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Chad Uses BAD blades!

Volume 74 Zorrik Talvar Use 1

Well today the random number generator went to the bottom of the list. Picking the Zorrik Talvar blade. Talvar stands for sword, so this should be sharp right?

Here is what I know.

This is a chromium coated blade for smoothness and longevity.
Made in India at the Super Max facility. But under their own brand that is owned by Vidyut Metallics Ltd.
This is a very common blade in India, but hasn't been spotted much outside of India. You can find other Zorrik Blades though however.

As far as cost goes. You will not find this at any of the top 4 wethshaving sites. However with some looking they can be found for $10 to $15 for 100 pack which isn't real bad , but you will most likely pay shipping.

So the shave I must admit I was actually blown away. The shave was super smooth! Only complaint was after I was done I wasn't as close as I thought so tomorrow I will use a slightly more aggressive razor and see how it goes.

 
Last edited:
Nice job Chad! Any idea when we talk about a blade being a “favorite” in places like India, China, or the like, how many manufacturers they actually have access to? They pretty open market in the shave realm?
 
Volume 75 Zorrik Talvar Use 2

Well today I used the blade for its second use in the Game Change .84, and man what a shave. This blade actually delivered a wonderful shave. Super smooth and very comfortable. However not quite to 100 pack rating but pretty darn close in all honestly. These blades are going to get a good rating, While comfortable and hitting all the points when compared to the Gillette Platinum that just received the 100 pack rating it is not that good. But definitely a good rating. And if I ever see them at a good price I will pick them up.

RATING SYSTEM
TRASH: Can't get a good shave. This blade is horrible. Never use again.
BAD: A bad blade but technically still got a serviceable shave, but have no desire to use the blade again.
GOOD: It was good enough that if I have another blade I wouldn't hesitate to use it.
100PACK: This blade was good enough to warrant stocking up!

Here are the updated lists and rankings:

** Blades Used **

  1. Muhle = Bad
  2. Van Der Hagen = Good
  3. Graham Field = Trash
  4. Super Homex = Bad
  5. Shark Super Chrome = Bad
  6. Shark Stainless Steel = 100 PACK
  7. Sputnik = 100 PACK
  8. Rockwell = Bad
  9. Parker = 100 PACK
  10. Bic Platinum = Trash
  11. Timor = Good
  12. MEM Super Silver Platinum = Trash
  13. Blue Bird = Good
  14. Gillette 7 O'clock Black = Good
  15. Royal Super Stainless = Bad
  16. Topaz Platinum = Bad
  17. ^Dorco 300 = Good
  18. Dorco 301 = Good
  19. Dorco Prime = Good
  20. Dorco Titan = Good
  21. Qball Platinum Plus = Good
  22. Treet King = Bad
  23. Derby Premium = 100 Pack
  24. Derby Extra = Bad
  25. Assured $1 = Trash
  26. Vincent VT300b = Trash
  27. ^ Gillette Super Thin = Good
  28. Lord Super Stainless = Good
  29. Lord Platinum = Good
  30. Lord Chrome = Good
  31. ^Lord Captain = Good
  32. Topaz Stainless = Bad
  33. Gillette Platinum = 100 Pack
  34. Zorrik Talvar = Good

^ - Discontinued

100 Pack Ranking
  1. Parker Premium
  2. Sputnik
  3. Gillette Platinum
  4. Derby Premium
  5. Shark Stainless Steel
Good Ranking
  1. Zorrik Talvar
  2. Qball Platinum Plus
  3. Lord Chrome
  4. Lord Captain
  5. Blue Bird Stainless
  6. Dorco Prime
  7. Gillette 7 O'Clock Black
  8. Gillette Super Thin
  9. Dorco Titan
  10. Dorco 300/301
  11. Timor
  12. Lord Platinum
  13. Lord Super Stainless
  14. Van Der Hagen
Bad Ranking
  1. Derby Extra
  2. Topaz Platinum
  3. Topaz Stainless
  4. Muhle
  5. Treet King
  6. Royal Super Stainless
  7. Super Homex
  8. Shark Chrome
  9. Rockwell
Trash Ranking
  1. Bic Platinum
  2. MEM Super Silver
  3. Vincent VT300b
  4. Assured $1
  5. Graham Field
 
