Gillette Platinum/Swedes alternative packaging?

[JEEP]

I used to be able to buy the fabled Gillette Platinums - also known as the Swedish Gillettes - at a local store, untill they went out of stock about a mont ago.
Last time I visited the store I found these i place of the plastic cased Swedes:


http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Vintage/Gillette_Platinum_Alt01.jpg


For comparison, the well known packaging of the Swedes:


http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Vintage/Gillette_Platinum01.jpg


Offcourse I bought a pack. Upon examining the blades I discovered this:


http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Vintage/Gillette_Platinum_Alt04.jpg

Individually wrapped blades, nice


http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Vintage/Gillette_Platinum_Alt05.jpg

Two layers of wrapping! Haven't seen that before


http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Vintage/Gillette_Platinum_Alt06.jpg

Except from the glue spots (yuck!) this sure looks like a Swede

Some comparison shots:


http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Vintage/Gillette_Platinum_Alt07.jpg

Top; Swede, bottom; the "new" blade


http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Vintage/Gillette_Platinum_Alt02.jpg http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Vintage/Gillette_Platinum02.jpg

Left; front of "new" card, right; front of Swede card


http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Vintage/Gillette_Platinum_Alt03.jpg http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e259/Jakobeep/Vintage/Gillette_Platinum03.jpg

Left; back of "new" card, right; back of Swede card

Gillette Platinum/Swedes in a new package? From the looks of the blade it sure seems like it. I haven't tried the blade yet as I am personally no big fan of the Platinums/Swedes (too sharp/unforgiving) for me.

Anyone with a lot of experience with the Swedes willing to make a comparison? Send me a PM.


Regards.

Jakob

[Jim Bowie]

Anyone with a lot of experience with the Swedes willing to make a comparison? Send me a PM.

Regards.

Jakob

Thanks for bringing this up, but why not ask others to post here so we can all learn?

[Jarmo P]

I have not bought swedes in a long time, since my cheaper blades in my signature. If I see a gunk blade package like that in store, I will for sure buy and test how they are. Only the gunk spots remind me of Astra. Not a bad blade but russkie :P

[JEEP]

Thanks for bringing this up, but why not ask others to post here so we can all learn?

The reason that I want a couple of experienced Platinum/Swede users to PM me, is because I want to send them a few of the blades each, so they can comment on whether these are real Platinums/Swedes or not. I do not have the experience to say so for sure - and I am not very fond of Platinums/Swedes in the first place.


Regards.

Jakob

[Jim Bowie]

The reason that I want a couple of experienced Platinum/Swede users to PM me, is because I want to send them a few of the blades each, so they can comment on whether these are real Platinums/Swedes or not. I do not have the experience to say so for sure - and I am not very fond of Platinums/Swedes in the first place.


Regards.

Jakob

Thanks. Got it now.

[JEEP]

One volunteer has signed on, thanks jpkunst.

I have blades for one more.


Regards.

Jakob

[Seamaster]

We've been discussing this packaging over on SMF (http://www.shavemyface.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=35593) for a while.

No one seems to have come up with a definitive answer to the question: are these the same blades as the "Swedes" we know and love?

[SepticTank]

I suspect this might be the start of the end of Polish made Swedes - the packaging JEEP shows (apart from the hangcard) is directly analogous to the 7 o'clock packaging and the non-Western Platinum packaging that came from the St. Petersburg plant. Rumblings from my contacts in P&G that they want to tool Lodz razor blade plant for more Fusion production.

[JEEP]

Are there really only one experienced Gillette Platinum/Swede user willing to give these blades a go, to see if they are the real McCoy or not?


Ragards.

Jakob

[jpkunst]

Are there really only one experienced Gillette Platinum/Swede user willing to give these blades a go, to see if they are the real McCoy or not?

There are a few die-hard "Swede" users at shavemyface.com. Perhaps you could find more volunteers over there.

[JEEP]

I think my GF would object strongly to me starting to participate on yet another forum just now. Being more or less active on around 8 forums and administrating/moderating 3 - she has quite clearly brought it to my attention that I already spend enough time on-line as it is :001_smile


Regards.

Jakob

[jpkunst]

I think my GF would object strongly to me starting to participate on yet another forum just now.

Understood, I posted a refence to your offer at shavemyface.com, perhaps someone will come over here.

[JEEP]

Greenerock just signed up as the second tester.

I'll send the blades out asap.

