Badger & Blade

R89 Rosegold Safety Razor

Mon, 06 May 2013 21:36:48 -0600

by: canook

Description: The traditional safety razor with replaceable blade is regarded by many as the first mechanical razor for self-shaving. At M�HLE it is more: a minor miracle of precision, ergonomics and beauty, created for ambitious wet shavers. Our design combines high-quality metal-working (chrome-plating) with an extremely fine engraved finish. The model comes in two versions (closed and open comb) as every beard growth, every type of facial skin is individual � and the same applies to personal shaving preferences. Comes with a short instruction and one blade. measurements: L 95 mm, B 53 mm weight: 64 g

R41 2013 Refined

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:22:43 -0600

by: Codfish

Description: I like the original R41 very much. I've shaved with it 450 times and have had drawn blood only a half-dozen times. I love the shave quality and get BBS results whenever I have the time for a slow and deliberate shave. I can't rush it and need to maintain my concentration. If I don't have the time, or if I have too much on my mind, I use my 35C. The R41 2013 I can use quickly without being concerned for cuts or irritation. I can approach the shave in a more carefree manner, without need for close concentration. It's almost mistake-proof, and the shave quality is identical to the original R41, except that very light stubble is detectable around the 16-hour mark (not really visible, but there to the touch). There is less danger of a cut or nick, and less irritation overall. The blade flex I detect with the original when I use s thin blade is totally absent in the 2013 version. The new version is very well-mannered. I highly recommend it.

Super Gillette Blue

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 22:29:59 -0700

by: Earth-Dragon

Description: I found this Gillette safety razor in a bigger Chinese supermarket and it was priced really fair, just about 7.9 yuan when I saw it first. The first time I saw it I only bought the blades, because in that time I wasnt so crazy off shaving yet that I would buy more then one razor. However now I like to score some nice deals, even if I not need it, so this time when I went back to China again I bought one when I was inside a supermarket that sold it. It costed me 8.5 yuan, which is about � 1 and it features the Tech head with an plastic handle, at first this might look like a bad safety razor, but I can ensure you that it really works well. I have used it now about 7 times and it does the job really well, I think they used the original Tech head, I'm not sure which kind off metal they used. but the head seems off good quality. I even dear to call it an Chinese Gillette Tech and I like to make the joke to buy a few and keep inside there package, because then in 20 years its NOS. Anyway if you go travelling in China I suggest you pick some up, and don't be fooled be the plastic handle by thinking its bad, as I think this safety razor will probably be much better then an Rimei which copies the Gillette Tech.

SHD-26

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 21:10:28 -0700

by: jhamlin38

Description: Open comb safety razor with long and heavy textured black handle.

Atlas Stainless Steel 5-piece Razor System

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:15:25 -0700

by: Codfish

Description: This stainless steel razor is a remarkable achievement, especially since this is the first razor system offered by a very young company. It is designed, engineered and manufactured in the United States by an American company using U.S. steel. The manufacturing detail and quality control are competitive with high-grade razor manufacturer worldwide. Above the Tie's first entry into providing a stainless steel razor system deserves a close look by serious shavers everywhere.

Grande [Chrome]

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 05:35:32 -0600

by: El-a-Menthol

Description: Fatip Grande open comb razor in Chrome. An excellent performing safety razor and ideal for tougher beards.

Titan H1 Stainless DE

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 15:45:02 -0600

by: Codfish

Description: Titan above the tie stan h1

34C

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 22:36:52 -0600

by: ltjad

OC Open Comb Razor

Thu, 31 May 2012 07:08:13 -0600

by: hsamuels

Description: Pros: Luxury and heft of a solid, well-built razor. Superb head design for comfort, durability, and ease of use. Manufactured in the USA by a startup company owned by a B&B member. Cons: Sometimes the head needs to be tapped a few times to remove a blade. Minor scratching where the handle meets the bottom plate. Price: 8 Quality: 10 User Friendly: 10 Grip: 10 Ease of Blade Replacement: 8 Aggressiveness: 10 (Medium, just right for me) Adjustability: N/A Balance: 10 All members of this forum appreciate the luxury of shaving with a double-edged razor. And we obsess over every detail of the experience. Some of us make custom brushes, some take scanning electron micrographs of razor blades, and some of us spend far too much time watching B/S/T and the bay. Richard has chosen to leverage his interest in our world to start his own razor manufacturing company. I was happy with my lonely Merkur HD until coming across Richard and the adjustable razor pass-around in the Contributors� Corner. He was always the gentleman while igniting a small AD under my feet. When I saw his introductory post offering Tradere handles, I signed up immediately. The razor head arrived in the complete travel case. The plastic case isn�t very aesthetically appealing, but it provides excellent protection for shipping. Although it is only the size of a paperback book (well, maybe a Harry Potter book), it is much larger than the travel cases commonly found with vintage razors. I�ll probably use it to protect the razor in case of earthquake or tornado, and take a more pedestrian razor with me when I travel. The Razor Every detail of this razor has been meticulously planned and executed. The handle feels substantial, maybe slightly long for my preference. The knurling is exactly as advertised - subtle, yet deep enough to afford a firm grip even with soapy wet hands. The flare at the end can be used as a rest for the pinky to provide better control of the razor. Its flat bottom can be used to stand the handle on the counter during blade changes, so the handle doesn�t roll away. It�s probably better to lay the handle on a towel, but the option is there. The finish of the handle is satin, but the flat on the bottom is as shiny as a mirror. The head is highly polished, and some have commented that they would prefer that the finish be the same for both parts. I happen to like the look of the razor. The shiny end ties the handle to the head. And the satin finish in between seems to be carefully chosen to provide a better grip. The razor is a traditional 3-piece design, although the head is more substantial than any razor I have seen, without a hint of looking industrial. The top plate has a comfortable amount of curvature without being so chunky as to make shaving difficult in tight spots such as under the nose. The ends of the top plate are convex and ribbed, providing a sure grip when tightening or loosening the handle. Bevels at the corners facilitate close work with a maximum comfort level. The underside of the top plate is a little rougher than the rest of the razor, but the dimensions are perfect - blades fit onto the posts perfectly, with zero play. The threaded post for the handle is machined from the same block of stainless, rather than being welded on. This is surely an expensive step, especially since a lot of stainless has to be machined away, but the extra strength of the post is assuring. The bottom plate is highly polished all around. The mating surface includes slots for the posts in the top plate, so there is no play once the razor is assembled. The comb teeth are substantial, and protected against falls on the corners by the end tabs of the plate. When the head is assembled, the comb teeth have a generous amount of space between them and under the top plate to allow lather and clippings a path to escape. The carefully planned open areas behind the teeth make it easy to rinse the head clean during the shave. When the razor is assembled, the handle does make some circular marks on the bottom of the bottom plate. The Shave With just over six months� experience DE shaving, I subscribe to the theory that technique is more important than equipment. Surely horrible equipment can make a good shave nearly impossible, but a BBS shave is certainly achievable with nearly any vintage Gillette or quality modern razor. That being said, various design elements can enhance the experience. For example, the open areas around the comb make rinsing soap out easy. There is one corner, where the bottom plate comes into contact with the blade, that seems to take just a little more rinsing. You can just do a good job rinsing at the end of the shave, but I find myself making sure the area is completely clean after each rinse. The blade exposure is just where Richard said it would be, affording a medium aggressive shave. It feels like a 5-7 setting on a Fatboy. There is some magic associated with the geometry of the top plate that allows a bit of blade exposure without feeling dangerous at all. While not particular to this razor, the open combs leave some soap on the skin after the razor passes, which means you can cheat and do a minor touch-up stroke if you like. And by not removing all of the lather with each stroke, some remains on your skin until you rinse. This extra time seems to leave me with a smoother feeling during the day. While a modern Jagger, M�HLE, or Merkur is a fine razor, they feel like toys after using the Tradere. The heft of the Tradere allows you to control the balance by adjusting the location of your grip on the handle. For the WTG pass, I tend to hold the handle with my thumb and first two fingers. Sometimes my pinky rests on the end of the handle for additional control. For the ATG pass, I hold it like a pencil. To change the blade, unscrew the handle just like any other three-piece razor. Pick up the top plate by the ends, and tap the threaded post on a towel. Sometimes the blade comes off with the bottom plate, and sometimes it stays in the top plate until you tap it. Occasionally the blade cants at a slight angle between the finger grips at the ends of the top plate, and requires a few taps to release. When that happens I am tempted to grab the blade by the ends and lift it out. But the ends of the top plate prevent access to the ends of the blade. The only exposed parts of the blade are the edges themselves. Don�t grab those! This isn�t exactly a complaint, because the top plate is wonderfully designed for grip during assembly and for comfort during the shave. But I am accustomed to removing blades by the ends, and it is something to be careful about with this razor. Conclusion This is a solid, well-built razor with fantastic attention to detail. The precise angle and exposure of the blade relative to the top plate, the solid comb fingers with ample space for rinsing, and the surprising amount of grip from the knurling pattern make the Tradere razor my favorite razor by far. While the price is high relative to modern cast razors, there is no comparison when you actually hold them in your hands. The cast razors feel like toys. And compared to other modern machined razors, the Tradere is well-priced. The razor is sure to retain its value or even appreciate, so you have the option of selling it on B/S/T for close to your purchase price if you aren�t completely satisfied.

Mariner LH Safety Razor

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:20:27 -0600

by: Codfish

Description: The Mariner LH safety razor is a very effective, aggressive safety razor that is well balanced, well made and does not require the skill and attention required of other aggressive DE razors.

Smart (S625)

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:59:27 -0600

by: talibeard

Description: I scored a couple of these when visiting Budapest a few months back and piffed a few but kept and tried one myself too of course. The Smart has the exact same razor head as the LP1822 aka L6; a casted head much like the ones on the Merkur Classic of a mild nature but absolutely capable of efficient and close shaves. It doesn't have the finish of the M�hles and EJ's but is made well enough and it centers and aligns the blade perfectly. In my opinion this is one of the nicest shaving razor heads among current production razors and delivers much more than you would expect from a razor with this price-tag. The only difference with the LP1822 is the handle; instead of aluminium this one is made from hollow plastic but with a threaded metal piece on top for durability. To be frank I prefer the aluminium handle of its more expensive brother for grip, balance and looks but I have no real complaints about this one. It just feels cheap and it makes the razor more head-heavy than the LP1822 but that is just a matter of getting used to. Why choose for the Smart instead of the LP1822? Well, in the first place you can get these from the bay at unbelievable low prices right now but you will still end up with a quality razor-head. The handle might look and feel a little flimsy but longevity will probably be as good as with the LP1822 due to the metal threaded part. Besides, I have seen people change the handle on the LP1822 for a heavier one; when that is your intention this is the razor to buy as they cost less than half with some vendors. Plus you get 5 nice platinum class blades with it. Another decent reason to buy one of these is when you are doubting about DE-shaving and want to give it a shot without breaking the bank; for just a few bucks you can buy a decent razor that really works very well. It makes a great travel razor as well; that is what mine will become for sure!

OSS

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 20:02:53 -0600

by: Nickypoo

Description: iKon OSS with a build quality that rivals Feather, these all stainless beauties are more efficient (i.e. less mild) than their Feather Counterparts. With a dual sided head, it is like having two razors in one -an open comb razor and a safety bar razor.

R41 2011 GRANDE

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 21:21:23 -0700

by: Codfish

Description: The GRANDE version of the R41 features a longer and wider handle than the original version. This model also fits the RHM SR safety razor stand Measurements: L 107 mm (4.2 in.), B 53 mm (2.2 in.) - diameter of handle 14 mm (.55 in.) weight: 80 g

Muhle R89 [2011]

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:54:03 -0700

by: El-a-Menthol

Description: M�hle R89 safety razor, double edged, metal, chrome finish Length: 95 mm Weight: 66 grams Chrome DE safety razor The traditional safety razor with replaceable blade is regarded by many as the first mechanical razor for self-shaving. At M�HLE it is more: a minor miracle of precision, ergonomics and beauty, created for ambitious wet shavers. Our design combines high-quality metal-working (chrome-plating) with an extremely fine engraved finish. The model comes in two versions (closed and open comb) as every beard growth, every type of facial skin is individual � and the same applies to personal shaving preferences. Comes with a short instruction and one blade.

180/23c

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 11:20:10 -0700

by: BrookR1

Bulbous

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:33:53 -0700

by: BrookR1

Description: Edwin Jagger takes their latest precision head and matches it with a beautiful bulbous all-metal handle to create this stunning razor. The outstanding hard chrome finish is flawless. Made in England.

Blue TIp

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 13:48:12 -0700

by: StuMcB

Description: Better than the last of the bunch super speeds with the all balck handle and a bit more aggesive. Not in the same quarter as say the red tip but well worth having. Mild but good.

DE89BA Barley Chrome

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:31:11 -0700

by: Nickypoo

Description: This classic safety razor by Edwin Jagger has an exquisite barley patterned handle in a chrome-plated finish. The neck of the razor is emblazoned with the Edwin Jagger brand. The shaving head is outfitted with a precision closed comb with a classic straight guard to help you avoid irritation, for a perfect shave. Compatible with all standard double-edge blades. Weight: 2.2 oz (63 g) Length: 3 1/4" (8.25 cm) Made in England

SK9

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:17:12 -0700

by: neverender2113

48R

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 12:47:19 -0600

by: Solar Granulation

Description: A non-adjustable, double-edge razor released by Parker in 2010. Boasts a sleek, stylish, brass handle with head and butt of stainless steel. Weighing 95 grams ( 3.35 ounces ) it is slightly heavier than most.

MII

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:40:44 -0600

by: Foyle

Description: After a year and half of dedicated DE shaving I was getting better shaves from cartridge razors. I found myself favoring the various twin blade cartridge razors that are commonly available so I set out to find myself a swanky razor handle to use with twin blade cartridges. After finding a really mint Atra handle on the 'bay I still wanted one that I could use for TracII style fixed head cartridges and Sensor cartridges. The Merkur MII fills that bill perfectly so I took the plunge and ordered an MII. I ordered the polished chrome finish but it's also available in gold, satin chrome, and titan which is sort of a smokey chrome color. This gorgeous razor is very well engineered and accepts all TracII style cartridges as well as Atra, Sensor, and the Schick Protector. The razor comes packaged in a handsome presentation case and includes three adapters for attaching your favorite twin blade pivoting head cartridge. It also includes a sample cartridge of each type. The TracII style cartridge is a Merkur brand cartridge which is fashioned after the TracII/Atra style replacements available on the market but has the added feature of having a little tab that allows you to clear built up debris if your razor gets clogged. This cartridge can be used either as a fixed head or a pivoting head by using the Atra adapter. The weight and balance of the razor warrants mention. The MII weighs in at 2.4 ounces and has a very organic balance with most of the weight in the bulbous end of the handle. I call the balance "organic" as it almost feels like an extension of your hand as you shave with it. If you hold the razor with a balance point grip this razor seems to plant itself in your hand and is very easy to maneuver about your visage. When changing to a back hand grip for shaving across the grain on the off-hand side of your face the razor's balance keeps the handle firmly in your grasp. I use a couple of different grips when I shave depending on the direction of my stroke and I never felt like the razor would drop out of my hand as I switched grips. This razor truly shines as a fixed head shaver. My first shave with the MII was with the Merkur cartridge used in the TracII fixed head style. I was able to get a very smooth excellent shave in just two passes. If you like TracII style razors then you should find the MII to perform admirably. The rails on the head placement feature little bumps which help to hold any of the various replacement cartridges available on the market securely. I test fitted the Wilkinson Sword cartridges and the Gillette TracII cartridges and found them to fit snugly and securely. My next shave was with the Sensor adapter. Before I ordered this razor I was very fearful that the adapters would be flimsy and cheap seeing that they are made from plastic. Well, plastic they are but flimsy and cheap they are not. The adapter snaps onto the head very securely. After attaching it I was very confident that it would not flex or shift about as I shaved. I was even more impressed when I snapped in the Sensor cartridge. It actually holds the cartridge more securely than the actual Gillette Sensor handle. The Sensor handle leaves a fair amount of play between the cartridge and the placement head but the Merkur adapter fits the cartridge very precisely. There is nothing flimsy feeling about the adapter when it's loaded with a cartridge and it felt very solid and secure during the shave. There are two drawbacks to the adapters. The first is that they are not mechanical. Releasing the cartridge from the adapter is a little tricky. Because it's not mechanical like the Sensor handle you need to push the cartridge to one side in order to pop it off the adapter. The Atra and Protector adapters allow for a more easy cartridge release than the Sensor. The second is the adapters don't allow for the same pivoting action that the original manufacturer handles provide. The pivot is only very minor and while it does help to keep the razor head on your face as you navigate the jaw line and chin it actually causes the cartridge to act more like a fixed head rather than a pivot. This didn't bother me at all but some may prefer the easier pivoting action of the original handles by Gillette or Schick. If you really love the pivoting action of Atra, Sensor, or Protector razors then this razor may leave you a little disappointed in terms of pivoting action. If you prefer less pivot or the fixed head TracII style cartridge like I do then you should really enjoy using this razor.

R41 2011

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 13:26:05 -0600

by: Codfish

Description: My initial reaction to the new Muhle R41 razor was that it�s a stunning piece of craftsmanship, with flawless, shiny plating that reminded me of polished sterling or rhodium. When I picked it up for the first time, I found it lighter than the heavyweights I normally use, and with a shorter handle than my barber-poles, but with a size and heft that felt good in my hands. The balance was perfect for easy use and made holding it very pleasant. I opened it to insert a new blade, and turned it over to examine the alignment. When I saw the blade exposure, my jaw dropped. This was not like any DE I�d ever seen before. The new R41 appeared to be beautiful, lean and quite possibly�mean. The full review appears below.

Super-Speed red tip

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 16:37:30 -0600

by: Trout Whisperer

Description: 1950's Gillette Super-Speed with red tip, twist-to-open safety razor.

Super-Speed flare-tip

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 16:19:22 -0600

by: Trout Whisperer

Description: 1950's Gillette Super-Speed with a flared, unpainted twist-to-open knob at the bottom of the handle.

Super-Speed blue tip

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:40:27 -0600

by: Trout Whisperer

Description: 1950's Gillette Super-Speed with a blue-painted twist-to-open knob.

99R

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 10:43:31 -0600

by: scgobbler

Description: Parker 99R came with 10 Shrks, but have already gone through them.

r41 (2011 model)

Sat, 25 Jun 2011 08:14:50 -0600

by: Bloomey

Description: I bought this direct from Muhle as soon as I heard about it on b and b. This model of the R41 is very different than the previous as it is not a true open comb in the traditional sense, rather Muhle have decided to go back to this model being very aggressive and used a "tooth comb" to describe it. Generally the design can't be faulted, as with all other muhle razors it just oozes class with a minimalist slant to it. This morning was the perfect opportunity to try it out, and did so with a gillette 7 o clock yellow in it. I prepped my face in the usual way (proraso glycerine soap followed by floid sanalor) and mixed up some lather thanks to a new tube of kent brushes shaving cream with menthol (In my opinion this cream doesn't get enough love but anyway) and a tobs silvertip brush. As soon as you begin to shave you can feel the razor and hear it "sing". It does make a very loud sound of the hair being cut as you draw it across your face but when you've done your first pass and had a good feel at where you shaved you will say... WOW! in a good way. It feels like you've done 2 passes, very, very smooth. I did draw a little blood but then again that was my fault as I wasn't paying attention. I completed the shave and my jaw just dropped as to how smooth it was, definitely bbs. Splashed some polar ice on when I was done and thier was a slight burn but then again I always get that. In short this is a hell of an aggressive razor and if your technique ain't right it will punish like crazy. Would suggest it to people who have been doing de shaving for a while.

20C

Sat, 25 Jun 2011 04:59:14 -0600

by: theologist

Description: A smooth, light and beautifully balanced razor, 'hot off the press' from Merkur

1930 NEW style open comb

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:57:22 -0600

by: bjmoose

Description: The Gillette "NEW" came on the market in 1930. It continued the drop-shoulder profile of the out in the middle Gillette "NEW" Improved from 1921, but with a straight bar that required blades with a slot cut in them and for a while, only Gillette had those blades. The "NEW" can be found with two different handles, one a hollow handle and one a solid handle (of smaller diameter)with a ball at the end.

Merkur 34G-XL Malachite Hamdle

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 09:40:02 -0600

by: bjmoose

Description: From the website www.eliterazor.com : "This is a handcrafted brush handle by Robert Quinn. It from the same block of Malachite, the famous and popular semi-precious stone. It is named for the Greek word for "mallow", a green herb. Its banded light and dark green designs are one-of-a-kind, and give it a unique ornamental quality unlike that of any other stone. The light and dark green bands are so distinctive that Malachite maybe one of the most easily recognized minerals by the general public. "

Tech - 1930's Fat Handle

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:40:03 -0600

by: bjmoose

Description: A nice gold fat handle tech from the 1930's made by Gillette. These are very popular amongst wet-shavers because of the nice wide grip and stellar shaving performance.

41C Open Comb

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 11:23:57 -0600

by: bjmoose

Description: The German-engineered Merkur 1904 includes the same head design as Merkur Classics, but pays homage to the original 1904 Gillette safety razor in its handsome, diamond patterned handle, which is six sided for an extra-sure grip. Made to cut against tough, heavy beards, the open tooth variety is recommended for experienced wet shavers.

Slim Adjustable 1953

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 11:10:18 -0600

by: bjmoose

Description: This is a very nice Vintage Gillette Slim Adjustable Safety Razor. It carries the date code Y-1, which indicates it was made in the first quarter of 1953. The razors finish is in excellent condition and only shows very slight and minor surface wear under the head above the knurled handle. The TTO (Twist to Open) functions flawlessly, the numbers adjuster turns easily with an audible click at each adjustment. The bombay doors open and close perfectly as they should.

94R

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 07:17:52 -0600

by: StuMcB

Description: This parker will definatley tell you if your technique is wrong. To say it's heavy is an under stament. After three bloody shaves it finally clicked with me. Hold at the bottom of the handle and the weighty head will do the work. Since then fine close shaves every time. The quility is that of the merkur 1904 I have but the handle is more industrial in feel and grip but thers nothing wrong with that. For me it's out played the 1904 in shave quality and easy of use even though it's a 3 piece razor like the 1904. It just feels more sustantial. A great razor but not for the nubby.

Edwin Jagger DE89

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 22:40:42 -0600

by: salazch12

Description: [COLOR="Blue"][B]Price:[/B][/COLOR] Got mine at Best Grooming Tools for $34. Great price. [B][COLOR="blue"]Quality:[/COLOR][/B] What can I say? Its an Edwin Jagger. They make beautiful stuff. And the chrome is b-e-a-utiful!!! [B][COLOR="blue"]User Friendly:[/COLOR][/B] Pretty straight forward. Changing the blades is a little annoying, but then again most 3 piece razors are in that area. [B][COLOR="blue"]Grip:[/COLOR][/B] For a smooth chrome finish, its pretty easy to keep a good grip on. If everything is all wet and covered in lather, it gets a little tricky, but I've never really had a problem. [B][COLOR="blue"]Ease of Blade Placement:[/COLOR][/B] Okay, I have to admit, its not that great. I love my TTO models, and my 34C/HD is a lot easier. Just be careful. [B][COLOR="blue"]Aggressiveness:[/COLOR][/B] Despite everybody saying that this is on par with the 34C/HD, I have to say that for me that is not he case. It does feel better in the hand, but its way less aggressive. If I'm doing an ATG pass, or a more agressive XTG, I have to change the angle so more of the head is on my face so the blade can cleanly clean up the remaining stubble. This is not the case with other razors that I have used, where a normal 30 degree will cleanly remove all stubble w/out needing to change the angle that much. I can still get DFS/BBS, but it requires more clean up passes. This is the perfect razor if you want to learn how to shave with some of the sharper blades such as the Feather. [B][COLOR="blue"]Adjustability: [/COLOR][/B] Not an adjustable. [B][COLOR="blue"]Balance: [/COLOR][/B] Very well balanced razor. Doesn't feel too top heavy, but has a nice substantial feel to it so I don't feel like I'm running a Bic on my face.

Henckels Rapide

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 07:45:56 -0600

by: drews50

Description: If you like the Gem open comb micromatic you will love the Henckels. It takes a modern SE razor blade, thank goodness. My first shave with a new razor is never my best, but I managed a DFS. Second was BBS. It is very audible, sounding off when at it's best angle. You'll like it's crispness.

CVS Twin Blade Pivot Plus Razor

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:33:24 -0700

by: azrichter

Description: I like to shave in the shower and often don't have time to relax and enjoy a shave with my better tools. However, with this razor I feel I make no compromise at all in comfort or quality of my shave. In fact, if I take some time I can easily get as good or better from one of these as I can from any of my other razors. [IMG]http://badgerandblade.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=150424&stc=1&d=1299722297[/IMG] [IMG]http://badgerandblade.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=150425&stc=1&d=1299722297[/IMG] The blades are made in Korea, the only clue as to who makes them. They are consistently sharp and very smooth. But there is something about the shape of the head and the way it pivots that makes this thing shave like nothing else. With a thick, good-quality lather (like Moos or Musgo) it feels like the blades pull down close to my face---[I]almost like they are sucked down to the skin[/I]. This face-hugging sensation is one I don't get with any other razor. It is comfortable and very effective...I can't believe how smooth I am after just one pass. I can also work fast and somewhat mindlessly with this razor---I don't think it has ever cut me significantly. For disposable, these are special. I can't find them anywhere else but CVS, where they normally sell for $.99 for 3. Sometimes buy 1, get one 50% off. NOTE: CVS sells several "Twin Blade" razors that pivot. These are longer with a green or blue rubber strip on the handle. The others look more like Good News razors and, in my opinion, are not the same, or as good.

wilkinson sword extra 2 sensitive

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 07:19:34 -0700

by: ThomasR099

Description: I bought these a while back as a neck-hair razor, and figured to give them a try. The big surprise came when i got less irritation than with any razor i've used before! They're disposable so not the best build quality, but more than adequate. Also they're very light and thus prevent you from really pressing down, since they cut very well without any pressure. I have a rather strange beard: soft slightly curly hair that lies rather flat on my face, so you barbed wire guys: this might not be for you. Bottomline: try them, you might like them more than you expect (like i did):thumbup:

Gillette Tuckaway

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 22:18:32 -0700

by: insomniac

Description: Hidden among the more famous of Gillette's "aggressive" offerings is the humble Tuckaway. Produced in the '20s, the Tuckaway has a shorter handle than other razors at the time, giving it a different balance than the New. This doesn't make it light - this razor has some heft for its size, and the silver plating certainly helps. The result? This tiny razor actually gives an aggressive shave, more aggressive than many of its cousins such as the New Improved. Twelve hours after a shave and my cheeks felt like they had just been shaven. My neck, a usual problem for even the best razor, wasn't a problem for the Tuckaway. And irritation? The usual tradeoff for aggressive razors is redness. (Dare you shave with a Red Tip and splash on Pinaud Bay Rum? I thought not.) While I didn't get much redness, I will admit that splashing on the Superior 70 gave me quite a jolt. That's the tradeoff. The Tuckaway is an attractive razor, and (if you are lucky) comes in a lovely silver case. Silver means it tarnishes, of course; this razor will take a bit more maintenance to keep shiny than one with a nickel finish. All in all, a wonderful razor, and recommended to those who like open comb razors.

Gillette Ball End (Handle) NEW

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 09:59:02 -0700

by: Day Tripper

Description: This razor's been in my family for a while, though no one, save myself, has ever used it (hence the N/A for price). It is a very good razor, perfect for beginners. The aggression is a little higher than a late model Tech, probably equivalent to a Super Speed. Yet, due to its open-comb design, it shaves like a very aggressive razor. In my hand, it feels lighter than my Ball End Tech. Though, the handle is thicker, with a solid grip. Furthermore, the razor is very well balanced. Perfect balance, I would say. I recommend this razor to anyone who can find one. The image of the razor is not my own, it is from the B&B wiki.

Muhle MUH-99R

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 13:24:43 -0700

by: Conscientious Dennis

Description: I own the Joris razor and love the shave it delivers but the quality puts the price out of reach for most. I had learned that the head on the MUH-99R was the same design but not highly polished palladium like the Joris. I ordered this fine razor and have been using it for the last 2 weeks. It shaves every bit as good as the Joris. The head and handle on the MUH-99R is perfectly balanced. I like an aggressive razor and this razor gives me a barber shop shave every time. I own over a 100 double edge razors of every variety and have quiet a few favorites. The Muhle MUH-99R razor is now near the top of my rotation. If you have a top quality blade, this razor will give the best shave ever. Caution, this razor requires a careful technique with light pressure. This razor will bite if you are careless. At this price it is a great bargain and if you order one, I hope you will enjoy shaving with this wonderful razor as much as I do.:001_smile

Gillette ProGlide Power

Sun, 03 Oct 2010 05:48:33 -0600

by: SRock

Description: This review is for the Gillette ProGlide Power. There is a separate review for the standard ProGlide. [B][URL="http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=170636&highlight=proglide"]My full review can be found here.[/URL][/B]

Gillette ProGlide

Sun, 03 Oct 2010 05:45:18 -0600

by: SRock

Description: This review is for the standard Gillette Fusion ProGlide. There is a separate section for the ProGlide Power. [B][URL="http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=170636&highlight=proglide"]My full review can be found here.[/URL][/B]

Merkur Alu (also called Big Grip)

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 11:28:49 -0600

by: otherstar

Description: It's longer than the HD, but shorter than the Futur. It's a three-piece razor and the head is identical to the head on the HD. Here's my breakdown of each area with an explanation of my score. Price: Middle of the road. I was able to find it for under $40.00 shipped, but I had to look around pretty good to do that. Quality: It's well build and looks like it should last quite awhile. User Friendly: See the comments under grip below and add the fact that because the head is the same as that on the HD, it use characteristics are very close to that of the HD. Grip: I have some carpal tunnel issues and some arthritis that causes some numbness in my hands from time to time. I got this razor to use when I'm having those problems. I had some tingling in my right hand when I began my shave and it did not get worse during the shave, which is all I was hoping for when I got this. Definite home run here! It's heavy, almost as heavy as the Futur. For me, this wasn't a problem, but it could be for some. Ease of Blade Replacement: It's a three-piece. Not hard to change blades. Agressiveness: The head is identical to that on the HD and is not adjustable. Adjustability: It's not adustable. Balance: It's longer than and HD, but shorter than the Futur. It's seems a little handle-heavy, but I had no problems holding the razor by the indentations in the handle and moving around during a typical three-pass shave. Overall: if you have issues with your hands, or have very large hands, this could be a good addition to your collection. It's a very good shaver and I like the way it looks (though I do wish a plain chrome version were available rather than just red or blue).

BIC Metal

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 20:18:25 -0600

by: deshaveman

Description: I've been meaning to try BIC Metals as a potential travel razor option. I've carried a DE before on travel (with my blades in a checked bag). I still got stopped by TSA so they could inspect my razor to make sure it did not contain a blade. Lately I've been making short one and two-day trips where my goal is to travel with a single carry-on. With no place to stash DE blades I am reduced to BIC Sensitives *shudder*. Recently I acquired a whole bunch of BIC Metals in the BST and decided to give them a whirl at home to see how they perform compared to BIC Sensitives and my own DE razor. Note that I used the same shave stick and brush I might use on the road as I tested each razor. Cost: These are dirt cheap. If you buy a large lot of them they end up costing a little more per piece than premium DE blades. I don't mind bringing a few with me on travel and tossing them after one or two uses. Design: As you can see from the attached picture this razor has a noticeably different head compared to a BIC Sensitive. There is a metal safety bar instead of the plastic one on the BIC Sensitive. [img]http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=22437[/img] Aggressiveness: I find this razor slightly more aggressive than a BIC Sensitive. This is a huge positive because I find the BIC Sensitive requires a lot of pressure to get anything resembling a close shave. The BIC Metal requires much less pressure and seems to behave more like a DE. Treat this razor like a BIC Sensitive and you are in for a world of hurt. Keep the pressure light and draw it across your face and you'll be extremely happy with the results. Sharpness/Smoothness: I find the BIC Metal blades to be very sharp and smooth. They definitely feel sharper than the BIC Sensitives. I was able to complete an ATG pass with the BIC Metal! This is practically impossible for me to do with a BIC Sensitive without carving my face like a Thanksgiving turkey. What's more is that I was able to get two DFS out of a single razor. An attempt at a third shave with the same razor resulted in more weepers than I like to see so I won't be doing that again but compared to a BIC Sensitive it is quite an accomplishment. Conclusion: This razor doesn't hold a candle to my '58 TV Super Speed loaded with a Russian Yellow but when I am hundreds or thousands of miles away from home it can give me a decent shave without getting hassled by the (TSA) man.

Lm68

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 12:42:06 -0600

by: talibeard

Description: I scored a pair of these (NOS) for 7,50 (euro) including shipment. I was expecting to get what I paid for especially after my experiences with a pair of more expensive Golf razors (also from the GDR) which couldn't even load a blade before I 'improved' them. I only bid on them because I have a weak spot for the minimalistic design, cheap materials and sometimes dubious craftmanship of warsaw-pact products. Former GDR products are usually [I]very[/I] minimalistic and I wasn't expecting anything from this Tech-like full-aluminium razor. The top plate is polished, at the outside. The inside looks like it came untreated at all directly from the mold. The safety bar part is made from sheat material and probably anodized. The handle is slightly knurl-like machined and it is done nicely. All in all nothing special but much better made than I expected; blade allignment and blade gaps are all ok and, apart from a little oxidation on the polished top plate, it doesn't look bad. The shave went not bad either though I feared after the first WTG-pass that the LM68 would be too mild. Xtg was better but the real surprise was the ATG pass; absolutely great! Usually with (too) mild razors the ATG doesn't work for me simply because I cannot make the right angle; the razor does not allow the shallow angle I want for a comfy ATG. Gillette Techs and the Wilkinson Classic suffer from this, to name a few. Not so here; this razor is made with my ATG in mind and I am surprised to find a mild razor like this (it is about as foolproof as a Tech) capable of these kind of cutting angles. Hence my 8 on aggressiveness. A very good shave in 3 passes. Grip is simply good but not because of the 'knurling' but because aluminium has a better grip than most plated materials, especially when wet(-tish). Balance on a razor without weight is never a 10 I guess but mounting a blade helps.... All in all a razor that really works well with a bit of nostalgia from a company that still excists but is private now, instead of a VEB (people's company). They recently stopped making DE's (plastic ones) but still produce DE blades (Croma). Not made like the M�hles and EJ's but no trash either and a nice addition to my collection and if you can get one for reasonable money, just take it! Too bad it is impossable to get a [URL="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XrBpKhpwE1o/S_meWFZGHXI/AAAAAAAAAG8/6KRo-ziK7z8/s1600/Scheermesje.JPG"]picture[/URL] uploaded. [COLOR="Red"]EDIT: Thanks to the mods for fixing that!! [/COLOR] :thumbup1:

Parker 98R

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:56:17 -0600

by: wulfgar1976

Description: This is one of the heftiest razors in production. It is very solidly built and surprisingly comfortable to hold while shaving. Lighter razors are more manoeuvrable but the weight does help when shaving the more awkward areas. The quality of the finish is okay, but nothing special. It is nickel plated and I fully expect that it will last a lifetime, but there are better looking finishes. The price of the razor is reasonable enough but I bought my Muehle R89 for the same amount of money and it is a much better quality razor, so there are better value razors to be found for the price of the 98R. When it comes to user-friendliness, there is a rather annoying feature of this razor: when inserting a blade, it is necessary to align the blade manually as the razor has not been designed and manufactured to the tolerance that one would expect. It is quite awkward but there is a certain knack to getting it right. As frustrating as this can be, it is worth persevering with the razor as the most important thing is how well it shaves. Fortunately, this is certainly the area where the 98R excels. Although the razor can feel a bit cumbersome at first, it soon feels comfortable and easy to wield. I have given this razor a score of 10 for aggressiveness not because it is a super-aggressive razor but because it responds very well to the choice of blade you use. A smooth, less sharp blade makes the 98R a mild, forgiving razor whereas the sharpest blades will make the 98R give a much more aggressive shave. The 98R is therefore a very versatile piece of equipment and is capable of giving a shave as close as anything on the market. As things stand, I would hesitate to recommend this razor based upon the problems with blade alignment. I don't regret buying mine but Parker's spotty record with quality control is certainly something to take into consideration and problems with alignment are not excusable. If you decide to purchase a Parker, make sure you buy one from a reputable seller who will be understanding about any possible returns. It's a shame that Parker have such issues because if they improved their manufacturing and quality control, they could compete with the best.

Gillette Sensor Excel

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 05:26:52 -0600

by: MikeLip

Description: I know what you're thinking; "Why would anyone review a razor Gillette barely acknowledges exists anymore, and a cartridge razor at that? On THIS board?" Well, the short answer is because it's a damn good razor. I am one of those guys who went from DE back in the 70s, down the road to all the latest multiblade razors and then back to DE. Hell, I have a straight sitting there waiting for me to get time to learn it. So why do I even own this thing? It's a travesty. A blight on B&B! I had it laying around and after I bought the Fusion, tried it and went back to DE, I had to have something I could use when traveling, in a BIG hurry, tired or broken out (I get acne periodically - embarrassing for a 53 year old, but that's one of the penalties for being a transplant patient and on immunosuppressors - you break out. And deal with it :) Anyway I grabbed it, got some carts and re-tried it. I was amazed at how well it worked. It kicked the Fusions butt in terms of comfort and shave, and while it wasn't up to DE standards my shave was acceptable for work. I have no problems clipping off facial projections, no irritation, it takes zero attention to shave with, and travels nicely. It's also cheaper to feed than any other cartridge razor I've found. Breakdown; Price - not bad. $7 buys a handle with two carts. $30 buys 25 carts at Sams club. Not DE cheap, but not Fusion stupid either. Quality - Excellent. The handle is good and grippy, carts are well made. User friendly - the term no brainer was invented for this razor. Grip - super. The ribs on the handle make for an excellent grip. Ease of blade replacement - click out the old one, snap on a new one. It doesn't get easier. Aggressiveness - aggressive enough to shave well without irritation and without getting mangled. Middle of the road. Adjustability - NA Balance - nicely balanced. The whole thing is quite light and handles well. If you see one and need a cartridge razor for any of the reasons I mentioned, you won't regret buying this one.

Parker (2010 Model) 99R (TTO) Razor Reveiw

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 10:23:50 -0600

by: The Count of Merkur Cristo

Description: Price: Rating 10 Hey�what can I say�for around 30 bucks w/ 10 Blades�I�d say I got a real good deal (if I don�t say so myself) :thumbup1: Quality: Rating 9 I can say that Parker has greatly increased its quality and durability in their Razors (especially the 2010 Models). I have been using this for many weeks now and have no complaints�I�m really pleased with this Razor. Although not Stainless Steel like my old Gillette Fat-Boy, I believe their 2010 design with brass over nickel plating could stand up with the best and more expensive Razors out there. User Friendly: Rating 9 I believe one of the best aspects of this Razor is the weight which I like a lot �not yet a monster but at 3.2oz, it has more weight than my Parker 96R, and is a �plus� for ease of shaving. Grip: Rating 9.5 The grip on this Razor is very �sure� even when wet and the handle is big enough because this Razor has a 4in textured (machine-turned), handle to �fit� even the Wet-Shaver with �Bear Claws� for hands. The �Barber Pole� is what is the neatest thing about this Razor�it just feels soooo great in my hand. Ease of Blade Replacement: Rating 9 The ease of Blade replacement is �quick, easy and flawless� with the TTO doors opening with no slippage and/or �creakiness� and TTO doors are �tight� when closed using the knob on the end. Aggressiveness: Rating 10 This Razors performance in terms of aggressiveness is outstanding, depending on the �angle� you use. By far, the most aggressive Double-Edge Razor I have ever used (certainly more aggressive than my Parker 96R). Adjustability: Rating 9 The edge �gap� on both sides with the TTO doors closed is very even and the blade (I use �Shark� SS Blades), edge is evenly exposed, (although on my Parker 96R�there is a bit of unevenness with regard to the blade edge being exposed). Also, depending on the angle you use, this Razor may / will need in my opinion�your most special attention, because�one �hurried� slip and OMG :yikes: :oops: �you�re may get �cut� pretty bad (may have to �call-in-sick� that day). Balance: Rating 8 The Barber Pole Handle is beautiful to say the least�a �beauty� to behold. It�s heavy enough not to affect the balance (it seems the Parker for 2010 did some really good R&D this time), in my opinion a very well made and �fun� Razor to use :cool1: Christopher :badger:

Gillette Gold Toggle F4

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:06:34 -0600

by: Swampfox

Description: Earlier this week I purchased one of the much sought after Gillette Toggles. The pic here is of the one that I actually purchased. Well, really, I passed up on it Sunday, and sent my wife back after it on Monday. This one has the F4 date code, the last batch made according to our wiki researchers. I decided that I would not keep it, and sold it to another member. before it was to leave my possession, I decided I would at least give it a try. As hard as these are to come by in the area, coupled with the outrageous prices they are going for on eBay, I figured it was not likely that I would come across another. based on the current running prices, I purchased mine for an absolute steal, although it was the highest price I have yet to pay for a razor. On to the shave. Last night, I loaded my go to blade, Shark Super Stainless, into the Toggle. I found the doors easy to open and close, and when the doors closed they were very secure. I cranked it up to 3. Thus far, it behaved much like an average Fatboy, but the similarities about ended here. I lathered up with some Green Mountain Soap shave soap with my Jaguar boar brush and went to work. I was blown away at the smoothness, the closeness and the superiority of the Toggle! This is far from a typical Fatboy. I went 1 pass WTG, 2nd pass XTG with a modified "Gillette Slide" motion, and a final pass ATG. The results were irritation free BBS! Despite the great shave, I do have one thing against the Toggle: 1) it is too much like the Fatboy head, making it a pain under my nose in the mustache area; and 2) I didn't really notice in difference in the aggressiveness between 3-9. Bottom line: I think the rave about the Toggles are well-founded. :thumbup1: