"SHARP" razor blades

[Stubble]

Just received some Sharp razor blades, and have used them for several shaves. They are an interesting blade. The shave was very smooth, not harsh at all, and the blade appears to be very sharp. I would say they are close to being as sharp as the Feathers (which is my blade of choice).

However, they are not a very long lasting blade. I get one shave per blade, and then they seem dull. I pick up my blades from Howard1616 on eBay for $12.99 shipped per 100 blades. So the price is right, even if you only use the blade once. I think they would make an excellent travel blade.

I'll continue to enjoy these blades, price is cheap, shave is smooth and they are just a change from the Feathers.

[Kingpepper]

Your lucky. I had to pay $13.93 for mine; New York State sales tax:mad: . Howard must do what he has to do. Got 2 shaves from the first one I tried. Weren't bad but had a Derby to continue using. Will try a fresh one next week and see how long it lasts. YMMV.

[sparky5693]

I believe the difference is that the sharp baldes are not platinum coated. It seems to make them a much more forgiving blade.

[msandoval858]

They are a pretty forgiving blade, not bad, but I didn't think they were all that great compared to others, I found them to be close to Merkur as far as sharpness goes. As for longevity I'm not really sure, I rarely ever take my blades over 2-3 shaves.

[sparky5693]

While I think the sharp blades are plenty sharp, that's not what makes them so good for me. I only get 1-2 shaves per blade, but they are just so forgiving. I actually take it for granted now, and use more pressure than I should sometimes.

[Queen of Blades]

Yeah the forgiving nature of the SHARPs is probably the thing I like about them most. :ashamed001

[Stubble]

Yea, well at about .13 cents per blade, the price is certainly good. Your probably correct about the forgiveness of the blade. The Feather, that I usually use, sure won't let you get away with anything less then perfect technique.

Still, there is a certain smoothness to this blade. I know on occassion, the Feathers can be pretty harsh.

Guess, I'm just surprised that they don't get more positive comments on the forums. They're a very good blade.

Anybody know anything about the 7 AM blades?

[Ives_CH]

Anybody know anything about the 7 AM blades?

Hi,

there are two versions the older V2 and now the new improved V3. Just received some of them from Rene a couple days ago. The V2 just aren't sharp enough in my opinion so they give a very uncomfortable and no close shave but lots of irritations and a pack of them contains only 2 blades.

The new V3 though are a lot sharper and they provided me with a nice close shave, it's really a big improvement. I just shaved once with them because I'm still sticking to Derbys so I can't comment on longevity (For me the Derbys are just more comfortable than the 7 AM)
And luckily they changed the packaging to 5 blades per pack. If you try them, be sure to get the newer version, the only thing that is different between the two is the phrase "HI STAINLESS" on the package of the better ones (I tried to take pictures with my cell phone but it's just a mess and my Digicam is broken).

I actually don't know if the "V2/3" is official in any way or Rene just uses this description to keep them apart. :confused:

greetings from Switzerland,
Thomas

[SSLSTudio...]

Hi Thomas,

Good to see you posting , I dont think anyone has 7am V2 in their possesion its all V3 now Thomas the V2 we are talking about a product from last year !
7am is PLatinum Hi-Stainless Steel V3 only the Sharps are Carbon Steel V2 only.


I have heard people getting 3-4 shaves with 7am. yeah the put 5 blades in a package was my idea more to save shipping weights per box but also lets not waiste the environment more then we have to.

yes I keep the version numbers to distinguish them myself.

[SSLSTudio...]

Yeah the forgiving nature of the SHARPs is probably the thing I like about them most. :ashamed001

Amen for that I think one of the better blades to start your wetshaving career with. I always tell newbies go for the Sharps first because of their forgiving nature you wouldnt want to make that slip or pressure with a Feather and ruin the newbies experience. I let my friend go from Sharps to Derby's and now I think after almost 2 months he is ready to tackle a Feather.

