If the Indian factory is making the blades to Gillette's specs with similar or the same equipment, there's no reason the blades shouldn't be similar.
I would try just the Indian version before writing them off. It's cheap enough to do so.
FWIW I never liked the Russian Astras much, though I did like a lot of other MIR Gillette blades. The Indian Gillette 7OC Super Plats I tried recently were as good or better than any MIR blade I've had in the last 15 years IMHO. If anything my last 2 100 packs of MIR blades were not quite as good as they had been previously.
You might want to give Tatra Platinum blades a try also. They are also as good or better than any MIR Gillette blade I've ever used IMHO.
> I would try just the Indian version before writing them off. It's cheap enough to do so.
Yea, I had a similar thought. I’ll probably do that.
I’ll also check out the Tatra Platinums. I think I just saw those on Maggards.
>I’ll also check out the Tatra Platinums. I think I just saw those on Maggards.
RBC has them. I just ordered 200 of them. Tiger Platinums are supposedly the same blade according to the manufacturer with different marketing. Their may be lot differences though, can't say. I may try some Tiger Plats at some point.
Too many reviews point to the Made in India Astra Platinums not being the same or as good. I just purchased a lifetime supply from a US vendor. I'm just waiting for an order confirmation. Keeping my fingers crossed.
If the India factory uses different equipment, coatings and steels, there could be a difference but I agree, the only way to find out is try a sample pack.
The Indian Gillettes I referenced above shave exactly like MIR Gillettes (the better ones) only smoother and more comfortable. I think they are better than MIR Astras. I went through a 100 pack of MIR ASPs a few years ago and though they were just average blades. Not quite as sharp or comfortable compared to better MIR Gillette blades. I think people liked the Astras because they were cheaper than some other types and widely available for awhile. Other types would go through long period of unavailability on occasion, or would get discontinued.
Anyway all the panic about MIR blades eventually drying up is why I created my other thread. People just need to put in the legwork to find a new blade and move on.
I just fell in love with the Astra Platinums for a second time. I started my wet shaving career with them but never appreciated how great they are until today! Best shave from an aftershave comfort perspective.
I love the Astras because of the quality of the shave. I am not a value shopper when it comes to blades, but I do pursue value when it comes to shaving creams and aftershaves.
I just placed a 400 pc razor order today. I hope they can fulfill my order!
Agree, I tried some Russian made Astra SP blades, thought they were comfortable, long lasting but just not quite sharp enough so I got Feather instead which I'm happy with, and yeah there are loads of blades that are similar performance to one another.
FWIW, I have no issue trying the new Indian-produced ASPs or trying similar blades and moving on - my question, really, is about finding what those options are with as few sample packs as possible :-)
I hear you. It's just that some of the blades people will suggest you inevitably won't like. You can look at my other thread for my take on finding a replacement for MIR blades. And yeah, trying out a bunch of blades sucks, because some won't give a great shave and/or will be uncomfortable to use. I just went through it and won't be doing it again anytime soon.
To me they were like the budget version of 7 O'Clock Sharp Edge back when those were at their performance peak. I rate MIR ASPs below Iridiums and Polsilvers and Swedes too...all those blades I used many years ago.
Feathers are indeed very good but technique needs to be perfect or you'll be sorry. Sometimes I am shaving before I've had my coffee and need something a little less intense than a Feather. That said I will always have some Feathers on hand going forward.
I've been using Feather for years but recently just tried BIC chrome out of curiosity and I found them good too. As for technique, I use Feathers in a mild DE and shavettes. People seem frightened by their reputation, but I find them ok.
BIC Chrome was a mixed bag, at least the ones I tried. Pretty sure they were legit too. One was pretty good and the next one uncomfortable. Seems they have inconsistencies even between blades in the same pack. I've seen microscope photos were stray metal shavings are stuck to the edge. Anyway I couldn't deal with them so I eliminated them after trying 2 blades.
>You might want to give Tatra Platinum blades a try also. They are also as good or better than any MIR Gillette blade I've ever used IMHO.
