Astra SP disappoints

**Hex** · 10-17-2010, 06:34 AM

I tried the highly recommended Astra SP and I have never been so bloody.

I showered, did my normal prep, and used my mildest razor, a Tech.
Nasty business. Our dinner companions even commented and asked what I did to my face.

My go-to blade had been Iridiums which I have been trading for Feathers since I get more shaves per blade with Feathers.
Another good blade for me are the 7 O'Clock blacks.

I was just looking to try and find a less expensive alternative to those 3.

I tested the Medical Personna and they are good, so I will put them on a short list for more testing.

Next to try are the Kai and I expect great things from them.

**commanderkeen** · 10-17-2010, 06:41 AM

Don't give up on them yet, maybe try them with a more aggressive razor and see if that works for you.

**xillion** · 10-17-2010, 06:57 AM

Have you tried Timor or Souplex blades? I find them to be very sharp like Feathers but even smoother than Iridiums. They are expensive but I can get six to seven shaves from the same blade. That is a lot for me as I usually only get two from other blades due to my wire like stubble.

**danparker77** · 10-17-2010, 07:04 AM

Some blades just aren't for certain people. That being sad I have found that blades that ate me alive 4 months ago give me great shaves now. Your razors, technique, lather will change quite a bit. Try them again in 6 or so months.

**jgkeegan** · 10-17-2010, 07:12 AM

I think you'll like the Kais too.

It could have been a face/blade mismatch or a blade/razor mismatch.

I love Kais and Feathers, and I have been using the Astras regularly and getting just as good a shave as with the Japanese blades.

Try them again in a month or two.

It really doesn't matter what blade you use as long as it suits you.

**Hex** · 10-17-2010, 07:17 AM

Originally Posted by xillion

Have you tried Timor or Souplex blades? I find them to be very sharp like Feathers but even smoother than Iridiums. They are expensive but I can get six to seven shaves from the same blade. That is a lot for me as I usually only get two from other blades due to my wire like stubble.

No I haven't tried either of these yet, and I will add them to my list.

Thanks Chris.

**Hex** · 10-17-2010, 07:18 AM

Ok, I will hang on to them and give them a try at another time.

Hmmm, I wonder if there are blade sampler packs where I can select the blades to include ?

**Loric** · 10-17-2010, 07:19 AM

I get mixed results with Astra SP's myself. Sometimes they are smooth and forgiving, other times they are just rough. I was in love with them after the first 2 packs, but my third something was different *shrug* For the moment Shark Super Chrome and Red Personnas have been much smoother and just about as sharp. Good luck finding something that works for you.

**CapnPanther** · 10-17-2010, 07:22 AM

Interesting. Using the same blade/razor combination with no problems. Still trying to decide whether it supplants the Red IP as my favorite, though on a price/performance basis the IP has the edge.

**DE Shaver** · 10-17-2010, 07:26 AM

I'm on the fence with Astra SP blades. To me, they shave fine but I find them a little overrated, some likening them to be the near equal of Feathers or Super Iridiums. Of course, that's a case of an individual's personal preference. The usual YMMV caveat applies as many people swear by them. If it works for you, that's great because they are relatively inexpensive to buy on eBay.

**sandmountainslim** · 10-17-2010, 08:46 AM

I like the Astra SP...BUT I am more prone to nick myself with them.
Still a good blade though but Super Thin's, Red Pack Personna and Wilkinson remain my three fav's.
Wp

**slpknt10l03** · 10-17-2010, 08:55 AM

got a seeper from an Astra SP just this morning, lol

**xillion** · 10-17-2010, 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by Hex

No I haven't tried either of these yet, and I will add them to my list.

Thanks Chris.

Hex, PM me your info and I will send you a couple of each to try.

**hometownhero** · 10-17-2010, 09:41 AM

Originally Posted by CapnPanther

Interesting. Using the same blade/razor combination with no problems.

Same for me. I use them in my fb (at any setting) and my tech and get great results.

**Hex** · 10-17-2010, 09:55 AM

Originally Posted by xillion

Hex, PM me your info and I will send you a couple of each to try.

Why, thank you Chris. PM coming.

**steven1979** · 10-17-2010, 09:57 AM

I get very good results the first few days with Astra SP, but for me they dull quickly and then lookout!

**El Judio Bravo** · 10-17-2010, 10:38 AM

Originally Posted by steven1979

I get very good results the first few days with Astra SP, but for me they dull quickly and then lookout!

I got three nice shaves from the SP. The fourth, yesterday, earned me no fewer than seven weepers!

Technique was not at fault.

I am happy with three shaves and I have a carton of a hundred due tomorrow or the next day. They'll serve well, 'specially since they're only fifteen cents apiece delivered. And stropping them might extend their life as well for me. So, in terms of bang-for-my-buck, I'm contented with them.

**Silvermink** · 10-17-2010, 01:43 PM

I've had good shaves with Astra SPs before, but this latest one doesn't seem to shave closely at all. No nicks, but lots of stubble. I'm wondering if it's just a dud or if their quality control's a bit off - going to switch back to a Shark SS for tomorrow.

Mateo · 10-17-2010, 03:33 PM

Originally Posted by commanderkeen

Don't give up on them yet, maybe try them with a more aggressive razor and see if that works for you.

X2. Try it another time in a different razor. It can make all the difference.

**filedog** · 10-18-2010, 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by Hex

My go-to blade had been Iridiums which I have been trading for Feathers since I get more shaves per blade with Feathers.
Another good blade for me are the 7 O'Clock blacks.

I have had similar results. I find Feathers pretty similar to the blacks, maybe a bit sharper. Both blades for me are a little shaper than the Super Iridiums. Astra SPs used to be one of my favorites, but I developed a preference for sharper blades, because now the Astras tug. That MIGHT be why you got such bad results. I find, with a duller blade, I subconsciously use more pressure, resulting in irritation.