Today was the first day I used these and all I can say is Wow! These are a huge improvement over the Merkur blades that I was using. I had another great shave with very little irritation. I will be using these for a couple more days until I get the Feather blades a chance.
A rusty beer can is a vast improvement over Merkur blades. But, Astras are awesome in a box. Glad you like them.
If you like Astras, you will probably love Feathers. and I disagree with Richard, I think a rusty, bent, Chinese made butter knife is an improvement over Merkur blades; after all, you might actually be able to shave with a rusty beer can.
I just debuted the Astras last night and I agree....nice blade and we will see how many shaves I get.
When I first discovered them I dug them too....I also really liked the Astra SS-stainless...maybe more in many ways depending on the razor of course.....But Astras don't work in my Senator Period....The OC TTO prefers a diet of the sharper type blades....
Feathers are better. Better for you? I don't know, but Feathers are superior to Astras in every way but one. You'll probably get a few more shaves out of an Astra blade. Feathers get dull so fast.
Used this blade again today and it was perfect no irritation and had a much closer shave than what I had been getting. My neck is the only thing that isn't BBS.