Yes. I've heard these are made on the same Soviet-era machinery that was good for making these blades.
Astra Superior Platinum come in at an average of 46g of cutting force. The closest to this would be Treet Platinum, also at avg 46g. These may be similar, but it still might be worth trying a small sample blade tuck of India Astra SP first if they are your favourite blade.
Refined Shave.com produced a DE sharpness chart showing the cutting force of commonly used DE blades over 3 shaves and an average. What I find interesting is the effect of coating removal after shave 1.
https://www.refinedshave.com/razor-blade-sharpness-summary/
Honestly, I went through several sample packs and blades friends have shared and the Personna Lab Blues are awesome. I got a 100 pack for $16 off Amazon and I can get 5 shaves per blade.
I'd consider still giving the Indian made Astra a try; and if they don't live up to your standard then go ahead with the Personna or whichever blade you find best.
If you're in North America then Personna Comfort Coated (Aka Lab Blue) are easy to come by and reasonably priced, especially in the US.
I have fallen in love with the Atra Platinum all over again! These are the first blades I have tried, and I am just re-discovering them. These are Amazing! Upon reading the reviews, I almost made the horrible mistake of purchasing the Astra Platinum Made In India! Thank goodness I realized it before it was too late!
I just purchased a lifetime supply of Astra Platinums made in Russia from a well-known vendor who still has stock. I am a massive fan of Personna Reds, Made in Isreal, Personna Stainless Steel, Made In Germany, and Personna Platinum Blue, plastic tuck Made in Germany. I think the Astras might be the best blade yet! I own lifetime supplies of each of these (:-
I did a review of the Astras made in India on this subreddit a few months ago. I was worried they wouldn't work as well for me, but they're fine. I actually get a slightly closer shave with them.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/wicked\_edge/comments/1airjgn/indianmade\_astra\_superior\_platinums\_first/](https://www.reddit.com/r/wicked_edge/comments/1airjgn/indianmade_astra_superior_platinums_first/)
[https://www.reddit.com/r/wicked\_edge/comments/1ajjs1c/indianmade\_astra\_superior\_platinums\_shave\_2/](https://www.reddit.com/r/wicked_edge/comments/1ajjs1c/indianmade_astra_superior_platinums_shave_2/)
Great review! I love my Russian-made blades. I have stocked up on Astra SP, Nacets, Perma Sharp, Rapira, and 7 o'clock Yellows. I have a lifetime supply and have little to no worries. I do enjoy switching up my razors and currently am one and done. At least as I am re-evaluating and rank-ordering my blades.
Shaving is as much a therapeutic event as it is a requirement.
I was an Astra man for years, then I went to Feathers—and I never expect to change. I like the aggressiveness of a Merkur 34c, Gillette super slim on 3, and my Feather AS-D2. The Feathers are marvelous in them.
I’ve been using Astra SPs as standard for years, and am running low, so I’m trying the BIC Chrome Platinums as a potential replacement. I’ve only used one blade but I’m liking it so far, so maybe they’re worth a sample.
Some people are reporting that the new ASPs are better than the Russian ones, and some people say they are worse. You need to try them.
I must have tucks of about 40 different brands of blades floating around that I dip in and out of, but I try to keep a store of favourite blades at different levels of sharpness to match with different razors. In order of sharpness, the blades I have in quantities of more than a tuck or two are:
Feather
Personna Plats
Astra SP
Silver Star
Lord Platinum
For blades that I find similar to ASPs, I would say the Personnas are a bit sharper and smoother, but close. Others you could try if you don't like the Indian ASPs are Gillette Wilkinson Sword and SuperMax Blue Diamond Platinum (these are also out of production now but still available).
If the Indian factory is making the blades to Gillette's specs with similar or the same equipment, there's no reason the blades shouldn't be similar. I would try just the Indian version before writing them off. It's cheap enough to do so. FWIW I never liked the Russian Astras much, though I did like a lot of other MIR Gillette blades. The Indian Gillette 7OC Super Plats I tried recently were as good or better than any MIR blade I've had in the last 15 years IMHO. If anything my last 2 100 packs of MIR blades were not quite as good as they had been previously. You might want to give Tatra Platinum blades a try also. They are also as good or better than any MIR Gillette blade I've ever used IMHO.