We will eargerly await the judgement.

An interesting note btw: These blades are acutally more expensive than the Platinums/Swedes in the classic plastic container were.


Regards.

Jakob

[Mr.Gentleman]

I have seen these blades in supermarket in Italy...

Since I wanted Swedes in plastic dispenser I didn't take'em, but if those really are Swedes, I'll give'em a shot.

p.s. I think that price of those blades in italian supermarket was 2,15 €.

[greenerock]

PM sent. I'll be more than happy to compare these to Swedes. Hopefully they'll be the same or almost as good. :001_smile

[SepticTank]

I've just got off the phone from a contact in Germany close to the 'action' - P&G's current thinking is to stop all blade production in Lodz (old factory) and to up the capacity of Lodz (new factory) for the assembly and packing of Fusion (and Mach 3) blades from another manufacturing site. It hasn't happened yet.

My conjecture - it could be that they're doing market acceptance testing by dribbling in some production from St Petersburg - if the general public don't respond by screaming to customer services about the change then the switchover would happen more quickly.

[Rufust445]

I suspect this might be the start of the end of Polish made Swedes - the packaging JEEP shows (apart from the hangcard) is directly analogous to the 7 o'clock packaging and the non-Western Platinum packaging that came from the St. Petersburg plant. Rumblings from my contacts in P&G that they want to tool Lodz razor blade plant for more Fusion production.

Not denying that Gillette, even under the P&G umbrella makes a good product, if overpriced.

I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, home of P&G headquarters. I spent my first year of high school two blocks up the street from P&G HQ. Two friends from elementary school have spent their entire careers at P&G. The stories I've heard of P&G policies and their meddling in community affairs to their advantage has not left me enamored of P&G.

I have a small stash of 7o'clock yellows, but one of the things I enjoy about this hobby is finding good blades from companies like ASR and Dorco rather than sending some of my money to advance the P&G way of doing things.

[Mooncalf]

P&G's current thinking is to stop all blade production in Lodz

Oh great... Get me hooked, then take it all away. :frown:

[JEEP]

The sample blades were posted earlier today.

Regards.

Jakob

[Jim Bowie]

I saw some in a Bed, Bath& Beyond today that said "Made in Russia" on the back.

[muddy250]

It would be about right that they stop making these now I've decided that they're the blade for me....

[Ru4scuba?]

So...am I to understand correctly that the fabled Swede is going away?

[VR6ofpain]

I wish people would stop calling them "Swedes". These blades are made in Russia, just like the Super Inoxyable blades everyone hates, and Green/Yellow packs a lot of us love. They are not Swedish!

[jpkunst]

OK, I received two of these Gillette Platinums/"Swedes" in the new packaging from Jakob. Many thanks!

First impressions: those four blobs of glue are pretty unsightly. They even extend as far as the shaving edge of the blade and I do hope that this is only a cosmetic problem and that the shaving capabilities of the blade are not impaired. Does this glue disappear in soapy water? Or should I try to remove it with alcohol?

I will shave with this blade tomorrow morning and I'll report in this thread.

[Jim Bowie]

I wish people would stop calling them "Swedes". These blades are made in Russia, just like the Super Inoxyable blades everyone hates, and Green/Yellow packs a lot of us love. They are not Swedish!

Hmmm. Why are they called Swedes?

[jpkunst]

Hmmm. Why are they called Swedes?

Because in the past the back of the package said this (see below).
Note that the blades could just as well have been called French, Finns, Danes, British or Norwegians.

[jpkunst]

This morning I shaved with a blade that Jakob sent to me. Immediate impression: not as sharp as a plastic dispenser-"Swede". I experienced more resistance than I normally do with a fresh blade. The other side of the coin is that these blades are also more forgiving: I used some risky ATG moves around my mouth but I did not get a single weeper.
I use plastic dispenser-"Swedes" for 14 shaves. I seriously doubt that these blades will last that long, however, I will see how far I can push them.

These Gillette Platinums in the cardboard box are perfecly useable blades, but I don't think that they are the plastic dispenser-"Swedes" in a different packaging. To me they seem to be different blades. As far as I know, they are in the same premium price range as the plastic dispenser-"Swedes", so an important question is, how long will they last? If they don't last as long, I see no reason why they should be worth that price.

[muddy250]

Because in the past the back of the package said this (see below).
Note that the blades could just as well have been called French, Finns, Danes, British or Norwegians.

