Gillette - 7 O'Clock SharpEdge (Yellow Pack)

[summit_4000]

I just had my first shave with a Gillette 7 O'Clock Yellow. I typically use Derby's or Red Pack Personna's. This was my first foray into the 'sharper' blades. I typically use a Merkur 34C, but decided to try this blade in a more mild razor, a Gillette SS.

Although the Gillette was noticeably sharper than the Derby / RIP, it was a much 'rougher' shave. Despite the comfort (or lack) of the shave, the results were surprisingly very good. I was able to get great results with a 2-pass + touch-up shave versus my normal 3-pass + touch-up shave. But darn, it was a 'rough' feeling shave. I did get some minor razor burn, but I attribute that to my first shave with the sharper blade.

What has been your experience with this blade? Is my experience typical? I plan to try the Yellow in a couple of other razors before I pass final judgement. I also have a pack of Astra's waiting in the wing for a try-out.

[Rufust445]

This blade is one of the sharpest after a Feather. I use most blades in my Super Adjustable set at 4 or 5. That was a mistake for me with the 7o'clock yellow. I dialed it down to 3.

It needs to be kept on a short leash with close attention paid to technique at all times, then the shave will go more smoothly.

Beard reduction may be a little faster, but I prefer a more forgiving blade.

[adamant]

I just used a green to much acclaim. How do the yellow and greens compare?

[The National Razor]

Currently this is my favorite blade. I use a Merkur Futur set to 2. So far I have tried Merkur blades (felt the razor burn), Derbys (destroyed my neck, but may have just been a bad blade), and Crystals (really like these too).

I plan on trying Feathers, and maybe seeing if the Derby was an anomoly. But I definitely favor the Yellow Pack 7s. Very close shave, very smooth, zero irritation or razor burn.

[rbaloha]

My favorite blade. Try better beard prep and lighter blade pressure.

[kenpojay]

I love these blades. After a feather, these are my favorite. I do find that the sharper blades do better in more agressive razors, i.e. a slant. I have a very thick, coarse beard and tend to get a lot of drag when I use any of the 'mild' blades.

[gaseousclay]

the gillette 7's will be my next blade to try. after trying the astra's and turning my neck and chin into a bloody mess I was afraid to try the gillette's afterwards and went straight to the redpack personna's. but, I won't know how they rate against all my other blades unless I give 'em a go.

[Greyfox]

I just got 5 packs of these and I am hoping they work well. I typically use Derbys and Feathers so looking forward to trying them.

[TedGamble]

I typically use Derbys and Feathers

Wow, that's a pretty wide spread...

[vaquero]

I can't figure this blade out. It has a reputation for sharpness and I was anxious to try it. I have now tried them in at least three different razors and they pull and bounce, not to mention leaving patches. My beard is not that tough or thick, and Derbys and Crystals work fine. Obviously I'm missing something or doing something wrong because most everyone as a rule really likes this blade and comments on its sharpness.

Alan

[dwestenk]

Currently this is my favorite blade. ...

My favorite blade. ...

My favorite as well. Very sharp, but smoother and more forgiving than a Feather, IMO.

[Kit Walker]

My favorite as well. Very sharp, but smoother and more forgiving than a Feather, IMO.

I have just completed testing on the sample pack that I got from West Coast (I added the 7 O'Clocks), and I agree with your assessment. A corked feather in my fatboy gives a very good shave, but is very rough in my feather compact. When I have a 7 O'Clock in the fatboy, I have at times wondered if I remembered to insert a blade, until I run my hand over my face. In the compact, the 7 O'Clocks are a little harsh, but not too bad.

The quality of the shave appears to be virtually identical with both blades. The Feather will usuallly last through one week of shaving. The 7 O'Clock will sometimes make it through seven days, but usually lasts only six days.

I'm convinced enough that I will be shortly ordering a couple of years worth of blades (7 O'Clocks).

[Stubblefield]

I like this blade. As sharp as the Astra (perhaps a tad sharper) and smoother. I actually prefer it to the feather in my slant.

Another blade that is similar in smoothness and performance is the Bic.