My review of the Occam’s DE Razor Review I wasn’t really planning on buying this razor, but I had read somewhere that it was on sale and a pretty good razor for the price. Since I was a first time buyer from Classic Shaving I also received another discount on top of the already highly discounted razor. I went ahead and bought the whole kit which included one handle, two top caps, and three base plates. Pros; High quality build out of 316L SS Easy to clean and maintain Great knurling for a sure grip Efficient without being dangerously aggressive Great price for what you get (My opinion) Fantastic look Cons; Though it is marketed for beginners with the ridged cap it would be good as a second razor after a Muhle R89 Made in China Injection molded (Some reports of defective products) First Shave Used Regular Top Cap Blade used Dorco Prime STP-301 (1) Stirling Frankincense and Myrrh Passes With the grain OC Across the grain SOC Caddie Corner to the grain SB (From chin to upper ear) No pick ups needed No nicks or weepers I did not know what to expect with this razor except that the aggression would start off higher with the Occam’s DE OC Plate and go down in steps to its SB Plate design. It was interesting that I could not feel a difference between any of the plates. It was still a good shave, but I was still looking for differences of aggression that may not be there. Second Shave Used Ridged Top Cap Blade used Dorco Prime STP-301 (2) Vintage Colgate Mug Shave Soap Passes With the grain OC Across the grain SOC Caddie Corner to the grain SB (From chin to upper ear) No pick ups needed No nicks or weepers Fantastic shave. Again, I really couldn’t tell the differences of aggression between the plates. The ridged top cap really did nothing to help with my technique. Maybe because I have been doing this awhile that the ridge was something I wouldn’t really notice, or no one would really notice. Still, the razor gives great shaves without issue. Third Shave Used Regular Top Cap Blade used Dorco Prime STP-301 (3) Cella Shave Soap Passes With the grain OC Across the grain SOC Caddie Corner to the grain SB (From chin to upper ear) No pick ups needed No nicks or weepers Just another superb, close shave. Fourth Shave Used Regular Top Cap Blade used Dorco Prime STP-301 (4) Soap Stirling Spice Shave Soap Passes With the grain OC Across the grain SOC Caddie Corner to the grain SB (From chin to upper ear) No pick ups needed No nicks or weepers Again, a great close shave. Fifth Shave Used Regular Top Cap Blade used Dorco Prime STP-301 (5) Stirling Christmas Eve Shave Soap Passes With the grain OC Across the grain SOC Caddie Corner to the grain SB (From chin to upper ear) No nicks or weepers No pick ups needed Fantastic shave. Stirling makes a great product. No nicks or weepers. I am starting to feel the razor dulling a bit, so the next shave will be an Ender Shave for Chirstmas. Sixth Shave Used Regular Top Cap Blade used Dorco Prime STP-301 (6) Stirling Frankincense and Myrrh Soap Passes With the grain OC Across the grain SOC Caddie Corner to the grain SB (From chin to upper ear) Underarms SB No pick ups needed No nicks or weepers This was an Ender shave. Just a straight up nice shave. My thoughts on the Occam’s DE Razor; I had no expectations with this razor, accept one. I expected to feel a difference between the plates. There really wasn’t any. As I also had suspected, the ridged cap didn’t do anything for me. If I were a beginner this might have been something I would have needed. I don’t know. With that stated I don’t think this is a beginner’s razor. There are milder razors out there that would suit the needs for a beginner. In my opinion this razor is a step up from a beginner’s razor. Something someone who has a few months in may want to consider before thinking of something more advanced. It’s a beautiful razor that has been well packaged. For the price it was hard to beat. For the whole kit minus a pack of blades of my choice I paid under $60 shipped. Performance wise, it is more than adequate. Most shaves you can stop after the second pass without issue. It works well under my nose. I will be keeping this razor more for collection purposes. Will I bring it out and use it again? Once in awhile, but nowhere near a daily driver level usage. I’m happy with my purchase.
Darn. I meant to put this guy on my X-Mas wish list but I forgot about it when making my list.... I guess I'll need to get this bookmarked for next year...
