Greetings again.

I have rounded up various blades to take on careful test runs.
Samples include Feather, Astra, Wilkinson, Personna, etc.
Should be interesting.

I decided to start with some NOS Gilette Blue Blades, because that's what came with this razor when I inherited it.

My question is: Why does the brand new Gillette Blue Blade not seem to cut at all?
Something is off or not right. It's as if the blade stops dead in its tracks against my skin.
I tried it with this compact Gillette as well as with my adjustable Gillette bridge safety razor, on the lightest setting, and still the same problem.

Do they somehow dull over time, just sitting in their cellophane packs for decades?
The blade seemed pristine with no corrosion. It was wrapped in 4 layers, including some waxy paper, then paper, and then a paper box, and then cellophane.
Or am I supposed to hone it or do something to the blade before using it for the first time?

I did notice when I examined it again today that it easily sliced a little blood-drawing gash in my finger. So it is sharp and certainly capable of some business.

Cheers