Something in between Feather and Iridiums?

[Saxmoore]

Hi all, I need some advice. I used feather blades for most of the year. I tend to get a nick or two, and a little bit of irritation when I use them, and I can only get 3 shaves out of a blade.

On a lark I got a pack of Iridiums a month or to ago and LOVED them. It seems like that is the perfect blade for me. I went to order more and saw that they were out at WCS, then I saw the posts about their production being halted, at least temporarily.

I've been back on the feathers and just haven't been enjoying them. Red IPs and Derbys just pull too much for my beard. What would you recommend?

I've seen that the 7 o'clocks are considered similar to the Iridiums, but which? The black?

I'd appreciate some input. Thanks!

Sax

 

[Wil Dorenbos]

I've seen that the 7 o'clocks are considered similar to the Iridiums, but which? The black?
Sax

No, that would be the Yellow (sharp edge).

 

[MikeGJ]

The Astra SP, from the same factory, works like an Iridium for me.

Others say "no", I say "worth a try."

YMMV.

 

[LinuxMintyFresh]

Most of the 7 O'clock blades are pretty decent. I like the green Permasharps, many like the Yellows, the blacks are supposed to be nice as well, and blues if you can find them have gotten some good press. I'd advice you to check out some of our vendors for the 7 O'clock range and try them out.

I'm currently also finding a replacement for Iridiums and I'll let you know what I find, but until then you might also try Indian (Gillette) made Wilkinson Sword Premiums, Perma-Sharp Supers, Astra Platinums, and Timor blades.

Part of the reason Iridiums are so great is that they are very smooth. Try blades that have platinum or ceramic coatings to get the most smooth shaves. By the way, have you checked to see if Shaving.ie has any Iridiums left in stock? You may be able to get a good supply still.

 

[mdevine]

Iridiums are my favorite as well. The Gillette Sharp Edge (Yellow) are made at the same plant and are the closest for me. Luckily, I ordered 100 Iridiums about 8 weeks ago so I'm set for a while.

 

[dalecooper51]

I am not a huge fan of the 7 O'clock yellows, but love the blacks. They are super sharp, smooth, and last me 5 comfortable shaves out of most of my razors.

Another nice blade is the Voskhod Platinum made by Rapira. I would give them a shot if you get a chance.

 

[Sledgehammer39]

Hi all, I need some advice. I used feather blades for most of the year. I tend to get a nick or two, and a little bit of irritation when I use them, and I can only get 3 shaves out of a blade.

On a lark I got a pack of Iridiums a month or to ago and LOVED them. It seems like that is the perfect blade for me. I went to order more and saw that they were out at WCS, then I saw the posts about their production being halted, at least temporarily.

I've been back on the feathers and just haven't been enjoying them. Red IPs and Derbys just pull too much for my beard. What would you recommend?

I've seen that the 7 o'clocks are considered similar to the Iridiums, but which? The black?

I'd appreciate some input. Thanks!

Sax

I think the best thing to do would be to try and acquire a single pack of different Russian made blades (there are alot) and put them through your shaving routine. This way you can guage for yourself which one resembles the Iridiums. You are gonna get a plethra of answers to your question. Myself, I think the Astra SS and Russian Greens are similar to the Iridiums (the Iridiums last longer), but as always YMMV applies here.

 

[BWagner]

The Astra SP, from the same factory, works like an Iridium for me.

Others say "no", I say "worth a try."

YMMV.

+1 on the Astra SPs. Use them in my Mergress and they are great!

 

[Ski-Patroller]

I'm also looking for an Iridium Replacement, though I really do like Feathers.

At the moment, I think the Timors are the closest. I did not particularly like Blue Birds. Astras are "ok" but they are not Iridiums. YMMV

 

[hipfan]

Definitely try the 7 O'clock blacks if you can. Those and Feathers are my 1a and 1b blades of choice. I like Iridiums and Astra SP's too, but not nearly as much as the black ninjas, which perform like slightly declawed versions of the Feathers in my estimation.

 

[SkipH]

You might try the Med prep Personnas. I find these to be right between the Feather and Super Iridium.

 

[BladeDE40]

Blacks are my second go to after Iridiums...

 

[rm71]

Supermax Super platinums are good.

 

[gixxer]

Had the iridiums, now I use the yellows, and I have a pack of blacks, but I always forget I have em to try em enough to get an opinion.

 

[xillion]

Sax,

PM me your info and I will send you some of each 7 O'clock blade to try.

 

[Drybonz]

I also thought of yellow 7 o'clock when I read this question.

 

[xriley]

I cast another vote for the Astra SP's

 

[sol92258]

I haven't had much luck with Iridiums, but I do like Feathers, so the gap in between will be different for me than you (as YMMV as blades are, that's a serious DUH), but my favorite blades are the Bolzano Superinox - for me, their as sharp as the Feathers, but much smoother

 

[Saxmoore]

Thank you all for the comments! I've ordered one pack of the Astras and one of the 7 o'clock blacks from WCS to give them a try. I really appreciate the advice, and the kind offer from Xillion on top of that! I'll post back after I get to use a few of them.

Thank you!

Sax

Whoops...I ordered the 7 o'clocl blacks instead of yellows. Doh! Darn that whole reading comprehension thing. Off to change my order.

 

[sol92258]

Thank you all for the comments! I've ordered one pack of the Astras and one of the 7 o'clock blacks from WCS to give them a try. I really appreciate the advice, and the kind offer from Xillion on top of that! I'll post back after I get to use a few of them.

Thank you!

Sax

Whoops...I ordered the 7 o'clocl blacks instead of yellows. Doh! Darn that whole reading comprehension thing. Off to change my order.

I like Astras, and 7 o'clock blacks, yellows are good too...just add the yellows, and keep the blacks too