A few weeks ago, I got the M2 Kronos. I was sort of having of a hard time with it. I had a few good shaves, but for some reason; it was dependent upon the blade I was using. Some blades worked really well, others such as the Yellow Sharp Edges were completely unusable. So I decided to get the R2 plate. It made a world of difference. The shave got smoother and easier, not really more aggressive. Plus, it seemed far more blade compatible. Although I didn't use the Sharp Edges, all the shaves with it were very smooth, close and comfortable. However, I didn't know what smooth and comfortable meant until I got the R1 plate. Now I wasn't sure that was due the the Bolzano blade I was also using, but it has delivered some of the best shaves I've gotten with a double edged razor. I've used all the plates on the Above the Tie, and the blade exposure looks identical on all six plates. Even on the mild M plates, the blade exposure is there. I'm keeping the M2, R2 and R1 just because I like the way they all shave, even though they're different. M1 is too mild and there's no need for me to have the H plates. Now, I will say this. After using Bolzanos in the R2 open comb, the shave does get closer than the R1 closed comb. It's so minimal though, that in the end; the R1 plate wins on giving the best all around shave. That's not to say that the R2 isn't smooth or comfortable. I just feel you could get away with having improper pre-shave/technique and using a second rate shaving cream/soap and the R1 will still give you a decent shave. It's that good. I could have obviously gotten away with finding a razor that's ten times cheaper and in the end, give the same result; but at least now I won't have to look anymore. This is about as good as it gets for a safety razor shave and I've used just about every well known modern safety razor. I don't have much experience with vintage safety razors. Anyone who has this razor system or any of it's plate heads, try it with a Bolzano blade and tell me what you think. I've attached pics of the two heads with a Voskhod blade just to show gap and blade exposure. They're exactly the same although it's hard to tell from the pics. I'm shaving with that blade next because I really like them. Sorry for the obnoxiously big photos, but I wanted the gap and exposure to show up.
Tell me about it. I wish it was more affordable also. The good thing is though, you can send it back if you don't like it. If I add up all the money I've spent on trying razors in the past 5 years, it's certainly more than a $185 razor. Well unfortunately, I've spent more because I bought everything separately. The construction quality is off the charts and these pictures don't do it justice. It's not only the shave it gives, it's the way it feels in your hand and the way it effortlessly glides across your face that I find amazing. Like I said, you can probably get the exact shave from something much cheaper, I just got sick of searching. I'm just lucky to have found the exact combo that works the best. It's unfortunate that perfect match had to be so expensive. Trust me though, if you get it; in no way will you feel regret. I've had that feeling with a bunch of things I've purchased in the past. Not just razors, but in general. You can get a used cap/plate combo for $117 and put it on your existing handle. All of sudden it's become a lot more affordable. I haven't blown a lot of money on buying 50 different soaps and creams and ten different brushes either. To me, the difference between them is not as drastic as the difference between razors. I've stuck to two or three and don't buy anything else. You'll be shocked how much you'll save if you do that.
