Weekly Razor Review

Pbgoose said:
Arrrrrrrrgh! No full copper or brass razors available and maybe not going to be manufactured the same again! Maybe a missed opportunity.:cry:
But on the bright side, maybe saved me a few hundred dollars.:)
Mrs Pbgoose saw me scrambling for the Charcoal Goods website and liked the copper anchor handle, giving me the green light for purchase. But alas, only handles and no base plates or top plates.:banghead:
Click to expand...
Yeah I saw they have the SS top cap/handle with Copper base plate option in stock but just not the same look as Brass... A real shame as those Brass handle's are really nice but with the AUD so low and no idea when/if Brian will resupply Brass caps/base plates just not affordable. (n)
 
Parker 45R (India)



For a while there, every time I opened the computer a Parker 45R jumped up in front of me; eventually the saturation advertising worked so I went and bought one. It is advertised that this razor features a brass frame with a plated head but I’m not totally convinced that the head is brass however it’s bright and shiny and I cannot tell what’s underneath. And guess what, I’m not going to take to it with a file to find out either. What I did notice, was that when I rinsed the 45R under the hot tap it retained a lot of heat so maybe the head is brass. Probably to be expected in this price range of razors, the blade sits on round posts under the cap. There is quite a lot of play between the cap and the plate but everything looked straight and square when it’s tensioned down. Adding visual appeal to the package is the long and unusually shaped handle with what looks like an enamel wood pattern finish.

When the biggest complaint about the shave is the length of the handle, the razor is probably not too bad. Really though, the length of the handle reduced the manoeuvrability of the razor and on the first shave I found myself holding the razor awkwardly with the end of the handle sticking out the bottom of my hand somehow. Second shave and what I’m calling a normal grip returned and I had far fewer problems. There was good grip provided by the handle and never any threat to the loss of grip. I have doubts about any company that includes a pack of Shark blades with their razor. Parker did, so I used one, lovely print on the wrapper but the blade was crap; I must admit though that the second shave with the Shark was far better than the first. Errol, you know better than to use a Shark blade so you deserve all the pulling and scraping for the first two shaves. Thank goodness for the Gillette Rubie, it allowed the 45R to perform somewhere near its best without all the pulling and scraping. Karve CB Level #D efficiency and an ample amount of blade feel made for a reasonable shave. Overall, for the price, not bad.

Blades Used – Shark and Gillette Rubie
Material – Brass frame
Blade Tab - Exposed
Weight – 108g
Head Width – 41.75mm
Handle Length – 103.32mm
Availability - Readily
Final Word – There’s worse razors around
 
Artisan (USA)



Not much is known about the pedigree of this razor but it was purchased from Wet Shaving Club earlier this year. The Artisan is one of those razors where it is said that the one engineer is responsible for everything from design to quality control. Immediately noticeable is the stubby little handle with its four shallow longitudinal grooves that provide a comfortable and reassuring grip. In detail though, it was the plate that stood out and grabbed my attention. It is very intricate in the way it has been machined and contains lots of fine detail. Large sections on the back of the plate have been milled down leaving the material reasonably thin and making the plate light for a stainless steel plate. Held flat, it is possible to look straight through the lather channels on one side and see out the other side. Because of this design feature, there should be no issues with lather dispersion on the Artisan. The cap clamps the blade at its outer edge but there is still a lot of blade visible. In a change from the accepted normal, the round blade posts are integrated onto the plate; with my two left hands, the first blade loading is always a bit fiddly but it soon become the norm. In answer to Errol’s pet grumble on razors, the thread engagement is both firm and smooth. To complete the package the whole razor is presented in an unblemished satin finish.

Ideally, a handle in the range 85mm – 95mm is generally what I’m most content with. The Artisan is fitted with a handle 76mm long and I can usually control these but it takes a shave or two to become accustomed to the manoeuvrability afforded. Combined with the short handle, was a light weight, thin head and a mild nature, that allowed the Artisan to be whizzed around without a care in the world. It inspires confidence in the approach to shaving when you feel safe with the razor. In use, the Artisan has a mild efficiency level just below that of a Karve CB Level #C and right at the bottom of the range of efficiency I appreciate. With a neutral blade feel the shave was certainly smooth but unfortunately the shave could have been closer but even that was not bad. I’m very impressed with the quality of the machining and will be watching out for more razors from this artisan. There are two points I would like to see increased; firstly, add another 10/ 15mm to the handle and then increase the efficiency a bit. This would improve what is already a very nice to use mild little razor.

