Polsilver Blade First Impression

[Altair]

I tried to take a nice picture for you guys, I hope you like it.

As many of you know Iridium Supers are very popular, sadly they where discontinued not so long ago. I was lucky enough to of been able to purchase 100 pack before they where all gone, many of us have been looking for a replacement ever since.

I have no Idea what ever happened to the Iridium Super Brand and why it's no longer produced, but I suspect it just has to do with brand renewal rights but no one really seems to know.

I have been reading may posts that Polsilver's are very good and many speculate that it's the same blade but many of us had been unable to try them because you simply can't find them. If you compare the Super Iridium and the Polsilver blade there are several similarities, it leads me to believe that they are manufactured by the same company under the same standards, for all we know they may very well be the same blade.

Polsilver's state "Stainless" and Iridium Supers "Extra Stainless" Now does that mean they are made out of different steel ? or just a different coating that prevents staining.

Either way Polsilver's behave EXACTLY the same. Most likely it's the same edge grind. I could not tell the difference. Today was my first shave with one and it was very sharp and smooth just as our beloved Iridium Supers. I used my trusty Futur for initial testing just because last time I shaved with an Iridium (last week) I used the Futur, Settings where 3 and 2.5 I only had to do 2 passes, 1 AXTG followed by 1 XTG and touch ups.


http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/1237/sotd08112011.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/832/sotd08112011.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

look at the W

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/743/bladessidebyside.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/832/bladessidebyside.jpg/)

[Chester]

Darn it. Now I'm gonna have to buy a hundred.
-- Chet

[Sledgehammer39]

Interesting observations. I noticed that Dave at Razorbladesandmore now carries the Polsilver blade, might have to give it a try.

[echotron]

Photos are superb. First photo is really nice composition and lighting. Second photo does its job of comparison; the razor boxes do look strikingly related!

RE: Stainless & Extra Stainless ... are there degrees of stainless, I mean it is or it isn't right?

Thanks for the info about the POLSILVER blades.

[kiwichris]

Great photo!

I don't know if all the hype over these blades being the 'new' Super Iridiums has gotten out of control, but the price for a hundred of these blades at RB&M sure is high for a Russian-sourced blade.

Anyone else feel the same way?

[rm71]

Great photo!

I don't know if all the hype over these blades being the 'new' Super Iridiums has gotten out of control, but the price for a hundred of these blades at RB&M sure is high for a Russian-sourced blade.

Anyone else feel the same way?

Yep, I'd like to buy some, but at that price...

[Altair]

Great photo!

I don't know if all the hype over these blades being the 'new' Super Iridiums has gotten out of control, but the price for a hundred of these blades at RB&M sure is high for a Russian-sourced blade.

Anyone else feel the same way?

It's a high end blade probably made by Gillette, Just like the Iridiums. If you look at pricing for quality blades they are always on the high side. look at the going rate for feathers I think they're 40 usd for a 100 pack. Plus it all depends on how many hoops vendors have to jump to source them. I remember Iridiums went for 35 bucks before they vanished and that was like 2 years ago. so I don't think they are out of line.

[Dalejr]

It's a high end blade probably made by Gillette, Just like the Iridiums. If you look at pricing for quality blades they are always on the high side. look at the going rate for feathers I think they're 40 usd for a 100 pack. Plus it all depends on how many hoops vendors have to jump to source them. I remember Iridiums went for 35 bucks before they vanished and that was like 2 years ago. so I don't think they are out of line.

+1

[MichiganRob]

Yeah, knowing that the Iridium and the Polsilver are related, I am going to lay in a stock of the Polsilver now that they are available. Many congratulations to Razor Blades & More for becoming the U.S. distributor of these blades!

[memoryleak]

It's a high end blade probably made by Gillette, Just like the Iridiums.

Beg pardon?. :001_unsur

[iamdarkangel2005]

Hi Memoryleak,

Yes it is correct. All polsilver and super iridiums are made by the St. Pitsburg plan commissioned by Gillette P&G.

Hope that clears his a bit.