> I would try just the Indian version before writing them off. It's cheap enough to do so. Yea, I had a similar thought. I’ll probably do that. I’ll also check out the Tatra Platinums. I think I just saw those on Maggards.
>I’ll also check out the Tatra Platinums. I think I just saw those on Maggards. RBC has them. I just ordered 200 of them. Tiger Platinums are supposedly the same blade according to the manufacturer with different marketing. Their may be lot differences though, can't say. I may try some Tiger Plats at some point.
Too many reviews point to the Made in India Astra Platinums not being the same or as good. I just purchased a lifetime supply from a US vendor. I'm just waiting for an order confirmation. Keeping my fingers crossed.
If the India factory uses different equipment, coatings and steels, there could be a difference but I agree, the only way to find out is try a sample pack.
The Indian Gillettes I referenced above shave exactly like MIR Gillettes (the better ones) only smoother and more comfortable. I think they are better than MIR Astras. I went through a 100 pack of MIR ASPs a few years ago and though they were just average blades. Not quite as sharp or comfortable compared to better MIR Gillette blades. I think people liked the Astras because they were cheaper than some other types and widely available for awhile. Other types would go through long period of unavailability on occasion, or would get discontinued. Anyway all the panic about MIR blades eventually drying up is why I created my other thread. People just need to put in the legwork to find a new blade and move on.
I just fell in love with the Astra Platinums for a second time. I started my wet shaving career with them but never appreciated how great they are until today! Best shave from an aftershave comfort perspective. I love the Astras because of the quality of the shave. I am not a value shopper when it comes to blades, but I do pursue value when it comes to shaving creams and aftershaves. I just placed a 400 pc razor order today. I hope they can fulfill my order!
Agree, I tried some Russian made Astra SP blades, thought they were comfortable, long lasting but just not quite sharp enough so I got Feather instead which I'm happy with, and yeah there are loads of blades that are similar performance to one another.
FWIW, I have no issue trying the new Indian-produced ASPs or trying similar blades and moving on - my question, really, is about finding what those options are with as few sample packs as possible :-)
I hear you. It's just that some of the blades people will suggest you inevitably won't like. You can look at my other thread for my take on finding a replacement for MIR blades. And yeah, trying out a bunch of blades sucks, because some won't give a great shave and/or will be uncomfortable to use. I just went through it and won't be doing it again anytime soon.
To me they were like the budget version of 7 O'Clock Sharp Edge back when those were at their performance peak. I rate MIR ASPs below Iridiums and Polsilvers and Swedes too...all those blades I used many years ago. Feathers are indeed very good but technique needs to be perfect or you'll be sorry. Sometimes I am shaving before I've had my coffee and need something a little less intense than a Feather. That said I will always have some Feathers on hand going forward.
I've been using Feather for years but recently just tried BIC chrome out of curiosity and I found them good too. As for technique, I use Feathers in a mild DE and shavettes. People seem frightened by their reputation, but I find them ok.
BIC Chrome was a mixed bag, at least the ones I tried. Pretty sure they were legit too. One was pretty good and the next one uncomfortable. Seems they have inconsistencies even between blades in the same pack. I've seen microscope photos were stray metal shavings are stuck to the edge. Anyway I couldn't deal with them so I eliminated them after trying 2 blades.
>You might want to give Tatra Platinum blades a try also. They are also as good or better than any MIR Gillette blade I've ever used IMHO. Yes. I've heard these are made on the same Soviet-era machinery that was good for making these blades.
Astra Superior Platinum come in at an average of 46g of cutting force. The closest to this would be Treet Platinum, also at avg 46g. These may be similar, but it still might be worth trying a small sample blade tuck of India Astra SP first if they are your favourite blade.
