Lambda Lovers

[walpan]

LAMBDA ARES AND ATHENA-NO MATTER WHICH OTHER RAZOR I TRY, THESE ARE THE BEST.

I have been testing and buying other razors: The Rocnel Sailor Hybrid, the Rocnel Elite, the Tedalus, Tatara Amakuni, Vector, Wolfman WR2 .95 and 1.55. So it has been several weeks since I used the @Lambda Razors. Yesterday, I used the Titanium Athena and today it was the Titanium Ares. IMHO, the other razors were all very good with the exception of one and I won't mention the name because I don't want to hurt their reputation. BUT, NONE of the come close to the comfort, efficiency and smoothness of the @Lambda Razors. I have been using them for over 2 years now and I was still amazed at how great they are when compared to other top end razors. Some may like the Athena over the Ares or vice versa, but either way, a Lambda razor should be part of your den.

PRE: JACK BLACK BEARD LUBE
RAZOR: ARES TITANIUM V2
BLADE: ACCUTHRIVE
BOWL: NORTONCUSTOMDESIGN (this is now my only bowl)
SOAP: SV 80TH
BRUSH: OUMO EXCEED 5 ST1
POST: WARM/COLD RINSE, ALUM (ZERO BURN), WITCH HAZEL AND SV PRO VICTIS
A/S: SV 80TH
EDP: SV 80TH

SCORE: 11/10 BBS
Sorry no pictures (I suck at taking them)

 

[Felix G]

LAMBDA ARES AND ATHENA-NO MATTER WHICH OTHER RAZOR I TRY, THESE ARE THE BEST.

I have been testing and buying other razors: The Rocnel Sailor Hybrid, the Rocnel Elite, the Tedalus, Tatara Amakuni, Vector, Wolfman WR2 .95 and 1.55. So it has been several weeks since I used the @Lambda Razors. Yesterday, I used the Titanium Athena and today it was the Titanium Ares. IMHO, the other razors were all very good with the exception of one and I won't mention the name because I don't want to hurt their reputation. BUT, NONE of the come close to the comfort, efficiency and smoothness of the @Lambda Razors. I have been using them for over 2 years now and I was still amazed at how great they are when compared to other top end razors. Some may like the Athena over the Ares or vice versa, but either way, a Lambda razor should be part of your den.

PRE: JACK BLACK BEARD LUBE
RAZOR: ARES TITANIUM V2
BLADE: ACCUTHRIVE
BOWL: NORTONCUSTOMDESIGN (this is now my only bowl)
SOAP: SV 80TH
BRUSH: OUMO EXCEED 5 ST1
POST: WARM/COLD RINSE, ALUM (ZERO BURN), WITCH HAZEL AND SV PRO VICTIS
A/S: SV 80TH
EDP: SV 80TH

SCORE: 11/10 BBS
Sorry no pictures (I suck at taking them)

Totally agree

 

[BigHairyGobbler]

LAMBDA ARES AND ATHENA-NO MATTER WHICH OTHER RAZOR I TRY, THESE ARE THE BEST.

I have been testing and buying other razors: The Rocnel Sailor Hybrid, the Rocnel Elite, the Tedalus, Tatara Amakuni, Vector, Wolfman WR2 .95 and 1.55. So it has been several weeks since I used the @Lambda Razors. Yesterday, I used the Titanium Athena and today it was the Titanium Ares. IMHO, the other razors were all very good with the exception of one and I won't mention the name because I don't want to hurt their reputation. BUT, NONE of the come close to the comfort, efficiency and smoothness of the @Lambda Razors. I have been using them for over 2 years now and I was still amazed at how great they are when compared to other top end razors. Some may like the Athena over the Ares or vice versa, but either way, a Lambda razor should be part of your den.

PRE: JACK BLACK BEARD LUBE
RAZOR: ARES TITANIUM V2
BLADE: ACCUTHRIVE
BOWL: NORTONCUSTOMDESIGN (this is now my only bowl)
SOAP: SV 80TH
BRUSH: OUMO EXCEED 5 ST1
POST: WARM/COLD RINSE, ALUM (ZERO BURN), WITCH HAZEL AND SV PRO VICTIS
A/S: SV 80TH
EDP: SV 80TH

SCORE: 11/10 BBS
Sorry no pictures (I suck at taking them)

In your opinion, what razor comes closest to matching the Athena? I have a titanium Athena and am looking for something similar to travel with.

