What do you make of 7am's?

**Parallax** · 04-20-2012, 12:34 PM

Posted this question in the razor blade forum but I'm not sure anyone goes there.

Until a couple of days ago, was using Derbys and having a pretty good experience. Then I dropped a 7am in my Fat Boy and found it quite uncomfortable. The result, with all settings on the razor and my pre-shave routine the same was a lot of pulling and some significant razor burn. Today I tried it again, with a better soap, being particularly careful to make sure I was well prepped and the lather rich. The result was better but not great.

I'm wondering if the problem could be the combination of Fat Boy with 7am. Will try it tomorrow in my Tech which gave such an effortless, close shave with the Derby. If others have thoughts on the 7am, would be interested in hearing them. Thanks.

**Osborn Cox** · 04-20-2012, 01:12 PM

I haven't used one in a long time, but my experience with them was similar to yours. I binned what I had left of the pack.

**rxonmymind** · 04-20-2012, 01:16 PM

Yup we go there. Have to be patient. You posted there at 12:15 & 12:34 here.

**tomjr** · 04-20-2012, 01:26 PM

7 am's are the worst blade i personally ever used but YMMV.

**Parallax** · 04-20-2012, 01:33 PM

It appears my mileage does not vary (from that of you fellas anyway). This is very helpful. Didn't want to toss 'em without giving a fair chance. Maybe I'll set them aside to try again down the line when my technique has improved. Thanks.

**NickyBobby** · 04-20-2012, 03:09 PM

Are these the same as 7O'Clocks? I've been using 7O'Clocks (greenies?) for about two weeks now and I've yet to have a problem. I get consistently smooth shaves with them and no or almost no nicks or irritation...

**Parallax** · 04-20-2012, 03:11 PM

Originally Posted by NickyBobby

Are these the same as 7O'Clocks? I've been using 7O'Clocks (greenies?) for about two weeks now and I've yet to have a problem. I get consistently smooth shaves with them and no or almost no nicks or irritation...

No. Same question was asked in the thread I began in the Razor Blade subforum of Safety Razors. The 7am's are out of Bangladesh. No relation to Gillette 7 O'Clocks. I'm glad someone brought it up; otherwise, I would have been confused. I'm surprised Gillette doesn't sue for trademark infringement. This is a case that could probably be won because it produces real consumer confusion (as evidenced by us). That's the legal standard. It's why Lexis (Toyota) beat Lexus/Nexus when they tried to sue. Not enough confusion.

**Osborn Cox** · 04-20-2012, 03:11 PM

7 Oclocks and 7AM's are very different

7 Oclocks=good
7 AM's=brutal

**NickyBobby** · 04-20-2012, 03:12 PM

Yeah, I quickly googled my question after I posted it. Apparently I did that out of order.

I'll just hang my head in embarrassment now. :-)

**retiredguns** · 04-20-2012, 07:37 PM

Might actually be worse than Walmart Wilkies.

**Parallax** · 04-20-2012, 11:09 PM

Are the Walmart Wilkies bad? I had heard good things about Wilkinson Sword blades.

**retiredguns** · 04-21-2012, 04:27 PM

Originally Posted by Parallax

Are the Walmart Wilkies bad? I had heard good things about Wilkinson Sword blades.

Vintage swords seem highly praised but the current Walmart offering was not a good shave. Cheap as dirt but not smooth at all.

**redrako** · 04-21-2012, 07:34 PM

I can get a good shave with almost any blade, because shaving is really about good prep. One of the few blades that I can't get a good shave with is the 7 a.m.

**Kevan** · 04-21-2012, 07:39 PM

The 7am's are not only bad, but inconsistent. A better blade from the same factory is the "Sharp" brand blade, which is by no means great but very decent.

**Parallax** · 04-21-2012, 07:42 PM

So far, my experience matches yours redrako. I've only tried a few blades but prep is almost everything. The difference between razors and blades is subtle by comparison. That said, the exception was the 7 a.m. Tried a few times. With my Tech and really careful prep, it was barely passable. Using my Fat Boy set to three, there was pulling and discomfort, plus razor burn, even though the shave was not great.

Would PIF the remaining blades but who would want them? Unfortunately, this package of blades is probably one for the trash can.

**dundak** · 04-21-2012, 07:51 PM

I don't mind 7AM's, have used it the past 4 shaves in a Merkur HD. BBS and no irritation each time. Great lather is the key and makes any blade perform well.

**Parallax** · 04-21-2012, 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by dundak

I don't mind 7AM's, have used it the past 4 shaves in a Merkur HD. BBS and no irritation each time. Great lather is the key and makes any blade perform well.

If you want my remaining blades (all four of 'em), drop me a PM with your address. CONUS only though. At 45 cents, we're probably already exceeding the value of the blades. :0)

**dundak** · 04-21-2012, 08:00 PM

Originally Posted by Parallax

If you want my remaining blades (all four of 'em), drop me a PM with your address. CONUS only though. At 45 cents, we're probably already exceeding the value of the blades. :0)

Thanks for the offer, but I picked up a whole sleeve for 7.99 so I am set for a while.

**redrako** · 04-22-2012, 07:02 AM

Originally Posted by Kevan

The 7am's are not only bad, but inconsistent. A better blade from the same factory is the "Sharp" brand blade, which is by no means great but very decent.

I think that Sharp's were my first bulk blade buy because they were cheap and the second blade that I tried after the 7 a.m's. Fortunately they were much better than the 7 a.m's. I still have about 1/3 of my original 100, not because I don't like them, but I've found other blades that I also like. For me they are on par with Personna Red Packs and when I finish my present stock, I will probably order again.

**Hippie Kai Yay** · 04-22-2012, 07:15 AM

I have found 7 am's to be pretty much the best thing for scraping gunk off my car windshield. For my face? Made it half way through my first pass and tossed it out for another type of blade.