David

[melyus]

Super iridium and Polsilvers are excellent blades , maybe same blades different packages.
i bought from Spain (Thanks to Patraix) 0.70 Euro Per 10 Blades(1 pack in spain) Calculator of the www.Correos.es under the 500gr cost me 10.5 Euro.(sign for shipping) aproximately 400 polsilver blades makes 500 gr so i paid 38.5 Euro total to Turkey (0.07 euro x 400 blades 28 Euro plus 10.5 shipping) Btw i cant find any online seller from the spain. i hope this helps.
Regards.

[infabo]

look at the W

The "W" was the logo of the original producer of these blades. "Wizamet" was taken over by Gillette in 1992 (this was when Gillette entered the polish market). IRIDIUM SUPER was a blade by Wizamet too - that's why both blades have this logo on it. Later in the 2000-years the production plant in poland was closed and production moved to St. Petersburg.

[cfender]

I guess I'll have to try the ONE Super Iridium that a B&Ber PIF'd me to see if I want to splurge on the Polsilver.

The Feather is my standard bearer and they can be found in 100 qty's under $30 shipped from B&B vendors so the Super Iridium/Polsiver will need to make a BIG impression @ $40 + shipping costs. Of course, if the legends of the Iridium blade lasting for 7+ shaves are accurate, then cost per shave honors would go to the Polsilver/Iridium.

What develops here could be fun.

[TallyShave]

Of course, if the legends of the Iridium blade lasting for 7+ shaves are accurate, then cost per shave honors would go to the Polsilver/Iridium.

I really like Iridiums (I have several hundred), but the 7+ shave idea is (as you say) more legend than anything else. I think it really depends on the beard, # of passes, etc, just like every other blade. You can read about people getting 7, 8, 10, 15, etc shaves out of all sorts of blades. I normally get 4 out of the Iridium, maybe 5. By comparison I get about the same from Perma-Sharps and about 2-3 from a Feather and 3-4 from an Astra SP.

[Altair]

The "W" was the logo of the original producer of these blades. "Wizamet" was taken over by Gillette in 1992 (this was when Gillette entered the polish market). IRIDIUM SUPER was a blade by Wizamet too - that's why both blades have this logo on it. Later in the 2000-years the production plant in poland was closed and production moved to St. Petersburg.

Interesting information thanks for helping out with the mistery and history of the blade.

[IridiumMourner]

Very interesting indeed! I'll definitely need to give these a try.

[TallyShave]

Hi Memoryleak,

Yes it is correct. All polsilver and super iridiums are made by the St. Pitsburg plan commissioned by Gillette P&G.

Hope that clears his a bit.

David

David,

I am curious as to the information you are getting as a vendor. On your site you say that these are "fresh out of the factory" so these are obviously current production blades. It appears that Wizamet branded blades are still being produced in the St Petersburg factory. Are they telling you anything about production (or lack thereof) of the Iridium Supers?

[infabo]

I believe the "IRDIUM super extra stainless" blades are still in production under the "polsilver iridium super" label. Look here: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/242735-Super-Iridium-and-Polsilver-Razor-Blades

[iamdarkangel2005]

As far as I know, they no longer make the super iridiums. Gillette pull them off the market completely. I tried getting them but they said that item was discontinued.

[Altair]

Since I sacrificed the blade for yesterdays image. This morning I decided to load a fresh blade in my Barley. Many of you are already familiar with the wonderful qualities of this razor, so it will not surprise you when I tell you that today's shave was just as good as yesterdays, with the exact same experience and performance. Nothing fancy just normal prep, followed by two wonderfully smooth passes and of course touch ups. Here's a pic. Hope you guys like it.

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/8996/8122011.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/5/8122011.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[jwilock]

As far as I know, they no longer make the super iridiums. Gillette pull them off the market completely. I tried getting them but they said that item was discontinued.


If the thread referenced directly above yours is correct, they are still being produced under the Polsilver label. They appear to be for sale in Poland.

[Dr-Suds]

I see the W (Wizmet) I never was able to try the iridium's, my step dad is sitting on 100 but he won't use them either :a6:... but those have the same icon on them they very well could be either the same factory.... or consortium??? could be like a Personna thing???... hopefully :confused1

[TallyShave]

I believe the "IRDIUM super extra stainless" blades are still in production under the "polsilver iridium super" label. Look here: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/242735-Super-Iridium-and-Polsilver-Razor-Blades

From what I have read, those are more than likely NOS Polsilvers (which some say aren't as good as the real deal) which were made in Poland, not the St. Petersburg factory. There is only one vendor (the polish vendor) selling them and I don't think they ship to the states. Other vendors have said they are not available for purchase.

