Techs, Star & Souplex

[D19M]

Since letting my Henson go and a failed encounter with a Flare Tip I have purchased 5 Tech and Tech type razors.

I have 2 spiral handle Techs, one in rotation the other for travel, they are lovely razors to use, no issues with technique or lack of, great shaves with a Flydear blade, I could quite happily settle for this razor.

But there is the Star 100 which is similar to a Tech but provides a fuss free and closer shave than the Tech, more attention to technique is needed, the handle is nicer but the head is Zamak, a lovely razor, again i could settle down with this razor.

But I also have an EFBT fat handle it provides a very close shave, not as smooth as the spiral Techs or Star and i took my time and thought about angle & technique, it feels edgier, more blade feel but I love it, the fat handle is just right, the weight is fine, definitely my favourite.

But I'm waiting on what's described as an open comb Tech, the Souplex, reviews of it are very positive, could this be the new favourite, I'm like a little kid waiting on Santa to deliver.
Either way I have bought 5 really nice vintage razors in very good condition for £75 including delivery, I said I would never collect but think that's all changed now.

 

[LuckyGlenn]

Rumor has it that the very earliest star 100 were actually brass, just saying.

 

[LuckyGlenn]

Rumor has it that the very earliest star 100 were actually brass, just saying.

Nevermind I m wrong. Just the baseplate and handle are brass

 

[D19M]

Nevermind I m wrong. Just the baseplate and handle are brass

That's a shame would have been worth finding one, great little razors

 

[nemo]

But I'm waiting on what's described as an open comb Tech, the Souplex, reviews of it are very positive, could this be the new favourite

My impressions of the open comb Souplex were more like a Gillette Old Type than Tech.
Do you have a pic? Mine was lightweight and not really a mild shaver as I remember.
I think @Alum Ladd uses one.

 

[Alum Ladd]

Hello @D19M I appreciated your PM and just hope to clarify a few small points.

Sorry for not immediately getting back to you, but RL has got in the way for the past 2-3 weeks.

a failed encounter with a Flare Tip

I gave you a fairly detailed impression of my experience with the BB/Souplex. I find it very Tech-like in it's manoeverability and ease of use on the face. That however, does not mean it shaves like even the most efficient Tech. It is significantly more efficient with a pleasing aggression or more precisely assertiveness, however it is not at all an aggressive OC like an Old type.

Your mention of a bad encounter with a FT concerned me somewhat as a FT is a very good-natured TTO, nicely efficient depending on model and country make (the English FT Rocket I have is somewhat more aggressive than my 40's US Super Speed for example) so I did not want to underestimate the Souplex to you. However you mentioned having a positive experience with the NEW and Piccolo OC, so that is encouraging.

But I'm waiting on what's described as an open comb Tech, the Souplex, reviews of it are very positive, could this be the new favourite, I'm like a little kid waiting on Santa to deliver.

that is my perception again, the comparison is purely mine. The Souplex is more efficient than both OC's you have used. It is a strange little fella, but it is remarkably comfortable and forgiving in use. It has a healthy blade exposure and the head clamps the blade excellently. It's a highly efficient but remarkably user-friendly vintage OC.

Just go easy with it the first time out. It's light, mine weights probably 40gm max and suprisingly delicate in the hand.

Shave with it as you would the NEW. It has an easy to find angle and the comb is suprisingly comfortable and able to get into tight spots.

It would be my choice as an only razor. I'm lucky enough to own 2 examples and I find I can comfortably deal with a week's growth with it in 3 passes or just as easily use it as a daily shaver using a single ATG pass

Just go light and easy to start and as you get it's measure you will be handsomely rewarded with some fantastic, comfortable and almost Tech-like shaves in carefree use, I guarantee that.

It's a pretty little razor too.

 

[D19M]

Hello @D19M I appreciated your PM and just hope to clarify a few small points.

Sorry for not immediately getting back to you, but RL has got in the way for the past 2-3 weeks.


I gave you a fairly detailed impression of my experience with the BB/Souplex. I find it very Tech-like in it's manoeverability and ease of use on the face. That however, does not mean it shaves like even the most efficient Tech. It is significantly more efficient with a pleasing aggression or more precisely assertiveness, however it is not at all an aggressive OC like an Old type.

Your mention of a bad encounter with a FT concerned me somewhat as a FT is a very good-natured TTO, nicely efficient depending on model and country make (the English FT Rocket I have is somewhat more aggressive than my 40's US Super Speed for example) so I did not want to underestimate the Souplex to you. However you mentioned having a positive experience with the NEW and Piccolo OC, so that is encouraging.


that is my perception again, the comparison is purely mine. The Souplex is more efficient than both OC's you have used. It is a strange little fella, but it is remarkably comfortable and forgiving in use. It has a healthy blade exposure and the head clamps the blade excellently. It's a highly efficient but remarkably user-friendly vintage OC.

Just go easy with it the first time out. It's light, mine weights probably 40gm max and suprisingly delicate in the hand.

Shave with it as you would the NEW. It has an easy to find angle and the comb is suprisingly comfortable and able to get into tight spots.

It would be my choice as an only razor. I'm lucky enough to own 2 examples and I find I can comfortably deal with a week's growth with it in 3 passes or just as easily use it as a daily shaver using a single ATG pass

Just go light and easy to start and as you get it's measure you will be handsomely rewarded with some fantastic, comfortable and almost Tech-like shaves in carefree use, I guarantee that.
View attachment 2003786

It's a pretty little razor too.

Thanks for the detailed review, the two TTOs I have used I disliked, I thought shaving with a Fatip was like being assaulted with a broken bottle, the build quality was the first clue it wasn't going to be good.

The News I tried both LC & SC were excellent, so was a 7o'clock OC.

I'm opened minded about the Souplex but as advised will be taking it steady, hopefully it all works out and I don't lose an ear

 

[poppi]

Of the 3 mentioned in 1st post, my order of use/comfort/efficiency would be Souplex then Star and finally Tech. And for the Tech, I use the one with triangle slots on the baseplate. However, this is just me. You really can't go wrong with any of them I think.

 

[D19M]

Of the 3 mentioned in 1st post, my order of use/comfort/efficiency would be Souplex then Star and finally Tech. And for the Tech, I use the one with triangle slots on the baseplate. However, this is just me. You really can't go wrong with any of them I think.

That's good to hear

 

[D19M]

Thanks for the detailed review, the two TTOs I have used I disliked, I thought shaving with a Fatip was like being assaulted with a broken bottle, the build quality was the first clue it wasn't going to be good.

The News I tried both LC & SC were excellent, so was a 7o'clock OC.

I'm opened minded about the Souplex but as advised will be taking it steady, hopefully it all works out and I don't lose an ear

I am very pleased to report that I still have both ears.

What a shave!!!

I used a new Lord Silver Star and Arko cream face lathered.

The blade can be felt, it's certainly not something I am used to, I kept a comfortable angle and took my time, I was quite focused on the shave, I was expecting blood but nothing not a drop, 3 passes WTG, XTG & ATG, produced a super close shave, next I went for a splash of Brut and again surprised, a little sting much less than i had with the Flare Tip, about the same as after using a Tech.

Thanks to all but especially Alum Ladd for his reassurance and advice.