Myself I went from IP's to Derby Extra's to Swedish Gillette's to Russian Gillette's to Feathers' to Sharps to 7am's to New PLatinum EJ-Force800 (Korea) to Summa Platinum Chrome Steel to Summa Superstainless STeel to EJ-Force 810 to Wilkinson DE to SuperMaxx (India ) to Supermax V (UK) to LAZER De to Gillette Rotbart to Panda there must be more blades out there...must look harder...

[crackstar]

The Sharps are the greatest blades ever invented! I get the best shaves with them, and if my sensitive skin can handle them, anyone can handle them.

Jeff

[qaswer]

However, they are not a very long lasting blade. I get one shave per blade, and then they seem dul
I have also felt that but how much time we can use these blades . I tried it twice and it is useless after 2nd shave . What are your thoughts ?

[Hawkeye5]

Really depends upon your beard. Mine must not be too tough.
I used a 7AM v3 all last week in a HD. The last shave was as good as the first. I was impressed. Excellent, smooth shaves all week.
I also used the HD and a Sharp v2 for the week before that with no noticeable decline in performance from first to last shave.
I think I slightly prefer the 7AM, but too early to really state that with certainty.
I've switched to a Derby/HD for this week, then will run the Sharp and 7AM again to compare with the Derby.
I may do it all over again with comparisons to Euro Gillette and Feather and maybe IPs just to make it interesting.

[Stubble]

John,
I think we'd all be interested in your findings, let us know what your conclusions are. I just started using the Sharp blades, and also like them. Still gathering more info on the 7AM blades from folks who have used them.
Ken

[Hawkeye5]

Well, the 7AM blade is better for me in the HD than the Sharp. The 7AM also beats the IP and Derby for my beard. Your results may be different. I don't seem to have a heavy, tough beard. More average I guess. The 7AM just seems smoother and provides a closer shave.
I'll move on to the Swede and Feather next. While I've used those brands before, I've not compared them to the 7AM.
If anyone would like to try the Sharps blade, send me a PM with your address. For the first 8 responders I'll mail two packs of 5 (10 blades total) to try. I'll pay the postage. Offer only good while supply lasts (I'm not going to purchase more!). For our friends in Canada and Europe, International is OK also. Nothing to loose and they may be the holy grail of blades for you.

[Queen of Blades]

That's a very generous offer John.

:happy096

[Hawkeye5]

Ahhh shucks, JoAnna, (kicks corn cob with boot), twernt nothin, :o .
Still have a few. Don't be shy.

[crackstar]

at the risk of being repetitious, I'll say that the Sharps are the easiest blades for me to use, and the gentlest. Although, I've been using a DE for a long time, the way my skin is, I need a blade (and a razor) that's easy, gentle and forgiving.

[Queen of Blades]

Ahhh shucks, JoAnna, (kicks corn cob with boot), twernt nothin, :o .


:happy097

I was introduced to SHARPs by a similar generous offer, and I'm glad I didn't miss the opportunity to try them.

Hopefully some folks will take you up on your offer.

[Hawkeye5]

Oh, believe me, these guys jump on free food, free booze, and free blades like a hen on a june bug.
Have additional blades. Send your PM.

[Smedley]

Oh, believe me, these guys jump on free food, free booze, and free blades like a hen on a june bug.

Yeah, we're an abnormal bunch that way. ::

Think I'll try some of those Sharps I have lying around next week. Also the 7 ams I also have lying around.

[Hawkeye5]

Nothing Abby Normal (remember Young Frankenstein?) about it.
Who can pass up free food and booze (not me!!!). Blades are a bit on the strange side, I will admit.
Continue to have some available. If you want to try Sharps cheap, now is the time, this is the place. Hesitate and you are lost. You know you will want to try them at some point.

