Blind test #5 - Feather vs Personna Med Prep

[Oscroft]

Shave #1

Test set up as described in this thread here (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/257665-Blind-testing). This test compares a Feather blade and a Personna Med Prep, which are generally considered amongst the sharpest blades available. I'm using two EJ razors, one black handle and one white, and I don't know which blade is in which.

Black = right side of face
White = left side of face

Brush = Frank Shaving Finest
Soap = Col Conk Amber
AS = DR Harris Marlborough

Pass 1, WTG: You know the feel you get from really sharp blades, as if they're being sucked to the skin and just peeling the hairs off? That's how both of these blades felt. I had a slight hint that White was a tiny bit smoother, but I really couldn't be sure.

Pass 2, XTG: Both felt pretty much the same, but I did notice they sounded different - can't really describe it, and its really of no importance, but I thought I'd share it anyway.

Pass 3, ATG: An ATG pass is a good measure of blade sharpness, as it's the pass with the most resistance - and both blades managed it effortlessly. This time I thought Black might have been a bit smoother, but again it was fleeting and I really can't be sure.

Closeness: Close inspection revealed the same area each side, just under my chin, could have used a little touch-up (which is what I usually do when I'm not testing blades), but the other areas that usually need more work, at each end of my mouth/top lip, were fine. All in all, a very close result from both blades.

Comfort: Felt great, with no discomfort at all, either before or after a cold water splash.

AS: Splash of Marlborough, and no sting - just the really nice warming followed by cooling that I get from Harris AS.

Having used both Feathers and Med Preps before, I was half expecting the Feather to be a bit harsh on its first use and to be able to tell a difference. But it didn't happen, and both worked just great. (I have found that with individual Feather blades, one can feel a bit rough on the first shave and then be really smooth on the second, but the next one can be perfect straight out of the pack).

[Oscroft]

Previous tests can be found at...

Blind test #1 - Feather vs 7 O'clock Yellow (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/257966-Blind-test-1-Feather-vs-7-O-clock-Yellow)
Blind test #2 - Astra SP vs Derby (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/261014-Blind-test-2-Astra-SP-vs-Derby)
Blind test #3 - Shark SS vs Dorco ST301 (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/263904-Blind-test-3-Shark-SS-vs-Dorco-ST301)
Blind test #4 - Personna "Red" vs Astra SP (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/265862-Blind-test-4-Personna-quot-Red-quot-vs-Astra-SP?p=3686832#post3686832)

[Beatnik]

Excellent post! Will follow this one closely as these blades are probably the hottest ones on the market right now ...thanks Alan!

[Face&Head]

I too will follow this test closely. These are now the only two blades I use. I recently did a blind longevity test on these two blades, mostly to see if the conventional wisdom around here about Feathers dying after 2 or 3 shaves was the case for me (I generally swap out any blade after 3 shaves so really didn't have a strong opinion). Since I have a lighter beard than most, I also had my son follow the same regimen. He's got a thick coarse beard that seems designed to kill blades. I'll post our findings after this test is done, but will say beard really matters and is the major variable in determining blade life. This seems intuitively obvious but became undeniable during our test.

[cfender]

Looking forward to following this test. I used Feathers a lot and they are in my top 3. I'm currently experimenting with Meds and they have been GREAT. Todays shave with a Med was exceptionally close and my Vijon OS AS Splash (which has wicked high alcohol content) produced almost NO sting.

These blades have approximately the same price point. The Feathers are available in qtys of 100 at $27 from a B&B vendor and the Meds seems to be available in that same price range from medical supply sources.

[Oscroft]

I too will follow this test closely. These are now the only two blades I use. I recently did a blind longevity test on these two blades, mostly to see if the conventional wisdom around here about Feathers dying after 2 or 3 shaves was the case for me (I generally swap out any blade after 3 shaves so really didn't have a strong opinion). Since I have a lighter beard than most, I also had my son follow the same regimen. He's got a thick coarse beard that seems designed to kill blades. I'll post our findings after this test is done, but will say beard really matters and is the major variable in determining blade life. This seems intuitively obvious but became undeniable during our test.

Looking forward to hearing the result (and yes, I agree it would be better to wait for the end of this test - don't want to go giving me any ideas that might influence my observations :wink2:).

As well as longevity, I suspect those with heavy growth might be able to detect differences in sharpness better. My whiskers are not tough at all, so I might be less discerning on the sharpness front - but it's the only beard I have.

[cfender]

After this important Blindfold test, I'd LOVE to see a Personna Med vs Lab. I won't be surprised if the Med and Feather test shows strong performance for both both. It would then be interesting to see if the Lab (at about 1/2 the cost) is virtually indistinguisable to the Med.

Currently, my successful use of the Med is bringing me to rethink my strong endorsement of the Perma-sharp Super (@ about $.20 per blade). If the Lab version (@ about $.13 per blade) is "the same" as the Med, then the Lab would be a "value blade" truly competing solidly with the premium blades.

I've got Perma-sharps, Derby's, Feathers, Meds to trade for a small quantity of Labs if anyone is interested. I'd even trade a few Iridium Supers (1 SI for every 2 Labs).

[insomniac]

After this important Blindfold test, I'd LOVE to see a Personna Med vs Lab. I won't be surprised if the Med and Feather test shows strong performance for both both. It would then be interesting to see if the Lab (at about 1/2 the cost) is virtually indistinguisable to the Med.


http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/210487-Med-Preps-vs-Labs

[Oscroft]

After this important Blindfold test, I'd LOVE to see a Personna Med vs Lab

Yes, I'd like to try that, but I don't know of a source of Lab blades here in the UK - if I can get any, I'll schedule a test.

[Landri]

wow, another great blind test!!!

[cfender]

Yes, I'd like to try that, but I don't know of a source of Lab blades here in the UK - if I can get any, I'll schedule a test.

I have a few Meds and I'm trading for some Labs. Please PM me your mailing address and I'll send some for you to test. I'll be peforming a less scientific test as I don't have (2) razors of the same type. I'll have my wife load each blade and I'll run it for a few days before switching to the other.

