If anyone here is familiar with older Wilkies, this question's for you. A shop had a pack and a half of these. I think they said Made in England. They come in much the same plastic dispenser as modern Walmart Wilkies do, with a similar black cover card, but the wrappers are different. Also, after the 9th blade (I counted them) there's a thoughtful little courtesy card reminding you that you're now on your last blade. I didn't have cash on me but the shopkeeper was nice enough to put them and a razor back for me. He wants $2 for the blades, which I think is fair since 10 of the new ones is $1.76. Question is: Are they worth it? Were these good blades? This is the first time I've come by older Wilkies before so I dunno. Thanks as always...
They are more than likely the last iteration of the ones I mention in here. http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/de-blade-challenge-ii.28223/
By the way, before I read your reply I went hunting through my blade box and found some mint Super Sword Edge I didn't remember having. Getting away from the Segal for a few days, I did half my face (two days growth) with a Super Sword and the other half with a new Walmart Wilk. Used a '57 Super Speed for both, two passes each side. Probably goes without saying but the Super Sword was noticeably sharper (it nicked me, the WM didn't) but was definitely smoother and cleaner shaving. The contrast was such that I noticed blade pull from the new Wilks that I'd never paid attention to before. No pull at all from the Super Sword. It was a really good blade.
This was a game changing blade. The WS Super Sword was the first truly or wildly successful stainless blade (yes Gillette had the first one in the 1930s Kroman that was a abject failure because of using defective steel alloys). The Stainless WS in the early 1960s caught Gillette by surprise, and took over so much market share, that Gillette had to abandon its very good Super Blue (carbon) in favor of new stainless blade lines.
Interesting, I did not know that! Any idea who had the biggest blade market share the longest, once stainless became the standard? I assume Schick was 3rd and it was between Gillette and Wilkinson...?
The closest that I can gather it was in the big four, Gillette, followed by Wilkinson, Schick and then ASR.
The vintage made in England Wilkinson Sword blades are some of the best DE blades ever made. I found these for $5 at an antique store. And these at a Goodwill store for $2.
Hoos, you just never get tired of showing off that killer find, do you! (I wouldn't either) That second first batch, but with black cards, is the ones I found. I'll admit, your find is slightly more cost effective than mine -- my one 10 pack for $2 versus your BOX FULL FOR $2. So how you like 'em? PS How's your snow? My part of Ohio got off easy (so far) but I gotta drive through Indiana in a few days.
The WS blades are absolutely wonderful, as good as anything being made today I would guess. Down here in the southern part it's not too bad, but just a bit north and it's pretty bad. Blizzard conditions in Indy.
I have only 1 vintage Wilky blade. I picked it up in a travel box. I've heard good things but don't want to try it, fall in love with them and not be able to find them.
There were also a few loose ones without a pack. When I go back I'll ask the shop if they'll take ten cents each for the loose ones and PM you.
Wow, I should probably get around to looking in antique stores. Thanks for the generous offer, I would really appreciate it.
