filobiblic
Facepeeler Extraordinare
State Convenor - NSW
Group Buy Caporegime
2017 Sabbatical Fail
2016 Sabbatical Fail
2015 Sabbatical Fail
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2014
- Location
- Sydney
It might be a little premature to write this post after a single shave, but I thought I may as well write my initial impressions and start a new thread on this razor. It would be great if more people bought this razor and posted their thoughts here as well.
#102 head on a Weber Bulldog handle
iKon make two slant razors: the iKon Slant (with or without a DLC coating on then head) and the newer Shavecraft #102. Being a three piece design, it's possible to only buy the head and use another handle with it. (This is what I did.)
The #102 head is matte finished aluminium but doesn't feel too light at all. I have paired it with the Weber Bulldog handle (although iKon usually sell it with a shorter handle).
Close up of the slant head
Underneath the head
The #102 was a surprise in many ways. It's an unusual design with the head slanted on a gentle angle. There is no overhang on the sides of the blade like there usually is. There is very little blade gap (so it fills with used lather quickly).
Showing the blade gap
End of the head and blade gap again
That said, it was efficient and yet felt very smooth and comfortable. I felt that I could go nuts and it wouldn't be a problem. I did 3 passes but it was good after the first, almost all gone with the second and the third was simply tidying up. I find slants to be so efficient that there is sometimes post-shave irritation, especially on my neck. There didn't seem to be that much this time, just a little on the Adam's Apple region that settled down after applying the Antesol.
Comparison with the Merkur 37c slant
The big question is: how does it compare with other slants, especially the Merkur 37c?
I haven't tried the Razorock Stealth Slant or iKon Slant so I can't compare those. But I do have the 37c (the short handled 2 piece slant by Merkur).
Showing the twist (and blade gap!) of the 37c compared to the slanted head of the #102
As the photos show, the shape of the #102 is quite interesting as it's different from the usually twisted slant razors. The 37c is like a twisted closed comb razor (like a 34c) which generates slanted angle. But this means the razor blade is twisted and there is an aggressive blade gap. The blade gap also varies across the face of the razor.
But the #102 is a very different design. The blade is not twisted but is merely "angled" to give the slant. It does this by angling but also tapering the entire head. The head itself is thicker at one end and thins to the other end. Being "slanted" in this manner means it is a different angle each side (asymmetric) compared to the 37c which is same (symmetrical).
I've only shaved once, but what I have noticed is that it's more comfortable than the 37c. With the Merkur slant, you need to be mindful of the varied and large blade gap. So you need a very light touch. But the #102 has a small blade gap and so doesn't require the same care. It was different to shave with as the angled head feels strange. But it doesn't take much to get used to.
I'll keep reporting back every so often to let you know how it's going.
#102 head on a Weber Bulldog handle
iKon make two slant razors: the iKon Slant (with or without a DLC coating on then head) and the newer Shavecraft #102. Being a three piece design, it's possible to only buy the head and use another handle with it. (This is what I did.)
The #102 head is matte finished aluminium but doesn't feel too light at all. I have paired it with the Weber Bulldog handle (although iKon usually sell it with a shorter handle).
Close up of the slant head
Underneath the head
The #102 was a surprise in many ways. It's an unusual design with the head slanted on a gentle angle. There is no overhang on the sides of the blade like there usually is. There is very little blade gap (so it fills with used lather quickly).
Showing the blade gap
End of the head and blade gap again
That said, it was efficient and yet felt very smooth and comfortable. I felt that I could go nuts and it wouldn't be a problem. I did 3 passes but it was good after the first, almost all gone with the second and the third was simply tidying up. I find slants to be so efficient that there is sometimes post-shave irritation, especially on my neck. There didn't seem to be that much this time, just a little on the Adam's Apple region that settled down after applying the Antesol.
Comparison with the Merkur 37c slant
The big question is: how does it compare with other slants, especially the Merkur 37c?
I haven't tried the Razorock Stealth Slant or iKon Slant so I can't compare those. But I do have the 37c (the short handled 2 piece slant by Merkur).
Showing the twist (and blade gap!) of the 37c compared to the slanted head of the #102
As the photos show, the shape of the #102 is quite interesting as it's different from the usually twisted slant razors. The 37c is like a twisted closed comb razor (like a 34c) which generates slanted angle. But this means the razor blade is twisted and there is an aggressive blade gap. The blade gap also varies across the face of the razor.
But the #102 is a very different design. The blade is not twisted but is merely "angled" to give the slant. It does this by angling but also tapering the entire head. The head itself is thicker at one end and thins to the other end. Being "slanted" in this manner means it is a different angle each side (asymmetric) compared to the 37c which is same (symmetrical).
I've only shaved once, but what I have noticed is that it's more comfortable than the 37c. With the Merkur slant, you need to be mindful of the varied and large blade gap. So you need a very light touch. But the #102 has a small blade gap and so doesn't require the same care. It was different to shave with as the angled head feels strange. But it doesn't take much to get used to.
I'll keep reporting back every so often to let you know how it's going.
