Tell me a blade better than the Astra.

[sidgravy]

The first blade I ever tried was the Astra Superior Platinum DE. I had no idea if it was any good, a local barber sold be a pack together with a Chinese made safety razor (since replaced). It seemed to do the job. So I stocked up on Astra blades and they have been my daily blade ever since.

However, since then every time I see a different brand available in single packs, I buy them to try, but none have come close to the Astra.

Blades I've tried:

Dorco Platinum DE - YIKES!
Wilkinson Sword DE - Felt dull.
Derby Extra Stainless DE - Major dragging.
BIC Chrome Platinum - Actually didn't mind these. I'll definitely use them, but wouldn't buy again.

I know all of the above are pretty common bog standard blades, so for those that know the Astra, are there any blades you've thought better.

Thanks.

 

[Alum Ladd]

The first blade I ever tried was the Astra Superior Platinum DE. I had no idea if it was any good, a local barber sold be a pack together with a Chinese made safety razor (since replaced). It seemed to do the job. So I stocked up on Astra blades and they have been my daily blade ever since.

However, since then every time I see a different brand available in single packs, I buy them to try, but none have come close to the Astra.

Blades I've tried:

Dorco Platinum DE - YIKES!
Wilkinson Sword DE - Felt dull.
Derby Extra Stainless DE - Major dragging.
BIC Chrome Platinum - Actually didn't mind these. I'll definitely use them, but wouldn't buy again.

I know all of the above are pretty common bog standard blades, so for those that know the Astra, are there any blades you've thought better.

Thanks.

Try the Astras' brother, the Astra Superior Stainless in the blue pack.

I have been a recent new user, and have been highly impressed, sharper than the SP and still smooth, and capable of 5-7 excellent shaves.


Mine are Russian production.

 

[cranewarrior]

Try the Silver Star for a blade in the same category of low cost, smoother and sharp-enough razor blades. I do prefer the Silver Star over the Astra SP. The Lord Super Chrome has the same qualities as well.

You might also try the Treet Platinum. It's a tad sharper than the Astra SP in my opinion.

 

[ivan_101]

The first blade I ever tried was the Astra Superior Platinum DE. I had no idea if it was any good, a local barber sold be a pack together with a Chinese made safety razor (since replaced). It seemed to do the job. So I stocked up on Astra blades and they have been my daily blade ever since.

However, since then every time I see a different brand available in single packs, I buy them to try, but none have come close to the Astra.

Blades I've tried:

Dorco Platinum DE - YIKES!
Wilkinson Sword DE - Felt dull.
Derby Extra Stainless DE - Major dragging.
BIC Chrome Platinum - Actually didn't mind these. I'll definitely use them, but wouldn't buy again.

I know all of the above are pretty common bog standard blades, so for those that know the Astra, are there any blades you've thought better.

Thanks.

To answer the thing you asked in the thread topic. At least half of them blades are better than the Astras.

You tried 5 blades. All of them with the exception of the Bic Chrome Platinum are mild blades. So you definitely need a sampler with at least 10-12 different blades.

Most importantly you do not tell us what is the razor. This is the most important part, as the razor and blade combination is the main element in this hobby.

 

[AndyPanda]

@cranewarrior beat me to it! The Treet Platinum and the Lord Super Chrome are sharp/smooth blades!

I have never found Astra SP to be sharp enough and have always been mystified by how much love they get in the reviews. Astra SS are much sharper and better IMO.

 

[86-foxtrot]

Use what works for you. Astras were mild and tuggy blades in my experience. I preferred and sharper and smoother blade. Try a blade sampler as others have suggested to get a gauge of what works best with your face and razor.

 

[brianshave46]

Well can't argue lolz. The Astra blades are good blades. I recently ordered 100 of the Indian made Astra Superior Platinums and I think they're just as good as the Russian ones were, same smooth shave. But I have a LOT of double edge blades, and many of them shave just as well for me, if not better. Gillette Rubie for example, very good Russian blade. Gillette Silver Blue, Gillette Platinum, Gillette Minora, Gillette 365, Rapira Platinum Lux, RK Chromium, (very nice Indian DE blade) Statum DE blade, Tiger Superior (Czech DE blade.) All very good blades for me. Of course, DE blades are a very personal preference and what works well for me may not do so well for you. I guess that's why they say YMMV

 

[Hairy Callahan]

Let me get this straight. You're starting off with an Astra SP and looking for something better? That's sort of like pulling into a Honda dealership in a Ferrari and asking the salesman if he has anything interesting in stock.

