I have been caching up on the posts since I have been away. I have found now three razors I want to add to my den.
Second shave with the new beast-this time on 2 days growth and with the much sharper Iridium blade. BBS with 2 passes, unheard of for me. I did one NS and one SN. This is not a comfortable shave. I wouldn't say it's uncomfortable but has that primitive feel of an SE. I used such a light touch I was practically hovering over my face and barely touching it. This is going to be a great razor for days I'm in a super hurry-like today. I could get a passable shave with one WTG pass.
It does need just enough pressure so the razor is not "jumpy" or I guess more like a firm grip. Yes, it's amazing what this razor can do in 1 pass. Unfortunately I don't find it a time saver because I have to go a lot slower and with more care during that 1 pass, more like 2 passes with a different razor. The other problem is that you need lather that doesn't dry on your face during 1 long pass. Sub-par lather and this razor do not go well together.
got mine today, but i'm scared to use it :ashamed001 weird, it fits on my Ivory Handle and EJ Georgian, but not the R89 Chrome handle. i'll wait for when i have a bit more growth (w/end) before i try it.
Don't be scared of it. More growth is a good plan, works best for me with at least 2 days of growth. Use a sharp blade, a firm grip without pressure, good lather and respect it. You will be fine. I hope you will be as amazed as I am what this "thing" can do in 1 pass.
I just received mine via a trade. As I am with every "aggressive" razor I acquire I am looking for something that will finally get the stubble on my neck BBS without causing undue irritation over the rest of my face. Yes, I will agree that this razor has an appreciable bite. It also gives loads of audible feedback. I did my normal 3 pass shave. Overall, it is a very close and BBS shave. However, it still struggled in that same neck patch where every other aggressive razor has struggled. I don't notice any irritation yet. I got one small nick on the jawline. Yet, this razor comes closer to the goal of full BBS and irritation free than most. I will give it a try with different angles and blades in the future.
I'm probably going to be underwhelmed myself as far as aggressiveness goes...Still going to wait for the EJ version though. I wish I didn't wait as long as I did to get my Sledgehammer, I didn't find it scary aggressive at all, actually it was just heavy. I think from now on, I'm going to use the term "Mild" for everything :happy102
I'll be very surprised if you are underwhelmed. I also find the Slant only slightly aggressive. The R41 is the most aggressive safety razor I've used-I'd even say much more aggressive than the OC Micromatic. I'm interested to hear your thoughts after giving it a spin.
+1 The slant, other open combs are mild compared to this straight in disguise. Maybe the only other aggressive razor that would match this one was a Parker with a scary huge blade gap.
I'm curious to see as well, so far the only thing that's lived up to the hype of being aggressive was my Type E, but its not a DE. I have 2 Parkers actually a 3 Piece and a 96R, still not that bad though.
The only de that scares me to the point of not using is an early model parker that is an open comb. The blade gap is so large that the blade is in contact with the skin almost regardless of the angle. Most slants are not as bad as their rep. The same goes for open comb razors. Even open comb slants are not that bad.
Dale was kind enough to offer letting my try the razor for a week, once its here I'll let you all know how it goes, and thanks again Dale!
