Obvious, I know, but I am a noob at this: a Gillette NEW is a lot better than a RiMei. I just picked up a short comb Gillette NEW after starting off wet shaving with a cheapo Ri Mei. I was really quite satisfied with the Ri Mei, chalked up any issues I was having to my lack of developed technique. But the first shave with the NEW today was a revelation. So much more efficient. Much less need for touch ups and buffing. And spots that required special attention before shaved well during my regular passes (e.g. where my jaw meets my neck). Somehow I was expecting it to be a subtle difference, but it was clear as day. -Chuck
This is a great example of two folks having vastly different opinions about the same gear. My opinion of the RiMei is exactly the opposite. I have used the Old Type and the New, and while I like them both I actually much prefer my RiMei. I have found it to be far more forgiving and just as efficient. The RiMei is certainly less aggressive, but I have never had anything except perfect shaves when using it. It's not unusual for me to get a BBS shave in two passes with my beloved RiMei. BUT, I also love disposable blade straight razors (which some folks think of as vampires in razor form), hate the stench of MWF, and despise lavender...so I may just be weird...
In my opinion, such statements are not very useful as long as the blades used are not mentioned. One razor can be perfect with one blade, and sub par with an other blade.
I agree blades should be mentioned,but then so should preshave,soap/cream,hot,warm or cold water,technique and preasure,etc. All of these things and various combinations of them are different for everyone....I think the main thing shown by this post is the fallicy of Gillette/Schick's one size fits all mentality..The really important fact is that every face has a razor or blade or preshave or whatever that works the "ABSOLUTE" best for it, sometimes several!!! What you actually use to achieve shaving "NIRVANA" is unimportant,the fact that "something" exists out there that each one of us can use is "ALL" important!! The fun and trick to "traditional" shaving is finding that thing.... I.M.O.
Like I said in the original post, I am pretty new to this. The main thing I wanted to get across was that the difference between the two razors was really obvious, not something subtle as I'd (for some reason) expected. I did think that there'd be more agreement that the Gillette was superior to the Ri Mei, and it was interesting to learn that's not the case, that regardless of price the Ri Mei had its fans. As for blades, the last blade I used in the Ri Mei was an Astra SP, and that's also what I've been using in the NEW since I got it.
I agree that comparing two razors when using different gear does make a big difference in the outcome. With that said, I sort of assumed that, as a newbie to traditional wet shaving who probably has a limited assortment of gear, the OP used the same set up for both razors. In any event, I think that all of us can list some razors that feel completely different from our norm and that some of these differences are noticeable as soon as we begin to use them (regardless of the set up). I know that, for me, a pre-war fat handled Gillette Tech feels and performs completely differently than a post-war ball end handled Gillette Tech even though they are very similar razors. I can feel this difference even before I take the first stroke, and I absolutely notice the differences when I examine the results. I think that he point was that the OP was surprised by how great the differences were between the two razors and that those differences were noticeable right off the bat. When I first came over from cartridge razors I noticed the same thing. Most carts feel pretty similar, so it can be surprising when two fairly similar DE razors feel like totally different beasts. (Although comparing Gillette open comb razor to a RiMei is a bit like comparing a Parker SRW to a Bic disposable...)
You aren't the only one that's not a fan of the MWF. It has great skin care, but takes a while to lather and smells awful. There are soaps that have comparable skin care, smell better, and are easier to lather.
I have tried dozens of razors and still go back to my 'New' and it has been my daily shaver for a year now.
I just got a new RiMei and had my first shave with it. I was hopeful, but ended up a little disappointed. I ended up with a close shave, but it took more work. I had the feeling that I could not cut myself with the RiMei. It is very mild to me. It is a handsome razor and handles well, but to me right now I prefer any of my vintage Gillettes to it. I'd say it would be a good razor to learn on because it is so forgiving and cheap. It is well worth the money and would make a great travel razor because if you lose you won't be out much money.
It is Chinese in origin. $2.45 and free shipping on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050HO9MI/?tag=thshde-20
I'm about to get my first "RiMie" I just added it at the last moment to an amazon order I was placing because its so cheap...Nice hearing good things about it...It is afterall just a Gillette 3 piece clone, at a price that makes owning one a "MUST" One of the things I really enjoy about using a 3 piece razor is its ability to be customized.. Changing the handle as well as the blade can make a world of difference in the shave, both in comfort and closeness!! Can't wait for it to get here and give it a try..
Unfortunately, a lot of people have had trouble with getting a completely different (and inferior) razor when they order a RiMei from Amazon. It's also available from DX.com and FastTech.com for about $4 shipped and those seem to be more reliable options.
