I have read a lot of good things about the RazoRock/Cadet open comb razors. RazoRock being marketed by the ItalianBarber.com and Cadet marketed by ShaveAbuck.com. These razors are inexpensive, made in India units that boast very good production quality (for a sub $30 razor they often beat Merkur in that department).
I have been moving towards open comb steadily. I also have been increasing the aggressiveness of the OC's I try. I started with Merkur 41, which was way too mild for me. Then I tried Gillette New long and short combs. I ended up liking the Long comb and feeling that short comb is too mild. I also have and really like Gillette Big Fellow with a New Improved head. Now I decided to try the RazoRock Little Bastone OC, which sells for amazing $20 at IB. When I got it I noticed a few rough spots in the top plate that were left there before chrome plating. Chrome on this razor is outstanding. At least as good as Merkur, maybe better. The handle of the Little Bastone is very nice. It's the short handle and a bit thicker than a ball end tech with lots of knurling and is very comfortable. The balance of the razor is a bit towards the head, but not bad at all.
Now for the shave. WOW! This is definitely the most aggressive OC razor I tried and I was a bit worried, but my worries were completely unfounded. This thing shaves like a dream! It is aggressive, no doubt about it, but it's very well behaved. I used it here and there when I first got it and I did pair the RR OC head with Ikon bulldog handle, which made the razor even better and balanced a bit lower from the head. I still used my Gillette OC (New LC and NI) and my Progress and at that point I had a vintage Merkur Slant that I enjoyed, but again and again I got better shaves with the RR OC. At this point I have been using that razor exclusively just because I get such great results with it.
I like it so much I have now ordered a Cadet OC just to have a backup. I got rid of the slant, New SC, Old and the Merkur OC. None of them shave anywhere near the RR/Cadet OC. Just wanted to share my experience. I hope more budget minded people try this razor because this is the perfect item for those who actually want to save money on shaving Even if you don't, give this razor a try. You may be surprised. I do not have experience with the safety bar version of this razor, only open comb. Wonderful razor. Inexpensive, good wuality and one of the best DE head designs I have tried.
I have been moving towards open comb steadily. I also have been increasing the aggressiveness of the OC's I try. I started with Merkur 41, which was way too mild for me. Then I tried Gillette New long and short combs. I ended up liking the Long comb and feeling that short comb is too mild. I also have and really like Gillette Big Fellow with a New Improved head. Now I decided to try the RazoRock Little Bastone OC, which sells for amazing $20 at IB. When I got it I noticed a few rough spots in the top plate that were left there before chrome plating. Chrome on this razor is outstanding. At least as good as Merkur, maybe better. The handle of the Little Bastone is very nice. It's the short handle and a bit thicker than a ball end tech with lots of knurling and is very comfortable. The balance of the razor is a bit towards the head, but not bad at all.
Now for the shave. WOW! This is definitely the most aggressive OC razor I tried and I was a bit worried, but my worries were completely unfounded. This thing shaves like a dream! It is aggressive, no doubt about it, but it's very well behaved. I used it here and there when I first got it and I did pair the RR OC head with Ikon bulldog handle, which made the razor even better and balanced a bit lower from the head. I still used my Gillette OC (New LC and NI) and my Progress and at that point I had a vintage Merkur Slant that I enjoyed, but again and again I got better shaves with the RR OC. At this point I have been using that razor exclusively just because I get such great results with it.
I like it so much I have now ordered a Cadet OC just to have a backup. I got rid of the slant, New SC, Old and the Merkur OC. None of them shave anywhere near the RR/Cadet OC. Just wanted to share my experience. I hope more budget minded people try this razor because this is the perfect item for those who actually want to save money on shaving Even if you don't, give this razor a try. You may be surprised. I do not have experience with the safety bar version of this razor, only open comb. Wonderful razor. Inexpensive, good wuality and one of the best DE head designs I have tried.
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