Shave no.#7 and the final one before going out on tour. Went back to the 1.3 sb today with the Dorco Titan Blade & Tabac. Silky smooth lather and wonderful 2 pass plus chin buff. Actually cleaned up the Sir Adam area (my toughest spot to finish) extremely well. I did give myself the slightest of irritation on the chin but, that was more due to my over zealous action of achieving a glass smooth finish than the action of the razor itself. Silly me but, I’m a chaser of skin smoothness. And at times I’m at fault of trading and achieving the skin tight smoothness for the smallest bit of discomfort. The START 1.3 plate though gives excellent feedback and a direct feel in letting you know what it’s doing and how it’s doing it. Superb shave, period.
In conclusion and to summarize my shaves with the 1.3 prototypes is quite simple. It’s a fantastic shave in either configuration. Blade feel is deceptively amped up but, not unbearable or intolerable in feel. It’s the complete opposite in my estimation. Truthfully and realistically it’s in the razors design and shave geometry that makes them so good. Achieving a greater feel in cutting efficiency while at the same time maintaining near equal smoothness to its previous plate designs is no small feat. HomelikeShaving is putting in some serious thought and work in trying to achieve the best of two mediums, smooth and efficient. And honestly, that type of ground has only been achieved by a select few modern razor designer/makers today. Form and function is what these razors bring to the table and at a price point that the average Joe can actually afford and be proud to own. There’s a plate and size for every face and beard regardless of how many times a week one might shave. It’s an impressive razor with an equally impressive shave system of plate sizes and caps to adjust your shave accordingly. Do I have any caveats? Yes, I do. One and perhaps is the most important factor is its feel. That being the handle itself. It feels good but, with some knurling on it I feel the tactile grip would be greatly improved taking out all doubt of slipping or falling from ones hands. Let’s face it and speak some truths here. Not everyone is safety conscious and there are some shavers out there that, to put it nicely are just complete klutzes or accident prone. Added grip would most certainly help in this aspect. And honestly, mistakes will happen with the best of us regardless of care or technique. For those that just seem to get into a predicament during their shave more times than not, you shouldn’t be shaving. Think the Old Shaolin Monk Buddhist Master and grow the hair. You’ll be better off. Fu-Manchu it brother...
In the end, would I buy either or? Yes, in a heartbeat. I actually prefer the open comb version as somehow it felt smoother and gentler on my face. Not by much but, it was noticeable. I’ve cleaned these two razors up and sanitized them. They are ready and boxed waiting to be shipped to the first recipient.
Happy shaves my wet shaving brothers....
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