I have now shaved with the $uper$peed and generic $tree blade 3 times. I've already chronicaled my first impressions so I'll stick with how the last 2 shaves went. Both yesterday and today I used a Proraso Cream/Stirling Bay Rum mix lathered with my floppy 2 band and hydrated with a spray bottle containing a water, glycerin and propylene glycol mix...essnetially making what is commonly referred to as an UBER lather (Super lather being a mix of cream and soap). I finished both shaves with the standard alum and witch hazel (with menthol added) and a heavy splash of Captains Choice Cat O Nine Tails and a spray of Ghost Town Barber cologne.
Yesterday I notice a bit of rust flow out from within the body of the razor but I did not have the same occurrence today. The blade itself shows minimal if any sign of rust, the rust clearly came from within the handle indicating the internal mechanism is not stainless or any other rust resistant material. I also THINK I noticed that each time I opened and closed the razor the blade alignment and arc of the exposed edge improved. Yes, there is plenty of wiggle room when open but the silo doors do a good job of holding the blade in a true position. I have had WAY worse alignment issues from $20 3 piece razors. In fact, comparing cheap 3 piece zymac razors to this SS/plastic hybrid TTO I think there is a lot of similarity only the DE in question is a $1 with blades included.
The shaves:
The longevity of the first shave was on par with any other DE shave using a typical blade. The closeness of ALL shaves was BBS although I had to implement a 4+ pass technique to get it. The "smoothness" was the most variable factor. I admit I was in fear of harm the first 2 shaves due to what felt like evil blade exposure making the feel less smooth. The blade itself had little trouble slicing through my beard but it didn't feel smooth. I guess what i mean here is that when so much blade feel is present it is hard to say the feel is smooth.
TODAY was an entirely different shave from the first 2. I did capture the shave on video in silent bob style but I may not post it unless/until I provide commentary as it is just a shave on video otherwise. I wasn't going for a "speed shave" in the strictest of terms but I was rather quick with the razor. I felt I could go quite quickly because the whole set up had seemed to settle in. The excessive blade feel was GONE, leaving an acceptably smooth feel. I may have employed more forward force due to speed so evaluating potential tugging is a little hard. In just 4+ passes I was BBS with no alum feedback or CO9T pain.
My between shave maintenance consisted of a few quick swipes down my towel covered leg to dry the blade. Today I pulled the blade to inspect it for rust (none) and wiped the edge with my fingers, flipped it over and placed it back in. This type of maintenance is quite common place but it could have been the reason the blade felt better today than before.
I guess I should try a more known blade to confirm the blade feel is a razor design issue or an issue with the included blades. Based on today's experience and the impression made by the previous 2 I say this razor is an excellent value. IF the quality control were such that I could be assured each razor would perform the same as the others I could see how one could buy a case ($32) and never need another razor. I don't know if I would want this razor to be someones first exposure to wet shaving with a DE but for those who have worked past the transition from goo and carts this razor could fill the need and bring some enjoyment.
respectfully submitted
Yesterday I notice a bit of rust flow out from within the body of the razor but I did not have the same occurrence today. The blade itself shows minimal if any sign of rust, the rust clearly came from within the handle indicating the internal mechanism is not stainless or any other rust resistant material. I also THINK I noticed that each time I opened and closed the razor the blade alignment and arc of the exposed edge improved. Yes, there is plenty of wiggle room when open but the silo doors do a good job of holding the blade in a true position. I have had WAY worse alignment issues from $20 3 piece razors. In fact, comparing cheap 3 piece zymac razors to this SS/plastic hybrid TTO I think there is a lot of similarity only the DE in question is a $1 with blades included.
The shaves:
The longevity of the first shave was on par with any other DE shave using a typical blade. The closeness of ALL shaves was BBS although I had to implement a 4+ pass technique to get it. The "smoothness" was the most variable factor. I admit I was in fear of harm the first 2 shaves due to what felt like evil blade exposure making the feel less smooth. The blade itself had little trouble slicing through my beard but it didn't feel smooth. I guess what i mean here is that when so much blade feel is present it is hard to say the feel is smooth.
TODAY was an entirely different shave from the first 2. I did capture the shave on video in silent bob style but I may not post it unless/until I provide commentary as it is just a shave on video otherwise. I wasn't going for a "speed shave" in the strictest of terms but I was rather quick with the razor. I felt I could go quite quickly because the whole set up had seemed to settle in. The excessive blade feel was GONE, leaving an acceptably smooth feel. I may have employed more forward force due to speed so evaluating potential tugging is a little hard. In just 4+ passes I was BBS with no alum feedback or CO9T pain.
My between shave maintenance consisted of a few quick swipes down my towel covered leg to dry the blade. Today I pulled the blade to inspect it for rust (none) and wiped the edge with my fingers, flipped it over and placed it back in. This type of maintenance is quite common place but it could have been the reason the blade felt better today than before.
I guess I should try a more known blade to confirm the blade feel is a razor design issue or an issue with the included blades. Based on today's experience and the impression made by the previous 2 I say this razor is an excellent value. IF the quality control were such that I could be assured each razor would perform the same as the others I could see how one could buy a case ($32) and never need another razor. I don't know if I would want this razor to be someones first exposure to wet shaving with a DE but for those who have worked past the transition from goo and carts this razor could fill the need and bring some enjoyment.
respectfully submitted
