I've had a few requests for feedback on some of the different adjustable razors in my collection. This is just my amateur attempt at describing my experiences. YMMV. - I have 4 modern adjustable razors in my collection. A couple are new additions. One I’ve had for awhile and only just got around to adding it in my rotation. This comparison it is totally subjective as I am not about the technical details of DE razors and am not comparing elements like blade gaps, exposure etc. I'll leave that to other more capable and experienced members who have discussed each of the razors in finer detail.
Definition of “best shave” for me and goals: Head shaving is my primary concern and face shaving is secondary. My shave goals are a close, irritation free shave with minimum number of passes. BBS would be preferred but not at the expense of irritation or nicks. I am totally satisfied with DFS prioritizing comfort over perfection. For head shaves I prefer mild to mild-aggressive razors as my scalp and back of my neck are sensitive. Face shaving is more flexible as I am not as sensitive there and can tolerate a little more aggressive shave. My schedule is every other day for head shaving but daily face shaving. So consider every other day I shave both head and face and therefore use blades just once and done as head shaving tends to dull the blades quickly.
The razors: Blackland Osprey Titanium, Tatara Muramasa SS, Rocnel Sailor 2024 SS, REX Konsul XL Slant.
(I also have the Osprey in SS but for comparison purposes their performance the same only adjusting for pressure based on weight.)
For comparison purposes I used the same blade in each- Perm-Sharps, for soap- Saponificio Varesino, and same pre-prep.
I would rate the Sailor and Muramasa as the most aggressive of the 4. Each with a setting range of 1- 5, I usually stayed with 1-2. The Konsul has a range of 1 - 6. I normally used 1-3 but setting 2-3 were the most efficient. The Osprey has the widest range of 1 - 9 with the most flexibility of the four razors. Normally used a setting of 2-5 with 1-3 for daily face shaves or recovery days.
Closet shave: Surprisingly the REX Konsul wins for closet shave with fewest number of passes. (Would not have been my first choice but stepped up as the best performer in this category.) Used at a setting of 3 for the first pass, then down to 2 for a ATG second pass and done. Consistently fewest passes to BBS. Next the Sailor, Muramasa and finally the Osprey in that order. The Konsul wins but is the least comfortable shave of the 4 and less refined. The Sailor would be next but takes a bit more care due to the heft of the razor and being the most aggressive of the 4. The other razors can get just as a close a shave but sacrifice a bit of efficiency for comfort and smoothness. Depending on the setting they may require additional passes.
Most comfortable shave: Both the Osprey and Muramasa hands down are my choice for overall comfort and smoothness. The Osprey has the widest range of setting and allows the most flexibility for a comfortable shave being my preference for daily shaves. The Muramasa is exceedingly comfortable and one of my favorites for best feel. Being a bit more efficient and aggressive the Muramasa was normally used only at the lower settings of 1-2.
Honorable mention: The Sailor and Muramasa have the most rewarding shave experience of the 4. Both are different enough that they stand out as a different shave experience that are a joy to use. The Sailor is efficient and smooth. Hold a light touch and let the heft of the razor do the work and you will be rewarded with a great shave. The Muramasa has a great feel and gives a really great shave. No drama, just a nice, efficient, smooth, comfortable and irritation free experience. The best feel of the four, my go to for a laid back rewarding evening shave.
Definition of “best shave” for me and goals: Head shaving is my primary concern and face shaving is secondary. My shave goals are a close, irritation free shave with minimum number of passes. BBS would be preferred but not at the expense of irritation or nicks. I am totally satisfied with DFS prioritizing comfort over perfection. For head shaves I prefer mild to mild-aggressive razors as my scalp and back of my neck are sensitive. Face shaving is more flexible as I am not as sensitive there and can tolerate a little more aggressive shave. My schedule is every other day for head shaving but daily face shaving. So consider every other day I shave both head and face and therefore use blades just once and done as head shaving tends to dull the blades quickly.
The razors: Blackland Osprey Titanium, Tatara Muramasa SS, Rocnel Sailor 2024 SS, REX Konsul XL Slant.
(I also have the Osprey in SS but for comparison purposes their performance the same only adjusting for pressure based on weight.)
For comparison purposes I used the same blade in each- Perm-Sharps, for soap- Saponificio Varesino, and same pre-prep.
I would rate the Sailor and Muramasa as the most aggressive of the 4. Each with a setting range of 1- 5, I usually stayed with 1-2. The Konsul has a range of 1 - 6. I normally used 1-3 but setting 2-3 were the most efficient. The Osprey has the widest range of 1 - 9 with the most flexibility of the four razors. Normally used a setting of 2-5 with 1-3 for daily face shaves or recovery days.
Closet shave: Surprisingly the REX Konsul wins for closet shave with fewest number of passes. (Would not have been my first choice but stepped up as the best performer in this category.) Used at a setting of 3 for the first pass, then down to 2 for a ATG second pass and done. Consistently fewest passes to BBS. Next the Sailor, Muramasa and finally the Osprey in that order. The Konsul wins but is the least comfortable shave of the 4 and less refined. The Sailor would be next but takes a bit more care due to the heft of the razor and being the most aggressive of the 4. The other razors can get just as a close a shave but sacrifice a bit of efficiency for comfort and smoothness. Depending on the setting they may require additional passes.
Most comfortable shave: Both the Osprey and Muramasa hands down are my choice for overall comfort and smoothness. The Osprey has the widest range of setting and allows the most flexibility for a comfortable shave being my preference for daily shaves. The Muramasa is exceedingly comfortable and one of my favorites for best feel. Being a bit more efficient and aggressive the Muramasa was normally used only at the lower settings of 1-2.
Honorable mention: The Sailor and Muramasa have the most rewarding shave experience of the 4. Both are different enough that they stand out as a different shave experience that are a joy to use. The Sailor is efficient and smooth. Hold a light touch and let the heft of the razor do the work and you will be rewarded with a great shave. The Muramasa has a great feel and gives a really great shave. No drama, just a nice, efficient, smooth, comfortable and irritation free experience. The best feel of the four, my go to for a laid back rewarding evening shave.
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