- Pre-shave: Face wash w/ hot water & soap
- Razor: Henson Mild v1
- Blade: Gillette 7 O’clock (yellow, 1)
- Brush: The Goodfellas “The Hog”
- Soap: Local shaving soap with lanolin (wool fat)
- Post-shave: Alum, Nivea Men Sensitive AS
Six day’s growth. A good, smooth shave, even though the blade is supposed to be on the sharp side. It wasn’t harsh at all and I’m beginning to think that it was just the Astra SPs that don’t agree with my skin. YMMV as they say.
There is a couple of different versions of these particular SharpEdge blades. I still have some of the old ones that a few people enjoyed but honestly I found them to be needlessly harsh. I believe the newer ones are said to be much smoother but I have not experience with the newer ones myself.
The ones you have are from the new batches. I will have to try these ones out soon.
I enjoy the Nivea lotion. I will have to pick up a new bottle. My ones are as old as the hills and probably no good anymore. lol
In regards to blades it sometimes also depends on the particular razor and your hair and skin type as well as technique. It’s really a journey.
It’s good to hear another vote of smoothness for the updated SharpEdge blades though.
Right, I did not do any background work on the history of the blades. But yeah, they seemed to be pretty smooth at least for me personally. The Astras literally hurt my face. That said, you’re probably right about skin type. I wouldn’t say my skin is super sensitive, but I know I won’t go nowhere near the most sharp blades (read: Feather or Kai).
I would gladly take a smooth blade over a sharp one and let the razor and angles do the rest of the work. I can use feathers and a few others but it depends on the razor razor or my skin condition. I’m not sure what date Astra blades (likely the old ones that everyone knows and loves which are made in Russia) you have but there is a little bit of rumbles in regards to where they are made now. I believe the newer ones are made in India. The reason why I mention this is because it is believed that this is perhaps got to do with GIllette P&G moving blade production outside Russia which means that in time 7’O Clock blades may be affected but its worth nothing that India already has had their own production of 7’O Clock blades for many years. They make blacks (Super Platinum) and a version of Green called Permasharp Stainless (not to be confused with the other Permasharps also made by Gillette in Russia or other Green 7’Oclocks Super Stainless also made in Russia. hahaha)
You might also appreciate blades like Derby Premium or Derby Extra. If you can get a tuck to try of either one then it might be worthwhile also.
I’m glad you enjoy the newer Yellow SharpEdge blades and its definitely made me more keen to try them. I feel like our blade preferences aren’t too far apart.