new info on gem 100 pack blades

[UncleScott]

for those of us that like the 100 pack of Gem ptfe razor blades, they are being rebranded as
Accutech pro razor blades.

I'm sure the old gem packaging will be around for a while yet, but as old stock gets used up
the new Accuteck packaging will replace it.

As far as I know they are still the same razor blades, just in a different package.
Old Gem package number 62-0178 New Accutech package number APBL-7063-0000

The source for this information is RDG woodwinds.Inc RDG Woodwinds - https://rdgwoodwinds.com/
You can also find them on the Web if you just google "gem razor blades 100 pack"
Apparently lots of woodwind players use Gem blades to shave their reeds down.

Anyway, just some new information that you might not have come across yet.

 

[ewk]

I ordered and received from 100 Accutek Pro blades from RDG Woodwinds a few weeks ago. No problems at all. Received blades on time and as ordered.

Why a woodwind musical instrument supplier? Apparently these blades are used by double reed instrument players (oboe, bassoon) to make and adjust their delicate wooden reeds.

 

[Whiterook]

Are they PTFE coated? That package didn't say they were coated and the older one did.

 

[lancre]

According to razorbladeco.com, they are PTFE coated. Their illustration of the new labeling shows the coating listed.

APBL-7063-0000 Extra Sharp Coated Single Edge (Formerly 62-0165)

Our Extra Sharp Coated single edge blades are part of our premium single edge blade line. These blades are PTFE coated to reduce friction, allowing for a better cut and a longer-lasting edge.

www.razorbladeco.com

 

[thombrogan]

RazorBladeCo.com says they’re coated and so does AccuTec. Not to say they are, but just to say their maker and US distributor with painfully high shipping say so.

 

[thombrogan]

Jinx!

 

[UncleScott]

Are they PTFE coated???? Good Question because the package does not say coated.

But as "lancre" and "thombrogan" have pointed out, they are, so they are safe to use.

One of the things about GEM blades is that there are several styles of blades.
Stainless, carbon, coated and uncoated, and if you get the wrong one you will know
it immediately.

This is not the first time this has come up, but it gets buried in other threads. Here
is a thread that was started in 2021 that this also came up.

GEM PTFE Coated Blades, Which Ones?

Alright, need a little help here. Everyone talks about GEM "PTFE" coated blades being the ones to use for GEM style razors. Personna and Ted Pella seem to be the two brands that come up over and over again. What does the packaging look like for these recommended blades? The only thing I can...

www.badgerandblade.com

While there is maybe nothing new under the sun here, it is good to revisit these topics
once in a while to try to keep everyone up to date.

I wonder how these woodwind players shave their reeds?

Do they use GEM razors? Which one. 1912, micromatic, featherweight?
Do they use little tiny shaving brushes?
Do they ARKO or MWF ?
What aftershave would you use on a reed? Old Spice,Aqua Velva, Clubman ?
Inquiring minds want to know.......

 

[lancre]

Are they PTFE coated???? Good Question because the package does not say coated.

But as "lancre" and "thombrogan" have pointed out, they are, so they are safe to use.

It looks to me like the package says they're coated...
(Photo from the link I posted)

 

[UncleScott]

lancre

You are absolutely right. The package picture you posted absolutely Says '' coated" .
But, The package picture that I originally posted does NOT say "coated".


Apparently there are two different packaging types out there. but if you look at the
SKU / model numbers on both packages they are the same, APBL-7063-0000.

So whether the box says coated or not, always check the SKU / model numbers to
make sure you get the right one.

This could be the same for the GEM packaged blades also.The old GEM blades could be
packaged as either 62-0165 or 62-0178 They are the same blade. Not only that but
the packaging between the GEM coated and uncoated was almost identical. If you didn't
know the difference between the 62-0178 (coated) ant the 62-0179 (uncoated) you could
easily get the wrong one, and there are people the the forum that can attest to that.

So always make sure to check things out before you order, and if you have questions,
that's what the forum is here for.

 

[Ted A]

You would think if they went to the effort to create new packaging they would make it clear whether the blades were designed to shave beards or carpets.

 

[Psychtec]

for those of us that like the 100 pack of Gem ptfe razor blades, they are being rebranded as
Accutech pro razor blades.

I'm sure the old gem packaging will be around for a while yet, but as old stock gets used up
the new Accuteck packaging will replace it.

As far as I know they are still the same razor blades, just in a different package.
Old Gem package number 62-0178 New Accutech package number APBL-7063-0000

The source for this information is RDG woodwinds.Inc RDG Woodwinds - https://rdgwoodwinds.com/
You can also find them on the Web if you just google "gem razor blades 100 pack"
Apparently lots of woodwind players use Gem blades to shave their reeds down.