 

[Edgelord]

Feather, Perma-Sharp, Nacet, and Personna Comfort Coated.

 

[sidgravy]

To answer the thing you asked in the thread topic. At least half of them blades are better than the Astras.

You tried 5 blades. All of them with the exception of the Bic Chrome Platinum are mild blades. So you definitely need a sampler with at least 10-12 different blades.

Most importantly you do not tell us what is the razor. This is the most important part, as the razor and blade combination is the main element in this hobby.

Thanks for the reply. Using a Gillette Tech Flat Bottom , circa 1943 I think.

 

[ivan_101]

Thanks for the reply. Using a Gillette Tech Flat Bottom , circa 1943 I think.

So this explains it all.
It is a mild razor. So sharper blades will work better in it.

 

[Mr Menthol]

Blades are a very personal thing. I dislike Astra SP blades and think there are many better blades out there.
I prefer vintage blades from the 60's/70's & 80's but of modern blades I like would be the Gillette Black from India, and Wizamet Super Iridium.

 

[VerbaVolant]

...so for those that know the Astra, are there any blades you've thought better...

Very tempting to ask what is the definition of "better", but I understand your ask. I consider Gillette 7O'Clock SharpEdge, Gillette 7O'Clock Super Platinum (both, Blue and Black), Polsilver Super Iridium, Personna Super+ Platinum (Crystals) marginally better. In one way or another, either sharper or longer lasting. I also find that Gillette 7O'Clock Super Stainless and Gillette Platinum very close to Astra SP.

Overall, Astra SP is one of my favorite blades, if not the one.

Wilkinson Sword and Derby Extra Stainless are at the lower end of sharpness, to me. I do get decent shaves with them but not satisfying.

The above is only my personal opinion.

 

[Captain Howdy]

In my opinion, just about anything. My face doesn't like Astra. However, I'm clearly an extreme minority.

I'm more of a...

GSB
NACET
All of the 7 o clocks
BIC Chrome
Gillette Minora
Viking Sword
Wilkinson Sword

...kind of guy

 

[brianshave46]

Blades are a very personal thing. I dislike Astra SP blades and think there are many better blades out there.
I prefer vintage blades from the 60's/70's & 80's but of modern blades I like would be the Gillette Black from India, and Wizamet Super Iridium.

Gillette 7 o' clock Super Platinums (black) are one of my top 3. Great double edge blades

 

[Jay21]

Top blades include Gillette Silver Blue, Silver Star, Treet 7 Days Platinum, Dorco ST301 Stainless, Gillette Nacet, and Gillette Platinum.

 

[shave/brush]

Personna, the ones made in America.

 

[WVShaver]

The Astras were my first love when it came to blades. Over time my favorites have changed and my top 3 are Rubie, Gillette Silver Blue, and Nacet. You can’t find the Rubies anymore but you should definitely try GSB and Nacet while you still can and stock up if you like them.

Other honorable mentions - All Gillette 7 O Clock blades, Wizamet, Russian Perma-Sharp, Russian Gillette Platinums, Personna Comfort Coated, Rapira varieties, Israeli blades, and Feather.

Some of these I love, some not so much but they are among the most popular. Pick up a tuck of each from RazorBladesClub and order your favorites in bulk.

 

[brucered]

No need in asking others. Use what works best for you. Who cares what others use.

All the graphs, charts, macro shots, side by sides and ratings mean squat from one person to the next.

Russian made Astra SP is my favorite blade as well.

 

[WVShaver]

Also, there’s nothing wrong with the Tech as it’s a fine shaver but if you ever want to bump up the efficiency some my favorite modern razors are RazoRock GameChanger .84p, and the cheap Chinese DSCosmetics AX-SE with 3 baseplates for under $20. The GameChangers are $55 new and are SS.

For vintage a good Gillette Red Tip is my favorite but I haven’t tried an Aristocrat yet. You can pick up a Red Tip for $20-25 on the bay.