I think the aluminum with brass knob will be close. Might be a bit back end heavy. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Due to another early star at work today, I didn’t get an opportunity to swap parts on the TARs this morning. However, I loaded up the aluminum-TAR with a Gillette 7 o’clock black and set the razor at 5. it was a very close and comfortable shave, and it went without a nick (or so I thought). The Pinaud stung a bit more than usual, but I felt cool, smooth and refreshed. When I got to work and looked in the mirror I had 4 spots with dried blood on my face! The alumni-TAR is silent and deadly set on 5. Watch out! Tomorrow will be my last day with Tom’s latest creations before I pass them on, and I will miss them dearly. No worries, because Tom will mass market these, sell them by the gazillions, and retire after every man, woman and child owns at least one. Now let me go check for more dried blood before the boss gets in.
I am sad to say that this morning was my last shave with the TARs. So I thought I would give the last shave to the brass TAR. I loaded the TAR up with he 7 o’clock black, now on its 3rd shave, and set the razor on 6. Yes, 6! Wow!!! I probably could have gotten through the shave in one pass, but I felt it might be too aggressive and quickly backed down to 5. No issues, no drama and no nicks. It was a very nice shave. What can I say about the TARs that I didn’t say before? Let’s summarize and start with the handful of negatives. I find the brass to be too heavy and the aluminum to be too light. I have a concern about water having no way to escape where the head screws into the handle (but don’t most razors have that issue?). The head size is huge. Brass will tarnish unless it’s coated with some protective layer. Minor stuff really. Now on to the positives. The heavy weight of the brass means this razor cuts through whiskers effortlessly. The aluminum puts it on par with the Gillette adjustables in weight. Both razors are maneuverable and easily get around tough areas and the nose without any issues. The shaves are smooth. Rinsing a blade without removing it from the razor is as easy as twisting the knob a few times. The adjustability is awesome and has a setting to fit every occasion and face. The whole idea of the pass around is to provide feedback. However, to sum up my thoughts, I love these babies! Tom, these razors are fantastic! Sure, I would love to see a few tweaks, but I would jump on these razors “as is” if they were being sold today. Daily driver or in the rotation? Either way they would be a welcome addition. So which do I like best? Tough question. I love the looks of the aluminum in black. My wife likes shiny objects, so she likes the brass. Shave quality goes to the brass, but the aluminum is a very close second. If I had to pick one over the other, the aluminum-TAR is it as it has a more mainstream feel. Now if Tom could somehow get these into production, I’ll be first on the waiting list to buy one or two. What do you say, Tom? @twhite , you did a really awesome job with these and it’s been an honor to try them out for the past week. Thank you so much! @Norcalnewb , I’ll have a tracking number later today that I’ll share with you and Tom.
Updated list 1. @jmudrick done 2. @Jayaruh done 3. @Jim99 done 4. @Norcalnewb headed your way 5. @SharptoothC 6. @poppi 7. @kjbarth withdrawal for now 8. @Edison Carter 9. @jgreenepa 10. @PLANofMAN 11. @hins2jw0 12. @GAW9576 13. @jimjo1031 14. @Karl G 15. @Redfisher CLOSED
I just did a bit of checking. Blade exposure for anybody that is interested. Fully closed there is .001 positive. Open to 6 .011 positive. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Correction fully closed .0025. here are a few pictures. The angle of attack changes by 7.25 degrees Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
March 3 SOTD: Razor: Tom White Alumi-TAR Blade: Gillette Nacet Brush: PAA Starcraft Lather: PdP Aftershave: PAA Captain Smythe's Reserve Additional Care: Unrefined Shea Butter I had a special treat for my shave today: I received a package in the mail yesterday with the two newest creations by @twhite. The brass version is very much a beast, and both are beautiful. The adjustment mechanism is smooth and easy to operate. For today's shave, I chose the aluminum version and set it to 2. Compared to the brass it is a lightweight, but when you use it, the weight feels just about right. There is a slight blade feel at this setting, enough to let you know the razor is doing its thing. The proper angle is intuitive and easy to find. After my first pass, I had a noticeable reduction with no discomfort. Very smooth. A little re-application of lather, and I set up for my second pass. This too was also very smooth, as my typical routine is more or less a XTG pass on number two. After a quick rinse, I could tell I had a nice DFS plus, and I left it there. One shave in, and I am very impressed with this razor. I will likely follow up with the same razor tomorrow, but I will dial it up a bit. Tom, I must again applaud this razor. Terrific job!
Updated list 1. @jmudrick done 2. @Jayaruh done 3. @Jim99 done 4. @Norcalnewb got the TARs 5. @SharptoothC 6. @poppi 7. @kjbarth withdrawal for now 8. @Edison Carter 9. @jgreenepa 10. @PLANofMAN 11. @hins2jw0 12. @GAW9576 13. @jimjo1031 14. @Karl G 15. @Redfisher CLOSED
I’m glad the TARs arrived safely. If you bump the alumi-TAR up to 3, I think you will find it to be a nice mild and efficient setting.
March 4 SOTD: Razor: Tom White Alumi-TAR Blade: Gillette Nacet Brush: PAA Starcraft Lather: Mystic Waters Coconut Lime Verbena Aftershave: Chatillon Lux Unconditional Surrender Additional Care: Unrefined Shea Butter Shave two with the Alumi-TAR; this time I dialed it up to 3. It was a noticeable step up in aggression with more blade feel. Much like yesterday, it was easy to dial in the angle, and two passes gave me a DFS+ level of shave. Again, I didn't have any irritation, so it was a very successful shave. I definitely like this razor and will be said to have to send it in to the next tester.
What a sweet looking machine! Just curious ... Any issues shaving around your nose? I had NO problems there and wondering how it worked for you.
So as you may or may not know. I made a brass TAR for my son for his birthday. This is the first DE that he has tried. He is a disposable user. He just texted me to say he used the TAR last night on setting 3. He liked it and no blood. . He told me he will not ride the cap as much next time. He used canned goo. When he was living at home he used soap and a brush. I am having come by to pick out any brush he wants and soap. I am sooooo proud he is going the Wet Shave Route. Box is from @Jayaruh a thing of beauty. Thank you Jim Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
