SOTD 10-27-2014
Prep: shower, Neutrogena face wash.
Brush: Vie-Long Lord Randal Mixed Knot.
Lather: Omega Crema da Barba.
Razor: Unknown origin (Eastern European/Russian?) open-comb razor.
Blade: Voskhod (figured it would pair nicely with the razor).
After: Florida Water.
So I gave the "mystery razor" a spin tonight. The knurling on the handle is truly awesome. It feels industrial and chunky and solid. Heavy too. However, here is the odd part.
The alignment of the top plate seems to be slightly off. It is shifted to one side a bit. I am not sure if this is an accidental defect, or an intentional design element. (See photos below.) It afftected the shave in that one side -- the "short comb"ish side -- shaved close and relatively mild, comparable to a Tech or Super Speed, with no nicks or other issues at all. But the other side -- the "long comb"ish side -- did not shave much at all unless I got the angle precisely correct. I didn't even notice it until I had nearly finished, and then I decided to finish my shave off with the Maggard MR6B, and figured I would examine the razor later on.
So... Anyone care to venture whether this is (as I suspect) an accidental flaw in the design and/or manufacture? Or whether this design was intentional, to give a user the option of a shorter or longer comb? My money says it's a flaw.
I tried changing heads on the razor, but the internal handle size is just a bit too narrow for a Maggard, Lord, or Tech head. I really like the handle, and the more aggressive side of the razor gave me something approaching BBS. It's just the longer side that doesn't work for me.
Thoughts? Feedback? It is a neat little razor, and kind of unique. Despite its quirks.
I am going to name it "Ivan the Terrible."
View attachment 56276
The short side
View attachment 56277
The long side
View attachment 56278
A view of both sides. Note the slight difference in blade exposure, gap, and comb length. The left side is the longer side.
View attachment 56279
Click to expand...