Blades Used – PolSilver and Gillette Platinum
Material – Stainless Steel
Blade Tab - Exposed
Weight – 85g
Head Width – 40.66mm
Handle Length – 76.22mm
Handle Diameter – 12.10mm
Availability – Out of stock
Final Word – Well engineering but mild
 
@Errol have you ever been contacted to product test a new razor?

If I had a machining background, I would have sent a few prototypes to help dial it in.
 
Good question, but the answer is no. One of the big problems I see is my location, normal postal time (not Covid 19) from USA/ Europe is four to five weeks. Even overnight express is close to one week. By the time I received the razor there could have been three reviews done on the razor so it's just not viable. I have been asked my opinions on what I would like to see on different razors/ parts but there is probably a huge population that receive these same emails.
 
Homelike Baikal Stainless Steel (Russia)



Homelike’s web page is one of those I visit regularly because this company is very progressive and they are continually release new models and variations to their line up. I just hope they can keep the winds in their sails and continue churning out razors and not necessarily new models as the time goes on. I was thinking the Baikal was all aluminium and for no particular reason I generally steer clear of aluminium razors but there at the very bottom of the page was a stainless steel variant. Bought!

Homelike’s Baikal is very Rockwell 6S/ 6C like in its appearance and methodology to shaving but the Baikal is machined whereas the 6S is sintered stainless steel. In another departure from the 6S design, the blade sits on elongated posts that mate into slots machined into the plate. Baikal comes with two plates marked #3 - #4 and #6 - #7 but there is no #5. The cap is machined to be light and clamps the blade a little back from its edge but one thing I would like to see is the centre post being a little longer to provide more engagement with the handle thread. In Homelike talk, the handle fitted is referred to as a ‘Sarmat’ and it is also available separately. It looks to be very loosely based on the Wolfman WRH7 style of handle but has lost something in the interpretation. For me the knurling is set too far back from the front of the handle and I found myself holding it on the long tapered section in front of the knurl. I was always in control of the razor but it would have been better to be using the knurl gip. Homelike have gone away from etching the details onto the razor and are now using laser lettering so that’s a plus. There is a machined polished finish on the whole razor that is about the same quality as many other manufacture’s machined polish finish. In the last couple of years, the quality of machine polished finishes has improved immensely but is still nowhere near that of a hand polish. Straight out of the box the Baikal has a white nylon washer fitted to the back of the plate, good to see as it saves me from fitting one.

Now where to start? Too many choices; I’ll start with #6 and work from there. Right from the start, ample blade feel was evident and with an efficiency level around that of a Karve CB, Level #D the Baikal was very pleasant to use. Noisy, this is one of those noisy razors where the sound of each whisker being mowed down can well and truly be heard. It was interesting to note that as the efficiency level of each plate increased there was a proportional increase in both razor noise and blade feel. At level #7 the blade feel was quite pronounced. Both #6 and #7 were very much to my liking and I feel confident that I could have quite easily have used and been content with both sides of the lower plate. There is no denying that the back to back plates have increased the thickness of the head but I had no difficulty in manoeuvring in areas like under the nose. Dual sided plates have made for a heavy head that can definitely be felt in use and it took a while to get used to the feel.
  • #7 – Efficiency just in excess of Karve CB Level #D
  • #6 – Karve CB Level #D
  • #4 – Karve CB Level #C plus
  • #3 – Karve CB Level #C
Only fifty of the stainless steel Homelike Baikal were manufactured so it will be interesting to see if Homelike produce another run of the Baikal. They should, because overall, this is a good razor.

Blades Used – Gillette Silver Blue and Sputnik
Material – 304 Stainless Steel
Blade Tab - Covered
Weight – 126g
Head Width – 43mm
Handle Length – 90mm
Handle Diameter – 13.93mm
Availability – Homelike
Final Word – Thumbs up
 
Errol said:
Homelike Baikal Stainless Steel (Russia)



Homelike’s web page is one of those I visit regularly because this company is very progressive and they are continually release new models and variations to their line up. I just hope they can keep the winds in their sails and continue churning out razors and not necessarily new models as the time goes on. I was thinking the Baikal was all aluminium and for no particular reason I generally steer clear of aluminium razors but there at the very bottom of the page was a stainless steel variant. Bought!

