ATT S1 Vs. RRKS - A Tale of two Slants

Discussion in 'Safety Razors' started by VedderLG, Dec 14, 2014.

  1. VedderLG

    VedderLG Well-Known Member

    My intention in this thread is to review the ATT S1 that I recently purchased. To make things more interesting, I have decided to compare and contrast it with the RazoRock Kiyara (same as Stealth) V2 Aluminum slant. Why you ask? They are both modern day non-zamak twist slants. Having used them both, there are many similarities.

    If you don't want to read any further, my basic conclusion is the following: They are both awesome razors. Many of you may laugh, but my RAD is cured. I would recommend either without issue.

    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1418611143.878721.jpg

    Dimensions and Specs:

    The ATT S1 for this review is paired with a Kronos handle. The handle weighs 71 grams and is 3.5 inches long. It is made of machined stainless steel. It is very grippy and is a little thinner than the RRKS handle. It feels very substantial and balances the S1 head well. The RRKS handle is made of machined aluminum. It weighs ~25 grams and is 3.6 inches long. It also has fantastic grip and results in neutral balance with the head.

    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1418611608.412217.jpg

    The ATT S1 Kronos weighs in at 109 grams in total and is 3.75 inches with the head attached. RRKS is ~45 grams and 3.9 inches long. Basically, they are the same size but the ATT weighs much more.

    Fit and Finish:

    The ATT S1 is fantastic in this area. It came in a great package.

    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1418611877.504005.jpg

    This is a marvel of machining. The finish is flawless. Everything fits as it should. Screwing the handle on to the head is so smooth. It feels great in the hand. You can tell that this tool is built to last.

    RRKS does not come with a box. However, there was a stand included in the price of
    the V2.

    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1418612087.670920.jpg

    It is also very nicely machined. It is obviously very light. The finish is a clear anodizing on the aluminum. I really like the looks of this razor. This is a prototype and there are minor defects in the finish. Overall I give ATT 10/10
    and RRKS 9/10.

    Head Analysis:

    The first obvious difference is that the S1 head is very low profile compared with most slants. I really like this. The RRKS head is much larger.

    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1418612325.642845.jpg

    Both have an uneven blade exposure as they are twist slants. S1 also has a tilt of 3 degrees to the head. RRKS appears to have tilt, based on the head geometry, but I have never seen the amount of tilt reported. The S1 head has more blade exposure. The tabs of the blade protrude further on the RRKS. The blade gap is 0.61mm on the S1. I'm not sure what it on RRKS, but it is much smaller (sorry, no blade gap pics. iphone camera isn't good enough).

    S1
    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1418612501.040648.jpg

    RRKS
    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1418612559.780966.jpg

    I also like how both heads have slots in the base plates to allow for easier rinsing of gunk from the blade gap.

    S1
    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1418612642.984551.jpg

    RRKS
    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1418612685.888488.jpg

    The S1 head uses the smaller pins to secure the blade. This makes loading the blade a little more difficult, but result in zero play in the blade once it is loaded. RRKS uses a more traditional system which makes loading the blade more straight forward. Both have tooling marks around the pins. They are very obvious on the ATT. Some people dislike this, but I don't care. Does not affect the shave and you can't see it once assembled.

    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1418612898.181715.jpg

    The S1 is a hybrid or scalloped comb, whereas RRKS is a true safety bar.

    The Shave:

    Both of the razors are phenomenal shavers. When you load the blade, you are rewarded with the sound of the blade clicking as it torques into place. They give generally mild shaves with a low risk of nicks/weepers/irritation. The RRKS is milder due to its tiny blade gap. With the S1 head, you are back to a no pressure or little pressure technique, because the weight of the head afford you efficiency. RRKS allows you to apply pressure as it is lighter and the small blade gap protects you. I find the S1 head to be more efficient. The S1 head removes more stubble per pass. It has a much lower propensity to clog. With RRKS, you must take small short strokes and rinse frequently. With the S1, you can have at it. The S1 has a wider shaving angle. With RRKS, if you are not on the sweet spot, it will not shave. The S1 can shave through a wider range of angles, but the true sweet spot is narrow. Both razors prefer a more steep (handle closer to the face) angle. When you are on the sweet spot with both of these razors, there is audible feedback, but they are by no means loud razors. The S1 is much easier to manuever in those tight nooks and crannies, due to its low profile head size. I feel like I will be able to get down to 2 pass BBS with the S1 head. Im not sure if true BBS is achievable with RRKS, but you can definitely get a DFS with 3 passes (occasionally 2 + touch ups).

