I wonder what the differences are? I recall buying Russian Gillette knockoffs, but edges were rough. Some other brands had different edge bevel (is bevel, the angle, the right word?). I see Feather mentioned - they’re only for the stout hearted! I like a quick shave without blood. Old man Gillette really did a good design for a one-size-fits-all safety razor. I used to love their Platinum Plus.
I have a friend who works at Gillette who got me quality-control samples of their Russian DE. He complains how DE still has the world market, and they can’t get folks to buy their 13-blade, $6-per-shave crap.
The Personna Med Prep blades are marked FOR HOSPITAL USE. In my experience, they’re nice and sharp, and they last longer. Made in USA. I had some rough experiences sampling various blades when I took up safety razor shaving. I just clung in blessed relief to the first blade that worked really well for me without carving up my epidermis.
I’m with you on the new age of gaudy, overpriced, money-wasting gimmick razors. It’s all preposterous.