Homelike’s Baikal is very Rockwell 6S/ 6C like in its appearance and methodology to shaving but the Baikal is machined whereas the 6S is sintered stainless steel. In another departure from the 6S design, the blade sits on elongated posts that mate into slots machined into the plate. Baikal comes with two plates marked #3 - #4 and #6 - #7 but there is no #5. The cap is machined to be light and clamps the blade a little back from its edge but one thing I would like to see is the centre post being a little longer to provide more engagement with the handle thread. In Homelike talk, the handle fitted is referred to as a ‘Sarmat’ and it is also available separately. It looks to be very loosely based on the Wolfman WRH7 style of handle but has lost something in the interpretation. For me the knurling is set too far back from the front of the handle and I found myself holding it on the long tapered section in front of the knurl. I was always in control of the razor but it would have been better to be using the knurl gip. Homelike have gone away from etching the details onto the razor and are now using laser lettering so that’s a plus. There is a machined polished finish on the whole razor that is about the same quality as many other manufacture’s machined polish finish. In the last couple of years, the quality of machine polished finishes has improved immensely but is still nowhere near that of a hand polish. Straight out of the box the Baikal has a white nylon washer fitted to the back of the plate, good to see as it saves me from fitting one.

Now where to start? Too many choices; I’ll start with #6 and work from there. Right from the start, ample blade feel was evident and with an efficiency level around that of a Karve CB, Level #D the Baikal was very pleasant to use. Noisy, this is one of those noisy razors where the sound of each whisker being mowed down can well and truly be heard. It was interesting to note that as the efficiency level of each plate increased there was a proportional increase in both razor noise and blade feel. At level #7 the blade feel was quite pronounced. Both #6 and #7 were very much to my liking and I feel confident that I could have quite easily have used and been content with both sides of the lower plate. There is no denying that the back to back plates have increased the thickness of the head but I had no difficulty in manoeuvring in areas like under the nose. Dual sided plates have made for a heavy head that can definitely be felt in use and it took a while to get used to the feel.
  • #7 – Efficiency just in excess of Karve CB Level #D
  • #6 – Karve CB Level #D
  • #4 – Karve CB Level #C plus
  • #3 – Karve CB Level #C
Only fifty of the stainless steel Homelike Baikal were manufactured so it will be interesting to see if Homelike produce another run of the Baikal. They should, because overall, this is a good razor.

Blades Used – Gillette Silver Blue and Sputnik
Material – 304 Stainless Steel
Blade Tab - Covered
Weight – 126g
Head Width – 43mm
Handle Length – 90mm
Handle Diameter – 13.93mm
Availability – Homelike
Final Word – Thumbs up
Click to expand...

Another excellent review @Errol. Looking forward to the Taiga/Tayga adjustable as it's on my wish list :)
 
Holiday said:
Hmmmm an improved R41 :unsure: and those ShaverBoy blades sound worth a try :unsure::unsure:

https://globalshave.club/shop/ols/p...r-available-in-black-brushed-chrome-rose-gold
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Hi Errol...in the future if possible could you review the feather asd2 and the rex ambassador if you have those in your den and what your go-to de blades are....your reviews are extremely informative and enjoyable.
 
Suppaparts Adjustable Ti (Hong Kong)



Sell off that Rockwell 6S/ 6C and that Karve CB with its associated seven or eight plates, the Suppaparts razor offers a DE format razor with four levels of efficiency all available in one flippable plate. The Suppaparts is an all titanium razor and even with that chunky head the razor is not all that heavy. With the plate marked #1 - #4 on one side and #2 - #3 on the other, it looks to be the obvious arrangement for the four levels of efficiency. There are two extra long blade posts that go right through the holes in the plate but when the handle is not tightened down there is a mile of slop between the two parts of the head. When the blade was inserted it was not sitting square and had to be maneuvered around to be positioned where it was not only sat square but there was equal blade exposed on each side; before every shave the blade exposure had to be checked and adjusted. The round blade posts are machined a smaller diameter to the blade cut out and this is the source of the problem; at the factory it would be an easy fix. Clamping of the blade is a long way from the edge of the cap and this presents a lot of unsupported blade so we’ll see how it performs. There are no machine marks and the razor has a bead blasted finish.

