Im looking to add a great Russian blade to my den. Ive got a pack of each of these and so far Voskhod is gaining my favor. Could it be that teflon coating is better than platinum?
Both fantastic blades! Rapira PL are my favorite (bought 300 the other day!) I find that they are the best combo of sharp and smooth. Astra SP and Voskhod are basically tied for me. All excellent blades. As you know YMMV. Best of luck choosing the winner.
I like Astra SP, Feather, and Voshkod as well, but Personna is right up there for me (red and blue). But as always what works on your face best is the one for you.
I like the Voskhods better than the PL, the Voskhods are smoother for me. But I tried a Rapira Swedish Supersteel recently and it seemed even better than Voskhod. But YMMV.
I've used Astras before but for me Voskhod and Rapira PL are better. I do love that Voskhod is a clean blade meaning no glue or wax dots on it. I will say Rapira PL is slightly sharper but Voskhod is way smoother for me. I've still got 4 of each blade left to keep testing.
Also, to directly answer your coating question (apologies if you are already aware - just want to clarify as it may be confusing for new members reading the thread), Platinum blades are not coated with actual platinum. The description platinum simply implies that something has been done to "improve" blade. For example, Astra SS (blue pack) have no coating and Astra SP are coated (coating will vary from brand to brand), but it is not platinum.
I have and use both the Voskhod and Rapira Platinum Lux. I also have and use the Rapira Swedish SuperSteel. All three perform very well for me. Personally, the Rapira Platinum Lux seems to do a tad better for me, but not by much. I can easily get 4-5 good shaves out of each of them. Try a 5-pack of each one and chose for yourself.
For me, the Voshkods are my go to blade. I have a small inventory of Rapiras as well as Astra SPs, Baiilis, Ladas, Feathers, Gillette Yellows, Blue Birds, Personna Reds, Derbys, etc. All are very good blades and give good shaves. Although I primarily use the Voskhods, I still use the others on occasion. Ed
Voskhods are one of my favorite blades. Not a fan of Astra's at all. I haven't tried Rapira but have some to check out.
Thanks to this thread I tried the Rapira Platinum Lux last night and tonight. They are going in the PIF pile... No bueno.
I found the Voskhod blades serviceable, but not great, and the Rapira PL blades were uncomfortable. Strange for me, since usually I will get along with coated blades better.