My new ones are the same!

[Seamaster]

I was somewhat mocked for panic buying 200 of these late last year when they disappeared from the shelves of my local retailer, but I'm glad I did now, and will be rationing them!!

[SepticTank]

My new ones are the same!

The same as what? The old plastic packing or the new cardboard one?

[muddy250]

The same as what? The old plastic packing or the new cardboard one?

Same printing on the pack. From Oslo and Stockholm. Let's hope the blades in the new packs prove to be as good as the old ones, Astras for me if not. . At least till I can get bbs with my straight!

[SepticTank]

Same printing on the pack. From Oslo and Stockholm. Let's hope the blades in the new packs prove to be as good as the old ones. At least till
I can get bbs with my straight!

Oh - that makes them "real" Gillettes (ie pre-P&G takeover)- definitely made in Lodz, Poland.

[muddy250]

Oh - that makes them "real" Gillettes (ie pre-P&G takeover)- definitely made in Lodz, Poland.

Old stock then. Get em while they're here! Still every day I use the straight gets closer, a little easier and very gradually less scary, I love that razor. Won't be long before I stop with the DE apart from when I'm on holiday.

[Milkbone]

Oh, it is sad to see them changing, I figured they would, as I really liked them in the sampler pack I received when I first started back into DE. As luck would have it, I have a few more unopened packs. I seem to be able to get a rediculous number of shaves out of them, but from what I have read others were able to as well, hence the popularity.

[jpkunst]

Shave four with the new cardboard box-Platinum today. No problems and no signs of the blade giving up yet. I still don't think that these blades are exactly the same as the "Swedes" -- I get an impression of 'not quite as sharp and more forgiving' -- but so far, they seem to be good.

I would be interested in a review with microscope photographs too see how the edges look under magnification, so that a more objective comparison of these blades with the "Swedes" is possible.

[letterk]

Sorry to say this, but I've received at least two independent reports the Swedes are no more. One from a distributor, another from the P&G UK rep through a contact. The rumor seems to be true that they've shut down all DE manufacturing at the plant to focus on more cartridge razors. One of my sources, one of the largeset pharmaceutical distribution centers in England, discontinued the SKU entirely. Othere are reporting being out of stock indeffinetely.

From the limited feedback on the boxed Platinums, they sound similar to the 7 O'Clock SharpEdge blades from Russia. I'm pretty sure these new blades are indeed made in Russia, and I'd be interested to find out if the "recipe" is any different from the SharpEdge.

[Jarmo P]

I have still some time to check all local shops in here, but I think not doing that. For the price over 5 euro, they are just blades and too costly for their worth. Even if they go extinct. Blades that I have not used for almost a year.

More important to me than gather all the costly 5 blade packgages is to remember in memory the first DE blade brand that made me a shaver besides giving me also a few nicks from bad tech.

Jarmo

[SepticTank]

One from a distributor, another from the P&G UK rep through a contact. The rumor seems to be true that they've shut down all DE manufacturing at the plant to focus on more cartridge razors.

Seems we got the same story from different places - my information came from P&G Germany (in the plant making the blades go into M3 & Fusion that are shipped to Lodz for assembly and packaging there)

[Rufust445]

OK, I received two of these Gillette Platinums/"Swedes" in the new packaging from Jakob. Many thanks!

First impressions: those four blobs of glue are pretty unsightly. They even extend as far as the shaving edge of the blade and I do hope that this is only a cosmetic problem and that the shaving capabilities of the blade are not impaired. Does this glue disappear in soapy water? Or should I try to remove it with alcohol?

I will shave with this blade tomorrow morning and I'll report in this thread.

The continuing saga rolls on over at SMF, with the ultimate "Swede" diehard having just shaved with a Russian "Swede" and giving a blow-by-blow, almost hourly report. Ultimate test will be how many shaves he gets from one.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, a well-connected source in the UK is saying that P&G is no longer distributing these blades because the volume just doesn't make it worthwhile. He is checking with other agents among his connections...

Oh, the drama, the suspense! "I'm mad as hell and I'm just not gonna take it anymore!"

P.S. The glue spots, if like those on the 7O'clock yellow, will dissolve into a melange with the lather. Result is a thicker film of scum at the end of the blade's life, but no effect on shaving. Does make more difficult to unwrap and load in the razor. A Silver Star (Lord brand) I tried several weeks ago had four glue spots that were in place just as firmly when I was finished with it.

