Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsGillette 7 O'clock Super Stainless (russian)
Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2016
My blade of choice in both my shavette and safety razor. Here's a ranking of the blades I've tried so far.
#1. Gillette 7 O'clock Super Stainless (russian). Super smooth have, zero irritation and sharp enough to cut on the first or second pass. Gives just the right amount of "feedback" to let you know where your stubble needs more attention and where you can skip over. Not many blades are this intuitive. My only gripe would be the amount of glue used on the wrapper, it tends to make you fuss with the blade in your hand more than you'd like to. Lasts around 4 shaves. My personal favorite
#2. Treet (orange and blue label). Similar smoothness to the 7 O'clock but less sharp, requires a few passes. Cheaper, and less frills. Lasts around 3-4 shaves. A CLOSE second place. Almost a toss up but the Gillette takes it.
#3 Feather Hi-Stainless. Sharpest blades ever, no question, but slightly irritating depending on technique and no room for error. Cuts clean on the first pass. Use only on thick beards! For a moderate beard like mine its simply too sharp and too costly to justify. Lasts 4 shaves.
#4 Astra (both types). Found these to be moderately sharp and did not irritate the skin at all. Not as sharp as Treet/Gillette imo. Takes some effort for a baby's butt smooth shave but if you're not too picky these will get the job done. Lasts 2-3 shaves
#5 Shark Super Stainless. Great middle of the road blade as far as sharpness and lack of irritation. EXCELLENT blade for beginners, very forgiving as far as poor technique is concerned and gets the job done. Too bad they don't last too long without tugging/pulling. 2 shaves max
#6 Big Ben (blue box). Another middle of the road, just not as good all around as Shark (both made by LORD). Did notice some irritation due to its slightly less-than-sharp edge. Stick with shark, its around the same price and you'll get a better shave. Lasts 2 shaves
#7 Derby. No irritation...and not sharp at all. Didnt care for it one bit. Had to change the blade out mid shave since it simply stopped cutting! Maybe a bad batch?? If you dont have much of a beard I guess these will work, but why not try something better? Lasts NO shaves :P
#8 Trig (made by Treet). Another "Derby clone". Unimpressive, lackluster performance.
#9 LORD Super Chrome. Similar to Derby, didnt cut too well, got dull quick. Could have spent 30 min and probably got the job done but why bother?? Tossed it mid shave, boo!
#10 LORD Platinum. With every shave I prep with Proraso pre-shave and Proaso shave soap...this time it didn't help. This one messed my face up BAD. First 1/4'' near the side burn and I had a 1'' gash across my face (didnt notice til after washing off soap). Next day my face was on FIRE, massive razor burn (only shaving with the grain mind you). The sharpness was there alright, right up there with 7 O'clock, but it seemed as if the blade were almost serrated! STAY AWAY!
