Quick background--wet shaver for 10+ years. I own probably 50 razors of all types (DE, SE, straight) but mostly use DE razors. The last new razor I got (Mamba 70) was probably 3 or 4 years ago. The Mamba is as close to a Unicorn razor as I can imagine and it kind of killed my desire to keep trying new things (this is a good thing!). Anyway, since it's been so long, I put the Leaf Twig on my Christmas wish list and one of my adult children gifted it to me! Here's my review:
Razor: Decent weight and I like the ergonomics. I was gifted the silver color (matte, not chrome) and it looks great and the magnetic head makes it really simple to get the blade in the right spot. I asked for the matte finish because I've seen reviews that the shiny finishes can feel slippery with wet fingers.
Blade: I've now used two of the Leaf branded blades that came with the razor. It seems like people complained about Leaf blades initially but I read they switched vendors and I find these blades comfortable but way overpriced starting at at $12/50 or $19/100. I used the first blade for 3 shaves and have 2 shaves on the second blade. I may be able to push to 5 shaves, but I don't really want to do that right now.
Shave: The first shave was quite mild and not very close. On the scale of BBS, DFS, CCS, and SAS I'd say it was CCS and I was a bit disappointed. I've since tried shaving with slightly different angles and seem to have found the sweet spot to get a consistent DFS on the neck and BBS on the face. The small head really stands out to me as its best feature--it's so easy to get into tight spaces. I did not have any issues with the razor slipping.
Verdict: Once I got comfortable finding the sweet spot with this razor, I'm pleased with it and will keep it. Just after Christmas I ordered 300 half blades for only $10 (100 each of Shark, Treet, and Derby Premium). The Twig is mild with little to no blade feel and buyers should be aware of that--my guess is it's similar to a 3 on my Gillette Slim. If you like something more aggressive and are interested in the Leaf, then definitely get the Thorn.
Razor: Decent weight and I like the ergonomics. I was gifted the silver color (matte, not chrome) and it looks great and the magnetic head makes it really simple to get the blade in the right spot. I asked for the matte finish because I've seen reviews that the shiny finishes can feel slippery with wet fingers.
Blade: I've now used two of the Leaf branded blades that came with the razor. It seems like people complained about Leaf blades initially but I read they switched vendors and I find these blades comfortable but way overpriced starting at at $12/50 or $19/100. I used the first blade for 3 shaves and have 2 shaves on the second blade. I may be able to push to 5 shaves, but I don't really want to do that right now.
Shave: The first shave was quite mild and not very close. On the scale of BBS, DFS, CCS, and SAS I'd say it was CCS and I was a bit disappointed. I've since tried shaving with slightly different angles and seem to have found the sweet spot to get a consistent DFS on the neck and BBS on the face. The small head really stands out to me as its best feature--it's so easy to get into tight spaces. I did not have any issues with the razor slipping.
Verdict: Once I got comfortable finding the sweet spot with this razor, I'm pleased with it and will keep it. Just after Christmas I ordered 300 half blades for only $10 (100 each of Shark, Treet, and Derby Premium). The Twig is mild with little to no blade feel and buyers should be aware of that--my guess is it's similar to a 3 on my Gillette Slim. If you like something more aggressive and are interested in the Leaf, then definitely get the Thorn.