[brg]

All the shops I knew that had the plastic dispenser now have the cardboard box ones. Yesterday I still saw some "plastic" ones at a shop, but costing 3.60 euros they can keep them. I am still testing DE shaving, so it wouldn't be very nice to find a go-to blade that I will not be able to... go to :biggrin:.

Last week I went to a store that just went out of stock on the Platinums. They said some more would come this week, I'll check out tomorrow if they are the "new ones" as well.

[shyrlock]

Well this no good at all, I sounds to me that Gillette/Proctor and Gandle just swapped out the blade that we all called "Swedes" with the 7:00 Sharps.
Regardless of where the old blades were made, they were superb blades. To me they were the very best blade on the market. I didn't use them all the time, but when I wanted a truly first class shave, there was no other blade that came close.
I am not disparaging the 7:00's, they are ok blades, but they are not even close to the quality of the "Swedes". To me, the 7:00 is more like a Feather than a "Swede".
A truly fine line of blades has been kicked to the curb so that Gillette can make more of their crappy cartridges!
They are gone and won't be back. Those of us that appreciated and enjoyed the superb shave that these blades would give are just S.O.L.
I know that it won't do anygood, but I feel compelled to write to Gillette and politely but clearly express my displeasure with this sorry-ass event.
Does anyone have a adress and title for whatever miscreant is responsible?
I, for one, will break out the pen and paper an express my opinion.

[DLK]

This sure sucks. These blades gave me the best results by far. They made shaving a real pleasure. I guess it's time for some more tortuous experimentation.

[kozak]

This week I ordered some blades from auravita, a known source for swedes and they are out of stock and will be getting some from the supplier about march 7. When I get the blades I will report whether they are swedes or not.

[Seamaster]

If you've followed this saga on SMF, it's clear (a) that Auravita have been out of stock for a while and keep pushing back their revised ship dates and (b) if/when they do have stock, it won't be of the "Swedes" we know and love. :frown:

[kozak]

If you've followed this saga on SMF, it's clear (a) that Auravita have been out of stock for a while and keep pushing back their revised ship dates and (b) if/when they do have stock, it won't be of the "Swedes" we know and love. :frown:

Thanks, I will cancell my order right away

[SepticTank]

Just checking in - I was in my local Gillette Platinum stocking pharmacy (for something else entirely) this morning... 2 weeks ago thanks to my bulk buys for folks on here their stock system had upped their inventory to about 400 blades (usually 50-70) - today there was a single pack left and none in stock out the back.

[asurjc]

For those of us who have become accustomed to these blades what would be a suitable alternative? I pretty much ran through a WCS sample pack on a quick survey and ended up with the swedes by shave 4 or 5. Has anyone here had to make the switch yet? Silly me for ordering 25 at a time.

[Rufust445]

For those of us who have become accustomed to these blades what would be a suitable alternative? I pretty much ran through a WCS sample pack on a quick survey and ended up with the swedes by shave 4 or 5. Has anyone here had to make the switch yet? Silly me for ordering 25 at a time.

The ultimate "Swede" diehard over at SMF is in the process of evaluating the new blades. Amidst all his grumblings and lamentings about the change, he has mentioned IP's (Crystals?) as the blade he has been able to tolerate after the "Swedes."

It's ironic that among the extensive, professionally done blade reviews listed on SMF the "Swede" (plastic dispenser) and the Crystal are rated the same. So are Treet Platinums, and Dorco ST-301's, for that matter. The reviewer at SMF in his review of the 301 in fact said that it "reminded him of a 'Swede'."

You, however, may prefer "Swedes" for different reasons from the ultimated diehard or the reviewer over at SMF, so as always, YMMV.

The blade reviews are posted as a sticky in the Safety Razors forum at SMF. They are the most professionally done reviews on the Web. Take a look.

[NewYorkBuck]

The ultimate "Swede" diehard over at SMF is in the process of evaluating the new blades. Amidst all his grumblings and lamentings about the change, he has mentioned IP's (Crystals?) as the blade he has been able to tolerate after the "Swedes."

It's ironic that among the extensive, professionally done blade reviews listed on SMF the "Swede" (plastic dispenser) and the Crystal are rated the same. So are Treet Platinums, and Dorco ST-301's, for that matter. The reviewer at SMF in his review of the 301 in fact said that it "reminded him of a 'Swede'."