Volume 76 Ladas Use 1

Well today the Ladas blade was selected for use. This is a Super Stainless Steel blade made in Moscow, Russia by the company Mostochlegmash. This company also makes Rapiras, Sharp Star, and Voskhod. The main product being Rapira. The Ladas blade is very popular among new shavers because it is considered efficient yet mild. And I agree. People that use more aggressive razors though do tend to complain it is not sharp enough. Today in my Timeless .68 it gave a very nice DFS + shave, but could have done better around my adam's apple. Tomorrow I am going to load it up in a more aggressive razor and see how it performs. But so far it is looking like a good rating at minimum which should be no surprise for a blade from Russia. They always tend to be rated highly among the shaving community.

As far as pricing it is a little inconsistent but priced well.

Amazon 100 blades for $9.99 so about .10 cents per blade
Italian Barber 100 blades for $10.99 so about .11 cents per blade
Maggard's 100 blades for $11.99 so about .12 cents per blade
WCS not sold

This is in line for most blades. But as we all know the Voskhod's which did receive 100 pack rating were priced better.

 
Going back a few episodes here, I picked up some Sputniks in a tester pack a while back and expected them to be middling St Petersburg blades.

I've run one through a couple of vintage Gillettes and Gibbs adjustable and they are just amazingly good blades. I'm admiring the close shave I just got from the Gibbs today as I type.
 
Volume 77 Ladas Use 2

Well today I loaded the Ladas in the Parker Variant and dialed it up to #5. I must admit the blade performed much better than I expected. It really delivered. It did however on the ATG pass have a slight scraping feel to it, which kept it out of the 100 pack category. But it is going to get a high Good rating and it is well deserved. If the price is right I would definitely pick these up when stocking up.

RATING SYSTEM
TRASH: Can't get a good shave. This blade is horrible. Never use again.
BAD: A bad blade but technically still got a serviceable shave, but have no desire to use the blade again.
GOOD: It was good enough that if I have another blade I wouldn't hesitate to use it.
100PACK: This blade was good enough to warrant stocking up!

Here are the updated lists and rankings:

** Blades Used **

  1. Muhle = Bad
  2. Van Der Hagen = Good
  3. Graham Field = Trash
  4. Super Homex = Bad
  5. Shark Super Chrome = Bad
  6. Shark Stainless Steel = 100 PACK
  7. Sputnik = 100 PACK
  8. Rockwell = Bad
  9. Parker = 100 PACK
  10. Bic Platinum = Trash
  11. Timor = Good
  12. MEM Super Silver Platinum = Trash
  13. Blue Bird = Good
  14. Gillette 7 O'clock Black = Good
  15. Royal Super Stainless = Bad
  16. Topaz Platinum = Bad
  17. ^Dorco 300 = Good
  18. Dorco 301 = Good
  19. Dorco Prime = Good
  20. Dorco Titan = Good
  21. Qball Platinum Plus = Good
  22. Treet King = Bad
  23. Derby Premium = 100 Pack
  24. Derby Extra = Bad
  25. Assured $1 = Trash
  26. Vincent VT300b = Trash
  27. ^ Gillette Super Thin = Good
  28. Lord Super Stainless = Good
  29. Lord Platinum = Good
  30. Lord Chrome = Good
  31. ^Lord Captain = Good
  32. Topaz Stainless = Bad
  33. Gillette Platinum = 100 Pack
  34. Zorrik Talvar = Good
  35. Ladas = Good
^ - Discontinued

* 100 Pack Ranking*
  1. Parker Premium
  2. Sputnik
  3. Gillette Platinum
  4. Derby Premium
  5. Shark Stainless Steel
Good Ranking
  1. Zorrik Talvar
  2. Ladas
  3. Qball Platinum Plus
  4. Lord Chrome
  5. Lord Captain
  6. Blue Bird Stainless
  7. Dorco Prime
  8. Gillette 7 O'Clock Black
  9. Gillette Super Thin
  10. Dorco Titan
  11. Dorco 300/301
  12. Timor
  13. Lord Platinum
  14. Lord Super Stainless
  15. Van Der Hagen
* Bad Ranking*
  1. Derby Extra
  2. Topaz Platinum
  3. Topaz Stainless
  4. Muhle
  5. Treet King
  6. Royal Super Stainless
  7. Super Homex
  8. Shark Chrome
  9. Rockwell
Trash Ranking
  1. Bic Platinum
  2. MEM Super Silver
  3. Vincent VT300b
  4. Assured $1
  5. Graham Field
 
