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LaskoHolmes OP t1_iywu5yj wrote

This is my personal razor. It is entirely composed of stainless steel, and manufactured in the United States. A little fun fact: this is the first US produced adjustable safety razor since Gillette stopped producing their models.

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big_top_hat t1_iywutw8 wrote

If it was 904L i’d be impressed.

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coffeejn t1_iywv8mw wrote

They are pricey, but at least it's SS instead of chrome coated. My personal driver is a feather all stainless with my secondary been a Razorock SS Slant when I forget to shave for a week.

The blades used are so cheap compared to newer razors.

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groovy604 t1_iyx07ho wrote

Googled how much these cost and wow, nearly $400. What makes it so much better that other razors of similar style?

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throwaway827364882 t1_iyx3n6n wrote

I cannot justify the price tag...that is some king type shit

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LaskoHolmes OP t1_iyx47fs wrote

The cost is mainly due to the piece being produced entirely in the US. I believe 10 pieces make up this razor, each of which (with the exception of the spring inside) are CNC machined from solid billets of steel. I imagine labor is a large factor in determine the MSRP, as well as the tolerances the final product is held to. Additionally, many other adjustable razors are made using cast zinc alloy. Zinc can last a while, but once the plating (usually chrome) is compromised, it will corrode rapidly. I’ve had a couple lost to the host metal decaying over time. Usually the threads in the top cap begin decaying first. Many zinc alloy razors go for around ~$30-$60, and can last a while (which I think is still a good investment). However I believe that if I continued in that route, the cost of all the zinc alloy razors would eventually overtake the cost of this piece. Machined material offers superior grain structure compared to cast material which translates to overall durability. Fit and finish is immaculate. As for performance, this is a SUPER efficient piece. here is a video of a man practically wiping heavy growth off of his face. In my experience, this piece allows you to have a mild or aggressive shave without sacrificing the efficiency depending on the setting it is at. To me, it performs above all the other razors I have used and owned. It’s a nice feeling to know that I can execute a comfy shave with no hassle or clogging regardless of how much hair is on my face.

It definitely is a pricey piece, and I was lucky to be able to scoop one up during their Black Friday sale which kind of helps.

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LaskoHolmes OP t1_iyx5a53 wrote

Very hefty price tag. It’s a luxury item for sure. The models plated in precious metals are even more outrageous. I have the base SS model here and was lucky to get 25% during their Black Friday sale

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Round_Technician_728 t1_iyxbzcc wrote

For anyone not s#itting money - there’s the German Mühle and Merkur. They have good standards and even the cheapest models starting at 25-30€ have great quality and will in normal use last for a couple of lifetimes.

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10Bens t1_iyxdhko wrote

Isn't that the Rolex specific alloy? It's dogshit. Designed and chosen for it's distinct "luster", it scratches like crazy. Folks over at the r/Rolex sub will tell you that they baby the crap out of their subbies/GMTs/explorers and oysters only to have scratches magically appear all over the place all the time. Probably not as much of an issue for something like a razor, but you also don't need exceptional glamor and shine from something as utilitarian as a razor.

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CapitalParallax t1_iyxfdvw wrote

Jesus. I got a Gillette Schick Quattro for free in the mail when I turned 18.

35 is right around the corner, and I still use it.

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LaskoHolmes OP t1_iyxfqod wrote

The space between the guard and blade/ top cap will increase as you increase the setting. Lower settings will have a more mild feel, while higher settings will offer a more aggressive takedown of facial hair. It serves 2 purposes; to provide a variety of options for comfort for the user, and to increase the razors ability to handle heavy hair growth.

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GIjohnMGS t1_iyxjs7q wrote

Great buy. I'm still rocking 70 year old Gillette's. When they die, I'll definitely consider one of these beauties.

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Express-Button-6925 t1_iyxq1fg wrote

I tried this but not a fan. Timeless Ti with 95 blade gap is the way to go for the same price IMO. That is BIFL.

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edcculus t1_iyxrw9e wrote

Wet shaving. What you save in paying for cartridges, you will eclipse tenfold buying brushes, razors, soaps, creams, aftershaves, and more!

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Inevitable-Simple569 t1_iyxwzim wrote

In a decade or so when my 6c needs to be replaced I’ll hopefully be in a spot to justify something like this.

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DirftlessEDC t1_iyxy95k wrote

Also visit your local antique shops! I use to collect, restore, and sell vintage safety razors, at one point I had 80 razors with probably 70 at least being vintage and I had only one razor out of all that with an issue I couldn’t fix, basically all of them just needed a good cleaning, maybe a little oil if they’re mechanical. Personally I got rid of all my double edge razors and now only use injector razors, ones I like are from 1950’s and on. Supply razors make a modern injector razor that’s pretty awesome too for not too much

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JOYCEfromNS t1_iyxz3m5 wrote

Also fairly easy to find Gillette razors from the 1st 7 decades of the 20th century they too will last multiple lifetimes (many already have) shave just as well as anything manufactured today that is readily available for pennies on (regardless of price point $40 or $400) the dollar. Also made in the USA, or for some of the prettiest razors known to man, Made in England. Most everything today is just a copycat of Gillette's offerings in the 1900's. disguised as a modern marvel

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WhiteWingedDove- t1_iyxzhql wrote

My guess is this thing is going to outlive you.

The 316L denotes the specific kind of stainless steel used. 316L has molybdenum in it and has enhanced resistance to corrosion from chloride and acids (very important when many municipalities add chlorine to the water during treatment).

