Picked it up for $15 on Clearance from Shaveabuck.com It looks as good as it does in the pic, and has a nice weight to it. Haven't used it yet, I'll use it for tonight's shave. It came with a pack of Ladas blades, so I'll use one of those on the inaugural shave tonight.
Mine arrived today as well. I hope you enjoy your shave as much as I did. My first open comb experience was a good one....
I just used it for the first time. Two things to keep in mind: 1. I generally use mild razors. I do have an OC, it's a Merkur 1904 which is a mild OC. 2. I had an awesome shave last night that was almost BBS, so I didn't have a lot to work with tonight. Okay, first off, I enjoyed the shave. I like how the razor looks, and how it performs. I used one of the free Ladas blades that came with it. From looking at it and hearing 'horror' stories of the aggressiveness of OC's, I used a bottom coating of Noxzema and thick top coat of Proraso Red. I'm glad I did because... This was probably the most aggressive 'funtional' razor I've used. I say functional, because like many of you, I've tried my fair share of sub-$5 Chinese razors out of curiosity. And while their aggressive shaves were due to being a really bad razor, it was easy to tell that this razor wasn't like that, it was purposely aggressive. With my bottom and top coats, and going slowly, feeling almost like I was learning all over again, I managed a 3 pass with only a couple of minor nicks. It's a keeper for sure, but I think it maybe the one I use for when I have a couple of days stubble to chop through. I'm a little burnt, but not badly. My face is pretty dang smooth. My neck, well.. that's an area I'm overly cautious with because it's hard to shave. I think if I'd had a different blade I may have done better. I prefer Sharks or Voskhods, but decided on the Ladas since it shipped with it. I think next time I use this I'll try a Voskhod. Overall, a winner. 4 out of 5. Considering the price of $15, I'd go 5 out of 5. It upped the learning curve, which was nice. It's not just another, similar razor in my arsenal, it's got a unique look and shave. It's quality, if I handed this to you and told you I just got it on sale for $50, you'd probably believe it. If you've got open combs and or aggressive razors, you probably don't need to add a Cadet to your den unless it's just for the good looks. If you're like me, used to mild razors and want to branch out a bit, I'd recommend a Cadet in a heartbeat. They look great and they're $15 to 19 at shaveabuck.
1. Good review. Thanks! 2. I was a mild shave kinda guy and have been wooed by the sharp side. I've wondered about the Ladas blades and hope to try them one day. However, if the negative buzz over Ladas, it might have made your shave more "burny" than it really was... maybe? 3. As I edge closer to more aggressive razors, I find myself examining my technique. I've been getting BBS shaves from EJ, Tech, and even New for a couple of years. However, recent additions have really prompted me to scrutinize. This is to say that you may be able to tame that beautiful shaving machine! OR... you might decide it isn't worth the effort. It's your shave after all ... but DANG! that is one cool looking razor! I vote that you use it regularly! Good on yer!
It's possible that it could be the blade. When I use it again I'll put a blade I'm more familiar with in it. Sitting here this morning my face still seem super close shaven. I don't think I grow enough beard to really use such an aggressive razor on a daily basis.
Great review I think we are leading parallel shaving lives. We both saw the Cadet thread from Jayruh, ordered Cadet open comb razors, received them the same day and tried them that night. I was going to post up a review, but yours pretty much has it covered. I tried mine with a blade I already like, and got a great close shave. It also cleaned up my neck better than any razor I have tried to date. It is very aggressive compared to anything I've used so far. I now understand what single edge shavers mean when they talk about "hearing" the shave.
Thanks! Yeah, you can definitely hear this one, can't you? I wished I'd put in a different blade. Not a fan of Ladas but got caught up in the excitement of New Razor Day. hahaha I think I'll try this with an aggressive blade and a mild blade just to see what the fit here is. Something tells me that with the proper blade this razor could be fantastic. I'm interested in trying on of their closed comb razors now.
Even though I said I'd wait, I went and used this again tonight. I ditched the Ladas and put in a Shark. Similar close shave, feedback was actually a bit louder, and a couple of nicks again. Not the same burn though. Definitely putting this up on the shelf until I have a decent amount of beard again though.
