Well. I received my new Douglas Smythe Razor today and have taken it for a test drive. First thoughts are that the packaging is on par with a Merkur, thin cardboard and cellophane box. It has the same type of insert holding it in which to me was a little disappointing considering on how many lower end razors have sturdier packaging. There will be the usual cost over quality arguments so as always the views are IMHO. Now to the razor. The handle is nicer than I thought and the knurling is quite nice. The plating is a brilliant finish and seems like it will hold up over time. The head has about the same blade exposure as my Merkur classic and is held together by long rectangular holes instead of round pegs like most of my razors. The razor gave me a mild shave and my day old beard did not clog up the razor as quickly as I expected. The fins were very good at holding the cut hair and I only rinsed it once per side, on purpose, when moving it to the other side of my face. The first pass delivered a very close shave and I only had to touch up a few harder to reach areas for my second pass. This razor will be in my rotation for the week and will join my regular rotation throughout the next year.
Nice write up...I will receive one in the mail soon and will compare notes. Glad your initial usage was good for you. I bought this razor on looks alone, and cant wait to try.
Looks awesome. I hope to receive mine as soon as possible...can't wait. Thank you for shaving this with us. I will Post my experience here as soon as i received this beauty.
I could see this razor getting along well with carbon blades...the post shave rinse-and-alcohol-dunk would dry faster with that ventilated head. You're really only need to crack it open to replace the blade. If I used carbons more often, I'd really think about this one.
