I was wondering if anyone has used the ikon oss or ikon b1 standard (closed comb) heads. how they are as shavers and are they aggressive? The oss is the one with the open comb head on one side, a closed comb head on the other side and the b1 standard is obviously a closed comb head. I believe these razors are stainless steel with a black coating on them. Have not seen much posted about them as of late.
ikon razors, worth buying?
- Thread starter jonwilson
- Start date
I have the Ikon B1 standard razor head closed comb. It is a decent razor I have no complaints. In my personal use and opinion, I would rate the razor above mid-aggressive. I think it’s worth having in your collection. I purchased the head and baseplate a couple of years ago during a Christmas promotion. Handles unfortunately were not available.
I managed to see Bullgoose Shaving post a sale on one he had left in stock from when he sold them 10 years ago. He posted it late at night, and I just happened to look over there and snatch it up shortly after it appeared.
The clearance price was easily worth the handle alone. I've only shaved with it once. I think of it as an "aggressive Tech". I'm glad it is in the lineup, but with shipping mine was $31 and some change. Because it was a clearance item and the handle is not ikon, but...Alpha Shaving(?). If I wasn't able to acquire this one through Bullgoose on clearance, I probably wouldn't have spent the current price directly from iKon. Actually, not at all.
That's just me. I have a preference for adjustables. If you find a deal on one, I'd say go for it.
The clearance price was easily worth the handle alone. I've only shaved with it once. I think of it as an "aggressive Tech". I'm glad it is in the lineup, but with shipping mine was $31 and some change. Because it was a clearance item and the handle is not ikon, but...Alpha Shaving(?). If I wasn't able to acquire this one through Bullgoose on clearance, I probably wouldn't have spent the current price directly from iKon. Actually, not at all.
That's just me. I have a preference for adjustables. If you find a deal on one, I'd say go for it.
I have had the OSS and B1. Very good shavers. As noted, the B1 can be a bit toothy. The OSS, less so, and I personally could not tell any difference between the OC and SB sides (not unusual, I rarely can with that style).
To some degree, a shave is a shave, and I have other razors I've found to be smoother and/or more efficient. I've found MANY razors whose styling I like more, which is really the deciding factor. iKon makes a comparatively understated product and their stainless models are as good as any.
To some degree, a shave is a shave, and I have other razors I've found to be smoother and/or more efficient. I've found MANY razors whose styling I like more, which is really the deciding factor. iKon makes a comparatively understated product and their stainless models are as good as any.
They are indeed coated stainless steel. I had the B1 ocd (open comb deluxe), but like Rob said their teeth are quite pointy. I sold mine because I found the teeth too uncomfy.
It was a very efficient shaver and for me too much to use as a daily driver.
It was a very efficient shaver and for me too much to use as a daily driver.
- Thread starter
- #6
what do you mean when you say toothy? also, when you say b1, are you referring to the standard closed comb head?
I have all B1 models. OSS, Standard, slant and Open Comb deluxe.
OSS is very mild (both the open comb and the closed comb sides)
Standard is pretty aggressive. Just load a very sharp blade and see what happens.
Open comb deluxe is mild. But not exactly as mild as the open comb side of the OSS.
There is also the B1 slant. It is not too aggresive, but not exactly mild. Gives the impression of an aggressive razor even though I can't always get BBS with it.
OSS is very mild (both the open comb and the closed comb sides)
Standard is pretty aggressive. Just load a very sharp blade and see what happens.
Open comb deluxe is mild. But not exactly as mild as the open comb side of the OSS.
There is also the B1 slant. It is not too aggresive, but not exactly mild. Gives the impression of an aggressive razor even though I can't always get BBS with it.
Yes, the B1 Standard, it has a good bit of blade feel and is fairly aggressive. I like the Le Coq OC, Famex, Barbasol, etc., so "aggressive" is not any particular issue for me. I believe the smooth cap and Tech-look had me being a bit careless with it when I first had it.
For me no. My x3 came with uneven exposure. They never returned my emails. I opened a case with paypal. They never returned their messages ether. Paypal issued a refund.
- Thread starter
- #10
when you say aggressive, aggressive as in harsh or is the shave still comfortable to you?
It is not an easy thing to explain. Some razors are mild, some are aggressive. It depends on the machined geometry of the top cap and baseplate.
A Tech is a mild razor by design. It only cuts hair within a narrow range of angle against your skin. If you move the handle slightly towards or away from your face during the stroke, you'll just be sliding the cap or safety bar on your skin and the blade won't be engaging any hair.
My Timeless bronze Open Comb is a very, very aggressive razor. It's blade is going to spend more time cutting hair because it is protruding out beyond the cap and baseplate further than the Tech. This results in a quicker, more efficient shave. The trade off is an increased chance of getting weepers, nicks, or the occasional cut. It is why people new to the hobby are usually steered towards 34C, Techs, Super Speeds.
The stainless slant is nice with the right blade. I have the aluminum, but actually need to try it (came as a lot With another razor).
Comfortable, but I have other razors that are more efficient, providing a longer lasting shave.