Anyway, just some new information that you might not have come across yet.

View attachment 1849460

They are coated even though it doesn’t say on the packaging?

 

[Psychtec]

lancre

You are absolutely right. The package picture you posted absolutely Says '' coated" .
But, The package picture that I originally posted does NOT say "coated".


Apparently there are two different packaging types out there. but if you look at the
SKU / model numbers on both packages they are the same, APBL-7063-0000.

So whether the box says coated or not, always check the SKU / model numbers to
make sure you get the right one.

This could be the same for the GEM packaged blades also.The old GEM blades could be
packaged as either 62-0165 or 62-0178 They are the same blade. Not only that but
the packaging between the GEM coated and uncoated was almost identical. If you didn't
know the difference between the 62-0178 (coated) ant the 62-0179 (uncoated) you could
easily get the wrong one, and there are people the the forum that can attest to that.

So always make sure to check things out before you order, and if you have questions,
that's what the forum is here for.

Thank you. You answered my question about coating.

 

[PALORAZOR]

Here are the blades I just received. I spoke to Razor Blade Company and they said these indeed are coated, it was just a labelling mistake. They will be switching to the AccuForge labelling, but the blade is exactly the same. I emailed AccuTec as well to verify, waiting to hear back.

 

[Tanuki]

After perusing this thread and the AccuTec website, these are the 100 blade clamshell packs that I think might interest shavers. Listed in SKU numerical order. My unsolicited opinions are in italics.

Per the medical section of the website, they are all currently branded AccuForge on the packaging, but the 'GEM', 'PAL' and '009 RD' marks survive on the aluminum spines.The SKU numbers identify the 100 blade clamshells.

Per the utility section of the website, AccuTecPro replaces the American Line (utility blades) and Personna brands. Well, that's confusing. The blades I list below seem to correspond exactly to the five types of AccuTec SE blades I have owned and used - for shaving.

Other versions of the branding, SKUs and package labels are no doubt still moving through distribution and retail channels. To my knowledge, AccuTec is still making all the shave worthy blades that they made before the Forge/Thrive/Pro rebranding. Here they are.

AccuForge GEM Single Edge Blade
SKU# AGBL-7018-0000, marked GEM in arrow
.009" High Carbon Steel 3-Facet Blades, Aluminum Back, Silver Blade
Not a winner

AccuForge PAL Blue Single Edge Blade
SKU# AGBL-7019-0000, marked PAL
.009" High Carbon Steel 3-Facet Blades, Aluminum Back, Blue Blade
I think this is the best shaving and best lasting high carbon blade.

<<HERE IT IS - the GEM PTFE>>
AccuForge GEM Single Edge Blade, with Microcoat
SKU# AGBL-7020-0000, marked GEM
.009" Stainless Steel 3-Facet MicroCoat Blades, Aluminum Back, Silver Blade
Our proprietary MicroCoat® Enrichment Technology reduces cut force and helps the blade maintain a sharp effective edge over multiple uses.
The GEM PTFE in its current version.

AccuForge GEM Single Edge Blade
SKU# AGBL-7021-0000, marked GEM
.009" Stainless Steel 3-Facet Blades, Aluminum Back, Silver Blade
Consensus favors the coated version, YMMV

AccuForge Single Edge Blue Blade
SKU# AGBL-7030-0000, marked 009 RD, sold as Blue Star
.009" High Carbon Steel 3-Facet Blades, Aluminum Back, Blue Blade
I am not a fan of Blue Stars

 

[Rick Blaine]

After perusing this thread and the AccuTec website, these are the 100 blade clamshell packs that I think might interest shavers. Listed in SKU numerical order. My unsolicited opinions are in italics.

Per the medical section of the website, they are all currently branded AccuForge on the packaging, but the 'GEM', 'PAL' and '009 RD' marks survive on the aluminum spines.The SKU numbers identify the 100 blade clamshells.

Per the utility section of the website, AccuTecPro replaces the American Line (utility blades) and Personna brands. Well, that's confusing. The blades I list below seem to correspond exactly to the five types of AccuTec SE blades I have owned and used - for shaving.

Other versions of the branding, SKUs and package labels are no doubt still moving through distribution and retail channels. To my knowledge, AccuTec is still making all the shave worthy blades that they made before the Forge/Thrive/Pro rebranding. Here they are.