I’m not particularly keen on dual efficiency set ups on razors, but in this case I understand what Suppaparts is trying to achieve and will play along with their little game. Starting with the #3 edge or was it #2, it doesn’t matter, they were very close in efficiency and it was difficult to tell which side I was using but I did make sure to alternate sides. There is a pleasant amount of blade feel and it was a very close shave, I was actually impressed at how good the shave was. I’d be content to leave the #2/ #3 plate on for the remainder of the test but I do want to check out that #4 level. The #4 level would struggle to make a Karve CB #D level of efficiency but with a much appreciated amount of blade feel produced a very close shave. On the other side of the plate, the level of efficiency for the #1 edge was only just on the low side of the Karve CB level #C so again was very usable. I’m impressed at how close the levels of efficiencies of the Suppaparts plate are, all very usable. Although I didn’t have to adjust the blade every time, I’d be a lot happier if I didn’t have to check the blade alignment before every shave. Machined into the length of the handle are a series of grooves running the full length of the body of the handle. In use, these grooves did not provide a positive grip and a couple of times I found that the razor slipping while it was being used. This problem was probably exacerbated by my checking what setting number I was using.
  • #4 – Karve CB Level #D minus
  • #3 – Karve CB Level #C plus
  • #2 – Karve CB Level #C
  • #1 – Karve CB Level #C minus
I could eventually get used to the dual efficiency head and work with the handle slip problem but the thing that was really frustrating with the Suppaparts was continually having to check and adjust blade alignment. I know I’m an addict of titanium razors but this one would be at the bottom of my choice list.

Blades Used – Gillette 7 O’Clock Yellow and Super-Max Platinum
Material – Grade 2 Titanium
Blade Tab - Exposed
Weight – 75g
Head Width – 41mm
Handle Length – 97.53mm
Handle Diameter – 11.77mm
Availability – Suppaparts
Final Word – Stay clear
 
Errol said:
Suppaparts Adjustable Ti (Hong Kong)



Sell off that Rockwell 6S/ 6C and that Karve CB with its associated seven or eight plates, the Suppaparts razor offers a DE format razor with four levels of efficiency all available in one flippable plate. The Suppaparts is an all titanium razor and even with that chunky head the razor is not all that heavy. With the plate marked #1 - #4 on one side and #2 - #3 on the other, it looks to be the obvious arrangement for the four levels of efficiency. There are two extra long blade posts that go right through the holes in the plate but when the handle is not tightened down there is a mile of slop between the two parts of the head. When the blade was inserted it was not sitting square and had to be maneuvered around to be positioned where it was not only sat square but there was equal blade exposed on each side; before every shave the blade exposure had to be checked and adjusted. The round blade posts are machined a smaller diameter to the blade cut out and this is the source of the problem; at the factory it would be an easy fix. Clamping of the blade is a long way from the edge of the cap and this presents a lot of unsupported blade so we’ll see how it performs. There are no machine marks and the razor has a bead blasted finish.

I’m not particularly keen on dual efficiency set ups on razors, but in this case I understand what Suppaparts is trying to achieve and will play along with their little game. Starting with the #3 edge or was it #2, it doesn’t matter, they were very close in efficiency and it was difficult to tell which side I was using but I did make sure to alternate sides. There is a pleasant amount of blade feel and it was a very close shave, I was actually impressed at how good the shave was. I’d be content to leave the #2/ #3 plate on for the remainder of the test but I do want to check out that #4 level. The #4 level would struggle to make a Karve CB #D level of efficiency but with a much appreciated amount of blade feel produced a very close shave. On the other side of the plate, the level of efficiency for the #1 edge was only just on the low side of the Karve CB level #C so again was very usable. I’m impressed at how close the levels of efficiencies of the Suppaparts plate are, all very usable. Although I didn’t have to adjust the blade every time, I’d be a lot happier if I didn’t have to check the blade alignment before every shave. Machined into the length of the handle are a series of grooves running the full length of the body of the handle. In use, these grooves did not provide a positive grip and a couple of times I found that the razor slipping while it was being used. This problem was probably exacerbated by my checking what setting number I was using.
  • #4 – Karve CB Level #D minus
  • #3 – Karve CB Level #C plus
  • #2 – Karve CB Level #C
  • #1 – Karve CB Level #C minus
I could eventually get used to the dual efficiency head and work with the handle slip problem but the thing that was really frustrating with the Suppaparts was continually having to check and adjust blade alignment. I know I’m an addict of titanium razors but this one would be at the bottom of my choice list.

