Lambda Ares v2 (Greece)
My wait for the v2 Ares was nowhere as long, or as anxious, as the wait for the first Ares. As Theo has become entrenched in the manufacture and distribution of Lambda razors, delivery times have markedly reduced. Lambda started out to provide a top shelf product and have stuck with that philosophy, so I do not mind waiting when I know the delivered product will be exceptional. As with both previous releases, the v2 comes protected in its own mahogany presentation box, this time with white felt inserts and a magnetic snap lock on the lid. For anyone who has not had the pleasure of handling a Lambda razor, the presentation box is a work of art and fully compliments the bronze razor it is there to protect.
My initial thoughts were, where is the v2 going to differ from the original? Its head is marginally wider to cover more of the blade tab, now only the slightest amount of blade tab is visible, and the handle is both longer and thicker which adds about 21g to the total weight of the razor. Incredibly the weight of the razor still comes in under the magical 100g mark. The tight curvature on the blade has been retained along with blade clamping at the outer extremities of the cap. Similar to the original, the razor has been hand polished except under the cap and the Lambda Greek letter (λ) is etched onto the end of the plate. On the back of the plate is the proud engraving ‘Made in Greece’. I’m pretty sure there will be changes to the way the razor delivers its shave, but I’ll find out about them soon enough.
From the first stroke, I knew I was using a razor that could pack a punch. It took me a little by surprise just how efficient the v2 was; above Karve CB level #D efficiency and with positive blade feel. There was very little sensation of shaving with an open comb razor, and with no sharp teeth to produce any surprises, the shave was extremely comfortable, and a close shave was never in doubt. Pucks of both the Wilkinson Sword and Bic blades were included in the package, and while I was not disappointed with the Wilkinson Sword, it was the performance of the Bic blade that really impressed. If efficiency and a bit of blade feel are not your cup of tea, I’d strongly recommend looking for something with less efficiency. As for me, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Ares v2 and consider it to be one of the very best.
Blades Used – Wilkinson Sword and Bic
Material – Bronze
Blade Tab – Slightly exposed
Weight – 97g
Head Width – 42.1mm
Handle Length – 95.05mm
Handle Diameter – 11.29mm
Availability – Lambda
Final Word – Superb
My wait for the v2 Ares was nowhere as long, or as anxious, as the wait for the first Ares. As Theo has become entrenched in the manufacture and distribution of Lambda razors, delivery times have markedly reduced. Lambda started out to provide a top shelf product and have stuck with that philosophy, so I do not mind waiting when I know the delivered product will be exceptional. As with both previous releases, the v2 comes protected in its own mahogany presentation box, this time with white felt inserts and a magnetic snap lock on the lid. For anyone who has not had the pleasure of handling a Lambda razor, the presentation box is a work of art and fully compliments the bronze razor it is there to protect.
My initial thoughts were, where is the v2 going to differ from the original? Its head is marginally wider to cover more of the blade tab, now only the slightest amount of blade tab is visible, and the handle is both longer and thicker which adds about 21g to the total weight of the razor. Incredibly the weight of the razor still comes in under the magical 100g mark. The tight curvature on the blade has been retained along with blade clamping at the outer extremities of the cap. Similar to the original, the razor has been hand polished except under the cap and the Lambda Greek letter (λ) is etched onto the end of the plate. On the back of the plate is the proud engraving ‘Made in Greece’. I’m pretty sure there will be changes to the way the razor delivers its shave, but I’ll find out about them soon enough.
From the first stroke, I knew I was using a razor that could pack a punch. It took me a little by surprise just how efficient the v2 was; above Karve CB level #D efficiency and with positive blade feel. There was very little sensation of shaving with an open comb razor, and with no sharp teeth to produce any surprises, the shave was extremely comfortable, and a close shave was never in doubt. Pucks of both the Wilkinson Sword and Bic blades were included in the package, and while I was not disappointed with the Wilkinson Sword, it was the performance of the Bic blade that really impressed. If efficiency and a bit of blade feel are not your cup of tea, I’d strongly recommend looking for something with less efficiency. As for me, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Ares v2 and consider it to be one of the very best.
Blades Used – Wilkinson Sword and Bic
Material – Bronze
Blade Tab – Slightly exposed
Weight – 97g
Head Width – 42.1mm
Handle Length – 95.05mm
Handle Diameter – 11.29mm
Availability – Lambda
Final Word – Superb