Wilkinson Sword Classic Blades

**Synack** · 03-11-2009, 12:19 AM

I just found Wilkinson Sword Classic blades (German made) at a local Bed Bath and Beyond. They were $2 for 5 blades; Compared to $10 for 10 Gillette Super Stainless it was an easy decision...

I pulled out my standard blade initiation gear: HD, Omega soap, Omega boar brush (face lathering,) AV splash. The results were excellent! The blade seemed nice and sharp, satisfying cutting sound, no dragging or skipping. Finished up in a little less than three passes. Minimal AS burn. (Considering I just finished a week of testing Dorco and Merkur blades this was awesome to say the least.

) These guys are going to be head-to-head with my current favourite, Derbys.

To be able to get them whenever I want, locally and inexpensively is a nice bonus as well... Definitely will stock up on them.

Will post a proper review shortly; Just had to share...

**colinmono** · 03-11-2009, 02:21 AM

I like these blades too. They're not talked about much, a bit expensive for what they are I guess (or maybe not many like 'em). They push Derbys close in my experience (which is limited, still working my way through samplers

). On balance I think I prefer Derbys but I think I would need to switch back and forth a few times to be sure.

**SepticTank** · 03-11-2009, 02:40 AM

Colin: If you nose around "outside the chain" pharmacies (ie. not Boots, Alliance, Numark, Lloyds, Superdrug, etc) they're often available for less than I guess you paid - I was scandalised when I bought 20 packs for 49p each and the new dispenser was put out with the price tag at 59p in one of the local places here.

Seems that if they're on a hanger card the price goes up to £1.79 or £1.99 for the same 5 blades. Expensive cardboard.

**tblech** · 03-11-2009, 03:09 AM

Originally Posted by SepticTank

Colin: If you nose around outside the chain pharmacies they're often available for less than I guess you paid - I was scandalised when I bought 20 packs for 49p each and the new dispenser was put out with the price tag at 59p in one of the local places here.

Seems that if they're on a hanger card the price goes up to £1.79 or £1.99 for the same 5 blades. Expensive cardboard.

No kidding...

**pablo_h** · 03-11-2009, 03:10 AM

I don't like them, or derbys. You've got a tougher face or weaker beard than me.
I'm not the only one who doesn't like them.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=77603

**Synack** · 03-11-2009, 08:04 AM

Originally Posted by pablo_h

I don't like them, or derbys. You've got a tougher face or weaker beard than me.
I'm not the only one who doesn't like them.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=77603

It's funny how that works out. I'm in the camp that loves Derby but can't stand Crystals (I can tolerate IPs.)

The constant seems to be nobody likes Dorco 300s and Merkur blades. (Though I'm sure there are the exceptions out there

.)

**american lockpicker** · 03-11-2009, 09:21 AM

I love those blades. I pay around $1.10 for a 5pack w/dispenser.

**Trius** · 03-11-2009, 09:40 AM

The first time I used one of those blades I loved it, it was very smooth and "sharp enough". I can't remember specifically why the 2nd go 'round wasn't memorable and I haven't used them since. But I believe I still have some and want to give them another go.

**Firewalker** · 01-09-2013, 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by colinmono

I like these blades too. They're not talked about much, a bit expensive for what they are I guess (or maybe not many like 'em). They push Derbys close in my experience (which is limited, still working my way through samplers

). On balance I think I prefer Derbys but I think I would need to switch back and forth a few times to be sure.

+1

**gunterbr** · 01-09-2013, 08:32 PM

My experience with Wilkinson Sword wasn't quite so nice. Mine were much more expensive from the local drug store, and I got tons of weepers and irritation. To be completely fair though, it was right when I first started. I'm going to give them another try soon, just to be sure.

**bryan1980** · 01-10-2013, 11:38 AM

These seem to be the most well-liked of the "locally available" blades. I'm going to grab a pack the next time I'm in Wal-Mart (whenever that'll be) and give them a try. It's nice to have at least one decent blade that's available locally.

**talibeard** · 01-10-2013, 03:27 PM

Originally Posted by Synack

It's funny how that works out. I'm in the camp that loves Derby but can't stand Crystals (I can tolerate IPs.)

The constant seems to be nobody likes Dorco 300s and Merkur blades. (Though I'm sure there are the exceptions out there

.)

I am one of those. While Merkurs nor ST-300's are blades I stock up they deliver decent enough shaves. Derby's are somewhere near the bottom of my don't-want-list as are WS Classics. Despite my understanding of the term YMMV I still have a hard time believing people actually like them. Especially the WS Classics are even worse than the 7A.M.'s and Sharps from Bangladesh. And man, those are bad....

Well, there is no YMMV as blades-YMMV it seems!

**Daiku** · 01-11-2013, 02:46 AM

I just tried one for the first time today. It felt like a smoother Derby--somewhere between a Derby and a Personna Red. There is a roughness to the shave with the Wilkinson, but the results are pretty good. I wouldn't hesitate to use the Sword in a pinch, and it's nice I can get them locally for under 2 bucks per 10 pack.

That said, I'd much rather use a Personna Lab, which you can get for $13 per 100.

**CB1** · 01-11-2013, 12:37 PM

I tried one of these a long time ago and didn't like it. Same with Derby's but then I tried a Derby in an R41 and it was better. Might have to revisit the Wilkie in the R41.

**bryan1980** · 01-12-2013, 09:19 AM

Originally Posted by CB1

I tried one of these a long time ago and didn't like it. Same with Derby's but then I tried a Derby in an R41 and it was better. Might have to revisit the Wilkie in the R41.

Odds are that they'll work good in the R41, as well.