Voskhod Teflon Coated Razor Blades

If at first you do not like the performance of a blade it will not get better in time. I do not believe there is such a thing as breaking a blade in. If you do not like the first shave you will probably not like the second of fifth. You are right there are dozens of blades out there when you like one on the first shave, keep it.

Yea, I don’t know how a blade gets better. Seems physically impossible. Edge gets more dull with every swipe.


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Depends on your definition of "better". I know for a fact that GEM PTFE coated single edge blades get smoother after a few shaves without losing a whole lot, if any sharpness. To me, that is better. That first shave with them is hella sharp, but can feel a bit harsh depending on the razor it's in.

They don't get duller initially. They get sharper as the coating(s) wear off, then the better ones stabilize somewhat and then usually drop off tremendously when they finally "hit the wall". The smoothness is due to coatings and not so much sharpness.

Hopefully I am not going to be the spoiler.  This thread that I started has gone a little astray.  Forgetting about all of the technical jargon, I am only concerned about the following priorities regarding a blade I use.  At the end of my first shave with a new (just purchased never been used before) blade I am only concerned in the comfort of the blade, the smoothness on my face, how each pass felt ie, no pulling or discomfort, how many strokes I had to make to achieve smoothness and, no razor burn or blood.  When I find a blade that does that I am hooked and will purchase several hundred.  

I could care less about where the blade is made, by who, what its thickness is and any other scientific factor.  I began wet shaving for pleasure not to do research projects.  My goal is comfort, pleasure and satisfaction.  If I get that, everything else is irrelevant.

My business background required voluminous research.  I was not interested in that for shaving but I did a cursory look see.  

Today blades are made from stainless steel or coated in platinum.  Blades can also have coatings of teflon, chrome, titanium, or iridium.  It appears that the first coating applied is typically a chromium based coating. It is applied to the entire blade but is intended to ensure that the cutting edges stay hard and resistant.  If and when this coating wears off it is time to toss the blade. Then a non-stick coating is applied; so the blade will not cause friction which prevents skin irritation and razor burn.

Once again blades are the least expensive component in wet shaving.  Blades as well as all the other components are subjective in nature.  My take is I try, if I like, I keep.