Atelier DURDAN La Faulx Passaround

Final Day with La Faulx

La Faulx is very well designed and engineered. It is a beautiful razor that performs like a high-end tool. The butter-smooth comfort and performance remind me of the Karve. La Foulx takes full advantage of the AC blade format providing a mild yet efficient shave.

I have thoroughly appreciated my time with this razor. It is packed up and ready to be shipped out to rocket on Monday.

Razor received from ewk . It came a few days early from original USPS delivery estimate, so I will be balancing out sessions with the SS variant from another pass around. Plan to conduct comparative shaves with both variants.

A Tale of Two Shaves

La Faulx Ti Evaluation Series
Session 1 and 2

[Note: I have previously reviewed the La Faulx SS version and will incorporate comparative notes in the review of the Ti variant]

SESSION 1 SETUP

Razor: Atelier DURDAN La Faulx Ti [SB]
Blade: Feather Pro Super AC [2]
Brush: Rudy Vey Chief Muhle STF 25mm;
Lather: House of Mammoth Alive
Post: House of Mammoth Alive Aftershave Splash

SESSION 2 SETUP

Razor: Atelier DURDAN La Faulx Ti [SB]
Blade: Feather Pro Super AC [3]
Brush: Brad Sears Wanderer 26mm
Lather: Ethos Succès [F base]
Post: Hub City Doctrine Aftershave

AESTHETICS

[Note: This following is an excerpt from my initial review of the La Faulx SS. It applies equally well to the Ti variant]

I recall the first time Atelier DURDAN provided sample renderings and images of its inaugural razor concept. It was clear that the design aesthetic was driven by well formed and thoughtful consideration. And the La Faulx continues in that tradition. If I had to employ a single description for this razor it would be: sumptuous. A build quality that exudes depth and strength overlaid by a pleasing knurling of “pineapple” patterned cuts, interceded by smooth and well polished curving insets. The geometry provides a faceted reflection that further accentuates the design. I also appreciate the base of the handle with a contrasting set of concentric cuts that visually balances the other sections. The undulating patterns are further extended into the safety bar with a comforting line of repeating  peaks, ready to artfully guide away departing stubble and lather.

… as I considered images and drawings representing the unique safety bar design. At certain angles it appeared almost exaggerated in terms of effective footprint from blade edge to terminus of the bar. Now in hand, I slowly rotate the assemblage under a clear wash of daylight. As the razor comes to rest at a side profile it becomes apparent that the razor name is the inspiration for its shape and design. The European scythe in particular emphasized a pronounced and plunging curvature compared to the historical American variant. And this pattern clearly echoes in the design lines of the La Faulx. Ultimately the safety bar terminates into a fine but slightly blunted edge.

One additional detail: a designation of each metal is etched in the bottom of the baseplate (Ti and 316L respectively)

HANDLING

Generally I prefer a titanium version of most razors. The reduced weight provides a certain amount of “adjustability” to the shave by allowing an extended range of pressure modulation with corresponding efficiency outcomes. This can also lead to reduction in potential irritation or discomfort in higher efficiency razors. With the La Faulx Ti now in hand, I immediately noticed a difference with its SS counterpart: the handle insets did not quite align with the natural balance point of the assembled razor. That was not completely surprising as the SS variant was perfect aligned and the reduced weight of the Ti would inherently shift the relative weighting. It may be illusory but I prefer the balance and weight of the SS in hand. The SS version is ever poised for movement yet well balanced at its natural pivot point with in the hand hold of the inset. The Ti version, while delivering a welcome reduction in overall weight, seemed a bit more docile and reserved in hand. With all things of this nature, additional shaves would likely erase this fleeting comparative perception.

PERFORMANCE

Coming off of two shaves with the La Faulx SS variant, I stumbled slightly during the first encounter with the Ti variant. Two major factors contributed to this outcome: 1) an initial sense of reduced connection with the lighter weight Ti model; and 2) a rushed shave due to external factors. The degree of shaving connection seemed largely tied to the reduced weight. At times my shave engagement regressed and slipped across the lather rather than fully removing stubble. In the back of mind I questioned myself all while distracted by the need to complete the shave with time pressures from upcoming commitments. The overall level of comfort was increased compared to the SS variant but I witnessed a reduced post shave shadow compared to my previous session with the SS variant. And approximately 7 hours later regrowth was observed. This contradicted an amazing duration of BBS achieved with the SS version and high degree of post shave shadow reduction.

Had I failed this first Ti session? Possibly.

