I am among the first to obtain this razor from Greg at iKon razors. This is an unbelievably great razor. First off its 100% stainless steel and has 12 teeth that appear to be bent just right. I loaded a Feather and because the pins are thicker there is no chance of uneven blade exposure. The razor seems to be an New,Old Style and Merkur rolled up into one. The grip is great and very little chance of slipping even with wet hands. The shave is the closest I have ever gotten and that includes a slant,New,Old,Futur,Progress you name it. I will even rate it higher then an injector. So whats next for iKon razors I don't know but I did suggest a slant in 3 piece. Finally the price. At $45 delivered (Priority Mail) now thats a bargain
I received the iKon in a trade with another B&B member who felt that the razor was too aggressive. I've been meaning to try this since it was announced, but I missed the first production. Here's the break-down of the rating: >Weight: The version I have (with the extended fat-handled Tech handle), is about 100 g. This is heavy, but is a great help with handling my thick, coarse beard. The other handle option is thinner and lighter, but I haven't tried that. YMMV, but for me: 10 >Balance: I was worried that the thick Tech handle in stainless steel would make the razor unbalanced, but it was actually perfectly balanced in my hands. This is obviously affected by where you grip the handle, and I didn't pay attention to how I was holding it. It works great. : 10 >Blade Exposure: I didn't find this as aggressive as the British New that's my regular DE razor. But then, I usually use straights, so take that with a grain of salt. The blade sticks out about the same as the New, but it is held flush against the teeth of the comb (like an Old Type). As far as the aggressiveness aiding the shave, it seemed to be just about right....maybe on par with a US New. :10 >Ease of use: Being a 3-piece razor, blade replacement is on par with other razors of its kind. However, the posts are thick so you don't have to worry about aligning the blade. Apart from that, I think experienced DE users will have no problems getting great shaves with this razor. In my case (I've been using a DE and straight for under 2 months), I also found it very easy to use; the head seems to angle right of its own accord. >Grip: This is a well-designed handle which provides superb grip. I have the one with the 'extended fat-handled tech' handle, and the knurling is excellent. : 10+ >Price: It costs $45-48 at this point. I traded for it, but I was willing to pay to try it out, and now having done so, I'd be even more willing to buy one. Given the performance and workmanship, this is a steal. However, there are cheaper razors so : 8 Summary: This is a well-designed and machined razor. The weight (~100 g) was a great aid in mowing down my thick, coarse, whiskers. People with finer growth may want to consider the regular gripper handle if interested in this razor. I was able to get a smooth, comfortable shave with a Permasharp blade (on day 2), which hasn't been the best blade for me so far. The balance of efficacy with aggressiveness was perfect for my requirements. The brushed metal look of the un-plated stainless steel is very handsome, but it does look a little muted next to my New with the Bull Mastiff handle. I personally like this, but if you like shiny things, you might want to consider getting it plated (an option from the maker). All-in-all, Greg has done a great job. Off the cuff, I couldn't think of anything to improve in this razor. :happy096
I received the Ikon razor with the classic style long handle today, just in time for my shave. I'm very impressed! Very solid craftsmanship! Two things I'll change: I'm not too fond of the long handle. Ordered the short ball end, which has been shipped already. I expect an improvement of balance towards my liking with this new handle. While the brushed steel look is quite interesting, I will most likely polish the head and gold plate the whole thing. I know, I could have ordered it that way, but I like to do things myself. The aggressiveness of this razor is IMHO somewhere between a Gillette New and a Merkur 15C. Maybe leaning rather towards the 15C. I got a perfect BBS w/o any irritation. I believe this razor will become my top favorite.
Received the shorter ball end handle, and now I'd give it a 10 for balance as well. I even started to like the metal color, and decided not to gold plate it. If I was allowed only one razor, this one would be it, no doubt!
Great razor. I just got mine yesterday. Today I loaded it up with a feather and had a smooth, close, irritation-free shave. What a pleasure this thing is! I have the "bulldog" spindle handle with the original style head. I may never use my Merkur 38c again. I was that impressed.