You, however, may prefer "Swedes" for different reasons from the ultimated diehard or the reviewer over at SMF, so as always, YMMV.

The blade reviews are posted as a sticky in the Safety Razors forum at SMF. They are the most professionally done reviews on the Web. Take a look.

Ruf - his reviews are quite good, and Ive read most of them. That said, his rating and write up of the Swede seems to be in line with the minority of members......

[Seamaster]

For those of us who have become accustomed to these blades what would be a suitable alternative?

I've found Bics to be the next best for comfort and sharpness, but it's all YMMV, and nothing comes anywhere close to the "Swedes" for longevity.

[jpkunst]

This morning I had my sixth and final shave with the new cardboard-box Gillette Platinum blade. I'm sure I could have shaved a seventh time with it, but I could feel that the blade was beginning to get dull, and I'd like to start with my normal blade schedule again tomorrow.

Final verdict:


not quite as sharp as the "Swedes"; I'm not sure that that's a bad thing, though, because ...
they are a lot more forgiving than the "Swedes". I can go ATG on my upper lip with complete abandon with these blades, without the tiniest amount of blood, something that's very hard to do with a "Swede".
they last about half as long as "Swedes".
the shave itself is close and irritation-free.

[Jarmo P]

I just bought a 5 blade pack of the plastic dispenser Gillette Platinums for 6.50 euro from the local store that had 2 packs left. I will not open it a for a few years I think, but keep it as a memory of a good blade.

[jpkunst]

I'm not too worried for myself, as I have more than 500 blades stocked up, which should be enough for the next 20 years at the rate I use them.

[greenerock]

I'm still looking forward to getting a couple of these Gillette's in the mail to compare them to "Swedes". It does seem like they are or similiar to the Russian Yellow 7'oclock Permasharp blades.

[Jim Bowie]

This morning I had my sixth and final shave with the new cardboard-box Gillette Platinum blade. I'm sure I could have shaved a seventh time with it, but I could feel that the blade was beginning to get dull, and I'd like to start with my normal blade schedule again tomorrow.

Final verdict:


not quite as sharp as the "Swedes"; I'm not sure that that's a bad thing, though, because ...
they are a lot more forgiving than the "Swedes". I can go ATG on my upper lip with complete abandon with these blades, without the tiniest amount of blood, something that's very hard to do with a "Swede".
they last about half as long as "Swedes".
the shave itself is close and irritation-free.


Thanks for the report. This sounds like it may turn out to be a good blade after all. I have been using my first UK-Swede out of a sample pack this week and like it a lot, so I'll have to try the new ones. Six to seven shaves out of a blade is still about twice as many as other blades give me.

[muddy250]

For those of us who have become accustomed to these blades what would be a suitable alternative? I pretty much ran through a WCS sample pack on a quick survey and ended up with the swedes by shave 4 or 5. Has anyone here had to make the switch yet? Silly me for ordering 25 at a time.


My next go to blade is the Astra Superior. Want to try the bics as well.

[SepticTank]

I was in a different village today (posting a package and due to staff shortage at the local PO and with the postmistress out in the mobile PO so I had to track it down) and popped into the pharmacy there to check on DE supplies. They had a rack space for G= Platinums, but none on the hanger - "out of stock at the wholesalers"

[kozak]

If in fact the "NEW SWEDES" are made in Russia, I found some other russian blades made on the same plant

I posted a little while ago about the same blades
Gillete Rubie Platinum Plus (platinum covered for a smoother shave says on the packaging)
http://www.agora-trade.ru/images/produce/big/451.jpg


Gillette Sputnic Super Platinum (platinum coverage says on the packaging)
http://www.agora-trade.ru/images/produce/big/454.jpg

From what I found online the Gillete line is considered higher end then the sputnik

I tried e-mailing the retailer in order to get some blades but never got a reply, maybe one of vendors here can get them from a supplier so we can sample them

[SepticTank]

If in fact the "NEW SWEDES" are made in Russia, I found some other russian blades made on the same plant

They have to be made either in St Petersburg, Russia or Shanghai, China since those are the only 2 other razor blade (as in DE) plants Gillette had other than the "old" factory in Lodz, Poland.