[fields]

Hi, I'm finding these tests interesting however have you considered having someone else change the blades for you? Potentially you should be swapping handles and also putting new or old blades into the mix that way you don't suddenly feel that "Black" is better because it was yesterday and increase the objectiveness, also if you don't know the age of the blades you may not be thinking this is a day 4 blade as it may be a new one and better give you the impressions of a new vs old blade, the person controlling the blades could even put in a 2 day and a 4 day blade of the same make, making another interesting comparison.

Just an idea - I like what you have done so far

[The Soph Gent]

I am by no means trying to rain on anyone's parade. I think that the blind test is the true way to evaluate since when I am using a new blade, I find myself rooting for it.

BUT... do you think it may be better to do the test with one blade on the entire face? If you are right handed and cross over to the left side of your face, the blade angle could change a little. Sometimes, I find that my left side is just a bit off from my right side due to this. This happened to me just yesterday. After a 3 pass shave,I noticed that the left side was not as close as the right side. This has to be due to the angle.

If you do the blind test with the entire face, everything is constant. Eval may take longer but it may be more true. Just a thought.

[Oscroft]

Hi, I'm finding these tests interesting however have you considered having someone else change the blades for you? Potentially you should be swapping handles and also putting new or old blades into the mix that way you don't suddenly feel that "Black" is better because it was yesterday and increase the objectiveness, also if you don't know the age of the blades you may not be thinking this is a day 4 blade as it may be a new one and better give you the impressions of a new vs old blade, the person controlling the blades could even put in a 2 day and a 4 day blade of the same make, making another interesting comparison.

Just an idea - I like what you have done so far

Interesting thoughts, thanks.

The idea of swapping blades between razors is certainly a valid alternative, but it would be organizationally too complicated for me - I don't have anyone regularly available to keep track of it for me and to log which blade is in which razor for each test. I could possibly do it myself (it's easy enough to shuffle and swap handles with my eyes closed), but that would mean revealing the blade after each shave before rearranging them for the next one. That would be ok, but I think people like the "secrecy" and the final reveal - I know I do.

As for comparing blades of different ages, I honestly don't think that would tell us anything useful (and I don't have a stash of each blade of different ages anyway).

[Oscroft]

BUT... do you think it may be better to do the test with one blade on the entire face? If you are right handed and cross over to the left side of your face, the blade angle could change a little. Sometimes, I find that my left side is just a bit off from my right side due to this. This happened to me just yesterday. After a 3 pass shave,I noticed that the left side was not as close as the right side. This has to be due to the angle.

The problem there is that I can't do two shaves of my entire face at the same time in order to compare - and I can't accurately compare two shaves done two days apart (which is how long I need to wait to get enough stubble again).

The issue about shaving each side with different angles etc is valid, and that's why I swap sides for each shave during the test - if I alternate the sides, it should even up overall.

[Oscroft]

Shave #2

Test set up as described in this thread here (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/257665-Blind-testing). This test compares a Feather blade and a Personna Med Prep, which are generally considered amongst the sharpest blades available. I'm using two EJ razors, one black handle and one white, and I don't know which blade is in which - and I'm alternating face sides.

Black = left side of face
White = right side of face

Brush = Vulfix 404 Grosvenor mixed
Soap = MWF
AS = Witch hazel

Pass 1, WTG: Both blades were supremely sharp again, with Black feeling a little smoother on this pass.

Pass 2, XTG: No real difference in feel on the XTG pass, with both slicing off the whiskers effortlessly and smoothly.

Pass 3, ATG: White felt a bit smoother on the ATG pass, but both cut really well. I got a small weeper from black, on my upper lip, which was stopped by my cold water splash.

Closeness: Beautifully close on both sides, better than Shave #1, and the two were indistinguishable.

Comfort: Again, both sides felt just great - I didn't even feel the small weeper I got.

AS: I wasn't really in the mood for any fragrance today, so I just went for a light splash of witch hazel for its astringent properties, and my face feels great afterwards - but the shave was so good, it felt great before the splash anyway :001_smile

[CWX]

I'm very interested to see the progression of shave quality as the number of shave on each blade goes up. So far I think this confirms that both blades get better after the 1st shave - which holds true to my experiences with both blades.

[Oscroft]

Update on Shave #2:

Approximately 24 hours on, and I have minimal regrowth on both sides - certainly less than I would usually expect. Each of those blades gave me an extremely close shave yesterday.

[Oscroft]

Shave #3

Test set up as described in this thread here (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/257665-Blind-testing). This test compares a Feather blade and a Personna Med Prep, which are generally considered amongst the sharpest blades available. I'm using two EJ razors, one black handle and one white, and I don't know which blade is in which - and I'm alternating face sides with each shave.

Black = right side of face
White = left side of face

Brush = Simpson Duke 2 best
Soap = Ach Brito Lavanda cream
AS = Ach Brito Lavanda EdC

Pass 1, WTG, Pass 2, XTG, Pass 3, ATG: Reporting all three together this time, because I could discern no difference - just really sharp and smooth for each pass.

Closeness: Terrific - real BBS from both blades.

Comfort: Shave? What shave? All I can feel is a smooth and clean face.

AS: I used Lavanda as a splash, and the alcohol glow felt good - and it's a great fragrance.

These two blades are effectively just starting their second full-face shave, so they're really just reaching their best, and it shows. People with tougher whiskers than mine might possibly notice a difference at this stage, but I can't - for me, I expect what's going to separate them is their longevity.

[eyesofgrey]

This is like watching a beard grow....


I can't believe I have a mental clock that tells me that it's time for YOU to shave.... :)

Compelling stuff, Oscroft.

[Oscroft]

I can't believe I have a mental clock that tells me that it's time for YOU to shave.... :)

Compelling stuff, Oscroft.

Hehe, thanks :001_smile

My last shave was so close, it's going to be tomorrow for my next one!

[Oscroft]

Shave #4

Test set up as described in this thread here (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/257665-Blind-testing). This test compares a Feather blade and a Personna Med Prep, which are generally considered amongst the sharpest blades available. I'm using two EJ razors, one black handle and one white, and I don't know which blade is in which - and I'm alternating face sides with each shave.

