Mongoose Owners Razor Society (MORS)

I sadly don't have an Alumigoose 1 to compare, but an SS B3 vs AG2 in pics here. (Please chime in, AG1 owners!) You'll notice that there is quite some difference. (Difficult to capture with a phone cam, hope it nevertheless serves the purpose...)

First, "for good measure":

• AG2 weighs exactly 50g (handle 33.6, head 16.4), hex handle is ~9.75mm with diameter ~12.9 side to side (14.1mm angle to angle)
• B3 weighs 139.7g (handle 87, head 52.7), Dr Bomber handle is ~9.75mm long, diameter ~12.9mm

Stainless B3, attempt at showing gap between blade and base


Alumigoose 2, attempt at showing gap between blade and base. To me it seems clear that the gap is shrunk just a tiny bit here relative to the B3. You'll also see that the top cap is taller, i.e. the angled part that goes against the skin is longer.


Aligned top cap


Aligned base plate. More blade visibility on AG2, clearly, but given the rigidity of these blades, that shouldn't make much difference in aggressiveness, should it?


My qualitative assessment so far: I'm not sold on the AG2. It feels smooth, allright, but that may be related to it not being efficient at all. Two passes with the B3 gives me a DFS close to BBS; with the AG2 I am nowhere near. Could be that I need to try with more blades, could be angle or technique related, or it could be that I prefer/my beard calls for a step up on aggressiveness. Could also be that the AG2 calls for an even lighter lather. Needless to say I will continue exploration, but if this doesn't improve, there might be a BST post coming.

@Omelmad - would you be interested in an Alumi comparison swap?

Edit: typos.

 

I also have both a B3 stainless steel Mongoose and an Alumigoose 2. Despite both being Mongooses (Mongeese?) they are two completely different razors with different shave characteristics.

Blade preference must be determined individually. For me, so far the Feather Pro Guard seems to work well in the SS 'Goose. The Feather Pro will irritate if I'm not really careful, and the Super Pro will irritate and cause weepers despite my best efforts.

However, in the Alumigoose 2 the Feather Super Pro becomes the go-to blade, producing a shave that is super-close and yet smooth and free of irritation.

The huge difference in weight also means that different techniques are required. The weight of the SS 'Goose actually requires negative pressure, "let the weight of the razor do the cutting" can actually be too much. The AG2 is much more injector-like, actually requiring a small amount of pressure at times.

I like them both.

--Bob

 

Received the handle yesterday and took it for a test shave this morning. Seems like the perfect combination. Very nice balance. Thanks again.

 

Which handle? could you post a picture of the handle and head together?

 

That's what I thought also, just the right length and weight. I'm glad you like it!

 

I don't have my camera with me, but it's Maggard's MR 20. It's slightly shorter than the Mongoose handle that came with the head, otherwise very similar in looks. I will post a picture of the combination when I can.

 

Does it have deep knurling?

 

Not deep knurling. Medium with good traction.

 

I'm really liking my Mongoose with this Maggard MR5 handle. It weighs 1/10 oz less than the stock (Dr. Bomber) handle and is about 1/2" shorter. The knurling is fairly deep.

I had been using an MR3 Bulldog handle, but at 1/2 oz more than the Bomber handle it was a little on the heavy side.

--Bob

 

It looks very good on that handle. Looks like the Muhle R89 handle but stainless.

 

Still running with the MR8 handle with great results.

 

What's the best handle to pair with the Satin mongoose head?

 

The answer my friend is whatever you choose... The MR20 would make a nice combo IMHO.

 

I think the MR20 is polished. I was hoping to find a satin handle which would pair well with the satin head. I don't like the original swirl handle it feels like it wants to turn as I'm shaving

 

Maggard MR5 YOU'RE

 

If you look closely at the MR20 it is more of a brushed finish.

 

I think if they made some vertical lines along with the swirl pattern, the handle would be much more secure in the hand. but oh well

 

Another fine choice!

 

My R41 head and my Maggard gunmetal V3A look awesome with it but it's also about the control and comfort it offers. My favorite handle for sure!