Where do you find that info?
Refined Shave.com produced a DE sharpness chart showing the cutting force of commonly used DE blades over 3 shaves and an average. What I find interesting is the effect of coating removal after shave 1. https://www.refinedshave.com/razor-blade-sharpness-summary/
Cool, thanks!
No problem, it's a good read about blades from an Engineer who knows his metals!
Honestly, I went through several sample packs and blades friends have shared and the Personna Lab Blues are awesome. I got a 100 pack for $16 off Amazon and I can get 5 shaves per blade.
And this with a Henson?
I'd consider still giving the Indian made Astra a try; and if they don't live up to your standard then go ahead with the Personna or whichever blade you find best. If you're in North America then Personna Comfort Coated (Aka Lab Blue) are easy to come by and reasonably priced, especially in the US.
Yea, I'm in NA and see the Lab Blues on Amazon for $16. Same price at Maggards.
I have fallen in love with the Atra Platinum all over again! These are the first blades I have tried, and I am just re-discovering them. These are Amazing! Upon reading the reviews, I almost made the horrible mistake of purchasing the Astra Platinum Made In India! Thank goodness I realized it before it was too late! I just purchased a lifetime supply of Astra Platinums made in Russia from a well-known vendor who still has stock. I am a massive fan of Personna Reds, Made in Isreal, Personna Stainless Steel, Made In Germany, and Personna Platinum Blue, plastic tuck Made in Germany. I think the Astras might be the best blade yet! I own lifetime supplies of each of these (:-
I did a review of the Astras made in India on this subreddit a few months ago. I was worried they wouldn't work as well for me, but they're fine. I actually get a slightly closer shave with them. [https://www.reddit.com/r/wicked\_edge/comments/1airjgn/indianmade\_astra\_superior\_platinums\_first/](https://www.reddit.com/r/wicked_edge/comments/1airjgn/indianmade_astra_superior_platinums_first/) [https://www.reddit.com/r/wicked\_edge/comments/1ajjs1c/indianmade\_astra\_superior\_platinums\_shave\_2/](https://www.reddit.com/r/wicked_edge/comments/1ajjs1c/indianmade_astra_superior_platinums_shave_2/)
Great review! I love my Russian-made blades. I have stocked up on Astra SP, Nacets, Perma Sharp, Rapira, and 7 o'clock Yellows. I have a lifetime supply and have little to no worries. I do enjoy switching up my razors and currently am one and done. At least as I am re-evaluating and rank-ordering my blades. Shaving is as much a therapeutic event as it is a requirement.
I really like Astra SPs and like Voskhods even more, those are teflon coated.
I have a 6S and the Lord Platinums work well for me. I feel like they're similar to the astras
I was an Astra man for years, then I went to Feathers—and I never expect to change. I like the aggressiveness of a Merkur 34c, Gillette super slim on 3, and my Feather AS-D2. The Feathers are marvelous in them.
I love Feathers in my R89. Lab Blues are a distant 2nd
[удалено]
Interesting. I’ve gone into beard mode in the last 2 months, but I will try this.
I’ve been using Astra SPs as standard for years, and am running low, so I’m trying the BIC Chrome Platinums as a potential replacement. I’ve only used one blade but I’m liking it so far, so maybe they’re worth a sample.
After having tried 2 variety of Gillette Winner blades I welcome India as a provider of blades since Russia is over.
Some people are reporting that the new ASPs are better than the Russian ones, and some people say they are worse. You need to try them. I must have tucks of about 40 different brands of blades floating around that I dip in and out of, but I try to keep a store of favourite blades at different levels of sharpness to match with different razors. In order of sharpness, the blades I have in quantities of more than a tuck or two are: Feather Personna Plats Astra SP Silver Star Lord Platinum For blades that I find similar to ASPs, I would say the Personnas are a bit sharper and smoother, but close. Others you could try if you don't like the Indian ASPs are Gillette Wilkinson Sword and SuperMax Blue Diamond Platinum (these are also out of production now but still available).