Does anyone know who makes this blade?

**JimK** · 07-21-2012, 03:36 PM

I gave up on easy to clog 3,4,and 5 blade cartridge razors that cost a fortune several years ago. For twenty years prior to falling victim to cartridge shaving nirvana, I used classic straight razors when I had lots of time to kill, and DE Safety razors in a variety of blade and shaver brands for everyday use.

When the frustration and economics of cartridge shavers caused me to stop using them cold turkey, I still had a few DE razor handles in storage, and bought various popular blades online. All was well, and I'd never look back. As it turned out, my old Stahly Live Blade razor (a gift from a widow in the early 1970's, purchased by her husband in the 1950's) became my favorite blade holder by far. I know that many people feel that the Stahly vibrating action deadens "feel", but for me, it transforms DE shaving to a whole new level of closeness without oops factors and the nicks that accompany them. I love it, and I'm thinking about buying another just in case the motor in my 60 year old razor handle decides to quit. Imagine that. A 60 year old razor with a wind-up vibrating head that works flawlessly today..... But that's another topic.

My question for the forum is the blades I have been using for two months now. I ran out of my stash of high quality blades from the Internet, and was forced to look in the local Rite Aid drugstore for some DE blades. I found only one type available there among dozens of cartridge type offerings. They wereRite Aid branded, and not very cheap... As I recall, about $7 for 7 blades. There were no markings on the package to indicate the manufacturer, and the blades come in a pack that has a disposal slot for used blades on the back of the dispenser. Yes, they slip out of the dispenser one at a time, with no wrapping on individual blades. The only markings on the blades proper directional arrows for ejecting a fresh blade from the pack, and "made in USA" on one end of the blade.

Who makes these blades for Rite Aid? I expected them to be rubbish, but they are awesome. I am a firm supporter of premium shaving gear, but these drug store blades shave me baby butt smooth without the drama of nicking, and also shave the back of my neck to my hairline for weeks before a blade change. I still have 4 left from the initial pack of 7, and I bought a fresh pack from the same store just in case it was a fine batch of blades. Any ideas? I have pictures of the blades and dispenser, but the forum isn't quite iOS friendly for posting them (well, I have yet to figure it out, anyway). I'll add them when I can, but I hope someone has the lowdown on Rite Aid DE blades without a pic. Thanks!

**amishmotorboat** · 07-21-2012, 03:39 PM

I would recommend getting a sampler pack.
Here is a pretty good one.
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/DE-B...oice_p_20.html

**jamesspo** · 07-21-2012, 03:55 PM

As you mentioned, a picture might help, but I'd be surprised if someone doesn't come along that knows the answer. If I just had to take a total shot in the dark, I would say Personna, just purely because they seem to make a lot of "store" brands.

**Jopo** · 07-21-2012, 04:03 PM

Sounds like they're Personna blades
product_package_double_edge_10count_366x375.jpg

**MacDaddy** · 07-21-2012, 04:17 PM

I'm not sure about Rite-Aid's, but Personna (USA) and Dorco (S. Korea) are the two most common makers behind store-branded blades that I've seen.

**turtle** · 07-21-2012, 04:19 PM

Originally Posted by Jopo

Sounds like they're Personna blades

That wold be my guess too.

The SE blades I got from Rite-Aid were Personna so I would venture a guess that the DE blades were also.

**JimK** · 07-21-2012, 05:31 PM

Originally Posted by Jopo

Sounds like they're Personna blades
product_package_double_edge_10count_366x375.jpg

I have to figure out the posting pictures from my phone thing, but folks, that IS the dispenser! The ONLY difference is where the text reads "PLATINUM CHROME BLADES" in the Personna photo, the Rite Aid dispenser reads "STAINLESS STEEL BLADES". Other than that, it's a perfect match. Thanks to all who replied to my question. I am stunned that I have been shaving with plain vanilla Personna blades for a few months, and have been pleased as punch. I never would have guessed, as I never bought Personna blades since 1970 or so. Thanks again!

**CGW409** · 07-21-2012, 10:13 PM

Looks like you're a noob here at B&B so let me first give you the B&B welcome aboard.
You don't mention where you're at in your profile but If there is a Sally Beauty Supply near you you can get Personna blades there or if you have a Walmart nearby you can snag a package of Wilkinson Sword DE blades there for under 2.00.
That should cover you for your brick and mortar blade sources but also give the sampler pack a go as well.

**alex2363** · 07-21-2012, 11:21 PM

Welcome to B&B and what everyone said here ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

**jamesspo** · 07-22-2012, 05:56 AM

Originally Posted by JimK

I have to figure out the posting pictures from my phone thing, but folks, that IS the dispenser! The ONLY difference is where the text reads "PLATINUM CHROME BLADES" in the Personna photo, the Rite Aid dispenser reads "STAINLESS STEEL BLADES". Other than that, it's a perfect match. Thanks to all who replied to my question. I am stunned that I have been shaving with plain vanilla Personna blades for a few months, and have been pleased as punch. I never would have guessed, as I never bought Personna blades since 1970 or so. Thanks again!

Well Personna does make some blades that are widely popular around these parts, so maybe shouldn't be too much of a surprise. The Red Israeli's are one of the favorites, as are the Med Prep/Lab Blues. And BTW, both can be had for way less than what you paid for the rite-aid blades.. That's the only thing that's really ever kept me from experimenting much with the store brands - they're usually not a very good value. The Wilkies I've seen pretty cheap though.

**CGW409** · 07-22-2012, 09:43 AM

Originally Posted by jamesspo

Well Personna does make some blades that are widely popular around these parts, so maybe shouldn't be too much of a surprise. The Red Israeli's are one of the favorites, as are the Med Prep/Lab Blues. And BTW, both can be had for way less than what you paid for the rite-aid blades.. That's the only thing that's really ever kept me from experimenting much with the store brands - they're usually not a very good value. The Wilkies I've seen pretty cheap though.

Not sure about the Rite Aid prices (no RA in the Chicago area)but I'd have to really desperate to go for the Walgreen or CVS DE blades are about 7.00 and 6.00 respectively for a ten pack while the SBS Persona blades come in near 4.00.
The first two store brand (at least for the pack each I tried) were OK but not worth the price considering you can get 10 Wilkies for just under 2.00 or from Merz here in Chicago Feather,Shark or 7 O'clock Yellow for 5.40,3.00 and 3.00 for 10 blades.

**BBrad** · 07-22-2012, 11:58 AM

SWMBO bought some of the Rite Aid blades for me at Christmas time . . . yes, they are Personnas and do perform acceptably. The price is high, making the value low. Wal-Mart Wilkies are certainly a better value.

IMHO the best deal going for a B&M-sourced blade is the Dollar General blades made by Dorco. Their 5-pack sells for one measly buck, and the blades perform better for me than either the Personnas or the Wilkinson.