$4 RiMei Razor from DX Review

After reading the reviews on this thread:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/364248-New-Improved-Version-of-Ri-Mei-Sodial-Razor/

I ordered this RiMei razor from DX.com for < $4
http://www.dx.com/p/rimei-stainless-steel-double-edge-blade-razor-silver-116281

This time my order took less than a month to arrive from DX.

On inspection the first thing I thought was the razor and case looked good for the price. The razor has a solid feel at 52 grams with blade. The blade loads squarely in the head and doesn't slide around. The lower plate is visibly thinner metal than that of a Gillette Tech as you can see in the picture below.

The biggest disappointment was the visible flaw I could quickly see upon loading a blade that one of the guards was uneven. It's slightly curved on one corner, reducing the blade gap & the aggressiveness in that corner (which is tolerable). I've attached a picture below.

How'd it shave? I lathered up with Arko shave stick. I pitched the Rimei blade after trying it for a couple strokes - it was dull and tuggy. I put in a Gillette Silver Blue and found this razor was certainly more aggressive than my Gillette Tech. I found the handle knurling is more slippery when soapy compared to my Apollo stainless steel handle, but grippy enough when dry. Without using the side with the uneven guard, I did a 4 pass shave (WTG, XTG1, XTG2, ATG). I was rather surprised to get one of the best shaves ever! It goes to show how much a good blade and technique matters.

For the price of $4 I didn't expect much, and although the razor isn't flawless I'm pleased overall. I'm glad to own a 3 pc razor head that is more aggressive than my beloved Gillette Tech and will likely be using it with my Apollo handle. Hopefully I can fix the uneven guard rail with gently bending it (and not damaging the fine chrome finish!).

I'll likely order a couple more of these from DX. With the case it could make a good starter 'newbie' kit to pass on. I'll cross my fingers the next two aren't uneven on one side like this one was.

I would have bought one. I'm usually a sucker for this low priced stuff.

I own a remei as well I ordered it off of amazon I think it was 3 dollars but I got one without the case luckily mine had no flaws and I agree with you that it shaves very well I use it as my travel razor and it occasionally gets used into regular rotation

I ordered 3 RiMei from DX and all were without flaws. They work really well and are very inexpensive to PIF to people wanting to try what DE is all about.

Billski said:

I would have bought one. I'm usually a sucker for this low priced stuff.

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Same here. Having said that. My 0.47 horseman (incl shipping) is still on its card

At least you're only out $4.

I was able to carefully bend the bar back into alignment. Tried both sides this morning with good results, but used my Apollo handle instead.

engblom said:

I ordered 3 RiMei from DX and all were without flaws. They work really well and are very inexpensive to PIF to people wanting to try what DE is all about.

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Good to hear! I think I'll give it another go ordering one from DX for a PIF razor to give to my friend.

i got one from amazon a while back, the base straightened out ok, but still didn't get it as smooth as a tech. But the handle really worked amazing on the Old type, added about the perfect amount of weight!

I ordered Rimei on aliexpress.com I did not want to get a fake. So I chose not the cheapest offer (I paid $ 6)
At first I did not like the head. It seems too light: bottom plate made of thin stamped metal. Handle is well done, but for me it is too short.

To my surprise it shaves very well.

Last time I use DE89 head with a heavy stainless steel handle. http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/467404-Windrose-razor-handles?p=7694358#post7694358

I put the RiMei head on my stainless handle. I got a cleaner and smoother shave.
Now this set is my daily razor.


In the flask is pre-shave oil.

I bought one of the $4 RIMEI's from DX a few months ago (the box says it's a RM2003). It's not a bad DE, especially for the price. It's not as mild as a tech (I prefer mild) but it's a good travel razor. I do not fly with vintage stuff. I'd imagine with light to moderate use (I don't travel as much as I used to) I should be able to use this for many years to come. A very good $4 spent.