A newbie’s journey into DE shaving

[Guido75]

To my eye, I think the Ares handle would have been more aesthetically pleasing with the Athena and the Athena handle with the Ares. Too much fluting with the OC of the Ares .... But the fluted handle with the Athena would compliment the faux open comb. But that's just me.

I'm curious to know which Game Changer you're getting?

Hey AL - I have gotten the GC.84 with both SB and OC plates. Tomorrow’s shave will be with the SB baseplate.

And you might be right about the Ares and Athena switch. I have wondered about that myself as well. I do remember the distinct feeling though when I first came across the Athena.

 

[NotBloomingAL]

I'm with you on the Athena, with its handle, it's a beautiful razor. However, I have to get over its looks and regard it as a tool. When I use it, I spend too much time cleaning and polishing it afterwards. Honestly, does anyone put it back in its box with a finger print left on it?

The .84sb is a pretty smooth shaver. I think you'll like it. Though I doubt it will supplant your Athena or Blackbird.

 

[Guido75]

Honestly, does anyone put it back in its box with a finger print left on it?

That’s where my OCD definitely comes in. I have only recently been outing it back in its case. I had it in my razor stand from the beginning, but I needed the space…oops…

Though I doubt it will supplant your Athena or Blackbird.

I am looking very much forward to the shave indeed. GCs are less common on this side and I have been super curious about its shaving capabilities given the excellent reviews it’s getting here.

And yes I believe the magic trio will continue to reign supreme, but you never know!

 

[Phoenixkh]

Every time I try to rate my Top Razors.... and think I have it set... I use one of the ones I think are nearer the bottom and they change my mind. David/ @never-stop-learning rates his AC razors and his DE razors... with one overall winner: The Vector.... if I did that, I think I'd end up with the La Faulx being my top AC and the Athena my top DE razor.... but then I shave with the Blutt BR-1 1.2.... or the Timeless Ti 0.68OC... etc., etc., etc.. But the La Faulx, after many uses.... might still be the best razor I've ever used.

 

[Eric_75]

I'm not sure why the Ares isn't on my "must buy" list, but it doesn't appear to be. I just love the Athena, as you know.

Love my Ares.

 

[NotBloomingAL]

And yes I believe the magic trio will continue to reign supreme, but you never know!

This is true. You never know. The GC could be your Goldilocks razor -- the right amount of gentleness with the perfect amount of efficiency. That still wouldn't rule out using other razors for their uniqueness. I'm pretty sure the Blackbird would not be my Goldilock. But nevertheless it's on my radar. So is the Timeless.

 

[Guido75]

This is true. You never know. The GC could be your Goldilocks razor -- the right amount of gentleness with the perfect amount of efficiency. That still wouldn't rule out using other razors for their uniqueness. I'm pretty sure the Blackbird would not be my Goldilock. But nevertheless it's on my radar. So is the Timeless.

The Ti95 is my Goldilocks razor @NotBloomingAL although I will admit that I understand the raving about the Blackbird. But the Ti95 is just drop dead gorgeous convinced with a massively effective shave.

 

[NotBloomingAL]

Every time I try to rate my Top Razors.... and think I have it set... I use one of the ones I think are nearer the bottom and they change my mind. David/ @never-stop-learning rates his AC razors and his DE razors... with one overall winner: The Vector.... if I did that, I think I'd end up with the La Faulx being my top AC and the Athena my top DE razor.... but then I shave with the Blutt BR-1 1.2.... or the Timeless Ti 0.68OC... etc., etc., etc.. But the La Faulx, after many uses.... might still be the best razor I've ever used.

If I ever get an AC razor, it will be the La Faulx. And it will be because of the high praise you give it.

 

[NotBloomingAL]

The Ti95 is my Goldilocks razor @NotBloomingAL although I will admit that I understand the raving about the Blackbird. But the Ti95 is just drop dead gorgeous convinced with a massively effective shave.

Speaking of high praise. Wow.

 

[Phoenixkh]

Love my Ares.

I've only heard and/or read universal praise for the Ares. I also like the way it looks. I think it's because the shave is so close to the Athena, I've read, that if you have one of them, the other shave will be so close, it would be hard to tell them apart, with the Ares being just a tiny bit more efficient.

That said, there are quite a few people here who have one or more of each... and enjoy both models. I do wonder if I'd be tempted to get a stainless steel Athena if they become a regular thing.... I don't know.

 

[Guido75]

02.02.2024

• Guido75
• Feb 1, 2024

Razorock Game Changer .84 SB • Gillette Blue Blade (2) • Omega 10098 • B+M Leviathan

Date	02.02.2024
366 daily shaves	033/366

Razor	Blade	Brush
Razorock GC.84SB	Gillette Blue Blade (2)	Omega 10098
Preshave	Soap	Postshave
Cold splash KCG Face Wash	Barrister + Mann Leviathan	Cold splash Proraso Green Balm

Passes	WTG XTG ATG and touch up
Consistency (details here)	Quality / My process
9/10 (Significantly Consistent)	8/10 (Some red)
Effectiveness	Comfort / Blade condition
9/10 (BBS)	6/10 (Harsh)

Notes:

Summary. Maiden shave with a glorious Game Changer so very generously and kindly provided by @Butch Waxx.

Razor and blade. After the encounter with the Blue Blade trader I decided to give it at least once more shot. I did run it across the Twinplex for 100 cycles (50 strops on each side) to see if I could literally take off the edge somewhat. It worked compared to yesterday, butI still think it’s a terrible blade. The razor is very special to me. Following the ordeal with the LOTH I had promised myself to celebrate with a razor and what better way than getting a razor with a befitting name. @Butch Waxx reached out in December with said befitting razor and we worked out proper timing and transaction. Butch is a super generous and kind friend and brother so when I received my package yesterday afternoon I welcomed not only the GC.84 safety bar but also the open comb version and a matching stand!! Thank you so much Butch!! I will use this razor for decades to come and after me I am guessing Guido06 can continue carrying the torch. It shaves like a dream with the perfect balance between smoothness and effectiveness. I like the blade gap and positive blade exposure . The HD handle has weight and grip to it although I can imagine experimenting with lighter handles later on.

Brush and lather. This is a phenomenal boar brush. It kills my soaps, but in this case that might even be the objective. Soap is still good and going strong.

Technique. Replicating yesterday. I may have found an effective way to deal with my jaw line too. Or the GC is just that good. Either way: happy!!

Enjoy your shave!

 

[blethenstrom]

02.02.2024

• Guido75
• Feb 1, 2024

Razorock Game Changer .84 SB • Gillette Blue Blade (2) • Omega 10098 • B+M Leviathan

Date	02.02.2024
366 daily shaves	033/366

Razor	Blade	Brush
Razorock GC.84SB	Gillette Blue Blade (2)	Omega 10098
Preshave	Soap	Postshave
Cold splash KCG Face Wash	Barrister + Mann Leviathan	Cold splash Proraso Green Balm

Passes	WTG XTG ATG and touch up
Consistency (details here)	Quality / My process
9/10 (Significantly Consistent)	8/10 (Some red)
Effectiveness	Comfort / Blade condition
9/10 (BBS)	6/10 (Harsh)

Notes:

Summary. Maiden shave with a glorious Game Changer so very generously and kindly provided by @Butch Waxx.

Razor and blade. After the encounter with the Blue Blade trader I decided to give it at least once more shot. I did run it across the Twinplex for 100 cycles (50 strops on each side) to see if I could literally take off the edge somewhat. It worked compared to yesterday, butI still think it’s a terrible blade. The razor is very special to me. Following the ordeal with the LOTH I had promised myself to celebrate with a razor and what better way than getting a razor with a befitting name. @Butch Waxx reached out in December with said befitting razor and we worked out proper timing and transaction. Butch is a super generous and kind friend and brother so when I received my package yesterday afternoon I welcomed not only the GC.84 safety bar but also the open comb version and a matching stand!! Thank you so much Butch!! I will use this razor for decades to come and after me I am guessing Guido06 can continue carrying the torch. It shaves like a dream with the perfect balance between smoothness and effectiveness. I like the blade gap and positive blade exposure . The HD handle has weight and grip to it although I can imagine experimenting with lighter handles later on.

Brush and lather. This is a phenomenal boar brush. It kills my soaps, but in this case that might even be the objective. Soap is still good and going strong.

Technique. Replicating yesterday. I may have found an effective way to deal with my jaw line too. Or the GC is just that good. Either way: happy!!

Enjoy your shave!

Game Changer .84 P is one of my favorite razors. That is a fantastic gift.

 

[JoWolf]

That’s where my OCD definitely comes in. I have only recently been outing it back in its case. I had it in my razor stand from the beginning, but I needed the space…oops…

I am looking very much forward to the shave indeed. GCs are less common on this side and I have been super curious about its shaving capabilities given the excellent reviews it’s getting here.

And yes I believe the magic trio will continue to reign supreme, but you never know!

I’ve used the 68’s and 84’s GC OC’s. Nice razors but the Lupo is a far better design with very noticeably improved efficiency. I didn’t care for the weight of any of the GC SS handles. I love my Ti handle from Chiselled Face. Greater efficiency will always deliver greater comfort.

 

[Guido75]

Feed my RAD why don’t you John @JoWolf - I will resist for now for other reasons than efficiency actually. I think getting the Blackbird satisfied my effectiveness search - also knowing how the Blackbird relates to my other high performance razors.

Great to see you again John!

 

[Butch Waxx]

Hello there @JoWolf! Yes, I have used 68 and 84 GC as well as the 72 and 95 Lupo and my conclusion was that RazoRock indeed makes an excellent product and may very well be the best razor you can get for your money…..I certainly did not see that “Lupo is a far better design with very noticeably improved efficiency”, but then again YMMV as someone once said!

 

[JoWolf]

Feed my RAD why don’t you John @JoWolf - I will resist for now for other reasons than efficiency actually. I think getting the Blackbird satisfied my effectiveness search - also knowing how the Blackbird relates to my other high performance razors.

Great to see you again John!

Thanks Guido. I believe only a shortage of real estate could slow your Rad down Guido

 

[JoWolf]

Hello there @JoWolf! Yes, I have used 68 and 84 GC as well as the 72 and 95 Lupo and my conclusion was that RazoRock indeed makes an excellent product and may very well be the best razor you can get for your money…..I certainly did not see that “Lupo is a far better design with very noticeably improved efficiency”, but then again YMMV as someone once said!

No doubt the price point for the quality of their razors are above average. I prefer the low profile head and like the scalloped corners of the Lupo. I found the Lupo to be easier and more comfortable in use. Maybe I just find the angles work better for my face and head shave. I would also comment that it is the best head shaver I’ve used. My efficiency and comfort were improved over my three + plus years with the Fatip Grande. That is also with very few uses of the Lupo. I expect it to improve a little more with familiarity, exploring its potential. Rave @Raven Koenes descriptions and summaries led me to my replacing the Grande. He has also pencilled the Lupo in right under his Blackland. As you’ve said Butch excellent razors do not work the same for everyone.

 

[Guido75]

January evaluation

• January saw 31 shaves with an average effectiveness score of 8.19/10 (December: 8.6) - which equates results at mostly DFS+ level on the way to BBS. Slightly less than December mainly as a result of using milder razors (namely the KCG) and less effective blades (Jilifan).
• I took a KCG blade to 20 shaves. Excellent blade! A RK lasted 11 shaves
• Lowest score this month was a 5.5/10 on effectiveness with the KCG. This months top shave(s) goes to the Greencult 2.0 II, Ti95 and Blackbird SS all paired with a KCG blade. Amazing - near Marble.
• Razor usage in January (65% of all shaves):
  • Lambda Athena (10%)
  • Timeless Ti95 (13%)
  • Greencult 1.0 (13%)
  • Blackland Blackbird SS (13%)
  • Swing (10%)
  • Mühle Rocca (6%).
• One razor was added to the collection: a Blackland Blackbird in polished stainless steel
• Soap of the month was Barrister & Mann's Leviathan which I took to 49 shaves. It is near the end, but I think it has a respectable number of shaves left.

Technique was consistently applied throughout the month (7.6/10 on average). In terms of weepers and red spots I was on par with December (9.6/10 versus 9.6). A little less comfort overall with 8.8/10 versus 9.95 for December. My usual pattern following my beard map works best on my face. I have been more consistent and effective on the jaw line by deploying my CB Curve (a big J-Hook on my cheeks with follow through on the neck) sharper diagonally on my neck. XTG on the neck is more SE-NW on the left part and SW-NE on the right. I have extended my XTG passes to start from the middle of the neck so as to avoid going ATG on the part between chin and Adam's apple. My J-Hooking on the touch up pass along the jaw line is also more installed.

Two themes for February: One Blade in February and Fixed Four For February (I assume). And I can always be found in the monthly GRUME thread as well as the yearly GRUYERE thread.

 

[Guido75]

Date	03.02.2024
366 daily shaves	034/366

Razor	Blade	Brush
Razorock GC.84OC	Gillette Blue Blade (3)	Omega 10098
Preshave	Soap	Postshave
Cold splash KCG Face Wash	Barrister + Mann Leviathan	Cold splash Proraso Green Balm

Passes	WTG XTG ATG and touch up
Consistency (details here)	Quality / My process
9/10 (Significantly Consistent)	10/10 (Clean)
Effectiveness	Comfort / Blade condition
9/10 (BBS)	7/10 (Comfortable)

Notes:

Summary. Second shave with the Game Changer - or actually a second first as I used the open comb baseplate. Wow! That was superb and stellar.

Razor and blade. Three times is a charm. Perhaps. I have the blade 20 laps on the Allegro to see if I could smoothen it some more. That definitely worked. Much more comfort. I used the open comb baseplate today and got a very nice and close shave. Maybe slightly more effective than the safety bar baseplate, but definitely equally smooth and comfortable. So @Butch Waxx was absolutely right in declaring this one his favourite. And I think I have to concur - even after one shave. I can definitely understand why this razor is much loved on B&B. And now I can chime in!! It fits very nicely in my line of more effective shavers as it’s blade gap is just between the GC2.II and GC1 - I actually think in tens of specifications this would be around the III Greencult baseplate. At least from a fall perspective, because I think the exposure is actually less then the Austrian GCs. Italian Barber doesn’t say much about the actual exposure other than that the .84 is .00508mm more than the .68 baseplate. I also very much like the fact that the blade tabs are fully covered. Speaking of which I load the blade the same way as usual so blade on the cap and then pinch at the tabs and insert the baseplate (rather than putting the blade on the GC posts on the baseplate). Safe so far and easier than fumbling about with the baseplate. Seems to work for me a at least this way.

Brush and lather. Used the same brush as yesterday as I believe it needs more breaking in. And it is a pleasure using it. I made a happy little accident yesterday. I had filled a cup with water to dip the brush in and forgot to empty the cup before using it as a brush rest. So when I gathered up after the first pass I unknowingly put the brush with lather fully submerged in water only to find that out the second pass. However…that was amazing for the hydration of my lather! Super nice. So I thought let’s do that deliberately! Wonderful!

Technique. Consistent and no deviations from earlier shaves this week. Just fantastic!

Enjoy your shave!

 

[Raven Koenes]

Date	03.02.2024
366 daily shaves	034/366

Razor	Blade	Brush
Razorock GC.84OC	Gillette Blue Blade (3)	Omega 10098
Preshave	Soap	Postshave
Cold splash KCG Face Wash	Barrister + Mann Leviathan	Cold splash Proraso Green Balm

Passes	WTG XTG ATG and touch-up
Consistency (details here)	Quality / My process
9/10 (Significantly Consistent)	10/10 (Clean)
Effectiveness	Comfort / Blade condition
9/10 (BBS)	7/10 (Comfortable)

Notes:

Summary. Second shave with the Game Changer - or a second first as I used the open comb baseplate. Wow! That was superb and stellar.

Razor and blade. Three times is a charm. Perhaps. I have the blade 20 laps on the Allegro to see if I could smoothen it some more. That worked. Much more comfort. I used the open comb baseplate today and got a very nice and close shave. Maybe slightly more effective than the safety bar baseplate, but equally smooth and comfortable. So @Butch Waxx was right in declaring this one his favorite. And I think I have to concur - even after one shave. I can understand why this razor is much loved on B&B. And now I can chime in!! It fits very nicely in my line of more effective shavers as its blade gap is just between the GC2.II and GC1 - I think in tens of specifications this would be around the III Greencult baseplate. At least from a fall perspective, because I think the exposure is less than the Austrian GCs. Italian Barber doesn’t say much about the actual exposure other than that the .84 is .00508mm more than the .68 baseplate. I also very much like the fact that the blade tabs are fully covered. Speaking of which I load the blade the same way as usual so the blade is on the cap and then pinch at the tabs and insert the baseplate (rather than putting the blade on the GC posts on the baseplate). Safe so far and easier than fumbling about with the baseplate. Seems to work for me at least this way.

Brush and lather. Used the same brush as yesterday as I believe it needs more breaking in. And it is a pleasure to use it. I made a happy little accident yesterday. I had filled a cup with water to dip the brush in and forgot to empty the cup before using it as a brush rest. So when I gathered up after the first pass I unknowingly put the brush with lather fully submerged in water only to find that out the second pass. However…that was amazing for the hydration of my lather! Super nice. So I thought let’s do that deliberately! Wonderful!

Technique. Consistent and no deviations from earlier shaves this week. Just fantastic!

Enjoy your shave!

Guido, I have a story to share. In November I was private messaging Doug. It started with him offering me the modified titanium Halo handle he gave me for my Lupo 95 in August. I asked him what he thought about me purchasing a GC 84 OC. He said I wouldn't find much difference between them. He talked me into getting the Blackbird instead, and that I would be pleased with the differences. That's when I made a master plan, with the help of Doug, to purchase the Blackbird when Blackland had its big November sale. That appealed to me not wanting to pay full price. That would go against every cultural instinct I was raised with, or is in my DNA lol. I told Doug when I hit the buy button. He never got to see the photos of my Blackbird. I was able to tell him when it had arrived. He responded, "Awesome." It seems we have unwittingly come to the same place to enjoy the best of both worlds of owning two great razors. I blame Doug. It all goes back to him. And, Cal, he's a major enabler.

Cheers
Rave