The most common stainless steel finish, 304, isn't as long-lasting as 316 and hence why you still see rust on stainless steel over time. All stainless steel isn't created the same.

ETA: The type of steel can also go towards explaining the high cost of this razor too, as the increased nickel and molybdenum content makes 316 steel 40% more expensive than plain old 304 steel.

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HereComesFattyBooBoo t1_iyy4hx1 wrote

I have another version of these types of razors and sadly, I hate them, went back to my regular razor. :( I found this type to be terrible for bikini line etc.

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NWO_Eliminator t1_iyyjgiu wrote

Used the original Gillette Sensor razor from 1991-2021 when the tongs wore out and couldn't hold the cartridge anymore. Switched to my grandfathers early 60's adjustable Slim Gillette razor I had for 20 years (he died in 2001) and haven't looked back. The blades are insanely cheap.

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BillGatesVaccine t1_iyymgu8 wrote

I have a simple safety razor like this. Pretty nice it was $200. But I have saved 100s in razor blade purchases. I usually buy a pack of 100 safety razors at about $12. I shave every day and that one pack usually has me covered for a year.

Edit: typo

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Unable_Studio_6117 t1_iyymi2f wrote

I've got a slant from Maggard Razors for a particularly aggressive shave. I think most Stainless safety razors are BIFL and can't imagine going back to disposables or electric.

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creimanlllVlll t1_iyys6r5 wrote

I got a Merkur for me and each of my brothers. At the time I got 100 blades for myself. It’s been almost 10 years and I still have some new blades left. My brother told me he was going back to “regular cartridges” I wonder how much more he’s spent over the years.

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GreenIsGreed t1_iyyy8k9 wrote

Try a Leaf! It has a pivoting head and makes for a really comfortable shave on the bikini line. I had a Merkur before and felt the same as you and switched back to disposables. No matter how careful I was I couldn't get as good a shave as I wanted in that area. I've had the Leaf for a year now, and it was a game changer. I've not even nicked myself once with it.

Edit: Just don't expect much from the Leaf blades. They're okay for like one shave before they dull. Grab some Astras or Nacets.

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gerardgg t1_iyyzubo wrote

yeah chrome sux. you never know when it's going to start flaking and you find out when it cuts your face up. not deep cuts but they scratch you up pretty bad. if that happens you have to hit your razor with some fine sandpaper to get rid of the chrome burrs.

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Awesome_Shoulder8241 t1_iyzh8l4 wrote

That looks like something a person would receive as a gift. It even comes with a box.

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PeeboJones t1_iyzhwyk wrote

I received a Merkur Futur for Father's Day a few years ago. It's adjustable, which I use for around my upper lip. I can't imagine needing to get something for hundreds of dollars. With that said, I'm not one of the r/wickededge people. I bought into safety razors because the blades were cheap and I originally got a razor from Maggard, a brush, a bowl, a holder, an assortment of blades and a few soaps. I settled on my favorites and I've been using it all for the better part of a decade now. After I got the Futur, the Maggard became a part of a travel kit, so it still gets used several times a year.

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BongoTBongo t1_iz0efwt wrote

This is beautiful, but for those of us not willing/able to dish out 400 bucks let me tell you about Henson razors. Designed and made in Ontario, Canada by a precision machining company that specializes in aerospace components - made of aluminum - about $75 USD. I’ve been shaving over 50 years and have tried everything out there (except a 400 USD offering) and the Henson is my Holy Grail. https://hensonshaving.com/

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Geopilot t1_iz0h7lp wrote

I have the Chieftain made by Vikings Blade, and it hasn't shown any signs of wear in the 3 or 4 years I've owned it so far

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BongoTBongo t1_iz0hjth wrote

At first I thought the “holds the blade at 30 degrees” thing was just marketing BS - but it really works. This is the first razor in years that has not nicked or cut me.

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WalrusSwarm t1_iz0uity wrote

The only thing that’s not “buy it for life” about the Merkur is that it’s chrome plated. While the chrome plating is very thick, if you drop it enough times on hard surfaces (over the course of ~10 years) you’ll chip the plating.
It’s still an excellent value and I replaced it with another Merkur. My blade preference for the Merkur is Astra Superior Platinum.

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Round_Technician_728 t1_iz0vprf wrote

The first time you drop it, you’ll break the head off at the thread. That’s how 95% of these shavers die, I suspect. At least the ones with a heavy handle shaft - maybe the ones with a lightweight handle survives a fall better.

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LaskoHolmes OP t1_iz1s58x wrote

Thank you! Unfortunately the only Merkur model I have used is the 34c.

As for being mild, the Rex razor has a blade positive exposure, so there is some blade feel. For me it is not too much or uncomfortable by any means. If I ever try a progress though I will report back to you

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F-21 t1_iz2sv11 wrote

Yeah... Just find it absurd people think 350$ for a razor is totally justifiable, and it does not even have a butterfly mechanism.

It's pretty much jewelry. I can understand why it's liked and I'd want one too, but if we're real - anything over ~100$ is pure profit for them, especially for a stainless razor where you don't even need to add any final coatings over it. Old gillettes were nickel plated brass, but made to a high quality standard so the coating did not peel off like it does on some modern razors. Economy of scale made the gillette a lot cheaper, but not 200% cheaper.

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Attention_Bear_Fuckr t1_iz7dl7u wrote

My Grandfather bequeathed to me an ivory handled razor and brush. It was exquisite and worth thousands. It unfortunately got lost in a house move :(

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