Ok, next cab off the rank is the P&G owned Turkish blades that come by way of the blade Mecca of St Petersburg (also famous for mail order brides and having a lot of stunning women for those interested!).
Now these come with the RM stamp of 'Best current production DE blade' which is a helluva tag to carry into things, so high expectations here indeed.
First thing to state is be wary NOT to confuse these (russian made, cardboard box of 5) with the other Perma-Sharps which come in the plastic dispenser of 10 blades and are made in Turkey. The latter being regarded as significantly inferior.
Sharpness of Blade/Closeness of shave: 8.5/10, very sharp - I'd have to say this was in the same ballpark for sharpness as the 7OC Yellows. Very effortless cutting. Impressive indeed.
Smoothness of Shave/Comfort of Shave: 8.5/10, this could almost have gone to a 9 - really very nice blade to use (did shave with Slim @5/3). Second use was just as good as the first. Very enjoyable blade to use.
Post-shave irritation/cuts: NOTHING.....in marked contrast to the SOC Yellow's which while giving a great shave left me feeling a little prickled these were faultless. Used Camelot for the first shave and MNS Pine/Cedar for the 2nd. Sensational shaves each time. Allowed me to go again the grain really comfortably.
Overall score for blade 8.5+/10, this is edging very close to a 9. Interestingly these have a real reputation for great longevity as well - which should also be a key factor in rating any blades....so I'm optimistic of getting 4-5 good shaves from these...which would be quite astoundingly good for current production blades.
Comments: Definitely an elite level blade that can match it with anything else in production at present. Of all the blades I've tried so far I'd have to say this one just edges the Pol Brown as the best so far. Sensational blade and highly recommend you get some while you still can, as they can't keep selling them if they're this good!
Now these come with the RM stamp of 'Best current production DE blade' which is a helluva tag to carry into things, so high expectations here indeed.
First thing to state is be wary NOT to confuse these (russian made, cardboard box of 5) with the other Perma-Sharps which come in the plastic dispenser of 10 blades and are made in Turkey. The latter being regarded as significantly inferior.
Sharpness of Blade/Closeness of shave: 8.5/10, very sharp - I'd have to say this was in the same ballpark for sharpness as the 7OC Yellows. Very effortless cutting. Impressive indeed.
Smoothness of Shave/Comfort of Shave: 8.5/10, this could almost have gone to a 9 - really very nice blade to use (did shave with Slim @5/3). Second use was just as good as the first. Very enjoyable blade to use.
Post-shave irritation/cuts: NOTHING.....in marked contrast to the SOC Yellow's which while giving a great shave left me feeling a little prickled these were faultless. Used Camelot for the first shave and MNS Pine/Cedar for the 2nd. Sensational shaves each time. Allowed me to go again the grain really comfortably.
Overall score for blade 8.5+/10, this is edging very close to a 9. Interestingly these have a real reputation for great longevity as well - which should also be a key factor in rating any blades....so I'm optimistic of getting 4-5 good shaves from these...which would be quite astoundingly good for current production blades.
Comments: Definitely an elite level blade that can match it with anything else in production at present. Of all the blades I've tried so far I'd have to say this one just edges the Pol Brown as the best so far. Sensational blade and highly recommend you get some while you still can, as they can't keep selling them if they're this good!