AccuForge GEM Single Edge Blade
SKU# AGBL-7018-0000, marked GEM in arrow
.009" High Carbon Steel 3-Facet Blades, Aluminum Back, Silver Blade
Not a winner

AccuForge PAL Blue Single Edge Blade
SKU# AGBL-7019-0000, marked PAL
.009" High Carbon Steel 3-Facet Blades, Aluminum Back, Blue Blade
I think this is the best shaving and best lasting high carbon blade.
View attachment 1887847
<<HERE IT IS - the GEM PTFE>>
AccuForge GEM Single Edge Blade, with Microcoat
SKU# AGBL-7020-0000, marked GEM
.009" Stainless Steel 3-Facet MicroCoat Blades, Aluminum Back, Silver Blade
Our proprietary MicroCoat® Enrichment Technology reduces cut force and helps the blade maintain a sharp effective edge over multiple uses.
The GEM PTFE in its current version.
View attachment 1887848

AccuForge GEM Single Edge Blade
SKU# AGBL-7021-0000, marked GEM
.009" Stainless Steel 3-Facet Blades, Aluminum Back, Silver Blade
Consensus favors the coated version, YMMV

AccuForge Single Edge Blue Blade
SKU# AGBL-7030-0000, marked 009 RD, sold as Blue Star
.009" High Carbon Steel 3-Facet Blades, Aluminum Back, Blue Blade
I am not a fan of Blue Stars

I am in agreement, both as to the
AccuForge PAL Blue Single Edge Blade
SKU# AGBL-7019-0000, marked PAL
.009" High Carbon Steel 3-Facet Blades, Aluminum Back, Blue Blade
formerly 62-0177

and

the SKU# AGBL-7020-0000, marked GEM (formerly 62-0178)

The carbon blade gives a very good shave (though not as smooth, as you would expect from a carbon blade). And of course the second (PTFE) is the crowd favorite around here, and not without reason.

 

[PALORAZOR]

VERY smooth.

 

[PALORAZOR]

Response from AccuTec. Is this just a CYA statement? I find these to be incredible shaving blades.

A few years ago we experienced a production error with our packaging, where it did not list “coated” under the specifications- and it appears you were shipped one of the few still floating around on the market. Rest assured however that these blades are in fact coated! When it comes to shaving however, we would not advise it. APBL-7063-0000 and other products from our PRO line were developed for professional trade and machinery work. Your item is intended for removing paint and decals off of windows, cleaning glass stovetops, etc. Our most popular product for shaving is the PERSONNA double edge blades, which is readily available from retailers both in store and online.

 

[Tanuki]

Response from AccuTec. Is this just a CYA statement? I find these to be incredible shaving blades.

A few years ago we experienced a production error with our packaging, where it did not list “coated” under the specifications- and it appears you were shipped one of the few still floating around on the market. Rest assured however that these blades are in fact coated! When it comes to shaving however, we would not advise it. APBL-7063-0000 and other products from our PRO line were developed for professional trade and machinery work. Your item is intended for removing paint and decals off of windows, cleaning glass stovetops, etc. Our most popular product for shaving is the PERSONNA double edge blades, which is readily available from retailers both in store and online.

The AccuTecPRO line (APBL) is the old American Line. I have never tried to use them for shaving, but they are generally not advised, by shavers posting to the forum as well as AccuTec.

The medical line is now AccuForge (AGBL) for the shave-relevant GEM and PAL SE blades I listed above. They are generally described as catheter cutting blades in the AccuTec classification scheme. I have used all these blades.

To sum up:
two stainless steel blades
>> GEM PTFE - the forum endorsed gold standard, my top preference
(the 100 blade clamshell is now AGBL-7020-0000)
>> GEM STAINLESS - same blade, uncoated, generally thought less desirable

three carbon steel blades (my opinions, ordered by my esteem)
>> PAL blue carbon - longest lasting carbon, the only one I might buy again
>> GEM (in arrow) - a significant step down from the PAL
>> Blue Star (marked 009 RD) - I have purchased these at drugstores in peg-hung bubble packed dispensers branded Blue Star. I won't do that again. They rust very quickly.

 

[Tanuki]

Calling @UncleScott , @ewk , @PALORAZOR and anyone else who has used the APBL-7063-0000 AccuTecPro blades!

How did they work for you? Did they match your experience with the GEM PTFE 62-0178? Are they marked GEM on one side and STAINLESS on the other? Could you post a picture of the two sides of a blade?

I am perfectly willing to believe that AccuTec would sell identical blades in different packaging under different branding. But AccuTec also might skip some honing/finishing steps to hit a lower price point.

Woodwind reed makers and paint scrapers probably aren't willing to pay catheter cutting prices. Do they get a lesser product?

 

[ewk]

@Tanuki , to be perfectly honest, this is my first foray into GEM style razors. I have not even used the 3 blades that came with my Blackland Sabre (I am on my third right now.)

Mine say "Accutec PRO" on one side and "Stainless" on the other.

My blades from Blackland say "GEM" on one side. Here are my Accutec blades from the woodwind store.