Super Iridium vs. Perma-sharp Super

[cfender]

Revisiting these blades this week. After performing a blindfold test of the Kai & Feather blade and suffering a bit of bloodshed with both of those decidedly unforgiving blades, I decided to go back to a couple of the often recognized Russian blades that are frequently compared against each other and even at times suspected to be the SAME BLADE.

I just finished with the Super Iridium. I went 3 shaves and it was a welcome relief to my face that I admitedly abused with some sloppy technique with the Kai and the Feather. As I remembered, it's a forgiving blade and reasonably sharp but unlike the super sharp blades, it did skip on my first WTG stroke on my cheek. My initial reaction was, "wow this blade isn't sharp enough", but I was patient and after I completed my multiple passes, including 2 ATG passes, the results were satisfying. Yes, a BBS shave BUT I did start feeling micro stubble sprout earlier than I'm accustomed to.

Today was the first shave with the Perma-sharp Super. It seemed as forgiving as the Super Iridium but a sharper and more efficient blade. None of the skipping I got with the Iridium and an equally close BBS shave. It's too early to tell how long the BBS condidition will last as I just shaved 2 hrs. ago.

If you're a Iridium lover and you haven't tried the Perma-sharp Super, I recommend that you do. You may find that it's actually a superior blade and available for $20 per 100 which is far more economical than the typical NOS prices for the Iridium.

For the record, I DON'T believe that the Perma-sharp is the same blade as the Iridium but I understand how one might think that. It's similar in the sharpness to forgiveness ratio.

[fcdiscus]

I also find them very similar. I probably prefer the Perma Sharp- but it is negligible.

[Mitsimonsta]

The PermaSharps are the best value blade on the market as far as I am concerned. Much sharper than an Iridium - I was quite disappointed with the Iridiums after shaving with 7OC Blacks and Blues, Silver blues and many NOS blades like Spoilers and Schick Platinum Plus.

$20/100 delivered is a good price, and the blades do seem to get better than average life, while being nice and sharp and maintaining smoothness. The resulting shave is close yet comfortable.

[vegaskid74]

+1 to all. My favorite blade by a good margin. I throw in a Feather on occasion as a change of pace (doesn't begin to approach the Perma-Sharp's combination of sharpness and smoothness, but is noticeably sharper which is cool to experience once in a while) and an Astra SP on occasion (a quality blade in its own right) to remind me just how special the Perma-Sharp is.

[gagarin]

Agreed to all of the above.

I accumulated a major stash of SI's before stumbling upon the Perma-Sharp Super. The SI is a fine blade, but, in my view, the Perma-Sharp is just a bit sharper, smoother and longer lasting. It reminds me a great deal of the old Wilkinson Light Brigade. The finest blade still being manufactured, in my opinion.

Get them while you can.

Regards,

[jwilock]

Given that Perma-Sharps are still available, and available at about .20 apiece I think everyone should stock up on them. Of course YMMV. But positive comments on them are pretty routine. Personally, I've got 300 of them.

[truegreen]

Agree with all the above. I wish north american vendors would carry these blades. I hate to wait three weeks for stuff...I know, I am spoiled by our great vendors who ship stuff almost instantly. Another blade that reminds me of Perma-Sharp are Polsilver (brown package). I am considering stocking up on Perma Sharp, may be 200

[jwilock]

http://www.razorbladesandmore.com/se.../perma%20sharp

[raisindot]

if we're talking about the Perma-Sharp with the little cartoon face of a man on the wrapper. I call Perma-sharps "Never-Sharp." I need four passes to get a decent shave out of them compared to two with just about any other blade.

[kaiseris]

if we're talking about the Perma-Sharp with the little cartoon face of a man on the wrapper. I call Perma-sharps "Never-Sharp." I need four passes to get a decent shave out of them compared to two with just about any other blade.

Maybe you have these Perma-sharps? It says in the description that they aren't recommended for a good shave.
It this thread proper Perma-Sharp Super are discussed.

[will44]

The Perma-sharp Super (cardboard box, made in Russia) is my preferred blade, just ordered 400 blades again. They are sharp, smooth and effective.

I have tried too many brands (Gillette, Persona, Merkur, Dorco, Wilikinson, Feather, Lord etc...) and I will use only the Perma-Sharp super now.

[TonyJ]

Second of my top 3. Only Gillette silver blue wins but not a wide marigin. Great blades

[Colt Hammerless]

Jwilock, thanks for posting that link. I hadn't checked their website in a while, and didn't realize they carried them now. I've been wanting to try them, but didn't want to buy a 100.

Paul