My second attempt using this razor. In my first review, I only addressed the design and function and not the performance. After troubleshooting the issues from the first shave, which was confirmed by the designers, I modified the razor. Using the handle, plate 2/4 and Merkur 15C top cap. The razor has nice weight and the knurling in the handle makes it easy to hold even with wet soapy hands. First pass using the #4 gap (.084mm or equivalent to between Gillette adjustable 5-6 setting) WTG. Audible feedback was loud and you can feel the blade similar to the adjustable from my experience. Second pass I flipped the base to #2 (.056 mm or equivalent to Gillette adjustable 1 setting). I did this on purpose to see how effective it was to adjust gap while shaving, and it was very easy and didn't take really any more time than opening doors, adjusting and closing doors on an adjustable. Went XTG for this pass. Third pass stayed on #2 and went ATG. Looking back I probably should have went to gap #3 (.072 mm or close to Merkur 34C gap), #2 was pretty mild but still offered audio feedback. The resulting shave was DFS except for my trouble spots and even those were still good. No nicks, cuts, weepers and alum block produced a little sting under chin. Overall it is a decent razor and will take some practice to get dialed in. The head is a little larger than the rest of my stable so maneuverability and angles will take time. I will also put the #3 gap in it and use for entire shave until I get more familiar with it. Hopefully the top cap issued will be resolved so I don't have to modify. Worse case I have a great handle, best case a razor to add to rotation.
Great job! I'm sure they will fix the top cap issue. Please keep us posted on your journey with your new razor.
dbersh, I had a similar experience with my Rockwell razor. Mine arrived on Saturday and I couldn't wait to give it a try. I used the #3 shave head for my first go 'round. The experience was comfortable, albeit with more feedback than I was used to. It also took more passes than I usually need with my Merkur 34c. I chalked this up to inexperience with the razor etc. That opinion changed yesterday when I read the email regarding manufacturing issues with the Rockwell. Looking at my razor last night, I noticed two small spots of slag on the underside of the cap. Those could definitely put a camber on the blade, decreasing the blade gap in the center of the blade which would mean that only the outside edges of the razor blade were doing any cutting. This morning before my shower/shave, I took the blade cap out to the garage and carefully took care of the slag spots using my dremel and a pointed aluminum oxide bit. My shave this morning was much better. The number of passes seemed more in line with what I'm used to. The #3 shave head is less aggressive than the Merkur 34c--I didn't have any irritation or weepers. I'm not sure why the shave heads/plates are engineered to only support the 25% of the razor blade at either end of the blade but I am sure that is why the audible feedback of this razor is so noticeable. To give more support behind the blade, I cut 1/8" off the end of an ear plug and cut a hole in it to make a donut. I put that donut between the shave plate and the razor. It made for the quietest and most comfortable shave yet.
I am about ready to get my Dremel out as well to clean up the bottom of top cap. One thing I don't have equipment for is to flatten or straighten the bow out with the base plate guide bars. But by using my merkur 15c top cap I have been getting good shaves with it. I think they bow in the guide bars is throwing me off, I agree plate 3 is not as aggressive as the 34c but there sure is much more audio feedback than any other razor I have used. I am glad the guys are replacing top cap and plates. For now it is a usable razor will have to look at putting a type of doughnut in as well and see how they does. Thanks for the advice!
Glad you found us. This is an interesting topic. Thanks for your input. Go to the Newbies thread and introduce yourself for a proper welcoming.
When I received them I have 2 of them. I was going to give one as a present, I didn't notice how crappy they were made. The caps leave a lot to be desired. The Presentation Tins were both bent on the Lids or had creases in them. Not just one of them but both of the Boxes. I sent an e-mail to them. The sent new caps and base plates. But not new presentation boxes. I have yet to do anything with them. I will probably get around to trying them in June or Late July. Right now I am doing a 30 day rule on my ATT R-1 88mm Kronos Handle ** {This Razor is used but not always in my Rotation} http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/30-day-rule-meet-the-30-day-focus-greater-flexibility.42673/ So maybe get around to trying the Rockwell 6S some time in the near future (maybe in my dreams ) They did give some good Razor blades with the though.
Not too impressed with the replacement parts myself. I'm trying to look on the positive side--I've got a unique razor with a nice handle.
Maybe I will get a couple of handles and PIF the other sets of bases. I really do not see any difference in them. I think the Rockwell people tried to do to much and didn't get what they expected. (in other words too much too quick). I have all the time in the world so, I'm not going to get too upset.
