To add perspective, I am old enough to remember the Gillette pirate asking "How are you fixed for blades?", plus I actually used one of these way back in the Jurassic period before disposable razors were born. So I've been using disposables for a long time now, but they always required going over areas again and again to get a smooth shave, so I decided to try the old double blade style to see how it did. It does take a different grip, it's heavier and shaped much different than the disposables, and it doesn't have a swiveling head like some disposables have, so you have to pay attention to the angle you hold it, but once you get used to it it does a better shave than the disposables ever can. Since, as I stated, I had used one way back when I quickly got used to it, no arteries severed, no serious blood loss, and the shave didn't take as long to finish, those double edge blades are much sharper and cuts cleaner, so it doesn't require going over and over the same areas. Add in the money saved buying something I'm going to throw away after a couple of uses, buying blades is much cheaper. This razor is well made, has a solid feel, and the handle gives a good grip. I can see owning it for a long time, it's built to last. Like I said, I ain't going back! UPDATE: OK, it's official - Nope, ain't gonna go back. I'll admit my first use was more of a self sacrifice than a close shave, it's been a number of years (Do NOT ask!) since I've used one of these, and you do have to be careful - these blades are MUCH sharper than the disposables, so your stroke and placement must be controlled. My nicks were mostly caused by moving my hand in the wrong way, a way I got away with with the disposables, but not with these edges! I've been using it now for over a month, and I no longer nick myself, and the shave is both smoother and faster, I don't have to go over the same areas several times to get all the beard, it is mostly all gone on the first stroke, so it's less irritating to my face since I don't have to do it over and over. I just ordered some Feather blades, they are supposed to be the cream of the crop for blades, I' looking forward to an even smoother/easier shave once they get here. I'll letcha know... Read more
Shaving peaked at safety razors. Easier, cheaper, faster, closer, and overall better than the weird multi-blade cartridge BS that has taken over. This isn't a hipster take. It's a lazy-man's take. Better, faster, cheaper. Ditch cartridges and embrace shaving perfection. Read more
This is a well made razor with a great look, that if it was a milder shave it would have had 5 stars. Truthfully I wanted to rate it 3 stars, but I feel that would be unfair considering the price and my issues are personal due to my sensitive skin. So for a TTO DE razor, it is a well made razor. Being made in China does not hamper its build. It has good weight (though lighter than the razor I bought to replace it), nice long handle length, and being a TTO is really convenient (and the mechanism feels really solid). Again, it would be a 3 compared to the razor I'm currently using, but again, comparing a $16 (that I got for $13 thanks to Prime Day) to a $50 razor is simply not fair. For the price, you really cannot ask for better. The razor itself shaves well, but as I said, it was too aggressive for my skin, the second pass always left me exceedingly raw, and it was just not comfortable for me. That said, it isn't enough for me to return it. If anything I'm keeping it as a back up or as a gift for a friend that might want to get into DE shaving. Really the take away for me is this is a quality razor for the price and a good introductory. Just be aware that it is somewhat aggressive (really on the upper level of medium aggressiveness), which could cause issues if you have sensitive skin like mine. Read more
I was just a little anxious when purchasing this Safety Razor because there were Bad Reviews mixed in with the good reviews, but at this Price, well, I went ahead. You know, this razor has a longer handle and the design aesthetics are unique. The Black Lacquer Finish looks great. The Expansion and Retraction Knob turns with a good feel. Then I installed one of the Japanese Stainless Blades and checked for the angles and clearances, and they seemed pretty much spot on. Keep in mind that I'm 70 years old and grew up with these things. Then I shaved. Yes! Any time you start with a New Blade you must be extremely careful. They call them Safety Razors but there is a knack that must be acquired. I got a very close shave without a knick. Oh, I don't waste money on Shaving Cream, and used to shave with just lather from Hand Soap, but now I use Baby Shampoo, which makes slight Lather, but it's a great lubricant and doesn't irritate the skin like soap. When Safety Razor become SAFE is after about the third good shave and the blade begins to lose it's edge. Well, these Japanese Stainless Blades lost their edge rather quickly, but that only means that you have to keep scraping and maybe work against the grain, using your other hand to stand the hairs up. I've known a lot of Black Guys from the Army who can't get close shaves without almost like a severe irritation, and so they have a good reason to go with the new Multiblade Shavers, but if your skin can tolerate some good scrapes, then this Safety Razor would be great. For Replacement Blades, the best in the World used to be from Russia. Russia can't screw up everything, right? But they might be difficult to order now, but Gillet still makes some fairly fine blades. Remember, the Better the Blade, the easier you have to go on those First Shaves with a New Blade. But, yeah, I love this Razor. The only problem is that I wish it had come with a stand, because my old one did. My old safety razor died when the Expansion and Retraction Knob got Gunk Jammed and the shaft must have snapped when I tried using the pliers on it... I used to oil it, but I didn't like the idea of the oil then somehow making it to my face. But it had lasted years, and I expect this one to hold up pretty well also, and then if it stays in production, replacement won't be a problem. Read more