    Customer Service and Price:

    Both vendors have great customer service. They ship quickly and have quality products. However, I have to give a shout out to Stan. Stan goes above and beyond. He answers emails almost instantaneously. He even emailed me back on a holiday. He made me very comfortable in purchasing from him. I got a 7 piece ATT system. The Kronos S1 sells for $185 USD. My RRKS was $79 USD with the stand included. There was a stainless RR slant prototype that sold for $99 USD, but the production version was supposed to cost $199 USD. I'm not sure where this project is.

    Conclusions:
    1) Both are fantastic razors and in my estimation worth the money. I would highly recommend either.
    2) I prefer the S1 and give it a solid 10/10. RRKS is 9.5/10.
    3) The S1 is a more efficient shaver and easier to manuever. RRKS is milder.
    4) S1 has supplanted my RRKS as my new daily driver. RRKS will still be in my rotation and get used once every week or two. It will also become my travel razor.
    5) My RAD is cured. I'm not planning () to buy any other razors.

    For those of you that made it here, thanks for reading!
     
    Last edited: Dec 15, 2014
    RD89, Ceferguson, macaronus and 3 others like this.
  2. RaZorBurn123

    RaZorBurn123 waiting hardily...............

    Fantastic review! I just bought a RR Stealth Slant, should have it next week. The iKon Shavecraft 102 is my daily driver, will be interesting to see if the Stealth can top the SC102. Again, super review!
     
    Slow Joe and VedderLG like this.
  3. VedderLG

    VedderLG Well-Known Member

    Thanks! I appreciate it! I'm pumped that you got your Stealth. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I have. The biggest thing is that it is either on (you have the right angle and it is cutting) or off (wrong angle and doesn't cut at all). It likes short strokes and lots of rinsing. However, it is very smooth and efficient when you hone in on the angle. Also, I went over a month without even an weeper. I will look forward to hearing how it compares to the SC102 :)
     
    RaZorBurn123 likes this.
  4. VedderLG

    VedderLG Well-Known Member

    SOTD - Menthol Monday

    Shave #4 - ATT Kronos S1

    Very comfortable 2 pass DFS with touch ups. I had been planning on using Cade for 30 days, but I forgot about menthol mondays. Proraso white performed spectacularly today !

    Razor - ATT Kronos S1

    Blade - Rapira PL

    Brush - Plisson

    Soap - Proraso white

    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1418655723.640423.jpg
     
    RaZorBurn123 likes this.
  5. celestino

    celestino Friendly Neighborhood Wetshaver

    +1
    I am still waiting to see if I can actually acquire a RR Slant! :ashamed001:
     
    VedderLG and RaZorBurn123 like this.
  6. VedderLG

    VedderLG Well-Known Member

    Birthday SOTD

    ATT Kronos S1 - Shave #5

    Birthday was yesterday, but I have been shaving every other day and saved my shave for today. 3 pass BBS with touch up. I wanted BBS for my birthday. However, I ended up with a minor irritation spot on my neck. That's what you get for chasing BBS. I guess the S1 can irritate! Cade lather was phenomenal and the Plisson pampered my face.

    Pre - CWS

    Razor - ATT Kronos S1

    Blade - Rapira PL

    Brush - Plisson

    Soap - Cade

    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1418829061.428026.jpg
     
    RaZorBurn123 likes this.
  7. VedderLG

    VedderLG Well-Known Member

    SOTD

    Shave #6 - ATT S1

    I paired the S1 with the Atlas handle today. I had come to realize hat I had never really used a shorter handle before. I quite enjoyed. Definitely easier to manuever. I also like the balance. 2 pass DFS today with touchups. The Cade seems to also get along with my WD Brush.

