So today I broke out a new ASTRA SP. I noticed that it was smooth but not as smooth for me as a Derby or Feather. I will give it another go in the morning.
First Time using an ASTRA SP
- Thread starter BigJoe
- Start date
They get smoother! Shave 2 or 3 onward, they are great. They are my favorite blades. I have 17 face and head shaves on one Astra and it has a few more in it.
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You just can't make a judgment on one shave on one blade. Use the Astras for a month straight and then you will know. Astra SP was my first go-to favorites after testing several brands when I started out. It is still in my top 5 years later. Shaves 3-6 are the sweet spot for me. One of the best all around blade values out there. Sharp, smooth, and a value at $10/100.
Agree with others. It's a great blade for me. Derby on the other hand tended to pull and tug my beard. Haven't used feather yet.
One of the better blades for me.
I guess I'm not giving them or any blade a fair chance. In my noobness I've been trying to do preventative maintenance and replacing a blade after 3 shaves.
One of my favorite blades! The Astra SP could be my one for life choice..but there are so many other out there!
I don't want to detour the thread but uses per blade is a polarizing subject. There are the "one and done" crowd, the standard "3-5" shaves per blade majority, I am a "blade-a-week" guy, then we have the "Excalibur Club" who tend to use blades for weeks and months. Definitely a YMMV thing and no judgment from any of us. As a noob, I did the 3-5 shave thing and over time I just started testing longevity. and found (for me) I can go a week or more and get great comfortable shaves on a blade.
I've always found the Astra SP to be a great, smooth shaving blade.
I'm also a fan of Astra SPs. I currently have 28 head, cheeks, and neck shaves on one, and it still has a few left.
In another thread you said you also tried a new soap and had a sub-par thin lather. Don't change too many things at once and then try to evaluate one variable.
Good luck with the testing!
Though I'm a bit of a "cork sniffer" I have Astra SPs in my stash. Good sharp blade. I like to use a very slick soap with them.
AstraSP lasted 2 shaves for me (leg/body) and left me with irritation after that.
I can get up to 10-14 shaves out of a Astra SP (Gillette Silver Blue as well- which is usually a few more)
Good idea....
I've found Astra SPs to be serviceable, but not spectacular. Meh.
They're good blades, but to be fair I've never used a Russian blade that I didn't like, and I've tried a lot of different Russian blades..........
Astra Superior Platinum, Astra Superior Stainless
Gillette Nacet, Gillette Rubie
Ladas Stainless
Perma-Sharp Super Stainless
Rapira Chrome Stainless, Rapira Platinum Lux, Rapira Super Stainless, Rapira Swedish Supersteel
Sputnik Teflon Coated
Voskhod Teflon Coated
Astra Superior Platinum, Astra Superior Stainless
Gillette Nacet, Gillette Rubie
Ladas Stainless
Perma-Sharp Super Stainless
Rapira Chrome Stainless, Rapira Platinum Lux, Rapira Super Stainless, Rapira Swedish Supersteel
Sputnik Teflon Coated
Voskhod Teflon Coated
One of my favorites! These blades often improve after a shave or two IME.
- Thread starter
- #20
That is true I did use Mitchell wool fat in addition to the Astra. That was my first time using the fat. that could be the reason right there. Today I used Taylor Bond cream and had a much better shave.
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