First shave on a new blade, so it had a sharp feel. It is a smoother blade than the "ultra chrome". This suits my face (and perhaps technique) better. I was thinking that it doesn't shave as close as the personna, but it did. As a first test I keep on going with extra passes for the closest result that the blade can give before irritation gets in the way. This blade is just frickin great. I was trying to compare it to the bleue as that has been the best blade for me, I don't know if there is much between them.
Yeah, the smile on my face when I first loaded a Schick.... well you couldn't wipe it off my face with a rusty straight. I'm going to say the Spoiler is better, if only because it is more user friendly with the Teflon coating. I'd suggest that you run it next, even in a different razor.
My issue with vintage blades is that I want to get the most out of them, so every new blade always feels sharp and smooth as I tend to push the blade further than I normally would. The Personna is a sharp blade, but I think the Schick is probably that hair sharper, and the Spoiler that tiny bit sharper again.
There is also the question of technique and angle - I feel that I am getting better with these blades over time. The uncoated blades to require an adjustment to technique as they do not glide as well and it's a completely different sensation to what we are used to.
OT thoughts creep in "Why can't they just make new blades like this, it's just a stupid piece of sharpened steel"?
No nicks, no irritation and I'm as cleanly shaven as I think I can get.
Welcome to my brain. After the first Spoiler shave, I was thinking "you know, Gillette really need to put these back into production" but Lucifer will be skating to work before that corporate announcement.
RM has used the word "control" in the past. I think it is apt for this blade. I can do exactly what I want without jumps or bites and it just cuts my beard and not me.
The shame is availability.
I think all the older blades give control and feedback that surpasses anything current, and not by a small margin either. They don't bite when you get it wrong, but reward you immensely when you get it right. It feels good, satisfying and dare I say it, fulfilling. A good shave with a modern blade - even a Bleue - becomes an
amazing shave with a quality vintage blade.