Blades Used – Gillette 7 O’Clock Yellow and Super-Max Platinum
Material – Grade 2 Titanium
Blade Tab - Exposed
Weight – 75g
Head Width – 41mm
Handle Length – 97.53mm
Handle Diameter – 11.77mm
Availability – Suppaparts
Final Word – Stay clear
Click to expand...
Another fantastic review @Errol - really appreciate the attention the detail and honesty in reviewing each product. Keep up the awesome work! (y)
 
Detroit Shaving Alpha - Adjustable (USA)



I don’t make a habit of naming my razors but when it comes to the undisputed heavyweight of my razors, I think it appropriate for the Detroit Alpha to be christened Bertha - Big Bertha. There is absolutely nothing good that can be said about Bertha, it is terrible razor by any stretch of the imagination, but it keeps drawing me back; it’s big, it’s heavy, it’s cumbersome, it’s ugly and that’s just it’s good features. I’ve used Bertha before so I know the shave will be less than average and even to achieve that I’ll have to put the effort in. Bertha gives nothing away. The Detroit Alpha is a simple three piece stainless steel adjustable razor from a line of thinking where the blade itself provides the spring tension between the cap and the plate; different positioning of the handle provides differing efficiency levels. All good in principal but Detroit in their wisdom overlooked the fact that a user might like to know the level of efficiency for the last shave and so neglected to put any markings to assist with settings. I appreciate I’m different but I like to know insignificant facts like the settings on an adjustable razor, so I hatched a plan. I’ve explained my strategy previously so here’s a brief outline of what was done. I determined where the top on the handle was with a blade fitted and the handle screwed right down; then I filed a small notch as a reference point at the 12.00 O’clock position at the end of the handle. I now have a reference point and can use an imaginary clock face on the back of the plate to determine the position. There is a useful range from between 4.00 O’clock to 12.00 O’clock so somewhere in that range is a spot (doubtfully sweet) for Bertha to give its all. A primitive system, but it works and it’s one hell of a lot better than nothing at all. Until I put the blade in and went to screw the handle down, I’d forgotten just how much of the blade tab was exposed on the Alpha; heaps. No problems, use the corner of the towel and screw the handle down and be careful!!!! That amount of exposed blade tab could do damage. Finally, something good, to the manufacturers credit the thread was very smooth and positive.

What? No stand available for Bertha? There’s no requirement for a stand when Bertha is quite capable of standing up on its own. With a 20mm diameter base on the handle there is enough contact with the sink for Bertha to stand upright in a gale. There is no machined grip on the handle, its sheer size provides the grip but add in a bit of lather and it behaves like a greasy pig. All surfaces are machine finished and I’m pleased to say the makers had enough intestinal fortitude to engrave their name on it, all over the flat on the front of the cap.

From memory it was around the 7.00 O’clock position where I shaved last time Bertha was used so this was the starting point. It only took a small adjustment from the 7.00 O’clock position to be set up about Karve CB level #D plate level efficiency. Blade feel was quite pronounced but I don’t think I will ever fully get used to that weight. It’s often said just let the weight of the razor do the work but with all the weight in the handle and balance being all out of kilter, some guidance is required. There are two massive rectangular cut outs in the plate for lather dispersion but for some reason these weren’t enough. I’ve never really experienced a razor just going into what I’ll call ‘aquaplane mode’ before and totally loosing blade contact with the face but I managed it with Bertha. A quick rinse to wash out the excess lather and Bertha was back to as normal as Bertha can be; till the next time the lather clogged up. Smooth – surprisingly it wasn’t too bad; close – put in the effort and you may be rewarded. With my warped sense of what’s good, I enjoy using the Detroit Alpha but it is not a razor I could recommend to anyone, but I’ll be back to use Bertha again.

Blades Used – Lord Cool and Gillette Wilkinson Sword
Material – Stainless Steel
Blade Tab – Exposed - seriously
Weight – 224g
Head Width – 40mm
Handle Length – 89mm
Handle Diameter – 20mm
Availability – Detroit – Out of production (lucky you)
Final Word – It’s horrible but I love it
 
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