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Paradigm SE, Titanium......
- Thread starter GlazedBoker
- Start date
Dave in KY
Shave Newbie
Hope you love it man
I’ve completed my initial shave with the Ti SE and these are my early thoughts and impressions of this razor.
First, the razor has a very nice high quality finish, fit and feel to it. It does not come in a high end box or a package as you would see with say a Timeless, Blackland or Charcoal Goods of this price range but, I’m not going to shave with a box. Packaging is another issue that I will get to later in this initial review. I found it to be not heavy nor light, but just about right in the hands in terms of balance. As you know it’s a 2 piece design with a sliding top cap and 2 spring loading ball ends to assist in clamping and removing the cap for blade insertion, removal and clean up. Very nice design that is simple to use and execute all in one hand. Very precise with an action that delivers a crisp and solid operating mechanism.
I decided to start off my shave with an ATG pass as Andy from Paradigm had mentioned in a couple of other forums that the razor excelled with that approach. So I loaded a blade, a Kai Captain Mild Pink, lathered up and started it off. I went from South to North from the bottom of my neck to the burns and East to West and vice versa from the bottom of my chin to end of Sir Adam as the hairs here kind of swirl and grow sideways a bit. On the initial stroke the handle felt a bit awkward as a started my pass but, eventually it became a bit easier to use and became more natural as the shave progressed to a completed 2 pass ATG/XTG shave.
The feel was very smooth and mild on the skin with an excellent feeling glide as if glass was being pressed against my face. The angle was quite easy to find and maintain but, I felt as though it wasn’t shaving as a traditional AC styled razor does. It felt more like a cross between a DE and GEM style type of shave if that makes sense as I actually held the head as if it were a MMOC or Clog Pruf, just not as flat and pushed up against ones face as you would with those two. Blade feel was minimal but, efficient with shorter strokes as I wasn’t sure if it clogged easily with lather and hair. I didn’t have to worry as the shave went on as the lather slot underneath the guard did a very good job of channeling the excess lather and cut hair without having to rinse on every stroke. Like I said, I was done in 2 passes and nearly left me with a BBS finish that was nic, cut and irritation free. It was easy to maneuver around ones face and worked into the corners of the mouth with ease. Not as easy to throw around as say the Vector or a OneBlade but, in the ballpark and similar in execution.
In a nutshell, it performed very well on it’s first time outing without a single incident from start to finish. Did it give me an amazingly and breathtakingly $400 shave like no other razor has before or at present? No but, again this is the first shave and one really has to get in a few shaves before making a declaration of such magnitude. Is it comparable with some of the better shaves I’ve given myself? Absolutely and it did it with ease and supreme comfort. Though, I will say that I did feel like I got a closer first shave with the Vector the first time I used it as compared to this first shave with the Paradigm Ti. We’ll see on quality and longevity as to where they both stack up as the day progresses.
As I had mentioned before, I did have an issue with how I had received the razor. Like I have stated, i don’t care if a razor is shipped in an oak finished, polyurethane coated and brass or gold accented presentation box. That is not the point that I’m trying to get here. The razor came in a simple blue box with quality foam inserts that are cut to fit the razor. That is fine and acceptable in my book. My issue comes with the way the item was processed, prepared and packed for shipment to be delivered halfway across the country. See the pics below and judge for yourselves..
Really? A nearly $400 razor shipped in an air mailer bubble envelope? You have to be joking, Gus? Nope, and I wish I were. Granted, the item made it intact with no damage but the box had 2 dented corners and a corner that had split down the length on both the top and bottom of the box. This and this alone was completely unacceptable in my eyes for a product that is marketed as an ultra high end and luxurious heirloom quality piece. When I saw that split and dented corners, I was like “No way, the razor is done!” For a few seconds I was in panic mode. Fortunately it was good to go. I’ve seen better protection and packaging from The Dollar Shave Club here Gents.
We have all seen the packaging from the likes of Timeless, Blackland, Charcoal Goods, Wolfman with their very precisely packaged items and the elegantly made presentations that their works are packed in. They all give you the experience of receiving an item that is of high quality and superb craftsmanship that in you’re mind you think this is excellence and luxury at it’s finest. Hell, we don’t even have to go to such heavy hitters when it comes to this topic. Look at Rockwell with their packaging and presentation. Or even Q-Shave with it’s Parthenon razor and a nice elegant presentation. I believe this could have been done immensely better, at least with packaging it properly and securely. Maybe I’m wrong in this whole deal but, I deemed it worthy of bringing this situation to Andy over at Paradigm and I vehemently but, respectfully stated in my email that this was not acceptable for such a high end item to be treated and shipped as an afterthought.
