RayClem's Blade Evaluations

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Since I do not have an AS D2 razor, I do not know how BIC CP blades will work in that razor, but I suspect they would be fine. If you have the AS D-2 razor, definitely give it a try. I am sure the AS D-2 would be find for my ATG and clean-up passes, but I would probably consider it to be too inefficient for my WTG pass, even with a Feather or BIC blade. If I shaved daily , it might be fine, but I suspect it might struggle with a two or three-day growth.

I get a wonderful shave with BIC Blades using my Karve C-plate. The C- plate has a 0.85 mm blade gap and 0.09 mm blade exposure. Thus, it falls into the moderate aggression category. It could probably get a great shave in my Karve D-plate with 0.98 blade gap and 0.13 blade exposure, which is slightly more aggressive. I purchased a Karve E-plate, but have not had time to evaluate it. It has 1.10 blade gap and 0.17 blade exposure, so it is starting to get into the aggressive range. I would be a little hesitant to use the BIC blade with the E-plate.

I am certain the BIC blade would work well in my Timeless 0.68 razor with zero blade exposure. I am still trying to find the right blade to use with my Timeless 0.95 razor with .002 blade exposure. Although the Timeless has a similar blade gap to my Karve D-plate, the blade exposure is significantly less. Sooner or later, I will try a BIC blade in that razor.

All great razors listed here. Paired with the right blade, I'm am sure shaving bliss will be found!!! The Timeless .68 I find to be very mild but can likely work very well with a sharp blade as we have talked about and both seen before. The Karve E plate could be tricky. It is efficient as all hell. I don't find it to be super aggressive personally, but it may be for others. I did use a Bic CP in it, but with 8 days of growth. I have used other sharp blades and it has been still comfortable and smooth for me. I also find my Ti 0.95 to be quite smooth and not aggressive feeling. I know with the way you describe your skin and beard, it could be very different for you. Curious as to what your findings will be down the road with the Timeless 0.95 and the Karve E plate.

Tried the new Bic CPs today. Much much smoother out of the box, so excited to see how it evolves with subsequent shaves. Unfortunately I think I will need to adjust my technique as I just ruined my tee due to delayed weepers all over my chin even after using alum block. Very frustrating but I have only myself to blame.

We press on. I ordered styptic liquid which I will apply beneath my chin after every shave, cut or no cut just to be safe. I also no longer think BBS beneath the chin is worth the risk considering the bleeding that can ruin shirts without you noticing at first.

Tried the new Bic CPs today. Much much smoother out of the box, so excited to see how it evolves with subsequent shaves. Unfortunately I think I will need to adjust my technique as I just ruined my tee due to delayed weepers all over my chin even after using alum block. Very frustrating but I have only myself to blame.

We press on. I ordered styptic liquid which I will apply beneath my chin after every shave, cut or no cut just to be safe. I also no longer think BBS beneath the chin is worth the risk considering the bleeding that can ruin shirts without you noticing at first.

Yep, BIC blades can and will draw blood if you are not careful. Remember to shave with minimal pressure. The reason I do a four-pass shave rather than a 2 or 3 pass is that I know I can shave with minimal pressure on each pass and still end up where I want to be. If you look at each of my blade evaluations, you will see that my goal is a "near BBS" shave. I try for BBS on my cheeks and neck, but on my chin and jawline, I am satisfied with a DFS. If I pushed for BBS on those areas, I would end up with nicks as well. The cheeks and neck are soft tissue, but the chin and jawline are bony, so you have to be extra careful.

The best product for nicks I have found is called "Nick Stick" Pacific Shaving Company. 

https://pacificshaving.com/products/the-...nick-stick

I like applying Witch Hazel after my shave. It contains 14% alcohol and is an astringent to help deal with any micro-abrasions. The Nick Stick is only reserved for visible blood. Thus, one Nick Stick will typically last more than a year. I use Dickenson's, which was the original witch hazel, but you can use generic versions or scented versions.

