one asking why they are a Rodney Dangerfield blade.

Did the blade change? It's not impossible, but I think it's unlikely. Did stubble change? Did the orbit of the moon shift slightly, altering the molecular structure of the Egyptian edge? Is it the Mummy's curse?

I think it's more likely that YMMV is still King, but if somebody's mileage varies and they are an eloquent reviewer, it can create a bandwagon that others might jump on, or perhaps make somebody who likes them less liable to say so in a post.

I agree because they used to be highly regarded around here but now not so much. They've been my favorite blade since I tried them. They did change the packaging a little a while back, but its the same blade inside. They give me the smoothest, easiest shave, and also last longer than most blades.

 

[chilliman64]

tried a couple - too much burn on the neck, too many nicks - didn't like them and wouldn't use them again

 

[GarrettReid]

Like their namesake suggest, they left me bloodied and seeking medical attention.