I tend to agree, I couldn’t bring myself to spend a large amount of my money on a new artisan razor.
I'm not going to flame you, but I'll half agree and half disagree. Yes, you can get a stupendous shave with a "vintage" Gillette. My very first DE razor that I bought for myself from the local chemist back in the late 70s was one of those black-handle Gillette adjustable razors (new in a plastic blister pack
). I guess we'd call that vintage now, and before that I had a short handle (travel or ladies'? Who knows?) much-loved Gillette that got half-inched.
I'd love to hear your take on the Shield Gem. You're right that the Shield Razors as Errol mentioned punch way over their weight And I love using them, excellent tools they are for grooming and top quality for the price.Yes, my Predator "Gem" arrived today in GR5 Titanium with another stand, I will try in the next few days
Me thinks the AC "Evolution" also in Titanium might be a temptation to hard to resist. The quality of the Titanium stand was superb and the Gem's finish etc, leaves a lot of Western manufacturers behind IMHO and as Errol once mentioned "Shield are a cut above other Chinese razor producers" well he's right once again and spot on!!
I couldn't help but agree with you. I used a Baili Tech clone awhile back and had a brilliant shave with it, smooth and efficient and it cost me a a few dollars with shipping. I was so impressed that I picked up a Post war ball end Tech and a Gillette New SC soon after for a few dollars more, restored them and they shave like a dream.
Well said My Friend. It is what makes you happy that matters most.I'm not going to flame you, but I'll half agree and half disagree. Yes, you can get a stupendous shave with a "vintage" Gillette. My very first DE razor that I bought for myself from the local chemist back in the late 70s was one of those black-handle Gillette adjustable razors (new in a plastic blister pack
But there is something very satisfying about a really fine example of a modern "artisan" razor. Yes, the final shave result may be nearly indistinguishable, but it's not really about that. I'm pretty sure we all do things we can't really justify. I know I do. I certainly don't begrudge the $550 I spent on my Vestige, or the $895 for my yet-to-be-sent WR4.
I think no one can but like You I love Errol's reviews and I think with every review he highlights the fact that they shave DIFFERENT.
Talk about Artisans and I have respect for them but some of the lads that do re-plating charge crazy prices and then they are put up for sale at even higher prices sometimes.
Indeed, but the wait is a bit of a killer. 16 weeks so far for my WR4, and yet to hear that it's been posted.
Alfredus, taking advantage of this...
Mate, am waiting for your feedback after the first time you take it for a spin. I'm a huge fan too having used a few of the Wolves that were loaned to me by close buds in the past. Recently, I sold off the only one that I could afford, The Aluminum Guerilla .99. I am truly not a fan of Aluminum Razors with a preference for Stainless Steel over Ti as well. But even the Al Guerilla was superb in construction and delivered a fabulous shave every single time.Indeed, but the wait is a bit of a killer. 16 weeks so far for my WR4, and yet to hear that it's been posted.
16 weeks! You sound like a spoiled little millennial here mateIndeed, but the wait is a bit of a killer. 16 weeks so far for my WR4, and yet to hear that it's been posted.
Hmmm, I think I predate millennials by several millennia.16 weeks! You sound like a spoiled little millennial here mate
I read elsewhere that others had recently received their products in just 12 weeks, and that the shine had come off the Wolfman. Whatever, I'm not too fussed, as I still have a preoccupation with my Atelier Durdan razor, which was causing a lot of second-guessing as to whether or not to take the lycanthrope plunge. If I were asked to wait for over a year, I would have just said "fuck that", as they're either serious about operating as a business or not. To justify that kind of timeline, it would have to be for something like this.To be fair, he didn't specify the millennium...Hmmm, I think I predate millennials by several millennia.
@Bladerunner7, I’ve used the Gem twice now, it is a slightly different face feel than the AC, being deeper and not as wide, but I can get a 2 pass BBS (with touch ups) out of it. The last 2-3 years I’ve mainly used a Kamisori, hence I judge all by that 2 pass shave. IMHO for me I put it (after only 2 shaves) just below the AC, but so far real pleasant to use. The finish is superb, Shield’s are (such good value for money) with the quality of product, again IMHO, You need one
Each User will post a Different Experience. Errol's review gave the Razor a thumbs up and as usual it's very tempting...but the price tag is a bit of a reality check for me.
On it @LesC . To be honest I have never used a Gem or for that matter a Kamisori. The Iwasaki Kamisori always drew my attention big time. Thanks to you Lads I've figured the Kamisori to be a trickier tool to handle than a Western Straight. They just seem so nimble and compact though.@Bladerunner7, I’ve used the Gem twice now, it is a slightly different face feel than the AC, being deeper and not as wide, but I can get a 2 pass BBS (with touch ups) out of it. The last 2-3 years I’ve mainly used a Kamisori, hence I judge all by that 2 pass shave. IMHO for me I put it (after only 2 shaves) just below the AC, but so far real pleasant to use. The finish is superb, Shield’s are (such good value for money) with the quality of product, again IMHO, You need one
Well again IMHO I got a Dovo and S K Colling's S/R's, before I got my 1st Kamisori, a Tosuke (Recently PIF'd) I have an Iwasaki by Ryouichi Mizuochi as my only rotation user. I found the Kamisori easier to use (though not initially) than a S/R, it gave a closer shave and the 'feeling' of mastering it was, well GREAT
(? ask @rbscebu his thoughts on that) The Gem well after reading a few Posts etc, I had to try one and the Shield Razor Gem in Titanium has not disappointed at all. in fact I now have no DE in my rotation!!