It's the latest trend I guess... Slants and SE's are the latest "in" thing...
You should give links to the ones you are referring to as many probably don't get the context.
I'm assuming you are referring to:
ATT Single Edge (with Bamboo handle)
The Colonial
iKon SE
Supply Provision razor
Barbados/Turkish razor company SE
Razorock SE?!?
And which one is the cheapest/best value?
Not sure. I think the Colonial is all Aluminium like the Standard razor and sells for US$30 I think.
Why are they so wide? Seems like all the challenges of the long blade of a straight without the precision.
There are 3 kinds of single edge blades:
1. Injector blades
2. GEM blades
3. Feather/Kai style
(4. Snapped half of a DE blade)
In terms of width, going from wide to widest:
DE width - Snapped DE blade
DE width - GEM style
A little Wider than DE - injector blades
Very wide - Feather style
The Feather blade style are the widest (approx 1 & 1/2 of a DE) and it is these that are being used in a lot of the modern razors. Examples: Cobra, Mongoose, ATT SE (& iKon?).
The Feather blades were designed for the Feather "disposable straight" (aka Shavette) razors. They have been commandeered and put to use in a safety razor but weren't originally intended to be used this way. Hence the very wide heads to fit the longer blade.
I'm not a fan of the wider Feather style SE's. It's a hack job and they are best used for the Feather disposable straights they have been stolen from. I can see the reason for stealing them- Feather make incredibly sharp blades that last.
Injectors are generally too mild but I find them handy and simple to use. They are a no brain razor and would be simple for someone to move from a cartridge razor into using a traditional safety razor.
The older SE's that use a GEM blade are amazingly efficient. They are a straight with a handle and require good technique with a deft hand. They mow down long growth in an instant. Worthwhile to use every now and then for me.
Snapped DE's are too much effort. Sure, you can buy them pre-snapped but they are just a little more dangerous in handling. Best used as a DE blade in a DE razor.
Now let's get this debate happening people!!!! [emoji38][emoji38][emoji38]