[amateriat]

It's ironic that among the extensive, professionally done blade reviews listed on SMF the "Swede" (plastic dispenser) and the Crystal are rated the same. So are Treet Platinums, and Dorco ST-301's, for that matter. The reviewer at SMF in his review of the 301 in fact said that it "reminded him of a 'Swede'."\
No irony to me: while I never had the pleasure of shaving with the fabled "Swedes", I have use the IPs to a good extent and like them a lot, to the point that they became a reference point for me not that long ago; but, in the last week, when I finally had a pair of vintage Gillette razors (40s Aristocrat and '72 Super Adjustable), that I had a bit of a sea-change, particularly when I put a Dorco blade in the Aristocrat...that combo is threatening to become my new reference, I've been that amazed with the shaves I've gotten so far. Much as I've loved my Merkur Futur, it might be displaced as my go-to choice for this. You go where the great shave resides, period.


- Barrett

[Milkbone]

Well, I am glad the new versions are somewhat similar, but I wonder if the price will be the same as well? I guess I will have to try some ( if they do become available to us). I like many others was able to get a rediculous amount of shaves from each blade before. :frown:

[JEEP]

Here in Denmark they have unfortunally gotten more expensive with the change :mad3:


Regards.

Jakob

[greenerock]

I have one loaded and ready for tomorrow morning's shave. It sure looks like a Swede. The glue wipes right off with your fingers. I'll report back tomorrow.:biggrin:

[whitebar]

I have one loaded and ready for tomorrow morning's shave. It sure looks like a Swede. The glue wipes right off with your fingers. I'll report back tomorrow.:biggrin:

I look forward to your post.

[greenerock]

First impression of this blade.:thumbup1: It seems to be almost as sharp as the "Swede" and it was very smooth. Absolutely no pulling or irritation. As good as any shave I've had and that's saying a lot. I look forward to see how it performs over the next several days. I usually use a Swedish Gillette for a full week so I'll try to do the same with this blade. Thanks Jakob "Jeep" for sending me a couple.

[shadowjim]

where did you get the new ones?

[JEEP]

greenrock; your'e welcome :001_smile

shadowjim; I have found them at a local store that used to sell the real Platinums/Swedes.


Regards.

Jakob

[greenerock]

So Jakob,
How do you like them? How expensive are they? Is there a retailer over the internet we could buy them? Thanks!

[mmack66]

I just ordered 10 packs of the old style Swedes from a guy over at SMF for £28.50 delivered.

[JEEP]

I haven't tried them myself. I have rather sensitive skin and it does not agreee with the original Platinums/Swedes very well - that was why I offerd the blades for others to test :001_smile

They costs more than the original Platinums/Swedes, I think the originals were D.Kr. 38, the new are D.Kr. 43.


Regards.

Jakob

[greenerock]

I just ordered 10 packs of the old style Swedes from a guy over at SMF for £28.50 delivered.


How much is that in dollars?:confused:

[shadowjim]

~$36.00

[mmack66]

It was about $4.13 a pack

[greenerock]

It was about $4.13 a pack

5 in a pack?

[greenerock]

First impression of this blade.:thumbup1: It seems to be almost as sharp as the "Swede" and it was very smooth. Absolutely no pulling or irritation. As good as any shave I've had and that's saying a lot. I look forward to see how it performs over the next several days. I usually use a Swedish Gillette for a full week so I'll try to do the same with this blade. Thanks Jakob "Jeep" for sending me a couple.

Day 2: Smooth as can be. If it lasts a few more days this would be a great blade to use on a daily basis if it's not too expensive.

[shadowjim]

does anyone have any info if they are going to be available online soon?

[mmack66]

5 in a pack?

yes

[greenerock]

Day 3 and 4: Still going strong. Excellent blade.:001_smile

[in the know]

I have found about 150 of these (plastic dispenser - only UK details on the back) £1.75 for 5

Should I buy them all then?

The only thing is they have about 200 Wilkinson Sword blades too (with the gold "5" below the writing) for £0.89 for 5

?

[murchmb]

I have found about 150 of these (plastic dispenser - only UK details on the back) £1.75 for 5

Should I buy them all then?

The only thing is they have about 200 Wilkinson Sword blades too (with the gold "5" below the writing) for £0.89 for 5

?

Yes, buy the Gillettes. Skip the Wilkinsons.

[SepticTank]

The only thing is they have about 200 Wilkinson Sword blades too (with the gold "5" below the writing) for £0.89 for 5

I bought 100 about a month back for 49p/5... their replacement on the shelf were tagged at 59p/5

[Hawkeye5]

Never fails.