Black = left side of face
White = right side of face

Brush = Semogue SOC 2-band
Soap = Palmolive cream
AS = Brut

Pass 1, WTG: Very nice pass again, with very little between them - I'm still getting the "sucking to my skin" feel that I get from very sharp blades from both of them. Black seemed perhaps a little bit sharper - there was nothing I could call tugging, but I thought there was a little less resistance from Black around my chin.

Pass 2, XTG: Nothing to choose between the two.

Pass 3, ATG: The only difference here was that the two blades made noticeably different sounds. It almost made White "sound" smoother - but being careful about it, there really was no difference in the feel.

Closeness: Very close shave again, from both blades.

Comfort: Again, super-comfortable.

AS: The alcohol in the Brut gave me the usual mild sting - enough to tell me I've been closely shaved, but nowhere near burn territory.

That's the equivalent of two full face shaves on each blade now, and there's nothing between them. I think they have both improved since the first shave, and they're pretty much at their best now - and I suspect it's going to be at least another couple of shaves before any differences start to appear.

[cfender]

I'm surprised that the basic feel of these blades is so similar, even at this early point in the test.

I about rapping up a mini-blind fold test on the Lab & the Med which many believe is a similar if not identical blade. It is in fact difficult for me to isolate some extreme distintions, but I always found the Feather to be distinctively sharp. Very interesting that at his point neither blade is significantly outperforming the other in sharpness.

[Oscroft]

I'm surprised that the basic feel of these blades is so similar, even at this early point in the test.

I about rapping up a mini-blind fold test on the Lab & the Med which many believe is a similar if not identical blade. It is in fact difficult for me to isolate some extreme distintions, but I always found the Feather to be distinctively sharp. Very interesting that at his point neither blade is significantly outperforming the other in sharpness.

Yes, I was really expecting the Feather to start off a bit sharper but feel a bit less smooth, so I am surprised - but I do suspect that someone with tougher whiskers than me might be able to tell a difference.

[swcarter]

Excellent post! Will follow this one closely as these blades are probably the hottest ones on the market right now ...thanks Alan!

+1. Thought Feathers were my "goto" until I tried a couple of Med Preps, suddenly I've got a 100 new blades in the den. Preps are slowly displacing Feathers as No. 1. Will follow this thread very closely. Can't lose either way in my opinion.

[Oscroft]

Shave #5

Test set up as described in this thread here (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/257665-Blind-testing). This test compares a Feather blade and a Personna Med Prep, which are generally considered amongst the sharpest blades available. I'm using two EJ razors, one black handle and one white, and I don't know which blade is in which - and I'm alternating face sides with each shave.

Black = right side of face
White = left side of face

Brush = Semogue SOC boar
Soap = Vicco cream
AS = TOBS Mr Taylor

Pass 1, WTG: As soon as I started this one, using the Black blade on the right side of my face, I could tell something was different - the "sucking" feel I get from a very sharp blade was gone. Could be just a different soap, I thought, but no - the feel was still there with the White blade. Overall, that extra bit of sharpness that characterizes the very best blades was lacking from the Black, but White still had it.

Pass 2, XTG: XTG passes were very similar, except that the two blades sounded different - I got more sound from the White, but it was a good sound (which I know is entirely subjective, and I'm trying to not let it influence me).

Pass 3, ATG: Cutting seemed a bit easier and smoother with the White, with Black starting to experience a bit of resistance - not a lot, but it was there.

Closeness: Generally very close, but there was a tiny bit left in the sideburn area with the Black blade - White sideburn area was a bit closer.

Comfort: Both sides felt just fine afterwards.

AS: Bit of alcohol sting from the TOBS, but pretty much the same on both sides.

Getting into effectively the third full face shave from each, and it seems that Black is starting to lose it first with White keeping its edge. It's still very close, though - we'll see next time.

(As an aside, I found it very hard to face lather with the Vicco cream and the SOC - I used plenty of cream, but I just couldn't get any lather to build. I abandoned it and went for bowl lathering, and that worked a treat with lots of great lather. By the time I got the first blade to my face, I was very well exfoliated!)

[Beatnik]

Pass 1, WTG: As soon as I started this one, using the Black blade on the right side of my face, I could tell something was different - the "sucking" feel I get from a very sharp blade was gone. Could be just a different soap, I thought, but no - the feel was still there with the White blade. Overall, that extra bit of sharpness that characterizes the very best blades was lacking from the Black, but White still had it.

oooh ...the suspense is killing me! So, would this be the beginning of shave no. 3 for each blade?

[Oscroft]

So, would this be the beginning of shave no. 3 for each blade?

It would indeed :001_smile

[Landri]

I think Oscroft needs some kind of costume tittle...

[BlackBard]

I think Oscroft needs some kind of costume tittle...

Costume?

[Landri]

Costume?

My bad :001_unsur

[Oscroft]

My bad :001_unsur

I was wondering for a moment what I might have to dress up as :001_smile

[Oscroft]

Shave #6

Test set up as described in this thread here (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/257665-Blind-testing). This test compares a Feather blade and a Personna Med Prep, which are generally considered amongst the sharpest blades available. I'm using two EJ razors, one black handle and one white, and I don't know which blade is in which - and I'm alternating face sides with each shave.

Black = left side of face
White = right side of face

Brush = Rooney 3/1 silvertip
Soap = Cella
AS = DR Harris Marlborough

Pass 1, WTG: White felt smoother and was cutting better, while Black was starting to struggle a little. Black still worked pretty well, but it felt like it was up against a better blade this time. A close inspection after this pass showed up a few hairs around my face that the Black blade had skipped.

Pass 2, XTG: Similar result to WTG - White seemed a bit sharper and smoother.

Pass 3, ATG: White definitely had less trouble going ATG this time - it felt like Black was losing its edge, but White had not started to degrade yet. After this pass I noticed a small nick just under my bottom lip from Black - dab of styptic stopped it.

Closeness: Despite White feeling ahead in the sharpness and smoothness stakes, both sides appear to be equally close this time.

Comfort: Tiny bit of itchy feeling on the Black side.

AS: Bit more of an alcohol sting on the Black side from the Marlborough splash.

Effectively three full face shaves each, and it seems that Black is starting to lose it.

