Gillette 7 O’Clock Super Platinum Razor Blade Review
The Gillette 7 O’clock series is made up of 4 different blades, with the black packaging being the Gillette 7 O’clock Super Platinum. Yellow packaging is the SharpEdge and there are 2 different green packages which are either the Permasharp Stainless or Super Stainless. This review will focus on the Gillette 7 0’Clock Super Platinum in the black package.
When I started shaving with a safety razor I did not have the best luck with blades. The first two blades I tried were the Shark Super Stainless and the Astra Superior Platinum, and to this day I still do not have good look with either of them.
The next blade on the list was the Gillette 7 O’clock Super Platinum (Black). Ironically I was not even looking forward to trying this blade as it was a Gillette, and one of my main purposes of switching to a safety razor to get away from anything that reminded me of gel in a can. Fortunately I was open minded and gave it a try, and it was the first shave with a safety razor that really lit me up.
100 7 O'clock SharpEdge Double Edge Safety Razor Blades
- Stainless steel blades - Made in Russia
- One of the sharpest blades available
- Sharp and Long Lasting - Excellent in all brands of double edge safety razors
- 5 blades per tuck, 20 tucks on a display card for a total of 100 blades - an exceptional value
I have been waiting patiently for the Gillette 7 O’clock Super Platinum to get the vote as the next razor blade to test, and I was very excited to revisit this blade.
Fresh out of the pack the sharpness measured 45. For information on what this means check out Razor Blade Sharpness Testing. This is right about average. You can click this link to see a Razor Blade Sharpness Comparison Chart with the other blades tested so far.
The first couple strokes I remembered why I like this blade so much. It is extremely smooth and I proceeded to have an excellent shave. I did notice a slight bit of feedback when using my Osma Alum Block afterwards but nothing alarming and it was still extremely smooth and very close. It just wasn’t like using a Derby Extra where I literally feel nothing when using the alum.
Note that I shave my head as well as my face and have a pretty thick growth – except for the top of my head. This means that one of my shaves might equal two of someone that just shaves their face, or even more if they have a thinner beard.
After the first shave, the sharpness increased to 32. You will notice in the other razor blade reviews as well that most blades so far tend to sharpen up with use. This is a substantial increase in sharpness, measuring the same as a brand new Feather which has been the sharpest out of the package so far. My only complaint here is the lack of consistency with such a large change, but I’ll take a large swing while sharp and smooth over a consistently dull or rough edge.
The second shave was basically the same as the first, it was great and I enjoyed it the entire time. I was able to achieve a very close and comfortable 3 pass shave on both my head and face, and slight feedback with the alum.
After the second shave the sharpness dropped to 36. Most blades so far have increased in sharpness for both shaves, but it doesn’t seem like the Feather, the Perma-Sharp, or this Super Platinum Black can hold that really sharp edge for more than one shave for me – which is fine.
I have personally found the following regarding the sharpness of DE razor blades relative to shaving:
An average sharpness value of 50 is about where a noticeable amount of increased effort is required when shaving. A value larger than 50 (less sharp) may result in the feeling of drag or potential pulling. The low 40’s is right where I like to be. It is sharp but still forgiving. When the sharpness gets into the 30’s, this is where the blade is very sharp. A sharp blade is a great shave, but one must be extremely careful as the slightest pressure may cause irritation or a minor misstep may result in a nick or a cut. This may take away from the shaving experience unless the shaver is very seasoned in which case the increased sharpness may be desirable.
Although there is quite the range in these readings with use, they all fall in what I would consider my desirable range.
As always your mileage may vary. The real take away information here is the relative sharpness to other blades and the recorded level of consistency (or lack of).
Initial Sharpness = 45
Average Sharpness = 38
Edge Retention = 0.80
Smoothness = 5/5
Overall Subjective Rating = 5/5
Platinum Coated. Made in India.
The Gillette 7 O’clock Super Platinum (black package) was a favorite when I started shaving, and I was quite pleased that after trying several products, safety razors, razor blades, and modifying my techniques along the was that it was just as good as I remembered, if not better.
I would also be very comfortable using this blade again for a third full head and face shave, I highly recommend you give it a try.
Check out more Razor Blade Reviews or look into how the Razor Blade Sharpness Testing works.
Have you tried Gillette 7 O’clock Super Platinum (Black) Razor Blades? Be sure to leave your overall rating, the community appreciates your vote!
100 7 O'clock SharpEdge Double Edge Safety Razor Blades
- Stainless steel blades - Made in Russia
- One of the sharpest blades available
- Sharp and Long Lasting - Excellent in all brands of double edge safety razors
- 5 blades per tuck, 20 tucks on a display card for a total of 100 blades - an exceptional value
One thought on “Gillette 7 O’Clock Super Platinum Razor Blade Review”
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Your review of this blade validates my own experience with it over the last 2.5 years. Very smooth and forgiving, no surprises. I would put it in my top three as favorites I reach for on a regular basis.