Based on your arrangement of the spreadsheet, here are the Top 10 blades:

1. BIC Chrome Platinum
2. 7 O'Clock Platinum (Black)
3. Nacet Platinum
4. King C. Gillette Platinum (Russia)
5. Minora Stainless
6. Wizamet Super Iridium
7. Nacet Stainless
8. Permasharp Super
9. Bolzano Superinox
10. Filoso Barbers Blade


https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/71ttt15wy...b&e=1&dl=0

Based on your arrangement of the spreadsheet, here are the Top 10 blades:

1. BIC Chrome Platinum
2. 7 O'Clock Platinum (Black)
3. Nacet Platinum
4. King C. Gillette Platinum (Russia)
5. Minora Stainless
6. Wizamet Super Iridium
7. Nacet Stainless
8. Permasharp Super
9. Bolzano Superinox
10. Filoso Barbers Blade


https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/71ttt15wy...b&e=1&dl=0

That would be true except that the Nacet Platinums Russia) were discontinued a few years ago, so they are no longer available. Thus, you should drop them from the list and add the Gillette 365 from India. For all practical purposes, the list should be expanded to include the Gillette Super Thin (Vietnam) blades as well as the Derby Usta blades as the difference between these blades and blades rated higher is pretty small.

Your Top 12 is an excellent list.  Having tried most of them and many of the blades outside of the Top 12, i have to agree with your findings.  I have not tried Bolzano nor Filoso but if needed I would pick some up.  I do have too many blades in and out of the Top 12 though, lol.  Time to downsize some blades.

As to 365, they were said to be quite a poor blade in the past.  Maybe after the Indian plants were retooled (when Wilkies were made in China), the 365 also got a uplift?  Even now, I believe they are cheaper than Wilkies in India if my understanding is correct.

Your Top 12 is an excellent list.  Having tried most of them and many of the blades outside of the Top 11, I have to agree with your findings.  I have not tried Bolzano nor Filoso but if needed I would pick some up.  I do have too many blades in and out of the Top 12 though, lol.  Time to downsize some blades.

As to 365, they were said to be quite a poor blade in the past.  Maybe after the Indian plants were retooled (when Wilkies were made in China), the 365 also got a uplift?  Even now, I believe they are cheaper than Wilkies in India if my understanding is correct.

The Gillette 365 blades surprised me. I did not have high expectations for them, but I was quite pleased with the performance. Perhaps when Gillette started moving production from Russia to India and China they upgraded some of the equipment and procedures. Most of the top blades in my list were produced in Russia. It is no wonder that shavers had such a high regard for PPI blades made in Russia. The 7 O'Clock Super Premium black blade made in India is among the very best blades available. Thus, Gillette India has always been able to produce great blades, yet it has to establish itself as a suitable replacement for the famed PPI blades.

Your Top 12 is an excellent list.  Having tried most of them and many of the blades outside of the Top 11, I have to agree with your findings.  I have not tried Bolzano nor Filoso but if needed I would pick some up.  I do have too many blades in and out of the Top 12 though, lol.  Time to downsize some blades.

As to 365, they were said to be quite a poor blade in the past.  Maybe after the Indian plants were retooled (when Wilkies were made in China), the 365 also got a uplift?  Even now, I believe they are cheaper than Wilkies in India if my understanding is correct.

FYI my Ebay seller tells me has Filoso on the way. This way you can buy a few without buying 100. Wait a week or two then search for them on Ebay.

Your Top 12 is an excellent list.  Having tried most of them and many of the blades outside of the Top 11, I have to agree with your findings.  I have not tried Bolzano nor Filoso but if needed I would pick some up.  I do have too many blades in and out of the Top 12 though, lol.  Time to downsize some blades.

As to 365, they were said to be quite a poor blade in the past.  Maybe after the Indian plants were retooled (when Wilkies were made in China), the 365 also got a uplift?  Even now, I believe they are cheaper than Wilkies in India if my understanding is correct.

FYI my Ebay seller tells me has Filoso on the way. This way you can buy a few without buying 100. Wait a week or two then search for them on Ebay.

A 100 pack of the Filoso blades is only $13 plus shipping. There are already vendors that will sell 5 blades for $0.99, but you would have to pay shipping unless you are close enough to pickup directly. Ordering single tucks online is only cost effective if you are ordering a number of different blade at the same time. When I was purchasing blades for the evaluation, I purchased multiple brands at the same time so that the shipping costs would be spread over the entire lot of blades. If your eBay seller has multiple brands for sale, then such as multi-blade purchase becomes feasible. Otherwise, I suggest purchasing 100 blades like I did. Since they are excellent blades, I am glad I have plenty of spares.

After a few weeks I can honestly say Bic CPs are the blades for me. I bleed alot less if at all now that I’ve adjusted my technique, and I only get a very faint hint of redness after the fifth day of shaving.