(Today's aside: The Rooney/Cella combination is a real winner - even after I got three passes of really rich creamy lather from the relatively small knot, I was still washing lots more out at the end)

[kingfisher]

When are you going to unveil these blades?

[Oscroft]

When are you going to unveil these blades?

I run the tests until one of the blades gets too worn to shave any further, or at least until a difference between the two becomes very clear. I suspect there's another couple of shaves left in this test - next one tomorrow.

[Oscroft]

Shave #7

Test set up as described in this thread here (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/257665-Blind-testing). This test compares a Feather blade and a Personna Med Prep, which are generally considered amongst the sharpest blades available. I'm using two EJ razors, one black handle and one white, and I don't know which blade is in which - and I'm alternating face sides with each shave.

Black = right side of face
White = left side of face

Brush = Simpson Duke 2 best
Soap = Old Spice cream (India)
AS = P&G Old Spice

Pass 1, WTG, Pass 2, XTG, Pass 3, ATG: Pretty much the same as the previous shave. White is now shaving more smoothly on all three passes, though the difference is not huge. I got a weeper from Black on the ATG pass on my upper lip, which needed styptic. Overall, White still had that "Wow, this is sharp" feel, and that's what Black has lost, but Black is still actually shaving me pretty well.

Closeness: Both still shaving me very close.

Comfort: Fine today, with no irritation either side.

AS: Nice glow from the OS, with no difference in feel on either side.

So, Black has still dropped behind a little, but there didn't seem to be any further deterioration in this shave. In normal use, I wouldn't be ready to dump the Black blade yet.

[Oscroft]

I haven't been following this saga too closely but am I understanding you're already seven shaves in with each blade or is it really 3.5 shaves each as you're shaving only half your face with each blade on each shave?

It's the equivalent of 3.5 full shaves each, as I only shave half my face with each one.

[mftoms59]

I Know White (PM?) :biggrin:

[Oscroft]

I Know White (PM?) :biggrin:

I've a fair idea I know which is which too - if you want to send me a PM without spilling the beans in public, I'll hopefully be able to announce you the winner when it's finally revealed :001_smile

[Oscroft]

Shave #8

Test set up as described in this thread here (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/257665-Blind-testing). This test compares a Feather blade and a Personna Med Prep, which are generally considered amongst the sharpest blades available. I'm using two EJ razors, one black handle and one white, and I don't know which blade is in which - and I'm alternating face sides with each shave.

Black = left side of face
White = right side of face

Brush = Rooney 3/1 silvertip
Soap = Arko Regular cream
AS = 4711

Pass 1, WTG, Pass 2, XTG: Very similar to last time for the first two passes. White felt that bit sharper and smoother, and Black gave me one or two "Ooh, was that a nick?" feelings (they actually weren't).

Pass 3, ATG: Noticeably more resistance from Black, with a little bit of tugging. At the end of this pass I noticed a small weeper on each side, but closer inspection showed they were two small zits - so I can't blame either blade for them.

Closeness: Both still pretty close, but there's a small patch under my chin on the Black side that could do with a bit more work.

Comfort: Generally pretty good, but the Black side of my face has more of that "I've been shaved" feel than the White side.

AS: Mild sting on each side, felt fine.

That's the equivalent of 4 full face shaves from each blade, which is really pretty good going from the very sharpest blades. But at this stage, White feels like it has a couple more shaves in it, while Black feels like it's getting near the end.

[eyesofgrey]

And the white is.........? My guess is feather. I am hoping that the med prep wins, but I think black is the med prep...

[CWX]

And the white is.........? My guess is feather. I am hoping that the med prep wins, but I think black is the med prep...

I'm guessing the opposite that white is Med Prep. That said, I have guessed wrong on every single other blind test.

[Oscroft]

And the white is.........? My guess is feather.


I'm guessing the opposite that white is Med Prep.

Well, I'm not going to disclose my guess at the moment, but I agree with one of you :wink2:

[Oscroft]

I took a day out today, cos I just received some nice new SE gear that I just had to try - see here (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/266012-Celebrating-Gem-1912-Centennial-when?p=3828126&posted=1#post3828126) if you're interested.

I'll get right back to this test with no further distractions now!

[Oscroft]

Shave #9

Test set up as described in this thread here (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/257665-Blind-testing). This test compares a Feather blade and a Personna Med Prep, which are generally considered amongst the sharpest blades available. I'm using two EJ razors, one black handle and one white, and I don't know which blade is in which - and I'm alternating face sides with each shave.

Black = right side of face
White = left side of face

Brush = Omega 10050 boar
Soap = Proraso green tub
AS = Brut

Pass 1, WTG, Pass 2, XTG, Pass 3, ATG: It's getting pretty conclusive now that Black is deteriorating faster than White, and White is still feeling sharp and smooth. Black was actually still pretty decent on WTG and XTG, but getting a bit uncomfortable ATG on my upper lip.

Closeness: Still getting close shaves from both blades.

Comfort: Other than feeling a bit uncomfortable going ATG with Black, I feel fine - after the shave, there's no irritation at all.

AS: No burn or sting from the Brut - just feeling good.

I'm consistently getting the same difference between the blades now, so I think this test is nearing its end - I'll probably give it one more shave and then go for the unveiling.

[shadlesoup]

I am currently shaving w/med prep and have feathers on order. Squirming in my chair to find out the "scientific" results.

[Oscroft]

Shave #10

Test set up as described in this thread here (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/257665-Blind-testing). This test compares a Feather blade and a Personna Med Prep, which are generally considered amongst the sharpest blades available. I'm using two EJ razors, one black handle and one white, and I don't know which blade is in which - and I'm alternating face sides with each shave.

Black = left side of face
White = right side of face

Brush = Vie-Long 13060M horsehair
Soap = Body Shop Maca Root cream
AS = Italian Floïd "Genuine"

Pass 1, WTG, Pass 2, XTG: Black deteriorating badly now - tuggy on both passes, and skipping a bit. White still felt really good.

Pass 3, ATG: Yep, Black has lost it. It felt uncomfortably tuggy on my chin, and when I tried it on my top lip - oh no, I'm not doing that! Had to give up, and finished off both sides with the White, which still feels fine.

Closeness: Black couldn't get close as it was too far gone to shave ATG. Finished off with White for a nice close shave.

