I received a pack of Voskhod Teflon Coated blades in a PIF. This was my first experience with Russian blades. I was using my Slim at the time. The first shave was great, but it was downhill from there. I got four shaves out of that first blade. I have gotten as many as 19 out of a Shark, but I usually change blades after 7 unless I am having problems. So, I was a little disappointed, especially after that first great shave. My next blade started out fine, but after four shaves with the Slim, I had to change blades again. I did two shaves with the next blade when I decided to switch to my Gillette NEW. Today, I had my sixth shave with this blade. Evidently, Voskhods don't like my Slim. I am looking forward to experiencing some more Russian blades. I was wondering what your experience with Russians is.
I think my love for Astra SPs is pretty well known 'round these parts. The Gillette 7 o'Clock yellows aren't a bad blade either. Voskods were nice, but didn't blow me away. I ddin't care for Sputniks. But, all-in-all, the Russian blades seem to have a very good reputation.
I'm a fan of Voskhods, but I find they don't do well after 2 shaves for me. Due to that, I usually don't seek them out to buy, but am always happy to see them as part of a package deal, trade or PIF. The other Russian I've tried is Ladas, which I'm not a fan of. I get 2 shaves out of them also, but they're not good. If it makes sense, I see them as finicky Derby's. Oops... forgot about Astra's. Those are okay. I bought a 100 box of them awhile back, and ended up trading most away. I find them competent workhorses, but not outstanding.
I love my Voskhods. They are a very smooth shave. But, I have traditionally only used a blade twice. The other day, out of the blue, I decided to use a voskhod for the third time. It was so rough, I had to change the blade. BTW - I am using a slim adjustable.
I love the Rapira Super Stainless. The other Rapira are good too. Before the Rapira, my go-to was Astra SP and I still think they're pretty good. To me though, the Voskhods were too dull for my facial hair. BTW, I never used a DE blade for more than a work week (5-6 days) and I change the Rapira even more often (2-3 shaves). But at 12-13 cents a blade, I really don't care about longevity!
Depending upon what happens over the next few months politically - I wonder how hard these Russian blades will be to acquire? At the very least I'd expect some price jumps.
Voskhod is my go to blade. I generally use blades 4 times, any brand, and have got 6 good shaves from a Voskhod.
I always liked this Russian. But have found none of the blades to be to my liking. Although GSBs and Voskhod are nice just like others better.
i got a bunch of russian blades i have to test out, so after reading this ima put astras on my next blade test
Voskhods are the worst in my Superspeed and the best in my Merkur slant. I like the yellow 7 O'clocks in just about everything. Astras seemed pretty mediocre to me. I have some GSBs and Rapiras that I need to try...
Jim I like the Shark Blades that you sent to me. I also used one of the Asco Blades you sent me. I have gotten great shaves out of them. I like my generic blades that I have from CVS and Raley's Grocery Store. I find myself becoming very partial the Astra SP DE blades that I got with my Weber. I have no experience with the Voskhod Teflon Coated blades. But from what I have read in this forum and the several others I have read, I would not wish them on my ex-wife.....{maybe on second thought I might send her a lifetime supply } I bad.
What a timely thread! I rather like Astra SPs (bought a hundred pack), but have just received some Rapiras and Vokshods. I completed shave #2 on the first Rapira this morning and have yet to try the Vokshod. However, this thread reminds me (yet again!) the importance of matching the blade and razor. I forget this "little" detail all the time! It makes me wonder how many great shaves I am missing because I just haven't played enough mix-n-match! Currently, I am learning my recently acquired Fat Boy. However, if I switch to my Slim... it could become a "thing"... Slim Russian week, anyone? I really do ponder new combinations, though! Due to my recent RAD binge, most of my razors are new to me. If I get a "rough ride," I have to wonder if it was razor, blade, or my careless heavy-handedness (which still happens on occasion... go figure!). <sigh> OK, I see it clearly now. I must leave the candy shop and lock the variables. Tomorrow begins my Slim Russian trials. I suppose this could take a couple-few weeks.
