2021/22 Rocnel Sailor Adjustable

LOOT

What are your thoughts on the knurling? I remember reading of a number of folks who have reported
drops with this thing...any concerns there?
I manage to keep hands pretty dry, so not a big worry for me, but just curious.

I didn't give it any thought until you brought it up but having 3 of them in front of me, the MC has a little less grab to it.  Not by much, but it is there on mine.

If I open the gap way up and have lots of growth, I might do the entire first pass without rinsing because there is no chance of clogging.  Lather everywhere.  I've not come close to dropping one yet.  With that said, I do wish the grooves were a tad wider and sharper.  The knurling looks great but it is not the best for grip.  I would give it a B+ on appearance and a C+ on functionality.  I could see guys complaining about it, I spose.  Doesn't bother me.

Looks about the same as the Taiga.  Probably the least grippy of any of my razors except for the Asylum Evo - I just dry razor and hands thoroughly before using the Taiga (or Evo).  Nothing compares to the Rex for handle traction, but then there's that blade forward, caribou hide-scraping shave on the higher settings.   Everything is a compromise.

I've never held a Rex. The best 2 knurls I've held are the BBS1 and 2019 Sailor. WRH1 is up there too...thasa great knurl. There is so much of it it doesn't have to be sharp.

08.27.21 SOTD

2021/01 Rocnel Sailor Master Collection

30mm DG B6, Elite Stone

GD Preshave 

Stirling Soap Co

Excellent first shave with the MC set at 4.  The handle diameter is perfect.  It mirrors the Wolfman 7XL handle (my favorite) in diameter at the primary grip.  The extra 1/4" is noticeably more comfortable and controllable. The head feels the same as the 2020's and the other 21's but the handle seems to improve performance.  Extra attention to prep may account for some of that, I dunno.  Setting 4 has been my go-to on the 21 prototype and the lineage is apparent in the MC.  

Every time I get a new "tweaked" version of the '20 it surprises me how they get a little better in use.  The handle on the MC alone is worth the extra $200 bones to me....obviously.

Awesome SOTD my man!! Love how that new Master Series looks! I am really looking forward to the new handle. I should get mine next as I have number 2 coming and Murat told me mine will ship within the next 3 weeks. By the way, that Elite brush is stunning!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks G. Glad you was able to pick up 02. You will like the updated handle, no doubt.

I didn't give it any thought until you brought it up but having 3 of them in front of me, the MC has a little less grab to it.  Not by much, but it is there on mine.

If I open the gap way up and have lots of growth, I might do the entire first pass without rinsing because there is no chance of clogging.  Lather everywhere.  I've not come close to dropping one yet.  With that said, I do wish the grooves were a tad wider and sharper.  The knurling looks great but it is not the best for grip.  I would give it a B+ on appearance and a C+ on functionality.  I could see guys complaining about it, I spose.  Doesn't bother me.

Looks about the same as the Taiga.  Probably the least grippy of any of my razors except for the Asylum Evo - I just dry razor and hands thoroughly before using the Taiga (or Evo).  Nothing compares to the Rex for handle traction, but then there's that blade forward, caribou hide-scraping shave on the higher settings.   Everything is a compromise.

I've never held a Rex. The best 2 knurls I've held are the BBS1 and 2019 Sailor. WRH1 is up there too...thasa great knurl. There is so much of it it doesn't have to be sharp.

Rex actually appears to be jewelry-cut checkering.  Closest comparison is the front of the grip on my custom Nighthawk T3 Comp.  I doubt you could get a more positive grip on a razor handle, but probably overkill. I wish more razor manufacturers would pay more attention to this part of their designs though (sharp blades, slippery soap and water, maneuvering quickly across delicate parts of your face).  What could go wrong? 

I think the best knurling I have on any razor is the 2019 Sailor.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, that MC knurling does resemble Taiga.
My Ti Taiga is 61 gms though, while this one is 140+
I am sure razor weight can determine impact on grip as well...

Regardless of ergonomics, that is one very good looking knurling pattern

Looks about the same as the Taiga.  Probably the least grippy of any of my razors except for the Asylum Evo - I just dry razor and hands thoroughly before using the Taiga (or Evo).  Nothing compares to the Rex for handle traction, but then there's that blade forward, caribou hide-scraping shave on the higher settings.   Everything is a compromise.

I've never held a Rex. The best 2 knurls I've held are the BBS1 and 2019 Sailor. WRH1 is up there too...thasa great knurl. There is so much of it it doesn't have to be sharp.

Rex actually appears to be jewelry-cut checkering.  Closest comparison is the front of the grip on my custom Nighthawk T3 Comp.  I doubt you could get a more positive grip on a razor handle, but probably overkill. I wish more razor manufacturers would pay more attention to this part of their designs though (sharp blades, slippery soap and water, maneuvering quickly across delicate parts of your face).  What could go wrong? 

Nighthawk Comp....that kinda sexy talk is appreciated.

I've never held a Rex. The best 2 knurls I've held are the BBS1 and 2019 Sailor. WRH1 is up there too...thasa great knurl. There is so much of it it doesn't have to be sharp.

Rex actually appears to be jewelry-cut checkering.  Closest comparison is the front of the grip on my custom Nighthawk T3 Comp.  I doubt you could get a more positive grip on a razor handle, but probably overkill. I wish more razor manufacturers would pay more attention to this part of their designs though (sharp blades, slippery soap and water, maneuvering quickly across delicate parts of your face).  What could go wrong? 

Nighthawk Comp....that kinda sexy talk is appreciated.

Two SS working tools with unique and well thought-out designs and purposes.... 

... Excellent first shave with the MC set at 4.  The handle diameter is perfect.  It mirrors the Wolfman 7XL handle (my favorite) in diameter at the primary grip. ...

Would you be willing to hazard a guess as to what a gap setting of 4, on the Rocnel 2021, might compare to in the WR1 or WR2 razor spectrum? I'm sure it probably isn't an easy, straightforward comparison but I am curious as to what you might think.

I will measure the gap on 4 for you. I have not used them side by side but I think on 4 the resulting shave lasts longer than a 165. I am 11 hours post shave and my skin is just as soft and clean cut as it was post shave. Not even a hint of regrowth.

Thank you for offering to measure the gap but that isn't necessary. I was just looking for your intuitive assessment, which you have provided, and I thank you for the information. This is helpful.

Interesting post in "the other" forum regarding a 2019 Sailor where the head had separated from the handle, and provided photos indicated that the base had been epoxied to it.  Member reported he had soaked the razor in 91% isopropyl for 5 minutes, which would certainly potentially affect the bond.  First I had heard of a razor being assembled with epoxy, but if true it would merit a PSA not to soak the razor in an organic solvent, since this is a fairly common practice by some with a DE razor, in addition to (probably) not using a chemical disinfectant or ultrasonic cleaner, which might also cause the head to loosen.  Someone more knowledgeable could perhaps weigh in with any known details regarding the construction of the Rocnel.

The head is indeed held to the handle by epoxy. Murat confirmed this awhile back.