Comfort: No post-shave discomfort.

AS: Nice cooling, toning feel from the Floïd.

That's it then, Test over - Black is dead. White still feels like it could go on another couple of shaves, but I stop the tests when one blade is finished and/or there's a clear difference emerging. So, a couple of minutes to collect my overall thoughts, then I'll reveal!

[Oscroft]

Black = Feather
White = Personna Med Prep

(mftoms59 and CWX got it right this time)

It was pretty much as I expected, as my experience with Feathers is that they start off very sharp and smooth, but they degrade quickly after a few shaves. But I was pleasantly surprised that this Feather effectively lasted 4 shaves pretty well, as I'd usually expect to get 3 shaves from one before trashing it. That could be due to my taking more care with my lather when I'm doing these tests - in normal shaving if the lather isn't perfect I'll still use it if it seems good enough, but for one of these tests I'll toss it and start again.

I was also surprised not to be able to tell any difference in sharpness or smoothness in the early shaves - my preconceptions where that the Feather was a little sharper, but the Med Prep smoother. Someone with tougher whiskers than mine might be able to detect a sharpness difference, but I couldn't. And it does highlight the value of blind tests - had I known which was which, who knows what my preconceptions might have led me to think I was feeling?

Anyway, this test puts the Med Preps firmly in my number 1 spot - they seem just as sharp to me as the one to which all others are compared, the Feather, and they have the longevity that the Feather doesn't.

I'm going to spend the rest of this month taking part in Gemruary, using only GEM/Ever Ready 1912 patent SE razors, and I'll be back for the next test as soon as March is here.

Not sure what that test will be, but I have a few interesting possibilities...

1) cfender has kindly sent me a Personna Lab blade (can't get them here in the UK), so a Med vs Lab is on
2) I have some 7 O'clock Blacks from India, which seem very good, and I'm keen to compare one to a Russian Yellow
3) I also have some Iridium Supers on their way from Spain, and I think they should probably go up against the Med Prep

Anyway, I've got a few weeks to think about it :001_smile

[cfender]

The biggest surprise for me is that the Feather went fairly strong for 4.5 shaves. Looking forward to either the Med/Lab and the Yellow/Black duels.

[Beatnik]

Well done Oscroft!

I really enjoyed this test and I too would have thought that the Feather would be a little sharper than the Med. However, I'm not surprised that the Feather didn't last as long as the Med prep, as this matches my experience too. Both are great blades.
Best of luck with Gemruary...

[Gamad]

Test n. 3 should be very interesting. I would also really want to see a comparison between Perma-Sharp Super and Iridium Super.

BUT the most important thing I always forget to ask is WHY do they call the Med Prep... Med Prep. What is exactly so medical about it? Why is there a need to make a special Med blade? Just sanitize the regular ones better, and that's that, if that seems to be the sole distinction.

[billgoat94]

Just ordered some meds. Was ready to call it quits with blade sampling and be an all Feather guy.

[Oscroft]

Just ordered some meds. Was ready to call it quits with blade sampling and be an all Feather guy.

:001_smile

[Oscroft]

The Hospital blade vs. the so-called Lab blade should be fun seeing as though they are the SAME blade! :smile:

Yep, that's what a lot of people are saying, that the difference is only in an additional washing step. But I've also seen claims that the two shave differently - it will be nice to put it to the test.

[Oscroft]

Even then, the results are no more than how it worked for you. I could do the same type of testing and may end up with a different result than you even if we tried to replicate the exact same conditions for no reason other than our water or beard type or face shape or any number of things.

Definitely, yes - the biggest difference is going to be beard conditions, but as you say, there are all sorts of personal variables.


But kudos to you for making the effort to put some solid methodology into testing various blades. I enjoy your posts.

Thanks, that's very kind - it's great to know people are enjoying them.

[stuart12dz]

Thanks for sharing.

[man00ver]

The Hospital blade vs. the so-called Lab blade should be fun seeing as though they are the SAME blade! :smile:
Yep, that's what a lot of people are saying, that the difference is only in an additional washing step. But I've also seen claims that the two shave differently - it will be nice to put it to the test.
It's also what the manufacturer says. I pay little attention to what people say regarding how one blade differs than another unless they are doing what you are.Opinions vary (I, for one, get the same great shaves from both Meds and Labs), but seeing is believing. CyiDev did comparative micro-photos of these blades, and the grind is clearly different between the two. The Med has a longer second bevel down to the final grind. They may both be great shavers, but the photographed samples are NOT the same blade.See the 2nd and 3rd photo sets in this post. (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/252567-DE-Blades-Close-Up-(Pic-heavy)?p=3540503#post3540503)

P.S. GREAT work, Oscroft!

[ackvil]

Opinions vary (I, for one, get the same great shaves from both Meds and Labs), but seeing is believing. CyiDev did comparative micro-photos of these blades, and the grind is clearly different between the two. The Med has a longer second bevel down to the final grind. They may both be great shavers, but the photographed samples are NOT the same blade.See the 2nd and 3rd photo sets in this post. (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/252567-DE-Blades-Close-Up-(Pic-heavy)?p=3540503#post3540503)

P.S. GREAT work, Oscroft!

I wonder whether there is any difference in blades produced in a run, i.e., under magnification would a med blade made in 1/2011 look the same as one made in 2/2012? Or what the blades look like if they are made in the same factory but were stamped with different machines?

[jwilock]

Love when you do these. Thanks for this one. It was especially informative.

For a contrary view, I am not big on seeing a Lab vs Med comparison. I have read tons of posts from people that have done that compaarison. The vast majority of them can discern no difference, and those that can call the differences minor. I'm ready to concede the two are very similar. I'd much rather a Black vs Yellow comparison because opinions vary by a lot on these two. Or the famous SI against anything that is well regarded. And I'd love to see a Perma-Sharp find its way into a test as many think it one of the best currently available blades.

[BlackBard]

Originally Posted by man00ver Opinions vary (I, for one, get the same great shaves from both Meds and Labs), but seeing is believing. CyiDev did comparative micro-photos of these blades, and the grind is clearly different between the two. The Med has a longer second bevel down to the final grind. They may both be great shavers, but the photographed samples are NOT the same blade. See the 2nd and 3rd photo sets in this post. (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/252567-DE-Blades-Close-Up-(Pic-heavy)?p=3540503#post3540503)

P.S. GREAT work, Oscroft!


