PAL on the Prairie! First off, I'd like to give a tip of the hat to @twhite , one of TSD's house injector experts! Thanks for thread hosting and starting this pass around. Stuff like this is what drew me in to TSD...thanks for keeping the fire burning! Thanks to @PLAla for sending the razor out to Colorado. @som - get ready, I plan to ship Monday! About me, I converted to traditional shave methods in July 2014. Lately my efforts have been focused around mastering shavettes, but the PAL is a fine example of what I consider to be the finest class of safety razors, injectors! Though my experiences with injector are limited to the Schick E, G, and J lines, I've often referred to the Schick G (or E) as a gateway drug to truly aggressive razors. The PAL features very similar geometry and the prospect of trying one after all this time was intriguing. Barbasol is the weapon of choice here, as it affords the ability to remove all variation from the lather, placing the razor/blade system in the full spotlight. I have decided upon four shaves, Thursday to Sunday, and all will be two pass affairs. The goal is to get to near-BBS in two, with no touch up. The blades are Chinese Schick, and the only blade I've ever used in injector shaves. Today's shave did approach the near BBS level, but apparently I missed a bit on angle and pressure, and picked up just a touch of burn, alum verified, around the angles of the jaw. The PAL head is aligned at a different angle than a G, and I bet this is what happened to me today. My initial impression is that the PAL is milder than I thought it might be, but still a pretty good level of gap and exposure. Tomorrow I will treat it as a straight razor shave, complete skin stretches, and expect the outcome to be flawless. Back tomorrow with the update.
Chris, you're right about the angle being different on the PAL versus the Schick and, if you're used to the Schick, you will have to adjust for that difference. It took me a couple of shaves to figure that out. Like all razors, there are variances, but I definitely found the PAL I have to be more aggressive than my Schick E. Maybe its efficiency, or just my face! You're right about using Barbasol over a puck as it takes out the variable of the lather being too thick or thin. Besides, Barbasol is definitely the best of the canned shave creams out there. Let us know your thoughts on the handle. I had seen several of the earlier posts mention that the handle design was not the best. Interestingly enough, I really like the grip the handle gives me. I think you'll really enjoy the PAL.
I read that also Jim. I may be in the minority but I love the handle, it works perfectly well for me.
I guess I didn't really have that strong of an opinion on the handle. It does, however, seem kind of plain and chunky.
Agreed on the looks. The Schick has a very cool looking handle, where the PAL handle was probably designed by bean counters and engineers.
You guys know what's cool about the PAL handle? Dolphin smooth everyday.... That's what's cool about it.
PAL on the Prairie! Day two with the PAL was much better, and more reflective of the experience I thought it might be. As an aside, these blades seem to have Feather syndrome, and are great "2nd day" blades, as they seem to smooth out. Made sure that I was maintaining a nice low angle and consistent pressure through two passes paid dividends! I did the full straight razor skin stretch routine, and the result was a near BBS shave on two, and I declined the chase. The irritation issues were resolved through technique methods, and the alum stayed quiet today. I am a big fan of alum, especially when testing a new razor. It provides truly objective snapshot feedback with regard to my application of technique to a new tool. The PAL is absolutely capable of two pass bliss, and maybe even the Grail (DFS+ on one)! This model is truly a technique tool, the angle sweet spot is a narrow versus the exposure, but when located, provides a very efficient shave. Today, it indeed did seem a lot like a Schick G, and in my world, there's no higher praise for a safety razor. I am considering skipping the shave tomorrow and chasing on two days growth Sunday, just for kicks! Will check in tomorrow after figuring that out. Hope everyone gets out there and makes the most of their Saturday!
It might be a bit more aggressive than E or G, but need another "good shave" to be sure. Day one was not a good reflection of the tool's capabilities. I mucked it up with bad angles, and trying to use it like a G.
I personally find it a tad more than the E. That being said I find it smoother to boot. A noticeable amount. i am curios as to how your grip is on it. I like to rest my pinky under the bottom of the handle. I like the squarish handle it tends to limit my wrist movement allowing me to keep my angle. I know that sounds a bit strange. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I'll give that grip a look, any new technique improvement is a big help. Angle is everything on these injectors.
Lots of thoughts about the Injecto- Matic handle, I have 3 different Shaped ones , and have used them all. I get a DFS with each of them . I think I prefer using the black handled one , which is slightly slimmer.
Very insightful review Chris. I'm happy it came together today but it no doubt has a lot to do with your analytical approach.
That's how I held it, too. The handle felt awkward to me until I started shaving, then it just felt natural to hold it the way you describe.
I'm going to be out of town for the next nine days or so. While I'm looking forward to trying my first injector, can I be bumped down one in the list?
Here is an updated list. The PAL is going to @cliffb599 next. We are almost to the end. Feel free to sign up and give the PAL a go. 1. @old-school shaver -done 2. @whiteboy_cannon -done 3. @dustmite -done 4. @Jayaruh -could not wait bought his own. 5. @PLAla -done 6. @Jim99. Could not wait bought his own. 7. @Bama Samurai -done 8. @ram57- Found The razor for him 9. @cliffb599 -next up 10. @som