[Bronco]

Not that we would pass up free soaps, creams, after shaves, balms, razors or even a good dog either!:D

[qaswer]

Really depends upon your beard. Mine must not be too tough.
I used a 7AM v3 all last week in a HD. The last shave was as good as the first. I was impressed. Excellent, smooth shaves all week.
I also used the HD and a Sharp v2 for the week before that with no noticeable decline in performance from first to last shave.
I think I slightly prefer the 7AM, but too early to really state that with certainty.
I've switched to a Derby/HD for this week, then will run the Sharp and 7AM again to compare with the Derby.
I may do it all over again with comparisons to Euro Gillette and Feather and maybe IPs just to make it interesting.
That might be the reason for that as i have hard beard and it is really difficult to have a shave on 3rd day .

[fritz]

I wonder how some of you can get so many shaves per blade. Is it perhaps that you only do one pass? Or maybe 2, with the second just catching a few leftover spots? I do usually 4 passes, although the last one is just to catch the little patches here and there. Certainly the first two passes seem to cut about the same number of whiskers each time, and the third maybe a few less. So when I shave one morning, doesn't that really count as 2 or 3 shaves for those of you who only do one pass?

[Hawkeye5]

Fritz, I always do a three pass shave. My beard is just not as tough evidently. Feathers received. The Sharps will be mailed the 11th or 12th. If anyone else wants some Sharps to try, send me a PM with your address. See above posts for details.

[TraderJoe]

I wonder how some of you can get so many shaves per blade. Is it perhaps that you only do one pass? Or maybe 2, with the second just catching a few leftover spots? I do usually 4 passes, although the last one is just to catch the little patches here and there. Certainly the first two passes seem to cut about the same number of whiskers each time, and the third maybe a few less. So when I shave one morning, doesn't that really count as 2 or 3 shaves for those of you who only do one pass?

I haven't been in this discussion til now, but with the SHARPv2 I can usually get 3 shaves.

One shave for me = [1 pass above the jaw line, with some touchup on the chin area later on] + [3 or 4 passes on the neck]


John - :happy088 to you for your very generous offer.

[Stubble]

I do a multi-pass shave every morning. And I routinely use a blade for 1 or 2 shaves, then throw it away. I rotate between Sharps, Feathers and 7AM blades, and no matter the blade, 2 shaves, max, and I dispose of it.

I've never had a problem with irritation or any of the other difficulties folks have spoken about concerning blades. From reading various posts, IMO some use their blades too long, and then get the resultant irritation.

Blades are the cheapest aspect of DE shaving, why beat up your face, to save a .15 cent blade?

[Hawkeye5]

For those of you who responded to my offer, your blades were mailed today. There may be a little something extra, so look carefully.:D

[peacefrog]

I must be a freak. These blades just don't do it for me. I get all sorts of nicked up from these things.

I'm committed to IPs nowadays. They're not the sharpest, but I can get damn close shaves with them with zero nicks or irritation.

[Queen of Blades]

For those of you who responded to my offer, your blades were mailed today. There may be a little something extra, so look carefully.:D

Free stuff PLUS extra "surprise" free stuff?? :eek:

My mother must feel so ashamed of me right now, for missing out. :ashamed001

[Smedley]

I tried a Sharp on a good day and a half's growth of beard and it wasn't pleasant. I ditched it and went with a Feather instead. I will try again with a normal amount of whiskers to be fair, but right now I'm not super impressed with it.

YMMV, and so on.

[Hawkeye5]

Lagniappe, JoAnna. A very fine southern tradition, just a little something extra over what was expected.

[Bandg]

John: Thanks for the blades. I will give them a try and see how they compare. That was very nice of you to send the blades and provide postage. Now, about that food and booze.:rofl Thanks again, Bradley:D

[Hawkeye5]

Hmmmmm. Bradley may be of Dutch heritage, but seems he missed the Dutch Reformed Church part!!! :D
Enjoy the blades.
I'll be right down for the food and drink ::

[PottyDoctor]

Well, my package arrived yesterday afternoon. Thanks a million John for the Sharps....and for the bonus 7AM Blades!

I haven't shaved since Thursday evening, but I'm loading my HD with a Sharp and will give it a try tomorrow [Sunday] morning. I'll report back on the results.

My wife was surprised someone would just send me 'free' blades. I told her that wetshavers are just a friendly, generous bunch and really do practice "Paying It Forward."

[Bronco]

Thanks John, I appreciate the blades. They arrived safely on Saturday. I'll work them into my rotation and take them for a test drive!

[Hawkeye5]

Ya'll enjoy.

[Hawkeye5]

Well, I received an unexpected package in the mail today containing two ten packs of Crystal blades!!
Thanks, Steve. I've been half looking in some of the dollar stores around here for these. I'll try them out soon.
I've settled on the 7AM blade over the Sharps for my face and beard. Several folks have mentioned the Sharps may make good travel blades. As I'm taking a short trip next month I'll test that theory and see how it works for me.
Those of you that responded to my offer received ten Sharps and five 7AMs. Let us know your results and conclusions.
Right now I'm using a 7AM in a #16 English Aristocrat (all my razors are 'users') and enjoying it. Still not sure where the 7AM falls out in comparison with the Derby, Swede, and Feather, but I'm leaning toward a tie between the Derby and 7AM. While I'm on this English detour I may give my other English Gillette's and the sticky a spin. I've been in a HD rut for a while and its time to break out.

[Bronco]

You are welcome John.
I think I agree with you about the Sharps that you sent me, they are mild and forgiving but I think they are not suited for my face. I have only tried them in my Fat Boy so I'll keep experimenting with different razors. I haven't tried the 7 AM's yet, but will. I was almost afraid to try a new blade after my experience with Treets and Dorco's. My first bleeders in over a year. :mad:

[fritz]

Well, we got back from Germany late Wednesday night (which was early Thursday morning in Germany). Took a while to unpack (and sort out the 24 tubes of assorted shaving creams I lugged back). So I only this Monday morning tried one of the Sharps that John had sent while I was gone. I put it in my Futur set at 2.5, what I normally use with a new Feather. I was somewhat surprised at the quality of the overall shave. It didn't seem quite as sharp as a new Feather, so after a couple of strokes I moved the Futur up to 3. Still got 3 full passes and a 4th touch-up with no discomfort. The blade seemed a lot louder than a Feather, which I associate with chopping the whiskers more than slicing, but it cut smoothly without skipping or dragging, so perhaps that doesn't mean what I thought. It also seemed that the alum block and Pinaud Clubman had less sting than usual.

So it's a promising start, anyway. It'll take several more to get the rest of the story, of course. Thanks, John, for the opportunity to try these out. And the 7AMs too, sometime later.

[qhsdoitall]

I have these blades.

7am Platinum Double Edged Razor Blades
Derby Double Edged Razor Blades
Feather High Stainless Platinum Double Edged Razor Blades
Gillette Swedish Gillette Double Edged Razor Blades
Merkur Double Edged Razor Blades
Persona Super + Double Edged Razor Blades
Sharp Stainless Double Edged Razor Blades

I only have a few of the Merkur, Gillettes and 7ams. I have found that as my technique has improved the blade of choice has changed. A Feather was scary. Now, it is a friend. It's time to go back and re-evaluate each blade. I only use a blade max 3 times. If I use the same prep, razor and brush & cream, the blade that doesn't tug and skip is the one I want to use. I don't mind shortened longevity. Blades are cheap but blood is priceless. :D

[qhsdoitall]

Took a while to unpack (and sort out the 24 tubes of assorted shaving creams I lugged back).

You bring us any back? You got 24 tubes! :D

[fritz]

You bring us any back? You got 24 tubes! :D
SCAD? What SCAD? :D

Raf (Scorpio) has first dibs, since he asked for some specific ones before I left. If there's anything left over after he gets what he wants and I decide which ones I want to keep, I'll certainly put some up.

[MaduroMan_wcp]

sheesh, that's only a months worth...

[TraderJoe]

Well, we got back from Germany late Wednesday night (which was early Thursday morning in Germany). Took a while to unpack (and sort out the 24 tubes of assorted shaving creams I lugged back).

Welcome Back! :D

Thats one helluva haul - enjoy :happy088

[fritz]

So I only this Monday (May 7th) morning tried one of the Sharps that John had sent while I was gone. I put it in my Futur set at 2.5, what I normally use with a new Feather. I was somewhat surprised at the quality of the overall shave. It didn't seem quite as sharp as a new Feather, so after a couple of strokes I moved the Futur up to 3. Still got 3 full passes and a 4th touch-up with no discomfort. The blade seemed a lot louder than a Feather, which I associate with chopping the whiskers more than slicing, but it cut smoothly without skipping or dragging, so perhaps that doesn't mean what I thought. It also seemed that the alum block and Pinaud Clubman had less sting than usual.

So it's a promising start, anyway. It'll take several more to get the rest of the story, of course. Thanks, John, for the opportunity to try these out. And the 7AMs too, sometime later.

Well, after 5 more shaves it's time for an update. The Sharps were OK for one 3-4 pass shave, although not quite as smooth or long-lasting as a shave with a Feather. Then next day I changed the blade after only a few strokes. They are forgiving, so they might be a good blade for those awful days when you just have to get an acceptable shave in only 5 minutes.

I just tried a 7 AM yesterday, and was not too impressed. Seemed harsh, but not very sharp. I went back to my normal shaving for today (Sunday), to be sure I didn't have to go to church bleeding... Could be just a bad individual blade or an off day for my technique; I'll try some more 7 AM shaves this coming week.

[qhsdoitall]

I just tried a 7 AM yesterday, and was not too impressed. Seemed harsh, but not very sharp.

I tend to agree with you on the 7am blades.

[crackstar]

I find the 7 AM's very effective, but the Sharps are better, at least in terms of being more forgiving, and a lot easier on my skin.

[Hawkeye5]

Glad you received the blades, Fritz.
I actually like the 7AM blades. Not as good as a Swede, but less expensive and much easier to come by. Everyone is different.
Hope you had a great trip.

[Smedley]

I'll have to retry both the 7ams and the Sharps this week.

[Stubble]

Well, its been a little while since my original post about these blades, and I have reconsidered my opinion on these.

The Sharps are not as sharp as the 7AM's, at least in my opinion. They are still a good everyday blade, and very inexpensive. The smoothness is still there, and they are forgiving.

The 7AM's are sharper, and a smooth blade, but not as smooth as the Sharps. Seems you also need good technique, to get the most out of these blades. Again a good blade, and inexpensive.

I think either of these blades would be good for traveling, as you really don't want to leave a blade in your razor while in transit. So, use them once, and toss.

Best, Ken

[Bronco]

Sharps revisited-
Blade change day so just for the heck of it I threw a Sharps in my 38C. A really nice shave. We'll see how many I get!

[SSLSTudio...]

Sharps revisited-
Blade change day so just for the heck of it I threw a Sharps in my 38C. A really nice shave. We'll see how many I get!

I would advice 2 shaves then toss it away. 1 shave and toss would even be better they are not such expensive blades compared to lets say the Feathers.

you just have to find your magic nr for each blade.
for me its 3 shaves with a Derby , 5 with a Feather.

benefit of 1 shave and toss is no rust build up always hygenic safety.

[Bronco]

Rene,
You are right. This blade won't make a 3rd shave, the second wasn't to bad but not as good as the first. Maybe 1.5 shaves.:D

[crackstar]

The Sharps, as I may have said before, are probably the best blades for a newbie to wetshaving to learn on. They're so gentle and forgiving, and perfect for sensitive skin. I've been wetshaving all my life, and Lord knows, my skin took plenty of abuse from other brands of DE blades. These Sharps are a godsend for me.