It seems like everything with the word Iridium on it is rumored to be the same as the "real" Iridium Supers but Iridium is a metal similar to Platinum (which is also used in the name of several blades).

[Dalejr]

I need to order some. I never tried Iridiums and when I wanted to they were long gone...

[gagarin]

About three years ago, the Polish-manufactured Polsilvers were one of the finalists in my search for favorite blade. The others were Light Brigade Wilks, Swedes and Super Iridiums. The SI's won. I found the Polsilvers to be very nice, but just a step down from the smoother, sharper Super Iridiums.

In my experience with currently-manufactured blades, the only ones that can run with the SI's are the St. Pete Perma-Sharp Supers. I received a delivery of the new Russian Polsilvers this weekend, and look forward to taking one for a spin tomorrow morning.

By the way, great service from David.

Regards,

[pirateskull]

Just ordered some,can't wait to try them.

[IridiumMourner]

I just ordered a couple of 10 packs to try out. I look forward to hearing other people's impression of this blade!

[Altair]

I just ordered a couple of 10 packs to try out. I look forward to hearing other people's impression of this blade!

I would like to hear members impressions as well. I've been using this blade for the last few days and it's been great.

[JackRapture]

I'm really waiting to hear from other members about the quality of this blade before I buy a 100 pack. If you've tried them, please share your thoughts

[gagarin]

Realizing that individual responses to blades vary widely, I try to keep my less-than-enthusiastic comments to a minimum. However, my view is as follows:

I found the original Polish-manufactured Polsilver to be a very nice blade, just behind the SI in performance. As an Iridium devotee, I was eager to give the new St. Pete version a whirl. A pack of ten Polsilvers from David landed on my doorstep earlier this week. After three shaves, my conclusion is that, like most St. Petersburg blades, the Polsilver delivers a fine shave. However, for me, it is neither as sharp nor as smooth as the Super Iridium. Its feel is more akin to the Astra Superior Platinum, solid but not in the very top tier inhabited by the SI's and Swedes.

Regards,

[Altair]

It's been a few days, anyone get a chance to try the blades?. So far my favorite razor to use them with has to be the Futur.

[IridiumMourner]

I recently received a couple of 10 packs and have gotten through 3 shaves with one blade. So far, I pretty much share gagarin's thoughts. They're good blades, but to me they weren't any better than Astras SP or several other blades. They're decent blades, but I can't see myself buying them in bulk at the current prices.

[sanuginz]

When I tried them I thought the Iridiums were slightly sharper akin to Feathers and the Polsilvers were slightly smoother which is what I prefer.

[Geordon]

When I tried them I thought the Iridiums were slightly sharper akin to Feathers and the Polsilvers were slightly smoother which is what I prefer.

This is my feeling as well. Feather Hi-Stainless are my predominant blade, but the Polisilver are somewhat smoother and more forgiving than the Feathers are to me.

[PanchoVilla]

I've tried them (4 shaves now). I'm one of those SI fans and find these to be the same. The only blades that I use anymore are Feathers and SIs. I even put the blades (SI & Polsilver) under a microscope and found the same grind.

FWIW, I have a rather heavy gray beard and generally only get 2 good shaves out of my Feathers.

[CyiDev]

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/8996/8122011.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/5/8122011.jpg/)

Where did you get an alum bloc that size?

[Altair]

I've tried them (4 shaves now). I'm one of those SI fans and find these to be the same. The only blades that I use anymore are Feathers and SIs. I even put the blades (SI & Polsilver) under a microscope and found the same grind.

FWIW, I have a rather heavy gray beard and generally only get 2 good shaves out of my Feathers.

I have not looked at the lades under a microscope but I felt that the grind was probably the same. Many people that work in manufacturing know that sometimes you only make one or two models of something and distributors order the products from you and all that changes is the branding.

[Altair]

Where did you get an alum bloc that size?

It was given to me as a gift from someone on another forum.