Well, those are my feelings anyway. Am I right? Or am I over exaggerating and blowing this thing out of proportion? My apologies as I just had to get this out there Gents. Sorry for the late rant.
Happy shaves to all....
First, the razor has a very nice high quality finish, fit and feel to it. It does not come in a high end box or a package as you would see with say a Timeless, Blackland or Charcoal Goods of this price range but, I’m not going to shave with a box. Packaging is another issue that I will get to later in this initial review. I found it to be not heavy nor light, but just about right in the hands in terms of balance. As you know it’s a 2 piece design with a sliding top cap and 2 spring loading ball ends to assist in clamping and removing the cap for blade insertion, removal and clean up. Very nice design that is simple to use and execute all in one hand. Very precise with an action that delivers a crisp and solid operating mechanism.
I decided to start off my shave with an ATG pass as Andy from Paradigm had mentioned in a couple of other forums that the razor excelled with that approach. So I loaded a blade, a Kai Captain Mild Pink, lathered up and started it off. I went from South to North from the bottom of my neck to the burns and East to West and vice versa from the bottom of my chin to end of Sir Adam as the hairs here kind of swirl and grow sideways a bit. On the initial stroke the handle felt a bit awkward as a started my pass but, eventually it became a bit easier to use and became more natural as the shave progressed to a completed 2 pass ATG/XTG shave.
The feel was very smooth and mild on the skin with an excellent feeling glide as if glass was being pressed against my face. The angle was quite easy to find and maintain but, I felt as though it wasn’t shaving as a traditional AC styled razor does. It felt more like a cross between a DE and GEM style type of shave if that makes sense as I actually held the head as if it were a MMOC or Clog Pruf, just not as flat and pushed up against ones face as you would with those two. Blade feel was minimal but, efficient with shorter strokes as I wasn’t sure if it clogged easily with lather and hair. I didn’t have to worry as the shave went on as the lather slot underneath the guard did a very good job of channeling the excess lather and cut hair without having to rinse on every stroke. Like I said, I was done in 2 passes and nearly left me with a BBS finish that was nic, cut and irritation free. It was easy to maneuver around ones face and worked into the corners of the mouth with ease. Not as easy to throw around as say the Vector or a OneBlade but, in the ballpark and similar in execution.
In a nutshell, it performed very well on it’s first time outing without a single incident from start to finish. Did it give me an amazingly and breathtakingly $400 shave like no other razor has before or at present? No but, again this is the first shave and one really has to get in a few shaves before making a declaration of such magnitude. Is it comparable with some of the better shaves I’ve given myself? Absolutely and it did it with ease and supreme comfort. Though, I will say that I did feel like I got a closer first shave with the Vector the first time I used it as compared to this first shave with the Paradigm Ti. We’ll see on quality and longevity as to where they both stack up as the day progresses.
As I had mentioned before, I did have an issue with how I had received the razor. Like I have stated, i don’t care if a razor is shipped in an oak finished, polyurethane coated and brass or gold accented presentation box. That is not the point that I’m trying to get here. The razor came in a simple blue box with quality foam inserts that are cut to fit the razor. That is fine and acceptable in my book. My issue comes with the way the item was processed, prepared and packed for shipment to be delivered halfway across the country. See the pics below and judge for yourselves..
Really? A nearly $400 razor shipped in an air mailer bubble envelope? You have to be joking, Gus? Nope, and I wish I were. Granted, the item made it intact with no damage but the box had 2 dented corners and a corner that had split down the length on both the top and bottom of the box. This and this alone was completely unacceptable in my eyes for a product that is marketed as an ultra high end and luxurious heirloom quality piece. When I saw that split and dented corners, I was like “No way, the razor is done!” For a few seconds I was in panic mode. Fortunately it was good to go. I’ve seen better protection and packaging from The Dollar Shave Club here Gents.
We have all seen the packaging from the likes of Timeless, Blackland, Charcoal Goods, Wolfman with their very precisely packaged items and the elegantly made presentations that their works are packed in. They all give you the experience of receiving an item that is of high quality and superb craftsmanship that in you’re mind you think this is excellence and luxury at it’s finest. Hell, we don’t even have to go to such heavy hitters when it comes to this topic. Look at Rockwell with their packaging and presentation. Or even Q-Shave with it’s Parthenon razor and a nice elegant presentation. I believe this could have been done immensely better, at least with packaging it properly and securely. Maybe I’m wrong in this whole deal but, I deemed it worthy of bringing this situation to Andy over at Paradigm and I vehemently but, respectfully stated in my email that this was not acceptable for such a high end item to be treated and shipped as an afterthought.
