2021 Razor of The Year
To qualify for my Razor of The Year, the parameters are pretty simply; the razor must have been released during the year and I have used it. My selected Razor of The Year must deliver an outstanding shave (that suites me) and only a handful of razors have truly achieved that. Instead of going through each review at the end of the year trying to find the best razor, I jotted down the likely suspects as the review was completed. Probably a couple of surprises here but my short listed razors were:
Phoenix Artisan Accountments META-4 – As delivered, the META-4 is handle heavy with a finish that is as rough as guts but it has a unique head design with a recess in the edge of the cap. Its performance is on the milder side but it delivered an outstanding shave, super smooth, long lasting closeness, confidence inspiring and the razor is affordable. In perspective though, the quality of the finish is to be expected with the low cost of purchase. It’s some time since I reviewed the META-4 so I purchased a second razor to create a special META-4 that I used to confirm my findings: that special META-4 will be the reviewed razor for next week.
Monocero Husaria CC – Monocero’s Husaria CC razor was inspired by a shaving forum from Poland and machined in limited numbers, this razor is hand made and hand finished. This is an exceptional razor that met all my parameters for razor performance. Featured is the handle design that when combined with its dedicated stand looks like a ball joint. This razor is good and well worth consideration.
Blutt BR-1 Rasur – This razor carries the burden expected of a razor machined in Switzerland, however the Blutt can well and truly hold its head high. All its parts have been machined to very fine tolerances, its nicely balanced, has a quality satin finish and the delivered shave is simply superb. As good as a razor can be.
Homelike Taiga 2 Ti Adjustable – This razor gets the gong as the first machined titanium adjustable razor to be marketed. It can be disassembled without the use of tools; each piece is polished to a high standard and the whole mechanism functions perfectly. There is a good range of adjustability and at each setting there is a pleasant amount of blade feel. It appealed to me and is one of the best.
Alpha Claymore Evolution – All excess metal has been removed to leave a narrow profile head, it is fitted with a horrid looking handle but the handle works well and Alpha will swap out the handle if requested at purchase. Sits on the high side of mid aggression but it’s smooth and very close shaving, a delight to use.
Denali Adjustabe 2021 – The Denali is a quality machined stainless steel razor with similar looks to the REX Ambassador adjustable but that is where the similarities end. It is very much a modern version of the mighty Gibbs razor, able to be disassembled without tools with all right hand threads. It was very usable through its full range of settings on the rotating ring. Unbelievably smooth and delivered a very close shave. This is a brilliant piece of engineering, one for the books.
In the final analysis, there were three razors still in the running, the Blutt BR-1 Rasur, the Alpha Claymore 2021 and the Denali Adjustable 2021; how do I choose the best razor from three totally different layouts. After going over my notes numerous times I still had three razors that were exceptional shavers, however in the final analysis, one kept edging forward with its detailed machining, perfect balance, great handling, maneuverability and with its satin finish offering exceptional grip, that razor was the Blutt. My Razor of The Year for 2021 is the Blutt BR-1 Rasur, a rasur amongst razors. This selection will not surprise those who’ve used the Blutt, it is a delightful razor to use and a deserved of the accolades. My favoured plate was the 0.99mm plate but with three other plates to choose from there is sure to be an efficiency level to please even the most fastidious user.