I wonder whether there is any difference in blades produced in a run, i.e., under magnification would a med blade made in 1/2011 look the same as one made in 2/2012? Or what the blades look like if they are made in the same factory but were stamped with different machines?

I have wondered the same thing. I have tried both Lab and Med. I cannot tell the difference. Of course, I did not do such a careful comparison test as Oscroft. I'm certainly looking forward to a match-up.

+1 on the Great Work done by Oscroft.

[Oscroft]

Thanks for all your feedback, folks - it makes all this worthwhile (well, and it's fun :001_smile)

I think those microscope photos are great, but they do only paint one part of the picture - they're a snapshot of one blade from one batch made on one day, and there has to be a reasonable likelihood that different batches will look different. (And the same applies to my tests, of course.)

Anyway, I think my next test is likely to be Yellow vs Black. Partly because I don't really want to use the same blade in two consecutive tests, but partly because the Yellows are a big favourite of mine - and I really want to see how the two compare, as I'm thinking of getting a stock of blacks too.

I may well do Med vs Lab after that.

And I would like to add PermaSharp to the tests later as soon as I get some more - I've only had one sample so far (thrown in with an order from bestshave.net) and I was very impressed by it.

[man00ver]

Opinions vary (I, for one, get the same great shaves from both Meds and Labs), but seeing is believing. CyiDev did comparative micro-photos of these blades, and the grind is clearly different between the two. The Med has a longer second bevel down to the final grind. They may both be great shavers, but the photographed samples are NOT the same blade.See the 2nd and 3rd photo sets in this post. (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/252567-DE-Blades-Close-Up-(Pic-heavy)?p=3540503#post3540503)


I wonder whether there is any difference in blades produced in a run, i.e., under magnification would a med blade made in 1/2011 look the same as one made in 2/2012? Or what the blades look like if they are made in the same factory but were stamped with different machines?

It's almost impossible to know if they're running different machines in the same factory, or if the edges look different on either side of the calibration interval, or even if replacing parts on the line would make a difference. But having tried and loved both blades, I was more than a little surprised to see those pics! The width of that 2nd bevel seems starkly different, and it looks like a more acute angle on the Med that might make for a smoother shave. CyiDev seems to think the final grind is the same, and that the 2nd bevel wouldn't make a difference in shaving, but my eyes aren't that keen, and I'm less convinced that the difference is meaningless. But what counts is how they shave me, and in that respect they're both great! I know you've read differing opinions on this, though, just as I have.


Those pictures are absolutely meaningless, partly because of what ackvil points out and partly because we don't know for a fact that they are even Personna blades other than the poster's say so or anything about the condition of the test photos, which batch each blade came from, etc. As ASR has explained it, the blades are made to the same spec on the same run and the Hospital blades shoot off on another line to get a final cleaning. That there appears to be two different grinds begs credibility. Of course, one is entitled to believe whatever is posted on the internet as fact. Or not. I choose "or not".

Of course, you're perfectly entitled to believe what the ASR marketing rep told ackvil so long ago, and to credit no meaning to what any users say, or to the pictures that get posted by those who seem to be disinterested and distinguished members. Before CyiDev's pictures came out, I also considered that prior claim by ASR to be the best information available. Now I'm pretty sure they're not "the same," but I choose not to care too much. I used 5 sample Labs with great results. I had bought 100 of the Meds before we even knew what the Labs were, and I have the lion's share of that stock still on hand. It's my favorite blade. My re-buy decision is a long way off, and in the meantime, I'd be interested whether the Oscroft method can tell them apart, at least academically.

[5savages]

I think what would be interesting is if, unbeknownst to you, the same blade was put in both razors.

[Oscroft]

I think what would be interesting is if, unbeknownst to you, the same blade was put in both razors.

Yes!

It would be nice if I could arrange tests where I had no idea at all what blades I was testing, whether different or the same. Unfortunately I don't have another suitably obsessed enthusiast to hand to help me - but it has to be a possibility for the future.

[5savages]

Yes!

It would be nice if I could arrange tests where I had no idea at all what blades I was testing, whether different or the same. Unfortunately I don't have another suitably obsessed enthusiast to hand to help me - but it has to be a possibility for the future.

I think the only way that would work is if you had, say, 4 or 5 tests lined up and you told your assistant first, to load the tests up in any order they want, and second that in one, random case, load the same blade in both. In each test you would not know what was coming, and would not know if they were the same.

[Oscroft]

I think the only way that would work is if you had, say, 4 or 5 tests lined up and you told your assistant first, to load the tests up in any order they want, and second that in one, random case, load the same blade in both. In each test you would not know what was coming, and would not know if they were the same.

Yes, that could work - I like it.

I think it would be really good to explore that kind of testing, once I get a few more important head-to-head tests done.

I can see I'm going to be here some time :001_smile

[5savages]

I can see I'm going to be here some time :001_smile

And we appreciate it!

[natchez]

Yes, nicely done and thanks for sharing.

[mftoms59]

Oscroft, thanks for another great read and the patience to do a blind test of these blades. The Personna Medical were among the first I had purchased and ended my quest for a reliable blade, they along with the Rapira SS and Astra SP are my top three reliable blades. I'd be interested in your opinion of the Rapira SS in comparison to the Meds, I find them to be close in every aspect with the Rapira costing 3.5 times less per 250 blades, ~$55.00 to $15.50 from Turkey.

[OldGreyGuy]

Another great thread from Oscroft, thanks for spending the time to help out a lot of people here.

Now if only the thread listing all these reviews could be made a sticky?

[Oscroft]

Now if only the thread listing all these reviews could be made a sticky?

Yeah, I PMed one of the mods to ask about that, but haven't had a reply - I'll try someone else.

[Oscroft]

I'd be interested in your opinion of the Rapira SS in comparison to the Meds.

Yes, I'd like to test those - I'll put them on the list.

[Gamad]

Rapira and Meds? Do they even belong to the same league? Methinks not. But Voskhods would be okay to compare to.

