Push for excahnge or no?

[Y2K]

I have never tried Bluebirds so I am no help with those; but I do shave exclusively with feathers and I have plenty of both - black and yellow ones. As others already mentioned, they are both excellent blades and once they are in a razor I woud not be able to tell any difference whatsoever. I get great shaves with either one of them. I recall there was actually a thread that some people like the black ones more than the new yellows because the coating makes the blade less sharp comparing to the uncoated ones. Again, to me it makes no difference at all so I would not bother if I was you. Of course, it is your call

 

[funkyb]

+1
It is my understanding they are the exact same blades as well. Major difference being one package contains 5 blades, and the other 10 blades.

I am not sure I buy that is entirely accurate. There seems to be a huge stock of the Black, and Grey package Feathers available for being discontinued all the way back in 1988!! They were discontinued over 20 years ago, but are still widely available. That doesn't jive correctly in my mind.

I recognize the information I find online is subject to debate, and a lot of people do feel they are nearly if not exactly the same with respect to performance. One of the other links I found concerning the difference was squire's review over at shavemyface, under microscope they appear to be different processes, but that's not saying they're any better or worse.

Squire's Info here: Clicky

Also, a previous B&B thread concerning the differences between the two is here: Clicky

The general consensus in most of the threads I've found is that the black/gray pack feathers are old stock and not quite as good as the new process feathers. I'm going to see what the vendor says before making any decisions. The biggest frustration was not being contacted first. I'm willing to consider keeping them, but I want to think about it some more first. I have a few feathers left, along with my trusty 301s to fall back on if this takes a while.

 

[BurkDarkpatches]

I recognize the information I find online is subject to debate, and a lot of people do feel they are nearly if not exactly the same with respect to performance. <snip>

Alright, I just spent way too much time researching this. Bottomline: If you have both of these two packages , and the blade for each looks like the one on the right, then you've got identical blades.

If that's the case, rock on with the Bluebirds and let us know how good they are....

Steve

 

[JPM]

They are the same blades. Let it go. Companies change the look of packaging all the time and it does not affect the product.

I don't think they are the same blades. The Yellows are platinum coated and the black are stainless. I'm not sure how much different they are, but unless I'm mistaken they aren't exactly the same.

 

[dod.e.ratherwell]

I don't think they are the same blades. The Yellows are platinum coated and the black are stainless. I'm not sure how much different they are, but unless I'm mistaken they aren't exactly the same.

My black package ones say Platinum on them somewhere...I think? Sorry not at home just now...Maybe someone can verify? I think the issue isn't the blades it's a lack of communication and respect towards you the customer...that alone should make it the vendors responsibility to address the situation and propose a solution that is to your liking.

I just wanted you to know all the blades you got are pretty good...but the principal of it all would irk me too.

 

[mrscottishman]

I have been where you are with other blades. I was surprised to see that I didn't get what I ordered. I sent an email and was told they didn't stock the blades I ordered. In my case I decided that it wasn't worth fooling with, but I was dumbfounded why someone that I had ordered from before would substitute like this and risk losing me as a customer. There is a Sonic drive in around here that is like that. When you order you are going to get something, but if you are picky about getting what you ordered you better check the sack before you drive away!

Whether you send them back or not, don't let it bother you. Life is too short to worry about it. Myself, I will try another vendor next time.

best,
mrscottishman- I am not saying Williams is bad, it just confuses our blade orders.