There are way too many shaving products on today’s market. It’s normal for the regular buyer to get overwhelmed. On the quest to achieve a BBS, or Baby Butt Smooth Shave, you might consider Gillette 7 O’Clock Yellow or Silver Blue as worthy choices.
Both these razor blades have a cult following and are known for their stunning performance on the skin. Manufactured by Gillette, Silver Blue and SharpEdge (also known as 7 O’Clock Yellow) have a few key differentiating factors.
A Quick Comparison Table
Before we move onto the detailed differences between SharpEdge and Silver Blue, take a look at the summary of the variations between them:
| Specification | 7 O’Clock Yellow | Silver Blue |
| Performance | Performs great on all surfaces of the body | Provides a smooth shave while reducing the risk of bumps and irritation |
| Skin Type | Works best on normal skin | Best for sensitive skin |
| Shaving Areas | Best for face and legs | Best for contoured areas of the body |
| Durability | Lasts longer | Lasts long but not as long as the SharpEdge |
| Comfort | Requires technique and practice to get comfortable | More forgiving; more comfortable |
| Aggression | Sharper | Sharp but more flexible |
| Price | Less expensive | More expensive |
In-Depth Differences Between Gillette 7 O’Clock Yellow And Silver Blue
- Performance
You will find that it is easier to shave sensitive areas, like under your chin with the Silver Blues.
The Yellows may develop micro-tears on your skin if you do not use the right pressure and angle while shaving.
The performance also pertains to how a blade behaves after numerous shaves. Is the quality of the shave the same? Does every unit in the pack work the same?
You might experience subtle burning the first time using a Yellow blade but it is due to a lack of practice and technique.
We found the SharpEdge truly shines in a milder razor while the GSB provides better comfort in an aggressive razor.
- Skin Types
If your skin is particularly sensitive and prone to irritation, choosing the right razor blade makes all the difference – especially if you want a BBS shave.
The SharpEdge variant is to be used with caution here as this blade is known to be less forgiving than the Silver Blue.
It offers a super close and precise shape but you need to have the right technique.
Apart from that, make sure to use a shaving cream or gel before shaving to retain moisture in the skin. This also acts as a buffer between the blade and your skin, reducing the chances of irritation and bumps.
- Shaving Areas
For men, working around the contours of their faces can be rather tricky.
For women, on the other hand, shaving their armpits, legs, and bikini area pose a different set of challenges.
Shaving a man’s face requires a razor that is actually sharp, so the SharpEdge Yellow would be better suited.
Working around the numerous contours of the body can be difficult, so choosing a forgiving razor is best.
This is where the Silver Blue really shines. In addition to delivering a smooth shave, it is also much forgiving and reduces the chances of a bloody mess during- and post-shave.
The most important consideration when shaving the bikini area is getting a sharp blade, as a dull one can cause irritation. Gillette’s Silver Blue impresses with its sharpness and flexibility.
- Durability
By durability we mean how many shaves you can expect out of one blade – a less durable or softer blade gives fewer shaves while a harder one gives more.
That being said, softer blades work better for sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, do not emphasize solely the blade’s durability. Just because a blade is sharp does not mean it is great.
Regular users claimed that GSB lasts around 4 shaves while the Yellow generally needs to be changed after 5 shaves. The last shave is just as smooth as the first but we find it best to not push these blades’ limit. In general, the Yellow lasts longer than the Silver Blue.
The reason?
As we mentioned before, the harder blades last longer.
- Comfort
Comfort refers to the post-shaving experience – how your skin feels after the shave. Smooth and soft?
Or blotchy and red? Everyone’s skin responds to the blades differently so this is the most subjective way to evaluate blade comfort.
Most users agreed that the Silver Blue is more comfortable than the Yellow, mostly because it wasn’t such a cut risk.
- Aggression
When users ask which blade is the “sharpest,” there is no way to answer that because, by their very nature, blades are sharp.
The term “razor sharp” was not made a joke. This is why we can interchange sharpness for aggression.
How does the blade feel on your skin? Does one pass suffice in giving a closer shave?
Aggression also deals with sensitivity. As all blades are sharp, we have to consider which feels gentle and sturdy at the same.
In terms of sharpness, the Yellow blades surely take the cake. Although the Silver Blue blades are sharp, there is a clear difference between the two if you are someone who has been using blades for a while.
Gillette SharpEdge moves across your skin like a hot knife on butter, so be careful.
- Price
Gillette Silver Blue is pricier than its SharpEdge competitor. You get four times more blades in a packet of SharpEdge for barely twice the price. Blades can be compared by pricing them per unit.
What Will Be The Suitable Choice For You?
Razor blades work differently on different skins. One important consideration is the coarseness of the hair. Most people do not know this but the sharpness of a razor blade is relative.
For instance, a blade can work amazing on a face with soft hair but become very dull when used on someone with coarse hair.
Skin sensitivity has to be a primary concern when choosing the better razor blade between Silver Blue and SharpEdge. People with sensitive skin are advised to steer clear off aggressive and super-sharp razors.
This does not mean that the 7 O’Clock Yellow will harm their face, but it will not be the most comfortable.
Match your skin requirements to this chart to understand better:
- Sensitive skin, fine hair: Gentled blades work better – Recommended: Silver Blue.
- Sensitive skin, coarse hair: The blade should be sharp enough to cut your hair but not cause damage to the skin – Recommended: Silver Blue.
- Normal skin, any hair type: Sharper blades better but just about anything works.
- Underarms and legs: Start with a milder blade and work your way up from there.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A 5-blade razor is assumed to be best for most people, particularly those with coarser hair. However, you can opt for the 3-blade razor if you have sensitive skin.
No, Gillette blades are made all across the world. In fact, SharpEdge and Silver Blue have different manufacturing locations.
Gillette Silver Blue is made in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Ideally, razor blades should be changed after 5 to 10 shaves.
Conclusion
That was all for Gillette 7 O’Clock Yellow vs. Silver Blue. By now it is abundantly clear that both these razor blades do their job just fine. Selecting a universal winner is difficult because their uses are rather subjective.
You can get a BBS shave with either of these blades by choosing one that best complements your skin type.