[IridiumMourner]

On my second blade and I think I'm starting to really warm up to these blades. They seem to really hit their stride on the 3rd shave for me for some reason. Sharp and utterly comfortable during and after the shave. What more can you ask for? I have no clue whether these are Super Iridiums or not. But they seem to be very nice blades.

I seem to need a warm up period with new blades for some reason. I also remember not being too crazy for the NOS Gillette Bleue Extras when I first tried them. Then, after a few blades, I really started to enjoy them.

[Left Coast DJ]

Do Polsilver's have those awful Russian glue spots?

[jwilock]

Do Polsilver's have those awful Russian glue spots?

I've only got one razor so can't tell if my experience is different from others. I originally used my old blade to scrape the "glue" off of the new blade. Then I read that it is not necessary to do that. So I've just been putting them in my EJ DE89 as they come out of the wrapper. When I take them out, there is no sign of the "glue" at all on my razor. So, bottom line, it doesn't bother me at all.

[PanchoVilla]

Do Polsilver's have those awful Russian glue spots?
Yes, they do. And in exactly the same place and same overdose. I just ignore it.

[Altair]

The glue spots never really bother me anymore. Just put the glue face down and forget about it!

[Rufust445]

The last Polsilver I used was in a Lord Smart Razor last week. I use that razor mostly for blades with big wax spots, as it's easier to clean.

As I finished that last Polsilver, I noticed that some of the wax had stuck to the underside of the razor top plate, taking with it some of the ink that formed the brand logo on the blade.

This week that razor, used about two shaves per week, has a Perma-Sharp Super in it, which had the wax spots scraped off with an old blade before loading in the razor.

Without the Russian blades, I wouldn't have learned good technique with the Lord Smart Razor, and stayed with a vintage Gillette and other blades for most of my shaves.

[Kramerica]

My opinion of the Polsilver (so far). meh

Sharp enough, but not smooth. Caused a bit of burn. I like Iridiums A LOT, and IMHO, Polsilvers are NOT Iridiums.

I find them equivalent to Astras...again, sharp but not very smooth. I'm going back to my best girl, the med prep personna.

YMMV, and I'm glad RB&M carries them so I had a chance to try them, but they are not the blade for me.

[GregDR]

I love Polsilvers so far. I can get at least 3 real smooth shaves out of them. They are the best blade for me I've tried so far and I've tried quite a few (Personna: Reds, MedPreps, Labs, Feather, Derby, Astra, Super Iridiums, Bic, Merkur etc.)

On a seperate note: I just checked RB&M and their website seems to be down. Anyone else having this problem? Routine maintenance perhaps?

[Mitsimonsta]

I get a bad redirect that loops on the RB&M site. Firefox quits when it detects this.

Could be some SEO changes that killed it.

[Barefoot Joe]

Only tried one so far and moved on after 3 shaves. Little rough with razor burn. Granted, I had just gotten a new razor, so maybe that was the problem. However, a Persona Med Prep and a Bolzano were great in the same razor (next 2 blades that I tried in the same razor). The jury is not out for me yet. I will give another one a shot later with more shaves under my belt with the new razor. I like the "Long, Lost Iridium" story behind this blade. I am not immune to the romance (for lack of a better word) behind certain blades, but when push comes to shove...not a good shave = C Ya. Tinkerbell is a fairy.

[PanchoVilla]

I like them. My beard is pretty much an old growth forest. The only blades I bother with anymore are Feathers and SI. And yes, I've tried them all, even the Personna Meds., which seem to get a lot of love for some reason. These to me are identical to the SI; smooth and sharp.

JMHO

[beisler]

just had my 1st shve with them--used 1904 and tobs almond--Great shave -smooth and 0 irritation-one of my best ever

[thrown.clear]

I made the mistake of deciding to try SI's _after_ hearing that they were discontinued, and becoming scarce. It was a mistake because I LOVED them. For me, they were the best of everything - almost as sharp as Feathers, with the smoothness and durability of Personnas. I then began the long process of trying to find a suitable replacement.

I tried the Gillette Yellow's - good, but not nearly good enough.

I tried the Personna Med Preps - Very good, but not quite as sharp or as durable as the SI.

Then I tried the Polsilver. At first, I was disappointed. The shave was a little rough - rough enough that I couldn't really judge the sharpness. As someone else said, "Meh."