[mftoms59]

Rapira and Meds? Do they even belong to the same league? Methinks not. But Voskhods would be okay to compare to.

Always a case of YMMV, I get four comfortable two-pass shaves from the Rapira SS, the only blade for me that has the longevity & smoothness of the Medicals.

[5savages]

Another thing to consider. If you're just testing one blade per contest, you run the risk of getting a dud blade to skew the results. I just got two horrible shaves from a Med Lab that made me rethink my entire shaving process. I decided to the switch out the blade with another lab and my shaves went back to great.

[Oscroft]

Another thing to consider. If you're just testing one blade per contest, you run the risk of getting a dud blade to skew the results.

Yes, that is indeed a valid fear.

Generally, I'm trying to make sure I've used a brand of blade a least a few times before I subject it to an actual test - and if at the end I get an unexpectedly bad result (going on both my own prior experience and the judgment of others), I can always re-run a test with another blade.

Fortunately, so far, I've had no unexpected bad results.

[5savages]

Generally, I'm trying to make sure I've used a brand of blade a least a few times before I subject it to an actual test - and if at the end I get an unexpectedly bad result (going on both my own prior experience and the judgment of others), I can always re-run a test with another blade.

Good plan! I'm a noob going through my blade samples and I've developed a 30 point rating system for each shave (and I rate the lather so I can tell if it's affected the shave). The Personna Labs I'm going through now generally score 24 to 25 for me. Then I had a lab score 17 for two shaves in a row. I tossed it and put in another and I'm back up to 25. Astra SPs averaged 23 for me. With how I defined the ratings, It'd be pretty difficult to get anything below 15 or over 27.

[lungho]

I read all posts in this thread from beginning to end today. I can't thank you enough for the effort put into these tests. Your scientific method may not be bulletproof (as pointed out by others), but I think we can use the results to draw a pretty good informal conclusion. Again, thanks!

[ateace]

I've followed all of Oscroft's tests with great interest and I'm adding my thanks to this one.

Well done, sir!

[Viseguy]

Very interesting comparison. I'm not surprised that the two blades ran neck and neck. Several weeks ago I was shaving with a blade that I was sure was a Med Prep, but when I opened the razor it turned out to be a Feather. I don't usually associate Feathers with extreme smoothness, so I was surprised.

[cfender]

Very interesting comparison. I'm not surprised that the two blades ran neck and neck. Several weeks ago I was shaving with a blade that I was sure was a Med Prep, but when I opened the razor it turned out to be a Feather. I don't usually associate Feathers with extreme smoothness, so I was surprised.

I recently had a somewhat similar experience. I was doing a blindfold test between Feather and Gillette Black. The blade that gave me a closer and, more importantly, more comfortable and "smooth" shave was the Feather. In my mind I had settled on the idea that "Feather = Sharp but not Smooth". I was stunned to find that the incredibly smooth AND wicked close shave was the Feather.

I'm going to start a Feather vs. Lab Blindfold test this weekend. My shaving style is different from Oscrofts. I really need to test these blades objectively on my demanding and delicate ATG touch-up and buffing routine. I really want the Lab to perform because the price and availability is good with this blade. But it seems like everytime I think I found a go-to lower cost blade, the Feather comes back and re-establishes itself.

[Oscroft]

Test #6 is underway. All tests can be found at...

Blind test #1 - Feather vs 7 O'clock Yellow (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/257966-Blind-test-1-Feather-vs-7-O-clock-Yellow)
Blind test #2 - Astra SP vs Derby (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/261014-Blind-test-2-Astra-SP-vs-Derby)
Blind test #3 - Shark SS vs Dorco ST301 (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/263904-Blind-test-3-Shark-SS-vs-Dorco-ST301)
Blind test #4 - Personna "Red" vs Astra SP
(http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/265862-Blind-test-4-Personna-quot-Red-quot-vs-Astra-SP)Blind test #5 - Feather vs Personna Med Prep (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/271565-Blind-test-5-Feather-vs-Personna-Med-Prep)
Blind test #6 - Gillette 7 O'clock, Yellow vs Black (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/280295-Blind-test-6-Gillette-7-O-clock-Yellow-vs-Black)

[drivingiron2]

This is really cool. I haven't been brave enough to try a Feather, yet.

[Oscroft]

Test #7 is underway. All tests can be found at...

Blind test #1 - Feather vs 7 O'clock Yellow (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/257966-Blind-test-1-Feather-vs-7-O-clock-Yellow)
Blind test #2 - Astra SP vs Derby (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/261014-Blind-test-2-Astra-SP-vs-Derby)
Blind test #3 - Shark SS vs Dorco ST301 (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/263904-Blind-test-3-Shark-SS-vs-Dorco-ST301)
Blind test #4 - Personna "Red" vs Astra SP
(http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/265862-Blind-test-4-Personna-quot-Red-quot-vs-Astra-SP)Blind test #5 - Feather vs Personna Med Prep (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/271565-Blind-test-5-Feather-vs-Personna-Med-Prep)
Blind test #6 - Gillette 7 O'clock, Yellow vs Black (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/280295-Blind-test-6-Gillette-7-O-clock-Yellow-vs-Black)
Blind test #7 - Med Prep vs Iridium Super (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/291882-Blind-test-7-Med-Prep-vs-Iridium-Super)

[Oscroft]

Test #8 now under way. All the tests so far...

Blind test #1 - Feather vs 7 O'clock Yellow (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/257966-Blind-test-1-Feather-vs-7-O-clock-Yellow)
Blind test #2 - Astra SP vs Derby (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/261014-Blind-test-2-Astra-SP-vs-Derby)
Blind test #3 - Shark SS vs Dorco ST301 (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/263904-Blind-test-3-Shark-SS-vs-Dorco-ST301)
Blind test #4 - Personna "Red" vs Astra SP
(http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/265862-Blind-test-4-Personna-quot-Red-quot-vs-Astra-SP)Blind test #5 - Feather vs Personna Med Prep (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/271565-Blind-test-5-Feather-vs-Personna-Med-Prep)
Blind test #6 - Gillette 7 O'clock, Yellow vs Black (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/280295-Blind-test-6-Gillette-7-O-clock-Yellow-vs-Black)
Blind test #7 - Med Prep vs Iridium Super (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/291882-Blind-test-7-Med-Prep-vs-Iridium-Super)
Blind test #8 - 7 O'Clock, Black vs Blue (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/299773-Blind-test-8-7-O-Clock-Black-vs-Blue)

[cluelessdude]

Can you bold the winners of each test in your first post of the corresponding thread?