I have had this razor for 1 week and am now seriously considering off loading many of my Merkurs. I chose the high polish version of the Bulldog Deluxe.The 2010 version is not as aggressive as the original run....but don't let that put you off. ......this razor just keeps on delivering! This is a very high quality piece of kit, and despite the recent price hike....it is well worth the money
So, I am not sure what, exactly, attracts me to the iKon line.. It's a combination of the following.... ... the all stainless construction ... a small guy going up against the big manufactures ... the notion of small intimate manufacturing versus mass production ... the idea that one might actually build a better mouse trap ... the wonderful shave ... the iKon logo I already had the Deluxe Open Comb on a Bull Dog handle, the stainless stand and a matching stainless handled Silvertip brush... I recently read a bit about the history of the iKon brand and in the article there was a picture of the iKon prototype which sported a long thin handle with a head similar to the Gillette Old. I have an Old in my ABC set and enjoy it, but the aesthetics of it trump the shave.. I just like the looks of the long indexing pins. The prototype iKon was in brushed stainless, which I appreciate visually and the combination of the head and handle have a nice visual balance to them. I emphasize 'visual' because I had never shaved nor held the prototype.. but I knew if I had the chance to buy one I would... Enter ebay... I stumbled across an auction that included a Standard head in brushed stainless, a high polish Deluxe OC head which I have, mounted on the Long handle in high polish, which I didn't have, and.... the Prototype Old head, brushed stainless on the matching brushed Prototype Long handle. The certificates were included as was the original acrylic display case. Click Buy It Now.. It arrived three days earlier than I expected. The OC I recv'd in the auction is an earlier release than the one I have and visual and tactile inspection of the tolerances between the cap and base of the head reveal it's tighter than my later version. With my later version, there is the slightest bit of play between the two head pieces with no blade installed, this is gone once the blade is inserted and the handle is tightened. Visually, the blade aligns perfectly in both OC heads and the exposure, as best as I can measure is the same. Keep in mind this isn't a forensic analysis and there is great room for error in my inspection and interpretation of what I see. I write-off the difference in tolerances as growing pains in the production cycle and frankly, I am okay with it.. These are all early releases from a new company, not mass produced products with a hundred years of experience behind them. The long handle is wonderful. I like the longer handle on my Futur, though I sold that razor, and on my Mergress XL. I feared the narrow barrel on the long handle might be too small for my mitts, but as it turns out I am real comfortable with the ergonomics and might go as far as saying I prefer it!! The finish on the high polish handle is flawless, though the knurling is a little light for me. Still, no issues with slippery handle or loosing my grip... I also received the Standard head. Now, I am still new to wet shaving and with regard to the history of razors, I am just scratching the surface, but I believe the head is an attempt at the Gillette New Deluxe. Craftsmanship is flawless. The brushed finish is perfect; the cap seats perfectly square and without any wiggle room. The blade locks down with what is, at least visually, a perfectly equal alignment. The balance with of the long handle and standard head is about as perfect as I could expect and when switching between the various razors I have...dare I say... I can't ask for more. (I have two other new razors coming.. both with Bull Mastiff handles from BRW... It's going to be tough competition in the Den!!) Now.. the shave from the Standard head.. Way too mild for me. My first shave was with the Standard and a Personna Red on the prototype handle (more on that in a second). DFS...absolutely. BBS... I doubt it is possible without some serious discomfort. Second shave was with the Standard head and a Feather. Better, no irritation, but still not what I have come to expect in the way of closeness from an OC or Slant. BBS takes some work. But still, for the days I want a casual DFS, it is perfect...a kin to what I get from a Superspeed or Fat Boy set low. The Prototype exceeds my expectations. This was an emotional purchase and to be honest, though the package I bought included the second OC head and the Standard, as well as the second handle, all I really wanted was the Prototype. Now many of you are going to think I am nuts but even if the shave from the Prototype proves less than perfect, the experience using and owning it is highly valuable to me. I like that it tells a story that even the oldest mass produced razors can't. Hmmm... not entirely accurate. I have a few oldies.. Gillette's from as far back as around 1912...and they tell a different story; one that speaks of the people who have used them over the years, the roads they have traveled, though undocumented, must criss-cross around the country; the faces and hands that have touched them and possibly learned to shave with them.. The iKon can't speak that language. Rather it speaks of entrepreneurship, trial and error, mistakes and successes. I envision Greg, founder and owner of iKon, standing in front of a lathe in his garage or basement. It might not be that romantic and the iKon's might also have been 'mass-produced' but not at the rate of the other razors I have. Everything about the Prototype screams bespoke. The fit and finish is there, but it's clear this wasn't a final production model. The handle is especially attractive to me since the brushed finish has left the knurling very aggressive and the feel is absurdly positive. I recently had a chance to shoot a photo session of and in a local fire house and if you have ever explored the details of fire fighting equipment you know it is all business... That is the feeling the Prototype communicates. As mentioned, my mental database of old razors is limited and I think the head is the Gillette Old.. it is of the same design and dimensions as the head in my American Button Company travel kit. I haven't shaved with the Prototype head and am not sure if I will. I had plans of a 'keep some, sell some' experience with the iKon's I have but not sure if I will let any of them go. I suppose I could pair up one of the OC's with the high polish long handle and let that go. And keep the Prototype long handle and high polish Bulldog. What I need is the brushed finished OC...that would be perfect. If anyone has one and wants to trade, please reach out.... Price? I think the price on the all stainless razors is perfectly acceptable. The Feather All Stainless is nearly $150 and the Pils stainless version is $239. All in all, I am most pleased with every aspect of the iKon experience. Obviously, some folks have had what they feel is a less than ideal, even poor, but I have made my objectives and personal latitude clear in prior posts and I have to say... iKon creates these little moments of magic for me.. I know straight 10's might seem overly generous, but it's the gutt reaction I get, confirmed by my comments above..
Some issues Mine wouldn't align the blade correctly. Greg sent a replacement head that still was not perfect. In short, quality control issues. I imagine if you get a perfect one, it's a decent razor. I got the bulldog handle. Heavy - ok if you like that. Knurled like something you'd use in the garage - frankly, a bit crude. A lot of people love these. I don't.
Good Morning, i have to pull this thing up,because of some questions i have. You are talking about this one,right? http://ikonrazors.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=164 The first open comb i tested,was the R41 (too aggressive for me). Next i got my 2nd Open Comb,the 1930 Gillette New Type. I love my New. Now my questions is,if i would buy the Open Comb Base Plate together with the Top Cap,how will it shave in comparison with my New? Is the Open Comb a mix of R41 and New? I will get the iKon Slant as a Christmas gift.But i like the Head,i like the finish and i like Greg´s Craftmansship. And the price is very good for the quality Greg offer´s. What do you mean,should i buy it or not? Maybe you could give me some tips. Thank you very much.Have a great time and and enjoy your 2. Advent. Greetings Thorsten
