HONEST REVIEW: Twig vs Thorn vs Leaf
First impression and TLDR headline: Get the Thorn Razor Set (different listing here on Amazon) with the base, 55 blades and used blade tin for $20 or more. These razors actually live up to the hype and are fantastic for anyone looking for a mild to medium shave. Longer version: I have tested dozens of single and double edge razors, from the Gillette Fat Boy, Slim Adjustable and Merkur 34c (all outstanding) to the modern Supply (WAY overrated) and Parker Solo-Edge (cut myself every single shave). I also spent years in the disposable world, using everything from Gillette Mach 3 to Fusion 5, Harry's and the Dorco blades that are sold as Dollar Shave Club. None of them compare to the Leaf razors. None! After trying the Thorn, Twig and Leaf Leaf (so confusing), I find the Thorn to be a clear winner. LEAF: It's really not for face shaving because the head is going to be too big to fit under the nose of most people. Bummer, because the choice of using 1, 2, or 3 blades is pretty cool ... and actually works. TWIG: It really is a mild shaver, and perfect for anyone just beginning to dabble in the world of safety razors. I have a rather thick, fast-growing beard, and the Twig shaved casual close. Great for weekends when you want to look shaved but don't mind a little stubble after a few hours. For anyone from the Gillette adjustable world, this would be about a 1 or 2 setting. THORN: Best of all worlds. The extra .2mm or blade exposure from the Twig makes a big difference. The name Thorn suggests a level of sharpness that's a big exaggerated. You're basically jumping from a mild shave to a medium shave, which equates to about a 4 on a Gillette Fat Boy or Slim Adjustable. If you demand an extremely close shave and max out your adjustable razors and can only live with Feather blades, the Thorn, Twig and Leaf are not for you. PRO TIPS: Buy quality double-edge blades and break them in half (while still in the protective paper). They're cheaper and last forever. Also, if you end up flying with any safety razor, it must be placed in checked luggage or have no blade in your carryon. For anyone just starting out in the safety razor world, you might want to consider the Twig but will probably want to graduate to the Thorn. You MUST keep in mind that as mild as these razors are, they demand a different technique. You've probably read this before, but you need to let the razor do the work, applying virtually no pressure and letting the blade glide across your skin. Go strictly with the grain at first until you get the hang of it and after a few shaves, start working against the grain until you get the technique down. Ending on the tip that I started with: Get the Thorn Razor Set (or the Twig Razor Set, if you prefer). For just $20 more, you get a matching stand, 55 blades (the standalone razor comes with just 5) and a tin container to store your used blades for recycling. Read more