[Oscroft]

Can you bold the winners of each test in your first post of the corresponding thread?

That's an idea - there isn't always a clear winner, but where there is I could bold it in the links. I'll do it when I have some time.

[crfcom]

I recently had a somewhat similar experience. I was doing a blindfold test between Feather and Gillette Black. The blade that gave me a closer and, more importantly, more comfortable and "smooth" shave was the Feather. In my mind I had settled on the idea that "Feather = Sharp but not Smooth". I was stunned to find that the incredibly smooth AND wicked close shave was the Feather.

I'm going to start a Feather vs. Lab Blindfold test this weekend. My shaving style is different from Oscrofts. I really need to test these blades objectively on my demanding and delicate ATG touch-up and buffing routine. I really want the Lab to perform because the price and availability is good with this blade. But it seems like everytime I think I found a go-to lower cost blade, the Feather comes back and re-establishes itself.

Try Bluebirds. I'm a 7 o'clock Black, Souplex, Timor fan, but I just finished my fourth shave with a Bluebird in my R89, and I'm amazed. Sharp and comfortable.

[Oscroft]

Test #9 now underway. All the tests so far...

Blind test #1 - Feather vs 7 O'clock Yellow (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/257966-Blind-test-1-Feather-vs-7-O-clock-Yellow)
Blind test #2 - Astra SP vs Derby (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/261014-Blind-test-2-Astra-SP-vs-Derby)
Blind test #3 - Shark SS vs Dorco ST301 (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/263904-Blind-test-3-Shark-SS-vs-Dorco-ST301)
Blind test #4 - Personna "Red" vs Astra SP
(http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/265862-Blind-test-4-Personna-quot-Red-quot-vs-Astra-SP)Blind test #5 - Feather vs Personna Med Prep (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/271565-Blind-test-5-Feather-vs-Personna-Med-Prep)
Blind test #6 - Gillette 7 O'clock, Yellow vs Black (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/280295-Blind-test-6-Gillette-7-O-clock-Yellow-vs-Black)
Blind test #7 - Med Prep vs Iridium Super (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/291882-Blind-test-7-Med-Prep-vs-Iridium-Super)
Blind test #8 - 7 O'Clock, Black vs Blue
(http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/299773-Blind-test-8-7-O-Clock-Black-vs-Blue)Blind test #9 - Personna, Med vs Lab (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/305863-Blind-test-9-Personna-Med-vs-Lab)

[dougr]

Thanks Alan for the test information. Have you tried using a Feather and Med Prep in a Feather razor? My experience has the sharper blades performing better in the Feather razor.

[Oscroft]

Thanks Alan for the test information. Have you tried using a Feather and Med Prep in a Feather razor? My experience has the sharper blades performing better in the Feather razor.

No, I haven't had that pleasure - but I have heard a few people saying the same thing.

[Oscroft]

Test #10 underway, links to all tests...

Blind test #1 - Feather vs 7 O'clock Yellow (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/257966-Blind-test-1-Feather-vs-7-O-clock-Yellow)
Blind test #2 - Astra SP vs Derby (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/261014-Blind-test-2-Astra-SP-vs-Derby)
Blind test #3 - Shark SS vs Dorco ST301 (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/263904-Blind-test-3-Shark-SS-vs-Dorco-ST301)
Blind test #4 - Personna "Red" vs Astra SP
(http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/265862-Blind-test-4-Personna-quot-Red-quot-vs-Astra-SP)Blind test #5 - Feather vs Personna Med Prep (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/271565-Blind-test-5-Feather-vs-Personna-Med-Prep)
Blind test #6 - Gillette 7 O'clock, Yellow vs Black (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/280295-Blind-test-6-Gillette-7-O-clock-Yellow-vs-Black)
Blind test #7 - Med Prep vs Iridium Super (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/291882-Blind-test-7-Med-Prep-vs-Iridium-Super)
Blind test #8 - 7 O'Clock, Black vs Blue
(http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/299773-Blind-test-8-7-O-Clock-Black-vs-Blue)Blind test #9 - Personna, Med vs Lab (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/305863-Blind-test-9-Personna-Med-vs-Lab)
Blind test #10 - Timor vs Sputnik (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/317612-Blind-test-10-Timor-vs-Sputnik)

[Oscroft]

Test #11 underway, links to all tests...

Blind test #1 - Feather vs 7 O'clock Yellow (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/257966-Blind-test-1-Feather-vs-7-O-clock-Yellow)
Blind test #2 - Astra SP vs Derby (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/261014-Blind-test-2-Astra-SP-vs-Derby)
Blind test #3 - Shark SS vs Dorco ST301 (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/263904-Blind-test-3-Shark-SS-vs-Dorco-ST301)
Blind test #4 - Personna "Red" vs Astra SP
(http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/265862-Blind-test-4-Personna-quot-Red-quot-vs-Astra-SP)Blind test #5 - Feather vs Personna Med Prep (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/271565-Blind-test-5-Feather-vs-Personna-Med-Prep)
Blind test #6 - Gillette 7 O'clock, Yellow vs Black (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/280295-Blind-test-6-Gillette-7-O-clock-Yellow-vs-Black)
Blind test #7 - Med Prep vs Iridium Super (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/291882-Blind-test-7-Med-Prep-vs-Iridium-Super)
Blind test #8 - 7 O'Clock, Black vs Blue
(http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/299773-Blind-test-8-7-O-Clock-Black-vs-Blue)Blind test #9 - Personna, Med vs Lab (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/305863-Blind-test-9-Personna-Med-vs-Lab)
Blind test #10 - Timor vs Sputnik (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/317612-Blind-test-10-Timor-vs-Sputnik)
Blind test #11 - Med vs Lab, round 2 (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/329957-Bind-Test-11-Med-vs-Lab-round-2)