Astras: big glue spots

[erudolph]

I like Astra blades pretty well, but I wish they didn't have large glue spots that come right to the edge of the blade.

[mmack66]

The 7 O'Clock yellows have big glue spots as well. It gets on the razor as well. I don't understand the need for it myself.

[dpm802]

I like Astra blades pretty well, but I wish they didn't have large glue spots that come right to the edge of the blade.

+1 on the Astras ... They are my favorite all-around blade. I just got in a new carton, and have 4 or 5 packs left from the old one that I will PIF away.

Never mind the glue spots. (Actually, I think they are wax.) They don't affect the shave in any way. If the glue extends to the buisiness edge of the blade (which I've never yet seen) just mount it so that the glue is toward the top of the razor, away from the handle side, and you should be OK.

[erudolph]

...
Never mind the glue spots. (Actually, I think they are wax.)....

Wax, eh? I'll have to check that out. Thanks.

[erudolph]

Okay, I checked to see if the spots are wax. I removed the Astra from my Tech today (had previously been using them in a SS). The blade didn't fall out easily, and had to be pried out. I think this was partly due to the glue/wax, whichever it is. The Astra had left sticky spots in the corners of the top part of the Tech. They were stubborn and I had to rub them out with a towel.

As I said, I like these blades and would be content with them if they didn't have this one feature.

[Jarmo P]

Gunk spots means a russkie blade. I stay away even if they are good!

[erudolph]

Gunk spots means a russkie blade. I stay away even if they are good!

Jarmo, are you saying stay away because they are gunky or because they are made in Russia? Or both?

[Stubblefield]

Both the 7's and the Astras have em. My two favorite blades. Other than having to wipe the gunk off my razor occasionally, they don't seem to present a problem.

I just ordered some Bics, they have a tiny bit of wax, nothing like the mounds of gunk the other two have.

[RocketMan]

That has been a big beef for me for a while relating to the ASPs - those gawl derned glue spots. I and others have posted about it. More times than not for me the glue interferes with 'the business edge' of the blade. Early on I turned it with the four spotted side up and it stuck to the razor when I tried to remove it. There was more blood than I preferred post shave that day. (usually 4 blue spots on one side and one glue spot on the other.)

They are Russian blades, but they are very good. Some folks say they just rinse them in hot water and it comes off. I buy a box of those little 1x1 inch foil packs that have a small alcohol cloth and rub them off with that. It works very well and they are great for cleaning off razors from time to time or cleaning soapy crap off of things. Handy if you have ever seen me apply lather!!!

So, it is a pain in the ass these glue spots, and they should be removed. I still use em though - good blades.

[erudolph]

Thanks for that, Rocketman. It's quite a testimonial to the Astras that you are willing to go through all that B.S. in order to keep using them.

[dpm802]

Thanks for that, Rocketman. It's quite a testimonial to the Astras that you are willing to go through all that B.S. in order to keep using them.

Astra is the best blade I've got for general-purpose all around shaving. They work well in each and every razor I've tried them in. On a 1~5 sharpness scale, I'd rate them a little bit above 4.

The only thing out there that is sharper is The Almighty Feather (sharpness rating 5.) But Feathers are finicky about which razors they work in. They go great with my Slant. Not so good in my Gillette Adjustables.

[ateace]

I dumped my yellow pack 7s because of the glue. I just recently picked up some Astras, only to find the same thing. There's just no reason for it. Having to pry a blade from the razor destroys the "safety" concept.

[xgunterx]

I know the Astra's as they are in my rotation.
I never tried the 7o'clock, nor the Iridium Super but they seem to share some common characteristics.
They are all made in Russia, are all rated just below the Feathers (as sharp and smooth) and they all have the glue spots.

Is this just a coincidence or are they rolling of the same machines. AFAIK is Astra bought by Gillette. Don't know about the Iridium Super, though.

[rbaloha]

I know the Astra's as they are in my rotation.
I never tried the 7o'clock, nor the Iridium Super but they seem to share some common characteristics.
They are all made in Russia, are all rated just below the Feathers (as sharp and smooth) and they all have the glue spots.

Is this just a coincidence or are they rolling of the same machines. AFAIK is Astra bought by Gillette. Don't know about the Iridium Super, though.

Iridiums are currently available.

[Not4you]

Up until recently I was just dropping a blade into my 38c, twisting it tight and shaving with it. After a seriously bloody shave I noticed the blade was in crooked. Looking down on the top of the razor face, the right side was sticking out farther than the left, and on the opposite part the left was sticking out farther. Now when I carefully align the blade in the razor, I find the glue spots hold the blade in place even if I loosen the razor to rinse off excess lather/debris. Not sure it this was the intended feature from Astra or the purpose of the glue, but I now like it - no more bloodbaths for me thanks to the glue!

[erudolph]

...I find the glue spots hold the blade in place...

I'm afraid that feature is Not4me...:biggrin1: