Swede's - I had forgotten

Let's talk about single and double edged razors and the blades that they use.
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Gene
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Swede's - I had forgotten

Post by Gene »

I have been using my General razor for quite some time. But - a comment from Dr Moss about the blades being for a different purpose than face shaving has stuck with me. Last night I decided to perform an experiment. I have an older Tech razor (the kind with the rounded triangle-shaped slots in the base - a bit more aggressive than other Tech razors). I paired this with a heavy handle to change the way the razor felt in my hand - all the weight in my hand. So far so good. Now - for a blade. As I rummaged around I came across an opened 5-pack of Swede's that had to have been opened a couple of years ago. So I put one in the razor - ready for the shave this morning.

I typically shave in the shower - and it was no different today. Same technique as usual - currently up in the rotation is a tube of Nivea shave cream (purchased at a Canadian market on the recommendation of Wendell) and my reliable ancient Tweezerman $11 badger brush.

The results? Nothing short of amazing. I had forgotten how smooth these blades really are. Even from an old open pack. Frankly it felt like I was just moving the razor over my face without a blade in it - it was that smooth. Excellent performance. Wish they still made them.

Or, I wish there was a blade this good for the General since the Swede's will eventually be gone.
Gene

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fallingwickets
Clive the Thumb
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Re: Swede's - I had forgotten

Post by fallingwickets »

a 'perfect' shave is one of the best ways to brighten up a day :lol:

enjoy the blades while they last

clive
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Pauldog
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Re: Swede's - I had forgotten

Post by Pauldog »

Try the Schick Proline P-30 blades, from Japan. That's the size that fits the Artist Club razor, and the B-20 is the standard injector size.

They shouldn't be too hard to find online.
pausted
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Re: Swede's - I had forgotten

Post by pausted »

Gene wrote: Thu Sep 09, 2021 11:25 am

The results? Nothing short of amazing. I had forgotten how smooth these blades really are. Even from an old open pack. Frankly it felt like I was just moving the razor over my face without a blade in it - it was that smooth. Excellent performance. Wish they still made them.
.
I have been doing a little test and have found that the currently produced King C Gillette blade shaves exactly like the Swede. I use the same prep, same razor and same soap. I cannot tell the difference between the two blades. Obviously they are not the same blade but IMO they shave the same.
Maybe this is a solution to the problem of Swedes being no longer available. YMMV.
Best regards,

Basil
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fallingwickets
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Re: Swede's - I had forgotten

Post by fallingwickets »

im going to try a few and see if its close.

thanks
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pausted
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Re: Swede's - I had forgotten

Post by pausted »

I’ll be interested to hear your thoughts.
Best regards,

Basil
CMur12
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Re: Swede's - I had forgotten

Post by CMur12 »

Personally, I never found the "Swedes" that exceptional. Modern P&G blades, such as the Perma Sharps, Rubies, and such feel just as good to me. I also really like Treet Dura Sharps (PTFE-coated carbon steel) and Personna Med Preps. In my opinion, the best blades of all time were the Personna 74 (sharp, smooth, and exceptionally long-lasting).

- Murray
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fallingwickets
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Re: Swede's - I had forgotten

Post by fallingwickets »

Rubies have become my gold standard benchmark against which all blades are measured. several years ago there was a discussion about fakes etc etc and i think maybe bullgoose was offering verified legit blades and so i bought a bunch....very glad i did

clive
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fallingwickets
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Re: Swede's - I had forgotten

Post by fallingwickets »

KcG's arrived last week via amzn. Packaging is decent; Two packs in an eye catching box.

blades are very smooth. It is a very nice blade to shave with, but one noticeable (for me anyway) outcome is a faster growing beard. Not sure if that makes sense or not, but what i mean is that after the shave my skin feels ultra smooth but not even 12 hours later i feel a lot of stubble, or more stubble than i usually would using a different blade. Some gents notice the same outcome when using a cartridge vs a de...the cartridge shave encourages growth :shock: :shock: :D

In any event, I would say that next time I need personna's I'll order the KcG's instead....ex the stubble the blade is the better one to use

clive
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drmoss_ca
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Re: Swede's - I had forgotten

Post by drmoss_ca »

Sounds like the commonly reported issue with Feather DE blades - sharp stubble that is more prickly and noticeable than if a less sharp blade is used. I think it was kaptain_zero (Christian) who called it the 'M-factor' as Merkur blades, being so much less sharp, always seemed to give longer lasting shaves.

C.
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pausted
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Re: Swede's - I had forgotten

Post by pausted »

Clive, thanks for your report. I will be on the lookout to see if my stubble grows faster. I had not noticed but I’ll watch for it. Anyway, glad you like the blades.
Best regards,

Basil
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fallingwickets
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Re: Swede's - I had forgotten

Post by fallingwickets »

more than likely my biggest shaving disappointment, merkur 'changing' their blade

clive
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CMur12
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Re: Swede's - I had forgotten

Post by CMur12 »

Hi Clive -

So, Merkur actually changed their blades?

I thought they were just always rotten. 8)

- Murray
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drmoss_ca
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Re: Swede's - I had forgotten

Post by drmoss_ca »

I'm happy with Merkur blades, but my stash goes nearly twenty years, so are they old or new?

C.
"Je n'ai pas besoin de cette hypothèse."
Pierre-Simon de Laplace
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fallingwickets
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Re: Swede's - I had forgotten

Post by fallingwickets »

Murray, as far as i know the blade changed several years ago and so I'm guessing the good Doc has old blades! :D Also, if you thought the old version was rotten the new ones would ruin you forever :lol: :lol: :lol:

clive
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Pauldog
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Re: Swede's - I had forgotten

Post by Pauldog »

Where are the King Gillette blades made?
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fallingwickets
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Re: Swede's - I had forgotten

Post by fallingwickets »

unfortunately i didnt hang onto the outer packaging...the two inner packets of blades make no reference to production locations
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