Well, I have about 20 Swedes in the cabinet and 100 more on the way from London. After my stock is used up I guess it will back to expermintation again. :frown:

[scoopster]

Folks, If you like Swedes can find them anywhere get them. IMHO - I don't think a finer blade exists. I have tried the Gillette 7:00 Yellow and they are good, but not as good as Swedes. Of course they aren't as expensive either so from a value proposition they are a very compelling buy. "They" better not turn around and start charging a buck a blade for those Yellows :eek:

[murchmb]

Folks, If you like Swedes can find them anywhere get them. IMHO - I don't think a finer blade exists. I have tried the Gillette 7:00 Yellow and they are good, but not as good as Swedes. Of course they aren't as expensive either so from a value proposition they are a very compelling buy. "They" better not turn around and start charging a buck a blade for those Yellows :eek:


Agreed on the Swedes. I have not found a better, all around blade. Sharp, smooth, forgiving, and long lasting.

I don't get the elevated status that the 7 o'clock Yellows have gotten on the forums. I find them only slightly sharper than an IP, but much less forgiving. They seem like sharper Derby blades. Then again, I never liked those either. If a new Gillette Platinum that is on par with the Swedes doesn't materialize, I'll return to my IP/Crystals, Red Personnas, and Feathers.

[scoopster]

Agreed on the Swedes. I have not found a better, all around blade. Sharp, smooth, forgiving, and long lasting.

I don't get the elevated status that the 7 o'clock Yellows have gotten on the forums. I find them only slightly sharper than an IP, but much less forgiving. They seem like sharper Derby blades. Then again, I never liked those either. If a new Gillette Platinum that is on par with the Swedes doesn't materialize, I'll return to my IP/Crystals, Red Personnas, and Feathers.

It's yet again one of those YMMV things. I found them to be noticably sharper than my usual favorite & regular Derby, IP or RedPacks and just as forgiving. I find IP's the most forgivig of the three faves I listed but the Yellows are comparable. They are sharper so a little more care is needed.

[in the know]

I might go and buy what's left as they might come in handy for trading.

[scottydoint]

Folks, If you like Swedes can find them anywhere get them. IMHO - I don't think a finer blade exists. I have tried the Gillette 7:00 Yellow and they are good, but not as good as Swedes. Of course they aren't as expensive either so from a value proposition they are a very compelling buy. "They" better not turn around and start charging a buck a blade for those Yellows :eek:

Dave, have you tried the 7O'clock Permasharps? I find them to be the only blade I will use and I like them way better than the sharp edge. I know YMMV, but I think they are worth a try:001_smile

[scoopster]

Dave, have you tried the 7O'clock Permasharps? I find them to be the only blade I will use and I like them way better than the sharp edge. I know YMMV, but I think they are worth a try:001_smile

Thanks for the tip. Which ones are the permasharps? I've only tried the 7:00 Yellows since they seem to trump the 7:00 Greens (for some at least.)

[bonusmarple]

Thanks for the tip. Which ones are the permasharps? I'v eonly tried the 7:00 Yellows since they seem to trump the 7:00 Greens (for some at least.

+1 on the permasharps. They are green 7 O'Clocks, but they say permasharp instead of super stainless on the box. The permasharps are made in India instead of St. Pete's.

[scottydoint]

+1 on the permasharps. They are green 7 O'Clocks, but they say permasharp instead of super stainless on the box. The permasharps are made in India instead of St. Pete's.

Correct! They are so much better than the Super Stainless.

[P4P GQ]

I too love swedes and I found them on auravita.com for $1.86 for a pack of five, not taking into account shipping cost.
http://www.auravita.com/products/AURA/GILL12120.asp

[Jim Bowie]

I too love swedes and I found them on auravita.com for $1.86 for a pack of five, not taking into account shipping cost.
http://www.auravita.com/products/AURA/GILL12120.asp

How can you be sure they are "Swedes"? No country of origin named.

[sucuri]

I too love swedes and I found them on auravita.com for $1.86 for a pack of five, not taking into account shipping cost.
http://www.auravita.com/products/AURA/GILL12120.asp

they are out of stock. I have an order in for 4 weeks and I keep getting messages saying order has been delayed

[P4P GQ]

they are out of stock. I have an order in for 4 weeks and I keep getting messages saying order has been delayed

Oh, well that sucks, I was getting ready to order them. They need to update there website then because nowhere does it say out of stock. I was excited for a while, thanks for the info before I placed the order.

