Purchasing Double Edge Blades in New Zealand

If you have chosen to go with a double edge razor, then you will of course need double edge blades! Let's start by assuming you want to buy locally, and offline. Your best bet is the supermarket. Woolworth's and Countdown both stock "Home Brand" DE blades in a dispenser pack of 10. These are usually priced around $5.60, and in my experience are good for around four shaves per blade making the cost about 14c per shave. Don't be put off by the cheap branding, these blades are in fact US made Personnas, reviews for this blade can be found here. My own experience with these is that they give a smooth and comfortable shave.

If you can't find these in the shaving section of your supermarket, try and find a local Indian grocers. You won't find the US Personnas there, but you may find one of many excellent Indian made DE blades. I often stop by Ankur's Nice n Spice Indian grocers in Petone (Nelson St, a couple of doors down from the Jackson St end) and pick up a 6 pack of Vidyut Super Max Platinum blades for $1.90. These are great blades, one of the smoothest and most comfortable blades I have tried, especially in a mild shaver like a Tech or a dialed down adjustable. Their drawback is that for me, they last one MAYBE two shaves before they are awful. Assuming two shaves per blade (being generous) that makes them slightly less economical than the Home Brand Personna at 15c per shave. But even at 30c per shave, I enjoy the very smooth shave they deliver. A review of Super Max Platinums can be found here

You can occasionally find blades for sale in pharmacies, but I have yet to see them at a decent price, when I see them at all. In a couple of Wellington pharmacies I have found Wilkinson Sword blades for $30 per 10 pack. Outrageous.

Tobacconist stores are another good place to check out. You know the ones that have glass display cases of Zippos and pipes and novelty gift merch. The Discount Tobacconist in Lower Hutt has Astra Superior Platinums for instance. Can't remember the price, but remember it being one I was happy with in a pinch. That sadly is about it for offline purchasing.

If you can't find DE blades for sale locally at a decent price, or you want to try a different brand than what you can get locally your next stop should be buying online domestically.

A great place to start is Mancave.co.nz who also happen to stock the much loved Feather brand DE blades, in bulk and and in 5 packs. Personna reds are also available there. Reviews for red Personnas and Feather blades can of course be found at Badger and Blade: here and here respectively. If you're new to wet shaving and you want to try a variety of blades, Mancave also offer a 5 brand "sample pack".

If you picked up a Goodfella razor and are happy with the Derby blades that came with it, then you can continue to purchase Derby blades at Goodfella.com .


Shavershop also has Merkur, Lord and Bic blades available. Though I have to admit the prices aren't bad, but they aren't great either. Worth checking out if you want to toss in a pack or two along with another purchase.

Trademe. Ignore the tool from Whakatane trying to pass off Derby blades as "Normally retail up to $15 a pack and hard to find now days " and charging $19.50 a 10 pack, and you'll actually find reasonable deals when all is said and done.

Buying Online Internationally:
To get the best deal and the best variety of blades you need to go international. If you have settled on a brand you like and want to buy bulk then have a look at the bulk deals with free shipping from Best shave. Or buy fewer and with excellent shipping rates.

Connaught Shaving ships from the UK. They have a good variety of brands, available as small purchases or in bulk with excellent shipping rates, and a nice range of sample packs.

Razor Blades and More come highly recommended at Badger and Blade. The service is often lauded and the prices and range look good too. The shipping rates to NZ last I checked though were heart clutchingly high.

eBay. Uhhhh... minefield. Counterfeit blades have been reported. Use at your own risk.

That about covers it. Personally I am happy paying more for the convenience of just picking up the odd pack locally when I need them. But you will definitely save money shopping online either locally or internationally.