    Pre - CWS

    Razor - ATT Atlas S1

    Blade - Rapira PL

    Soap - Cade

    Brush - WD Silvertip 24x48mm

    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1418998132.162197.jpg
     
    Last edited: Dec 19, 2014
    RaZorBurn123 likes this.
  8. VedderLG

    VedderLG Well-Known Member

    SOTD - NFL Sunday!!!

    Pre - CWS

    Razor - ATT Kronos R1

    Blade - Rapira PL

    Soap - The Freedberg

    Brush - Plisson

    I decided to try the R1 plate for the first time today. I paired it with the Kronos Handle and brought out The Freedberg. The Freedberg and the Plisson seem to love each other. This is the best lather I have ever made . The R1 appears to be more efficient than the S1. Definitely more stubble removed on the first pass. However, it is also more aggressive. Got a few weepers today, which I usually would not get. The S1 is definitely more smooth. Not sure if twisting the blade causes less of blade gap? The S1 plate is based on the R1 plate. Got a 3 pass DFS. No touch ups. No irritation other than the weepers. This is my first time with the R1. I will definitely be working it into the rotation. I never thought I'd do this, but I am considering using the Kronos R1 for my first pass with the Atlas S1 for subsequent passes.

    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1419189354.294532.jpg
     
    RaZorBurn123 likes this.
  9. RaZorBurn123

    RaZorBurn123 waiting hardily...............

    Everytime your thread pops up I reread the entire thread :) I suppose its in anticipation of my RR Slants arrival..
    Also I'm getting ready to buy a tin and puck of Cade, I love the container, and the reviews I've read about the soap. Thanks for keeping this thread going!
    Kerry
     
    VedderLG likes this.
  10. VedderLG

    VedderLG Well-Known Member

    Thanks Kerry! I am planning on bringing the Kiyara out during the week. Looking forward to hearing your impressions.
     
    RaZorBurn123 likes this.
  11. VedderLG

    VedderLG Well-Known Member

    SOTD

    Pre - CWS

    Razor - RRKS

    Blade - Rapira PL

    Soap - Cade

    Brush - Plisson

    Brought out RRKS today. Really nice first pass. 3 pass DFS, but needed quite a bit of touch up. RRKS is definitely milder than the S1, but not quite as a efficient. I made sure to use short strokes and rinse a lot. However, I still love this razor and it will continue to be in my rotation. Cade continues to rock! I think the Cade container and RRKS look good together

    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1419347205.909766.jpg
     
    RaZorBurn123 likes this.
  12. VedderLG

    VedderLG Well-Known Member

    SOTD - Christmas

    Shave #7 - ATT S1 Atlas

    Excellent shave for Christmas today. I paired Proraso white pre with Captain's Choice RR Bay Rum. The menthol kick combined amazingly well with the Bay Rum. Great Christmas surprise. Merry Christmas Denizens!

    Pre - CWS and Proraso White Pre

    Razor - ATT S1 Atlas

    Blade - Rapira PL

    Brush - Plisson

    Soap - Captain's Choice RR Bay Rum

    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1419541955.252065.jpg
     
  13. GDCarrington

    GDCarrington Burma Shave

    Excellent review! Thanks!
     
    VedderLG likes this.
  14. VedderLG

    VedderLG Well-Known Member

    SOTD

    Razor - RRKS

    Blade - Rapira PL

    Brush - WD Silvertip

    Soap - The Freedberg

    I am trying to use my favourite gear that won't be in my 30 trial. I was dialed in today and inspired by @razorburn 's new acquisition. Three pass BBS with zero irritation or weepers.

    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1419874523.822977.jpg
     
    RaZorBurn123 likes this.
  15. Ceferguson

    Ceferguson Well-Known Member

    Very nice I have been interested in an ATT slant so this was very informative, how do you think it would compare to the stainless steel ikon slant that is what I am using now?
     
    VedderLG likes this.
  16. VedderLG

    VedderLG Well-Known Member

    Thanks! I'm not sure. I have not used any iKon products.
     

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