[theologist]

I just ordered some from

careforyourself.co.uk

Apparently they still have some...

I'm hoping the new cardboard-packaged ones will be available soon.

[jpkunst]

I just ordered some from

careforyourself.co.uk

Apparently they still have some...


That site is just a linkfarm.

[bb557]

I just came across this thread. This is deeply frustrating. These are my favorite blades:mad:

I have about 150, so after they are gone I will be left with my Derbys and will have to try some new ones.

[mmack66]

How can you be sure they are "Swedes"? No country of origin named.

The picture looks like the ones I just got from a guy in London. That doesn't mean anything though. That's a great price if that is them, even with the shipping.

[brothers]

A reading of the entire thread will indicate that it started out as a discussion, the discussion turned to a vendor who was forced to post the fact that his operation wasn't "shady", as alleged, then the discussion took a turn and now talks about how folks can find some blades, with the participants attempting to help one another locate and purchase some of the (hopefully not!) soon-to-become extinct Gillette "Swedes".

[Rufust445]

A reading of the entire thread will indicate that it started out as a discussion, the discussion turned to a vendor who was forced to post the fact that his operation wasn't "shady", as alleged, then the discussion took a turn and now talks about how folks can find some blades, with the participants attempting to help one another locate and purchase some of the (hopefully not!) soon-to-become extinct Gillette "Swedes".

Mind-numbing ain't it? A similar thread over at SMF led to someone stating he was quitting the thread because it was giving him a headache reading it.

[benjy85]

It is intrigueing, how so much discussion can be had over a razor blade, but it is such a sad story that gillette have stopped making such a wonderful blade !

[Seamaster]

A reading of the entire thread will indicate that it started out as a discussion, the discussion turned to a vendor who was forced to post the fact that his operation wasn't "shady", as alleged, then the discussion took a turn and now talks about how folks can find some blades, with the participants attempting to help one another locate and purchase some of the (hopefully not!) soon-to-become extinct Gillette "Swedes".

Except that it doesn't, as most of the posts alluded to in the latter half of your commentary have suddenly vanished without the courtesy of an explanation. :001_rolle

[brothers]

SWEET! There is a parallel universe somewhere with all the cumulative knowledge relative to the mysterious and elusive Gillette Platinum, aka Swedes.

[scoopster]

Folks We removed many of the posts in this thread as we became aware we had a new vendor who had joined B&B. We have policies the reqiure that vendors engage in commerce in the Shopping forum only.

Stay tuned as the gentlemen in question is likely to announce himself in the Shopping forum.

[Aevum]

theres a way to tell, i dont remember if it was the swidish gillettes or the other, but you can notice by the print on the blade, one has fuzzy borders on the print while the other is crisp and well defined in the border,

[theologist]

Our old friend dridiot has the "cardboard box" version for sale on e-bay!

[theologist]

Folks We removed many of the posts in this thread as we became aware we had a new vendor who had joined B&B. We have policies the reqiure that vendors engage in commerce in the Shopping forum only.

Stay tuned as the gentlemen in question is likely to announce himself in the Shopping forum.

Fair enough - and thank you for the explanation.

[jpkunst]

Our old friend dridiot has the "cardboard box" version for sale on e-bay!

I don't think so. The Gillette Platinums in a cardboard box that he has are different from the new ones that are now available in Scandinavia. At least, the packaging is different (different box, no 'sheet', or whatever that thing is called in English, to hang the blades on the wall), and they are made in Russia while the origin of the new G. Platinums is unknown.

[Rev-O]

theres a way to tell, i dont remember if it was the swidish gillettes or the other, but you can notice by the print on the blade, one has fuzzy borders on the print while the other is crisp and well defined in the border,

LOL

So it's one or the other.

That narrows it down to two.
:lol:

[TstebinsB]

I was somewhat mocked for panic buying 200 of these late last year when they disappeared from the shelves of my local retailer, but I'm glad I did now, and will be rationing them!!

I just bought 50 blades from a member on the forums. I'm going to try to buy some more. And I don't even use DE razors! :lol:

[Seamaster]

I just bought 50 blades from a member on the forums. I'm going to try to buy some more. And I don't even use DE razors! :lol:

I just bought another 300, presumably from the same member. :wink: Should keep me going for a while... :smile:

[Seamaster]

Excellent news for "Swede" fans! :smile: