Ikon S3S First Impressions!

[Altair]

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IKON S3S

For whatever reason I got a bad case of rad this last month. But you know how we roll…

I sold 3 others to bank roll this purchase. : ) shout out to the guys that purchased my Weber, Slant, and 30C.

I’ve always read about Ikon’s and some of the controversy that surrounds them. But I would just like to keep this discussion simply about the quality of the razor and not about anything else.

First of all this razor is very well built. I’ve never owned any other razor that comes close to this quality. Even the treads on this thing solid, they look like they will never wear out, and they are oh so smooth. This thing is pretty heavy because it’s all Marine grade stainless steel.

The razor comes with a mirror finish which looks very good. This particular razor was purchased on eBay as one of the last remaining stock that may have some sort of tooling blemish. I have to say if there is a blemish on it I really don’t care. Because I simply don’t know what it could be. I do see a slight scratch on the mirror finish but I think it adds character and makes all that more mine.

The razor’s handle is very grippy and I would say nicer to hold than the Webber bulldog, The Weber’s handle has a sharper pattern that feels a bit uncomfortable at first. I’m not a wuz or anything but it’s just a bit more comfy to hold.

I didn’t shave all weekend just so I could really put it to the test. I decided to use the persona medical blades because I was so impressed with them on the weber. They didn’t disappoint on this razor either. The shave was smooth and very efficient. And well worth the wait. I started with the usual XTG with the comb side, and followed by an AGT with the other side, plus touch ups. Where ever I felt I needed a bit more aggressiveness, I just simply flipped it to the comb side and that seemed to do the trick.

The persona blade felt a bit mild with this razor, I think there must be a better blade combo for me. But I had absolutely no irritation nor any sort of sting from the alum or splash My first impressions of this razor are that its simply wonderful, very well built, and that it just feels like a very well made instrument not just a razor.

Here’s some specs:
Razor – 4.60 oz
Bull dog handle – 2.35 oz
Base of Head – 1.60 oz
Cap - .55 oz

[Triad]

So tempted to buy one!! I have the handle it is awesome Great picture I bet that thing feels good in the hand

[celestino]

Congrats and they are very nicely made razors.

[Predict]

Nice razor!

[Altair]

So far Ive used Medical Personna, 7 O'clock Yellow, and Feathers. All which have been very good. This has to be my favorite razor. Second would be Weber. But I sold it to get this one

I don't know why but I feel that the closed side is more efficient than the comb side. anyone else get the same feeling with this razor?

[kingfisher]

I tried the H2O, which I think is virtually the same except the head is made of aluminum (correct me if I'm wrong).

Loved the razor's looks, etc., but I found it very mild on either side. YMMV.

[azhawk0516]

Beautiful razor. I'm waiting for mine.

[Xilbus]

I don't like the fact that there is a website on the bottom plate but besides that this is a very nice razor.

[Altair]

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Polsilver's are top dogs for me with this razor. All others have fallen short. Too mild for my taste.

[Triad]

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Polsilver's are top dogs for me with this razor. All others have fallen short. Too mild for my taste.

These are sharper than feathers?

[Altair]

These are sharper than feathers?

I wouldn't say sharper. I think it might be the type of grind that's on them that seems to agree more for me. This is initial impressions. I haven't had a change to do extensive testing. I will go back to the feathers at a later point.

[Dipesh]

I tried the H2O, which I think is virtually the same except the head is made of aluminum (correct me if I'm wrong).

Loved the razor's looks, etc., but I found it very mild on either side. YMMV.

I have both S3S and H2O. Totally different razors. The S3S is far more aggressive due to how much more the razor weights.

[kingfisher]

I have both S3S and H2O. Totally different razors. The S3S is far more aggressive due to how much more the razor weights.

Thanks for the insight.

[Altair]

I wonder how much milder the H20 is. The S3S is very mild. Efficient but mild.

[Altair]

So far so good. Ive been using this razor non stop ever since I got it. I tried to use my Futur the other day and didn't like it.

[Samjax]

Glad to read this! I have one waiting for me at home...going to match up with either the OSS handle or a UFO Kaiser or Goliath XL.

[itsmedave]

I wonder how much milder the H20 is. The S3S is very mild. Efficient but mild.

The H2O is much more mild (at least to me) than the S3S as was the OSS. The added weight of the S3S adds just enough aggressiveness to have made it much more efficient to me.

[turtle]

I have been enjoying my S3S. It is a very easy "every day" razor. Not too mild, not too wild, just right for a daily shaver. Too bad I have so many others that fit into this category right along with this one

[Judge Dredd]

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Polsilver's are top dogs for me with this razor. All others have fallen short. Too mild for my taste.

+1 on this combo. A surprise match for me - I had the ambulance on speed dial, but didn't need it.

[Altair]

I tried using my Futur and 89l the other day. Needless to say that I've gone back to my Ikon. Best blades with it are the polsilvers, Iridiums, Feathers, and Permasharps. Although I only go for 2 shaves and toss them.