 

[walpan]

In your opinion, what razor comes closest to matching the Athena? I have a titanium Athena and am looking for something similar to travel with.

To be honest, nothing. As for a close shave experience, the Rocnel Elite or the Paradigm Diamond Back Ti

 

[BigHairyGobbler]

To be honest, nothing. As for a close shave experience, the Rocnel Elite or the Paradigm Diamond Back Ti

I'll be on the lookout for a bronze Athena. Thanks.

 

[Phoenixkh]

I'll be on the lookout for a bronze Athena. Thanks.

I bought a basic polish SS La Faulx razor head and mount it on a Ti Crown handle as my travel razor, but it's an AC razor, as I'm sure you know... I could take along one of my bronze Athenas, come to think of it... I wouldn't travel with my TiThena either....

 

[Kiwishaver30]

I am looking to acquire a premium razor. I was considering a Wolfman, but this thread has sold me on a Lambda. I love the look, build quality and user experience with the box it comes with.

Which would you recommend out of the models on his website and finishes? The Athena or Ares? Which finish is good? Less maintenance but still looks amazing etc?

I like highly efficient but smooth razors.

My daily driver is a Rex Konsul on setting 6. Before that I used a Rockwell on plate 6.

I don’t like the blade feedback of a Rex Ambassador. I did enjoy the smooth and effortless shave of a Henson a13 aggressive.

I have a Rocnel standard adjustable sailor 2024, but prefer the Konsol.

 

[walpan]

I am looking to acquire a premium razor. I was considering a Wolfman, but this thread has sold me on a Lambda. I love the look, build quality and user experience with the box it comes with.

Which would you recommend out of the models on his website and finishes? The Athena or Ares? Which finish is good? Less maintenance but still looks amazing etc?

I like highly efficient but smooth razors.

My daily driver is a Rex Konsul on setting 6. Before that I used a Rockwell on plate 6.

I don’t like the blade feedback of a Rex Ambassador. I did enjoy the smooth and effortless shave of a Henson a13 aggressive.

I have a Rocnel standard adjustable sailor 2024, but prefer the Konsol.

For efficiency, go with the Ares. For more comfort and just a bit less efficiency, go with the Athena. For metal you can’t go wrong with any of them. My preference is Titanium.

 

[Guido75]

My daily driver is a Rex Konsul on setting 6.

What Wally said is pretty much spot on. Luckily you cannot go wrong with either (and I have first hand experience in first cancelling my Ares order and then a year later did decide to get it. Exquisite razor.

Do bare in mind that your Konsul is a slant razor which does change the dynamic a little compared to the Lambda razors. You obviously do, I just wanted to reiterate the point.

 

[Kiwishaver30]

Is the ares still comfortable. So far I think the henson is the most aggressive but comfortable razor ive experienced

 

[spacemonkey42]

I don’t like the blade feedback of a Rex Ambassador. I did enjoy the smooth and effortless shave of a Henson a13 aggressive.

The Henson aggressive and the Athena are my top razors. If you like the Al13 +++, you'll like the Athena. Especially because it has low blade feel and high efficiency.

 

[Kiwishaver30]

The Henson aggressive and the Athena are my top razors. If you like the Al13 +++, you'll like the Athena. Especially because it has low blade feel and high efficiency.

Thanks - have you tried the ares as well

 

[Guido75]

Is the ares still comfortable. So far I think the henson is the most aggressive but comfortable razor ive experienced

I haven’t tried the Henson, but to me the Ares is very comfortable. No blade exposure (even though it feels like it), small gap and a wide shaving angle. I find the Ares on par with the R89 in terms of face feel.

Between the Lambdas the Athena is a hair more Constable than the Ares, but the difference is small.

 

[walpan]

Is the ares still comfortable. So far I think the henson is the most aggressive but comfortable razor ive experienced

The Ares is outstanding in efficiency and comfort. There is some blade feel but, to me, it is more informative than harsh. It lets you know that all is working as it should. I had the Henson, it is a fine razor, but it isn't in the same ballpark as the Ares or Athena. I also have the Konsul. It is an excellent adjustable slant razor.

 

[spacemonkey42]

Thanks - have you tried the ares as well

Yes, I haven't had that many shaves my my Ares yet. So far I like the Athena more. Both are excellent.

 

[CdnShaveGuy]

The Henson aggressive and the Athena are my top razors. If you like the Al13 +++, you'll like the Athena. Especially because it has low blade feel and high efficiency.

Hi @spacemonkey42

I'm curious, as I'm interested in the Lambda Athena. There's a huge difference in specs between:

Henson Aggressive - 0 .99 mm Blade Gap and 0.115 mm Blade Exposure vs.
Lambea Athena - 0.34 mm Blade Gap and 0.0 mm Blade Exposure.

So, to be clear, are you saying they both “feel” the same?

As, the Lambda specs, at least “on paper”, the Athena should be a much, much milder shave with a slight loss in efficiency.

 

[spacemonkey42]

Hi @spacemonkey42

I'm curious, as I'm interested in the Lambda Athena. There's a huge difference in specs between:

Henson Aggressive - 0 .99 mm Blade Gap and 0.115 mm Blade Exposure vs.
Lambea Athena - 0.34 mm Blade Gap and 0.0 mm Blade Exposure.

So, to be clear, are you saying they both “feel” the same?

As, the Lambda specs, at least “on paper”, the Athena should be a much, much milder shave with a slight loss in efficiency.

Yes, there is an enormous difference in specs, but specs on paper don't tell the whole story. I've shaved with over 120 razors and that fact has really sunk in.

No, they don't feel the same, they are very different razors. I shave with the Henson aggressive using a very shallow angle. Used that way, it is incredibly smooth and efficient. It is also very gentle. It is one of the few razors I can shave with and have zero warmth from alcohol post-shave. It is as if I didn't shave at all.

The Athena feels pretty mild, but it also somehow has some blade feel, which many report and we can't quite understand, given the neutral exposure. It is just as efficient as the Henson aggressive. Theo put some magic in this razor! It is efficient enough that I don't use it with the stock handle, because that adds too much weight for me to offset to keep a light touch. I've also gotten shaves with the Athena that have zero post-shave warmth from alcohol.

I hope this helps your exploration! Both are terrific razors, you can't go wrong. Happy shaves to you.

 

[CdnShaveGuy]

Yes, there is an enormous difference in specs, but specs on paper don't tell the whole story. I've shaved with over 120 razors and that fact has really sunk in.

No, they don't feel the same, they are very different razors. I shave with the Henson aggressive using a very shallow angle. Used that way, it is incredibly smooth and efficient. It is also very gentle. It is one of the few razors I can shave with and have zero warmth from alcohol post-shave. It is as if I didn't shave at all.

The Athena feels pretty mild, but it also somehow has some blade feel, which many report and we can't quite understand, given the neutral exposure. It is just as efficient as the Henson aggressive. Theo put some magic in this razor! It is efficient enough that I don't use it with the stock handle, because that adds too much weight for me to offset to keep a light touch. I've also gotten shaves with the Athena that have zero post-shave warmth from alcohol.

I hope this helps your exploration! Both are terrific razors, you can't go wrong. Happy shaves to you.

Thanks for the detailed explanation.

I have the Henson Mild, which I like. That said, I do still feel the blade when shaving, despite what the specs suggest. Occasionally, though I’m not sure why, I’ll experience a bit of post-shave inflammation.
It’s not the soap, since I often use the same one for several days in a row without issue. It’s a rare occurrence, but still noticeable.

That’s why I’m considering the Lambda Athena. Based on the specs, you’d think it would be even milder.

 

[spacemonkey42]

@CdnShaveGuy, the specs lie. The Athena is much, much more efficient than the Henson mild, a bit more aggressive too.

If you are getting irritation with the Henson mild, my first guess is you're using too much pressure or you are buffing too much. Lighten up a bit and only go over each part once between lathering and I hope the irritation vanishes for you.

 

[CdnShaveGuy]

@CdnShaveGuy, the specs lie. The Athena is much, much more efficient than the Henson mild, a bit more aggressive too.

If you are getting irritation with the Henson mild, my first guess is you're using too much pressure or you are buffing too much. Lighten up a bit and only go over each part once between lathering and I hope the irritation vanishes for you.

Good point! I've recently switched to DE from a hybrid electric shaver/disposable razors combination shave so “yes”, sometimes I get a little too “enthusiastic” in my evolving methodology.