Difference in Derby blades

[Southbound1]

what does the new, p3, p6, average mean?

 

[Lane101]

Here is some independent objective information:

View attachment 1943263

I think Usta and Premium are the same grind, with different coatings. Usta looks like a platinum coating with its J-shaped curve, and the Premium looks like a chrome coating. Both probably contain some platinum. The Premium is slightly sharper initially and slightly more durable. I think the shapness difference is the coating and the durability could be due to slightly better but similar steel.

They probably say the Premium is Platinum because people think that means it is more expensive, but it doesn't actually mean that.

The Extra is definitely a milder grind, and of course the cheaper steel.

Extra and Premium blades have the same coating. Per the 2021 Derby catalog the Premium blades have a " Special double coating with chromium, ceramic, platinum & tungsten for optimum edge durability & ultra comfort"

Extra blades have the exact same "Special double coating with chromium, ceramic, platinum & tungsten for optimum edge durability & comfort" per this catalog. No difference in coatings.

Premium blade copy noted use of Swedish steel while Extra blades had no mention of the type of steel though there was good possibility the same steel was used. All Derby blades noted as having the same Gothic Arch hone.

My detailed analysis of this, posted back in 2021, with additional follow-on comments from other B&Bers can be found via the link below.

@Southbound1 , FYI in case you want to see the original analysis.

Link to 2021 Derby blade analysis:

What Are the Differences Between Derby Extra and Premium DE Blades?

Has anyone ever been in direct contact with Derby regarding what makes the Premium DE blades superior to the Derby Extras? In the Derby English language catalog (link below) the only difference listed is the use of Swedish steel. Otherwise the copy for both is identical with the statement...

www.badgerandblade.com

 

[helicopter]

Extra and Premium blades have the same coating. Per the 2021 Derby catalog the Premium blades have a " Special double coating with chromium, ceramic, platinum & tungsten for optimum edge durability & ultra comfort"

Extra blades have the exact same "Special double coating with chromium, ceramic, platinum & tungsten for optimum edge durability & comfort" per this catalog. No difference in coatings.

Premium blade copy noted use of Swedish steel while Extra blades had no mention of the type of steel though there was good possibility the same steel was used. All Derby blades noted as having the same Gothic Arch hone.

My detailed analysis of this, posted back in 2021, with additional follow-on comments from other B&Bers can be found via the link below.

@Southbound1 , FYI in case you want to see the original analysis.

Link to 2021 Derby blade analysis:

What Are the Differences Between Derby Extra and Premium DE Blades?

Has anyone ever been in direct contact with Derby regarding what makes the Premium DE blades superior to the Derby Extras? In the Derby English language catalog (link below) the only difference listed is the use of Swedish steel. Otherwise the copy for both is identical with the statement...

www.badgerandblade.com

That was my understanding before coming to this thread today, that they all have the same coating. It would be easier to sort out what nominal specifications look like if they didn't vary so much in sharpness in durability.

 

[Lane101]

That was my understanding before coming to this thread today, that they all have the same coating. It would be easier to sort out what nominal specifications look like if they didn't vary so much in sharpness in durability

The main issue I've found with Derby blades (I only use Extras) is that while in general they work well there is more variability in individual blade quality than my other blades (Astra SP and Dorco in my case). While I typically get 3-6 great shaves from my Derby blades I've had two or three that didn't make it through the first shave at one extreme and another outlier that went for well over 20 blades. Never had a Dorco or Astra blade that didn't last for at least a few shaves.

 

[helicopter]

what does the new, p3, p6, average mean?

It is sheets of regular office paper. Average is the average of the new blade, blade after 3 strips of paper, and blade after 6 strips of paper, which is my best repeatable process for estimating the sharpness a person shaving might experience.

More info in my thread. Blade Sharpness Research Project - https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/posts/12896102/

 

[helicopter]

The main issue I've found with Derby blades (I only use Extras) is that while in general they work well there is more variability in individual blade quality than my other blades (Astra SP and Dorco in my case). While I typically get 3-6 great shaves from my Derby blades I've had two or three that didn't make it through the first shave at one extreme and another outlier that went for well over 20 blades. Never had a Dorco or Astra blade that didn't last for at least a few shaves.

Yeah. They are pretty inconsistent. Sotraco and Czech blades are even worse. Dorco might be a little better. Procter and Gamble, AccuTec, Edgewell, Feather, are a lot better.