Well, those are my feelings anyway. Am I right? Or am I over exaggerating and blowing this thing out of proportion? My apologies as I just had to get this out there Gents. Sorry for the late rant.
Happy shaves to all....
Thanks partner. My Titanium potatoe peeler made it intact!!!! ????
JWS VII
0
Very nice review Gus. Having just received the Vector and experiencing that packaging, I agree that the Paradigm appears to have been shipped without much thought--particularly for a high dollar item. Fortunately, it didn't affect the shave. However, it's too bad that you don't have a pristine box if, for example, you wanted to sell the razor on the secondary market. Of course, maybe no one will have a pristine box!
Dave in KY
Shave Newbie
Nice review Gus and I think you are absolutely within your rights. Let us know what response you get.
Nice review Gus on your first use. I completely agree with you on the box and shipping presentation on a near $400 razor. Others that cost less do a much better job than that.
Happy shaves my friend
Happy shaves my friend
Well I made it clear I think it is an ugly razor. But the way a $400 item was shipped is 100% unacceptable. To me that is just proof they are more concerned about their profit margin. I guarantee there is still plenty of profit to be made if they would have put it in a priority box.
Got shave 2 in yesterday evening with the Paradigm. Decided to switch out the Kai Titan Pink and go with a Schick Proline on it’s first use. Did my normal shower and prep and got on with the shave. I happened to receive a shipment today of a new soap for me, Lisa’s Natural Herbal Creations, Amber & Tobacco and Haute Leather. It was Haute Leather that was up for the shave and it was on.
Except for the soap, I changed nothing else in terms of how I was going to shave and attack the whiskers. I went with the same ATG/XTG hybrid passes as it seemed to work well with the initial shave. I have to say that the Proline was a nice step up in shave feel and performance. The first ATG pass knocked down quite a bit of the stubble. The Lisa’s soap provided a nice, creamy lather that was protective and yielded a nice smooth glide for the razor while still having some residual slickness that allowed a quick repass or two on a couple of spots. Very nice. The scent was nice, not strong or overpowering with a leather and like a hand lotion type and a light earthy undertone scent that was pleasant and played well together. The second pass XTG hybrid was just as good as the first and pretty much cleaned up anything that was left behind from the first pass. The razor is incredibly smooth and mild yet has a nice efficiency to it and it felt better with the blade change. Finished my 2 passes with a quality, near BBS finish minus a tough spot on Sir Adam. Always a challenge there for any razor. I don’t chase Sir Adam much, a quick pass or two and what I get, that’s what I get. A quick cold water splash and face rub and I was good to go. The Lisa’s gave a nice post shave feel that left my face nicely hydrated and soft. Good performance for a first timer and the accolades that this soap has garnered are pretty much well deserved and earned imo.
Now, I’m writing this at about 6:30 in the morning and my shave was at about 7 pm last night and I already have a light, steady growth of stubble appearing where it usually comes back first with all my shaves, the jawline. The 5 O’Clock shadow was nearly in. Not patches but, uniform stubble that leads up to just about below my ear lobe and very light growth on both of the burns. I noticed this also on my first shave with the Kai that I had a very quick grow back of stubble and had my shadow within 7 hours of the shave. I find this perplexing as I felt both shaves were quality shaves and left my skin clear of hair and any stragglers. Neither shave has given me a single nic, cut, weeper nor any irritation to speak of but, I’m not getting the quality of longevity that I would normally get associated with a quality shave from others like the Vector, El Jefe, SS/Brass General and the Claymore. I won’t mention the Rx as there are only 1 or 2 that I’ve mentioned here that can nearly match it on shave quality and longevity. Then again, on the milder feeling razors I practically use Feather Pro Supers exclusively to give me the results that I get from the more efficient/aggressive razors. I think I’ll give a Proline another shave and see how that works out and if the results are the same then, it’s time to step it up with the Howitzer of AC Blades, the Feather Pro Super.
I’m actually going to do a quick 1 pass shave again and freshen up as I have the day off to take care of some personal things. More shaves and experimentation ahead Gents....
Except for the soap, I changed nothing else in terms of how I was going to shave and attack the whiskers. I went with the same ATG/XTG hybrid passes as it seemed to work well with the initial shave. I have to say that the Proline was a nice step up in shave feel and performance. The first ATG pass knocked down quite a bit of the stubble. The Lisa’s soap provided a nice, creamy lather that was protective and yielded a nice smooth glide for the razor while still having some residual slickness that allowed a quick repass or two on a couple of spots. Very nice. The scent was nice, not strong or overpowering with a leather and like a hand lotion type and a light earthy undertone scent that was pleasant and played well together. The second pass XTG hybrid was just as good as the first and pretty much cleaned up anything that was left behind from the first pass. The razor is incredibly smooth and mild yet has a nice efficiency to it and it felt better with the blade change. Finished my 2 passes with a quality, near BBS finish minus a tough spot on Sir Adam. Always a challenge there for any razor. I don’t chase Sir Adam much, a quick pass or two and what I get, that’s what I get. A quick cold water splash and face rub and I was good to go. The Lisa’s gave a nice post shave feel that left my face nicely hydrated and soft. Good performance for a first timer and the accolades that this soap has garnered are pretty much well deserved and earned imo.
Now, I’m writing this at about 6:30 in the morning and my shave was at about 7 pm last night and I already have a light, steady growth of stubble appearing where it usually comes back first with all my shaves, the jawline. The 5 O’Clock shadow was nearly in. Not patches but, uniform stubble that leads up to just about below my ear lobe and very light growth on both of the burns. I noticed this also on my first shave with the Kai that I had a very quick grow back of stubble and had my shadow within 7 hours of the shave. I find this perplexing as I felt both shaves were quality shaves and left my skin clear of hair and any stragglers. Neither shave has given me a single nic, cut, weeper nor any irritation to speak of but, I’m not getting the quality of longevity that I would normally get associated with a quality shave from others like the Vector, El Jefe, SS/Brass General and the Claymore. I won’t mention the Rx as there are only 1 or 2 that I’ve mentioned here that can nearly match it on shave quality and longevity. Then again, on the milder feeling razors I practically use Feather Pro Supers exclusively to give me the results that I get from the more efficient/aggressive razors. I think I’ll give a Proline another shave and see how that works out and if the results are the same then, it’s time to step it up with the Howitzer of AC Blades, the Feather Pro Super.
I’m actually going to do a quick 1 pass shave again and freshen up as I have the day off to take care of some personal things. More shaves and experimentation ahead Gents....
Dave in KY
Shave Newbie
Nice stuff Gus. I'm enjoying following this.
Well, I think I’m going to have to amp up the blade feel and see if I can get a better quality shave in terms of longevity. I did a quick 1 pass this morning plus touch ups as I mentioned earlier today and was good to go. That was about 8 am. It’s now just about quarter after 5 and I’ve got my shadow coming in full tilt. Like I said, the shave feels great with a smoothness that is unparalleled but, when I use an SE with an AC blade those shaves are good for at least 12-14 hours before I even get a hint of stubble. As an example, I can get a real great shave with my Rx using a Proline and have gotten almost 18 hours before I start feeling some whiskers and usually I’ll skip a day. Yes, that close and quite comfortable to be honest. So, the Feather Pro Super comes out and this should do it with this razor. I usually do the same thing with my milder razors and get excellent results. We’ll see what happens on the next shave....
On a side note, I ordered 2 tubs of LNHC soap that came in yesterday. One being Amber & Tobacco with the other being Haute Leather. It was Haute Leather last night and again this morning. Man! This stuff is really, really good. The lather, protection and post shave feel I’ve given myself with these 2 shaves have been fantastic. And I like the soft and smooth Leather and to my nose like a hand lotion type scent with an earthy undertone. Fabulous, really. It has given the Paradigm Ti SE even more glide and cushion. Like wet ice.
A serious contender for breaking into my top 5 fav’s.......
On a side note, I ordered 2 tubs of LNHC soap that came in yesterday. One being Amber & Tobacco with the other being Haute Leather. It was Haute Leather last night and again this morning. Man! This stuff is really, really good. The lather, protection and post shave feel I’ve given myself with these 2 shaves have been fantastic. And I like the soft and smooth Leather and to my nose like a hand lotion type scent with an earthy undertone. Fabulous, really. It has given the Paradigm Ti SE even more glide and cushion. Like wet ice.
A serious contender for breaking into my top 5 fav’s.......
That's some good looking lather. I am with you on Lisa's natural, I got a tub a couple of weeks ago and it is some great stuff.
Happy shaves
Happy shaves