Gairdner said:
Alex, I'm still really a newbie as well so take my recommendations more lightly than the guys on here that have been doing this for some time. I've also a sneaking suspicion that the Rapira Super Stainless and the Swedish Super Steel are the same blade in different packets - take them out of their respective wrappers and they look identical. Also, I've seen some sampler packs recently (I forget exactly where) but the blue and white packet that the Swedes come in was marked 'Super Stainless' rather than the usual 'Swedish Supersteel'. That said, I like them both quite a lot so far but couldn't really say if they were better than the lab blues. Not much in it but so far I'd give the blues the nod although that could change. :icon_rolleyes:
Shark Stainless I found really tuggy on the moustache stubble and not able to go as close on my neck as say, the Rapira Super Stainless. Gillette yellows give me a little irritation and my experience of trying an Astra after the lab blues was just like yours. Some of this could just be technique as I've chopped and changed blades and razors way too much and there are other factors that play a part in variation/quality of shaves. If you PM your address to me, I'll try to sort you out with a few blades like BIC, Rapira SS & Swede and the Israeli Personna Platinum Chrome. Beware though as I'm a slow goods rather than an express passenger when it comes to posting. :angel:
Hope this helps rather than confuses. :blush:
Thanks Graeme, as I have only been doing this just over a month, I listen to anyone with more experience than me, plus it gives me a reason to buy more shaving stuff :angel:.
You're a well respected member of this community, so I hold your opinion very highly, newbie or not :icon_razz:
Hmm, I do have both on the way, so it will be interesting to see if there is any noticeable difference when I do get them delivered and get a chance to shave with both. It wouldn't surprise me, there really can't be much variation in each blade if any though.
The lab blues have been brilliant, and I agree that they will be hard to beat.
I may not get on as well with the Sharks as I'd thought then, but that's the amazing thing with this, the YMMV lark, it is surprising just how different people rate blades. I'll have to see for myself (can't complain, shaving is enjoyable now). I was interested in the 7 o clock yellows but as my skin seems to be easily irritated, as of late anyway, I might avoid these now, a few people have noted the irritation.
Yes, my shave today really was awful, I haven't changed razors but it could be down to a number of things so I'll be happy to try the astras again in the future, before the lab blues I loved them.
Thank you very much, I shall PM you my address, I appreciate this.
It's certainly given me something to think about, just gives me more reason to try things which I could never complain about!
Cheers
Alex