From B&B
"OK. First shave.
Short story.
I think they are different. The blade from India seems to be a tad smoother, maybe sharper.
Again the comparison is with blades made in Russia few years ago. Not recent production. I have recent production blades but I have not used them yet.
Long story.
I shave every day. I have sensitive skin. Since I purchased the Henson, the AL13 and the Astra blades have been my daily drive. Three passes + touch ups (which are actually a sort of two additional full passes on the jaw lines and on the neck). I always get a close shave, with no irritation, a couple of micro weepers or nicks (depending on how you define them) in two different spots, rarely more.
My son has the same razor, just different color. I loaded them with the two blades and I shaved one side of the face with the India made blade and the other side with the other blade. Three passes with both razors, however I did the final touch ups with the India made blade only.
My IMPRESSION is that the new blade is a tad smoother. Maybe it is a little sharper. I could feel the difference expecially when going against the grain.
The shave, after touch ups was super close and I did not get even a single nick. No Irritation. Applying the aftershave was uneventful.
I always do two shaves with the Astra's. Since I am using them for half face, maybe this time I will do four shaves. In any case I will not be able to say a lot as far as longevity is concerned."
***
So the new blade seems to be a good one.