Volume 78 Kai Use 1

Well I know that @dangerousdon talks highly of this blade. And it has been a long time since I have I used one so I was excited to see it come up. So here is what I learned about this blade:


They are made in Japan by the company Kai. This company touts that it uses medical grade steel on all its blades whether it be for shaving, the kitchen, the barbershop,or a doctor office. The company makes a lot of items. But as far as shaving goes they are mainly invested in their SE system that rivals Feather their direct competitor and throw away handled razors. In fact they have their DE blade in the Industrial section, which is where they also sell scraper blades, box cutter blades, etc. Kai does not invest a lot of energy into their DE blade and appear to be no focusing on the market.

This is their product description found on their website and also Amazon:
Kai Double Edge Razor Blades are made in Japan, using high quality, medical grade stainless steel. Made of a thicker gauge steel than other brands, Kai D.E. Blades have a superior cutting edge that shaves comfortably, without being overly aggressive or harsh. More forgiving, yet still quite sharp, Kai D.E. Blades are best for more experienced wet shavers. 100 blades (20 packages with 5 blades each).
Click to expand...

They don't want the balde to be aggressive or harsh. And honestly during my shave I agree that it is not aggressive but still efficient. But it lacked in smoothness. As i have continued this journey I am realizing that I prefer coated blades. I am believer that they do in fact add a comfort. If Kai invested in the DE market like they do the SE market I bet we would have a winner of a blade. Now I am left trying to decide where to grade this blade. I am going to try it in the slightly more aggressive Game Changer and see how that changes things.

Now pricing. Geez! FIrst off these are not available at WCS or Italian Barber in bulk.

Amazon: 100 blades at $36.99 so .37 cents per blade
Maggards: 100 blades at $59.95 so .60 per blade

Honestly overpriced.

 
Nice evaluation of the blade Chad! And yes I do like them a lot...but it is the price...as you have mentioned...that keeps me away from them.
 
Nice job Chad! I do hear about the Kai blades quite a bit. Interested to see if tomorrow’s shave is an improvement!
 
Volume 79 Kai Use 2

Well today loaded the blade into the Game Changer which is more aggressive and had a shave. Now this is probably going to be a controversial rating but let me explain. The shave left a lot to be desired. While yes still sharp, and not harsh it really lacked the smoothness. It just was not a very good shave in that regard. If the company wants to truly treat the DE blade as an industrial blade and NOT use the same technology they use on their SE blades on the DE blades why should I commit to using the Kai DE blade? They are overpriced, and just hit the bare minimum in DE blade technology. There are so many other blades that perform better and significantly cheaper. Because of all of that I offer up a BAD ranking. Here are the definitions and updated ranking lists.

RATING SYSTEM
TRASH: Can't get a good shave. This blade is horrible. Never use again.
BAD: A bad blade but technically still got a serviceable shave, but have no desire to use the blade again.
GOOD: It was good enough that if I have another blade I wouldn't hesitate to use it.
100PACK: This blade was good enough to warrant stocking up!

Here are the updated lists and rankings:

** Blades Used **

  1. Muhle = Bad
  2. Van Der Hagen = Good
  3. Graham Field = Trash
  4. Super Homex = Bad
  5. Shark Super Chrome = Bad
  6. Shark Stainless Steel = 100 PACK
  7. Sputnik = 100 PACK
  8. Rockwell = Bad
  9. Parker = 100 PACK
  10. Bic Platinum = Trash
  11. Timor = Good
  12. MEM Super Silver Platinum = Trash
  13. Blue Bird = Good
  14. Gillette 7 O'clock Black = Good
  15. Royal Super Stainless = Bad
  16. Topaz Platinum = Bad
  17. ^Dorco 300 = Good
  18. Dorco 301 = Good
  19. Dorco Prime = Good
  20. Dorco Titan = Good
  21. Qball Platinum Plus = Good
  22. Treet King = Bad
  23. Derby Premium = 100 Pack
  24. Derby Extra = Bad
  25. Assured $1 = Trash
  26. Vincent VT300b = Trash
  27. ^ Gillette Super Thin = Good
  28. Lord Super Stainless = Good
  29. Lord Platinum = Good
  30. Lord Chrome = Good
  31. ^Lord Captain = Good
  32. Topaz Stainless = Bad
  33. Gillette Platinum = 100 Pack
  34. Zorrik Talvar = Good
  35. Kai Stainless = Bad
^ - Discontinued