So for the second session I set an intention to maintain full engagement with each stroke. I also selected a time that would not overlap with any competing interests or time pressures. With a strategy of Mise en Place, all of the session shave ingredients awaited activation. A contemplative lather was developed into a robust bouquet of whipped peaks. The result was a protective and slick substrate for the session. I then set out on a journey to become one with the razor for each pass. The downward strokes of the WTG delightfully removed the first tranche of stubble with a slight but communicative audible feedback. This would be the measure for monitoring shaving engagement through the remainder of the session.

The La Faulx engenders confidence and the Feather Pro Super blade is at its best in this razor. Comfort and confidence exude from each stroke and pass. I had to mindfully maintain an even cadence as the razor entices rapid execution of the shave. Moving in to the XTG phase, an enhanced level of comfort could be perceived relative to the SS variant. The distinction is not dramatic. But with a measured application of pressure, I could comfortably navigate difficult terrain with a level of increased pressure.  I would like to continue to note how inspiring the shave is with a Feather Pro Super. If this blade was loaded in my Blackland Vector, I would be shaving at a higher level of vigilance. And yet the La Faulx somehow erases any concern with what some might consider the most efficient blade in the Artist Club format.

Progressing on to the final ATG pass, I had regained a similar level of joy achieved with the SS variant. Now with only the formidable mustache area remaining, I delved into that most delicate and nuanced region. The Ti weight began to demonstrate its superior adjustability as I worked to modulate pressure and angle while avoiding injury. The pass was now complete but I desired more. Three micro sections presented enough stubble that warranted a set of touch up strokes. Delicate application and slight skin stretching preceded surgical placement of buffing strokes on the right side. Then the razor was placed on the lower left mustache region while lightly buffing up to that most dense and wiry region. A remaining swath of steel like stubble awaited the La Faulx and Feather Pro super. And then it fell. However I did suffer a few micro weepers in the process along with a bit of feedback from both sides.

But the results upon clearing the remnants of lather spoke volumes. I had achieved one of my highest degrees of post shave shadow reduction in the mustache region. And the remainder of the beard terrain was equally smooth. A luxurious level of BBS was achieved with an incremental reduction in post shave feedback compared to the SS sessions. At the time of composing this session report, ten hours of BBS has transpired, and still counting.

EPILOGUE

I plan to conduct another stand alone SS session and then a side by side of the SS and Ti. At that point I hope to offer a more complete perspective on the SS versus Ti version. But a very preliminary opinion is that the SS offers an incremental increase in efficiency with a nimble and balanced weight. But the Ti provides an incremental improvement in comfort although it does require an enhanced level of technique to extract maximal efficiency. At this moment I am torn between the two metal choices.

However, I am certain of one thing: The La Faulx and Feather Pro Super combination are single handedly reviving my passion for the AC format.

La Faulx Duet and Finale

La Faulx SS and Ti Evaluation Series
Session 6

SESSION SETUP

RAZOR: (LEFT) Atelier DURDAN La Faulx Ti [SB] | (RIGHT) Atelier DURDAN La Faulx SS [SB]
BLADE: Feather Pro Super AC [1]
BRUSH: Brad Sears Wanderer 26mm
LATHER: House of Mammoth Alive
POST: House of Mammoth Alive Aftershave Splash

INTRODUCTION

For those that may not have read the previews evaluations, this is the culminating shave of two separate pass arounds for the La Faulx SS and Ti variants, respectively. In this session, I conduct a side by side shave and comparison of the SS and Ti variants.

PERFORMANCE

A bittersweet day has arrived as I prepare for the final shave with the La Faulx SS and Ti variants. I provided preliminary details on the distinguishing differences between each variant but felt a side by side shave was necessary to confirm those thoughts. I once again returned to the House of Mammoth Alive set to maintain consistency across prior shaves. I also loaded each razor with a fresh copy of a Feather Pro Super blade. While not reported, I did conduct an additional shave with the La Faulx SS prior to this session. That session included the fourth use of a Feather Pro Super. I did notice a slight degradation in smoothness and efficiency with that fourth use. That is fairly consistent with my prior experiences of this blade (and the Feather Pro) and is not a function of the La Faulx. However, I do have some thoughts on potential implications for the current plate gap versus the anticipated + and ++ versions, which I will touch on in the Conclusion section.

Returning to the shave at hand, both razors stood at attention and ready for action as I finished the last application of lather. The SS would start the shave and only be deployed to the right side of the face, while the Ti was reserved for the left side.
With a relaxed and confident hold, I initiated the first downward stroke of the WTG pass. The first use Feather Pro Super provided superb smoothness while parting lather and stubble with ease. Moving over to the Ti, the remainder of the pass was complete with an effortless set of strokes. Once again the first use blade in the Ti contributed to that outcome and shored up the slight degradation from the prior fourth use session.

The WTG pass was then completed with no issues or concern. I could sense an improvement in proficiency with this session. I also began to observe a few details related to my initial thoughts on the differences between these razors. On handling, the Ti variant may offer a slightly incremental improvement in overall maneuverability. But the SS delivers a more connected shave with a slight increase in feedback and agility that seems linked to its inherent weight and potential energy. None of these distinctions are dramatic. But they are more noticeable in the side by side shave.

In addition, the Ti does seem to deliver an incremental improvement in comfort. But again these are subtle differences. This level of comfort became more apparent during the final ATG pass as I approached more challenging regions of my beard terrain. Ultimately what remained was the most difficult area: the mustache region. If you have read the previous session write ups, I could not quite escape a minor weeper or two in this region. But today I am happy to report that this session was injury free while providing a superior reduction in the mustache region. Overall, an outstanding level of BBS and post shave shadow reduction occurred.

I then applied a healthy amount of aftershave splash to evaluate areas of feedback. A bit to my surprise a level of feedback occurred on the left side neckline. I suspect the lower weight of the Ti variant had invited a higher application of pressure than initially perceived. It was a bit difficult to mange pressure modulation switching off between the two different weight classes. I had also conducted an additional round of touch up on the neckline. The degree of this neckline feedback was minor and quickly faded. I did however notice a bit more extended feedback on the right jaw line and some of the cheek. This was more a general sense that a shave occurred rather than any type of irritation. And for completeness, no irritation or redness occurred, nor has it ever with these razors.

As I write this, seven hours of BBS has transpired, and I expect many additional hours before signs of regrowth are detected. All in all, yet another exquisite and impressive shave with the La Faulx.

CONCLUSION

It feels redundant at this point, but I have to express how impressed I am with this razor and the Feather Pro Super combination. Everyone is of course different and brings their own experience and environment with differing beard profiles, levels of shaving proficiency, and maturity of shaving process. I am but one data point in the universe of shavers. I also exist in what I believe to be a smaller population of shavers with ultra demanding beard profiles that require higher levels of razor efficiency and effectiveness to achieve lasting BBS and post shave shadow reduction. Reflecting on my current level of proficiency and experiences across DE, injector, GEM, and AC, I believe the La Faulx and Feather Pro Super combination have achieved something that none of my other razors have. And that achievement is delivering a superior BBS duration and post shadow shave reduction with the comfort and safety of what I might expect from a more traditionally mild razor profile. The idea of comfort and smoothness seem to always involve a trade off when considering higher efficiency outcomes. But the current La Faulx plate gap and exposure, combined with the enhanced exposure and efficiency of the Feather Pro Super blade, have finally delivered on the promise a mild but effective shave.

The one potential downside is being limited to the durability of the Feather Pro series, in terms of use count, along with a very specific blade choice. I am hopeful that one of the upcoming + or ++ plate options will result in an equivalent exposure with the more standard AC blade depths, allowing for potential equivalent outcomes with the Schick Proline or even Kai PINKS. But if the answer is ultimately a four use Feather Pro Super, I would still consider that a welcome value given how effective this combination is.

Farewell La Faulx, you will be missed.

Thank you once again to DFS, and cornbread and Atelier DURDAN for providing an opportunity to enjoy the amazing La Faulx Ti razor

razor enroute to Marhos24

All right, been reading the various postings about the razor. Want to try. Would very much like to be added to the pass around. I'm in New York, thanks!

Please take me off the pass around. I have the Copper version and might get the titanium as well once I get the more aggressive baseplates. Been using the Feather Super blade in both shaves so far. Changed out the handle on the Copper for the Karve brass and copper tip handle and loved it.


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Please take me off the pass around. I have the Copper version and might get the titanium as well once I get the more aggressive baseplates. Been using the Feather Super blade in both shaves so far. Changed out the handle on the Copper for the Karve brass and copper tip handle and loved it.


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Excellent aesthetic choice with the mix/match materials.

Razor has arrived in good condition. Thanks rocket! First shave tomorrow AM.

Please take me off the pass around. I have the Copper version and might get the titanium as well once I get the more aggressive baseplates. Been using the Feather Super blade in both shaves so far. Changed out the handle on the Copper for the Karve brass and copper tip handle and loved it.


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Beautiful pic and a nice match with that handle. But, don‘t Karve and Atelier Durdan use completely different threads for their razors? Did you have any trouble screwing on the handle?