Using sealed old blades

**hotreds** · 09-02-2011, 11:12 AM

Is it safe to use old SE and DE blades that come from a sealed box? Thanks from a newbie to the wetshaving world!

**RichGem** · 09-02-2011, 11:14 AM

Probably. Although they may have dulled over time due to moving around and/or just not be as smooth or as sharp as modern blades due to different coatings on modern blades and better steel. So long as the blades aren't rusted or gunked up, you can safely give them a try... you may or may not like the shave and may or may not draw blood.

edit: It wouldn't hurt, if you do proceed, to dip the blade in some rubbing alcohol and let it dry before use, just to be extra safe.

**hotreds** · 09-02-2011, 11:16 AM

Thanks- I'll give 'em a try!

**RichGem** · 09-02-2011, 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by hotreds

Thanks- I'll give 'em a try!

You're welcome; let us know how it works out. Oh, and see my edit above.

**garyg** · 09-02-2011, 11:47 AM

If they're from a still sealed box they should be safe, depends on the type of steel & coatings (if any) whether they will give a good shave. I've tried Gillette Super Blues that were sealed & only so so (blue steel), on the other hand vintage injector blades such as the Personna 74's & Schick Platinum Plus are better than what is available today. I'd be interested in the results & what blades ..

**Mischka** · 09-02-2011, 11:08 PM

I've shaved with the following new old stock blades (from sealed packages) and have gotten great BBS shaves:

Gillette Plus Platinum NOS
Gillette Super Stainless ("the spoiler") NOS
Schick Platinum Plus NOS
Schick Super + Chromium NOS
Wilkinson Sword yellow pack NOS

Tried shaving with Gillette Blue blades from a cellophane wrapped package a couple of times, but the results were less than satisfactory. Nicked myself up pretty good each time. I suspect that carbon steel blades degrade over time, even if they appear sealed.