Then came a second shave... and a third... Okay. I'll throw in with a few others on this thread - I think the Polsilvers are every bit as good as the SI's were. The first shave, for some reason, isn't its best, but then they hit their stride.

I can get 4 shaves out of these. When I compare that to the 2 shaves from a Feather, and the 3 shaves from Personna, the Polsilver wins the price-war as well as the close-comfortable-shave war.

I'll be ordering 100 of these - and then maybe 100 more... just in case. I learned my lesson after losing the Super Iridium.

[TallyShave]

I feel like there are still probably about 100,000 Iridium Supers (if not more) still out there. Heck, Emilio has sold about 10,000 here just in the last few months.

[jwilock]

Make that 500 more since my last post to him.

[bobusa]

I tried PolSilver today morning Firsttime in my New EJ89. I felt it is smooth but not sharp enough. I have not used Super Iridium's yet but I see B&B members comparing POLSILVER to SI.

[Altair]

Wow, shaving products really are YMMV. Polsilvers work best for me on 34HD, 30c, and Futur. the more I use them the better I like them I get absolutely no irritation from them. I have decided to sell off all my other blades and just buy these. Like someone else said Ive learned my lesson with Iridiums I wish I would of stocked up on them when they where 2x cheaper. Needless to say I'll be buying a few more.

[AgBill]

I will have to try one in my feather... but my shave with them in my EJ have been rough...

[monkeyhanger]

tried a polsilver blade tonight for the first time, and im impressed. really good shave from it in my muhle R89, got a close and smooth shave. ive been using personna meds as my go to blade but i may get a few more packs of these for variety. an excellent blade.

[Gordy2]

I do think there is a slight difference with the advantage going to the SI. Some swear there is a much larger difference again the edge going to the SI. The only thing we are positive about
is they make Polys and not the SI.

[Viseguy]

This is subjective, of course, but there are plenty of blades that I rank ahead of Polsilvers and Iridium Supers. I find that Personna Med Preps and Labs, Russian Perma-Sharps, Lord Racers, Gillette Yellows, Treet Dura Sharps and Classics, Indian Permasharsps -- all work better for me.

[jwilock]

Once upon a time someone said the Polsilvers feel the same to them as SIs. Somehow since then there has been some kind of forum lore that they are the same. Why? Why are they any more likely to be SIs under a different name than any other blade coming out of St. Pete? There have been magnified pictures showing them to be quite different. There are numerous users who find a significant difference. There were two recent completely blind tests that verified a significant different between them, and both strongly preferred the SIs.

Of course blades are as much a YMMV thing as any other aspect of shaving. So if you prefer Polsilvers, that's perfectly fine. But I wish we could stop the speculation that these are the same blades. While user experiences may vary, the pictures ought to have settled this discussion.

[beisler]

Once upon a time someone said the Polsilvers feel the same to them as SIs. Somehow since then there has been some kind of forum lore that they are the same. Why? Why are they any more likely to be SIs under a different name than any other blade coming out of St. Pete? There have been magnified pictures showing them to be quite different. There are numerous users who find a significant difference. There were two recent completely blind tests that verified a significant different between them, and both strongly preferred the SIs.

Of course blades are as much a YMMV thing as any other aspect of shaving. So if you prefer Polsilvers, that's perfectly fine. But I wish we could stop the speculation that these are the same blades. While user experiences may vary, the pictures ought to have settled this discussion.

+1--As Jim said I feel there is no blade to compare to the SI.The SI is out of production and no blade can or will replace it for closeness and smoothness combined.

[Altair]

Pictures? unless they where taken by a blade engineer or some kind of certified blade expert trained at a blade factory then they are just as good as any ones opinion and user experience. all that matters is that the user likes them and feels comfortable using them.

[brad.clarkston]

It's a high end blade probably made by Gillette, Just like the Iridiums. If you look at pricing for quality blades they are always on the high side. look at the going rate for feathers I think they're 40 usd for a 100 pack. Plus it all depends on how many hoops vendors have to jump to source them. I remember Iridiums went for 35 bucks before they vanished and that was like 2 years ago. so I don't think they are out of line.

I bought my 100 for $20.99 shipped last year and I just checked the price hasn't changed for the ebay vender I went with (hairlights4u (http://myworld.ebay.com/hairlights4u/)).