* 100 Pack Ranking*
  1. Parker Premium
  2. Sputnik
  3. Gillette Platinum
  4. Derby Premium
  5. Shark Stainless Steel
Good Ranking
  1. Zorrik Talvar
  2. Qball Platinum Plus
  3. Lord Chrome
  4. Lord Captain
  5. Blue Bird Stainless
  6. Dorco Prime
  7. Gillette 7 O'Clock Black
  8. Gillette Super Thin
  9. Dorco Titan
  10. Dorco 300/301
  11. Timor
  12. Lord Platinum
  13. Lord Super Stainless
  14. Van Der Hagen
Bad Ranking
  1. Derby Extra
  2. Kai Stainless
  3. Topaz Platinum
  4. Topaz Stainless
  5. Muhle
  6. Treet King
  7. Royal Super Stainless
  8. Super Homex
  9. Shark Chrome
  10. Rockwell
Trash Ranking
  1. Bic Platinum
  2. MEM Super Silver
  3. Vincent VT300b
  4. Assured $1
  5. Graham Field
 
Last edited:
Nice review! I guess Kai didn't had luck. This blade really likes certain angle, that some razors have, and gives some extra stiffness that some razors need. If you had Merkur or Rotbart, it would deliver more.
 
Gagi said:
Nice review! I guess Kai didn't had luck. This blade really likes certain angle, that some razors have, and gives some extra stiffness that some razors need. If you had Merkur or Rotbart, it would deliver more.
Click to expand...

Yea I have used them before in other razors and go good results. But after using all these blades I have come to the opinion that the only way I will stock up on a blade is if I can use it in any razor. I don't want to stock up on a blade that can only be used in one razor. I made that mistake once, but don't want to spoil it as it will come up soon in this series.
 
Volume 80 Trig Silver Use 1


Well today the Trig blade was selected which is made by Treet in Pakistan. These blades are stainless steel with a silver edge, and PTFE Teflon coated. The reviews on these blades are a little all over the place but the common consensus is they are sharp, and extremely smooth. Complaints usually centered around being too sharp.

For my shave today I found the blade to be extremely efficient. Yes sharp but not harsh. Very smooth. Especially compared to the Kai blade that was just used. I did my standard 2.5 passes which I can usually achieve BBS. In the video I said I got BBS, and while that is true, I did notice a small spot missed near left ear, so I guess I can't really claim BBS. Honestly this blade surprised me. I am looking forward to using in a more aggressive razor tomorrow.

Pricing:
Amazon 100 @ $9.99 about .10 per blade
WCS 100 @ $14.99 about .15 cents per blade

Not sold at Maggard's or Italian Barber.


 
Volume 81 Trig Silver Use 2

Well today was the second use of the Trig Silver Edge blade and I loaded it in my trusty Parker Variant and dialed it to the highest setting. And get ready for some possibly more controversy. The shave was absolutely wonderful! This is a superb blade. It is so smooth in these razors that I have used and just glides across the face with ease. It is extremely efficient too, just providing a superb shave. Honestly this one kind of surprised me. But referring back to notes and comparing to other blades. This blade deserves a 100 pack rating. Yup that's right.

RATING SYSTEM
TRASH: Can't get a good shave. This blade is horrible. Never use again.
BAD: A bad blade but technically still got a serviceable shave, but have no desire to use the blade again.
GOOD: It was good enough that if I have another blade I wouldn't hesitate to use it.
100PACK: This blade was good enough to warrant stocking up!

Here are the updated lists and rankings:

** Blades Used **

  1. Muhle = Bad
  2. Van Der Hagen = Good
  3. Graham Field = Trash
  4. Super Homex = Bad
  5. Shark Super Chrome = Bad
  6. Shark Stainless Steel = 100 PACK
  7. Sputnik = 100 PACK
  8. Rockwell = Bad
  9. Parker = 100 PACK
  10. Bic Platinum = Trash
  11. Timor = Good
  12. MEM Super Silver Platinum = Trash
  13. Blue Bird = Good
  14. Gillette 7 O'clock Black = Good
  15. Royal Super Stainless = Bad
  16. Topaz Platinum = Bad
  17. ^Dorco 300 = Good
  18. Dorco 301 = Good
  19. Dorco Prime = Good
  20. Dorco Titan = Good
  21. Qball Platinum Plus = Good
  22. Treet King = Bad
  23. Derby Premium = 100 Pack
  24. Derby Extra = Bad
  25. Assured $1 = Trash
  26. Vincent VT300b = Trash
  27. ^ Gillette Super Thin = Good
  28. Lord Super Stainless = Good
  29. Lord Platinum = Good
  30. Lord Chrome = Good
  31. ^Lord Captain = Good
  32. Topaz Stainless = Bad
  33. Gillette Platinum = 100 Pack
  34. Zorrik Talvar = Good
  35. Kai Stainless = Bad
  36. Trig Silver = 100 Pack
^ - Discontinued

* 100 Pack Ranking*
  1. Parker Premium
  2. Sputnik
  3. Trig Silver
  4. Gillette Platinum
  5. Derby Premium
  6. Shark Stainless Steel
Good Ranking
  1. Zorrik Talvar
  2. Qball Platinum Plus
  3. Lord Chrome
  4. Lord Captain
  5. Blue Bird Stainless
  6. Dorco Prime
  7. Gillette 7 O'Clock Black
  8. Gillette Super Thin
  9. Dorco Titan
  10. Dorco 300/301
  11. Timor
  12. Lord Platinum
  13. Lord Super Stainless
  14. Van Der Hagen
Bad Ranking
  1. Derby Extra
  2. Kai Stainless
  3. Topaz Platinum
  4. Topaz Stainless
  5. Muhle
  6. Treet King
  7. Royal Super Stainless
  8. Super Homex
  9. Shark Chrome
  10. Rockwell
Trash Ranking
  1. Bic Platinum
  2. MEM Super Silver
  3. Vincent VT300b
  4. Assured $1
  5. Graham Field

Had some good conversation via PM with @DEMan so tagging him here so he can see this thread with all the ranking of the blades I have used thus far.
 
DEMan said:
Thank's! Gives me some blades to go over.
Click to expand...


And here is a list of what is still on deck to be used for this series that I have been doing.

* On Deck*
7 A.M. Platinum
Asco Super Stainless (Orange)
Asco SUper Stainless (Red)
Asco Super Stainless (Red/Blue)
Astra Sp
Astra SS
Baili Blue Blades
Balaka Carbon Steel
Battle Brothers
Bic Astor
Big Ben Super Stainless
Bolzano
Centwin Super Platinum
Cloud
Concord
Croma Diamant Stainless
Crown Stainless?
Dollar Platinum
Eddison
Elios Inoxidable
Feather Hi-Stainless
Gentle Man Platinum
Gillette 365
Gillette 7 O'Clock Green Permasharp
Gillette 7 O'clock Green SS
Gillette 7 O'Clock Yellow
Gillette Nacet
Gillette Rubie
Gillette Silver Blue
Gillette Thin Blade
Gillette Wilkinson Sword German
Gillette Wilkinson Sword Indian
Ladas Stainless
Laser Super Platinum
Laser Ultra
Merkur Super
Ming Shi Super White Blades
Patrix
Perma Sharp Super
Personna Lab Blue
Personna Med Prep
Personna Platinum (Israeli Red)
Polsilver Super Iridium
QShave Titanium
Racer Platinum
Racer Super Stainless
Rainbow Super Stainless
Rapira Chrome
Rapira Lux
Rapira Stainless
Rapira Swedish
Red Royal Platinum
Rise Classic
Rise Platinum
Sharp Chromium
Sharp Star
Shaver Boy
Silver Star
Super Iridium
Super Max Super Stainless Blue Plus
Super Max Titanium
Tiger
Tomy Sper Stainless
Treet 7 Days Platinum
Treet Carbon Steel
Treet Classic
Treet Dura Sharp
Treet Falcon
Treet New Edge
Treet Silver
V12 Super Platinum
Vijay Stainless
Viking Sword
Voskhod
Wizamet Super Iridium
Yingjili
Zae Blades
Zaza Super Stainless
Zorrik Stainless
 
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