Atelier Durdan N°7 razor pass around.....

.50
Is a wonderful daily driver 

A refresher from the AD website:


Technical Details: The GAPs and blade exposures of N°7 are designed to satisfy all shaving profiles:

GAP 0.3 mm : blade exposure -0.12 mm
Very gentle: Ideal for daily shaving. Perfect for sensitive skin and to prevent irritation.

GAP 0.5 mm : blade exposure -0.05 mm
Soft: Also suitable for everyday use, providing a little more blade feel while remaining very comfortable.

GAP 0.7 mm : blade exposure +0.01 mm
Balanced: An excellent compromise between gentleness and effectiveness. Suitable for those seeking an efficient shave with moderate blade feel.

GAP 0.9 mm : blade exposure +0.07 mm
Effective: For those who prefer a deeper shave with a more pronounced blade feel. Ideal for frequent use with a little more robustness.

GAP 1.1 mm : blade exposure +0.13 mm
Very effective: Provides a deep and smooth shave. Perfect for those looking for increased efficiency without compromising on comfort.

GAP 1.3 mm : blade exposure +0.18 mm
Aggressive: For experienced users who want a very close and clean shave. Ideal for less frequent but very precise shaves.

GAP 1.5 mm : blade exposure +0.23 mm
Very aggressive: Designed for exceptional mornings where a very close shave is necessary. Provides maximum blade feel for an ultra-smooth result.



I have now completed shaves with the 0.7 and the 1.1.  I can say that there would be no need for me to try a more aggressive gap and exposure for my skin and beard.

I was able to get a good shave from the 0.7, but it did require a bit of extra touch ups that I don't normally perform.  I could feel the blade a bit more than I would have expected but it is in the design of the razor and it did not prevent me from getting a good shave with a 6 hour BBS.

For the 1.1, I performed a 2 pass shave with a jawline touch up.  I am BBS, although here I would say that the blade feel was less comfortable for me, even with 2 days growth and a blade (Israeli Red) that I know very well.  I had to adapt some of my shave angles and technique that work well for me with other razors to achieve what I feel was a good shave and I wondered if this was more or less from the safety bar design and my technique.  I do prefer when a razor itself has 1-2 plates only for it, and I understand finding that sweet spot for 70% of shavers is difficult.  

In summary, I really enjoyed participating in the pass around and it is a razor than many people may find comfortable and efficient, but will likely not be one that will end up in my den (and I was really hoping that it would).  The combination of blade feel and efficiency are not where I find my optimal comfort zone.  The razor is sanitized and I will be shipping it to Keith today or tomorrow.

Thank you GlazedBoker  and Atelier DURDAN for the opportunity to test this fine razor.

Update 24 hours post shave:

I would not need to nor could I shave comfortably at this point.  The 1.1 plate was significantly more efficient than the 0.7 plate.  However I did develop some small, ingrown hairs on my chin so my conclusion is that the 1.1 plate is too efficient for my beard and skin.  

I will resume my 36-48 hour shaves with standard razors tomorrow.

dtownvino Thank you Mike for the excellent review! I have really been considering purchasing this razor. You have given me a lot to think about!

Dtownvino, I completely agree with you evaluation.  I made similar findings in my review.  I found the No. 7 to be efficient but just too much blade feel and that is what made the shave uncomfortable for me.  This is one, like you, I really wanted to work.  I enjoy my La Faulx and was hoping the 7 would be in that ballpark.  Sadly for me, it wasn't a good fit.

Reviews from actual users of razors and soaps are invaluable. I am really enjoying reading and following the experiences of all of you who have tried this razor. Thank you!!

Pass around update:


N*7 Pass Around list:
1. GlazedBoker - North Brunswick, NJ - Completed
2. Phoenixkh - Gainesville, FL - Completed
3. cigarman - St. Louis, MO - Completed
4. rocket - Denver, CO - Completed
5. Dragonsbeard - Webster, NY - Completed 
6. Dtownvino - Philadelphia, PA - Completed & prep to ship
7. Keto _ Aurora, MO - next in que
8. Big_T - King, NC
9. Spacemonkey42 - Williamstown, MA
10. Calm_Shaver - NY, NY
11. ewk - Goose Creek, SC
12. Bbssboss - Boston, MA
13. wyze0ne - Farmington Hills, MI
14. Marhos24 - Armada, MI
15. Stickshift - Chicago, IL
16. Einar - Appleton, WI
17. jbreakfield - Daphne, AL
18. Rudy Vey - South Plainfield, NJ
19. WVShaver - Mason, WV
20. Lesser - Chappaqua, NY

A slight modification to the list as a participant requested to be dropped down a couple of spots which in turn moved up a couple other member participants. If there are any issues with anyone concerning timing of the pass around because of personal reasons, work travel, vacation or just simply it would be inconvenient at that time, feel free to notify me and we can make the adjustments accordingly to accommodate any one participant. 

Thanks Gents. Shave on…


Pass around update:


N*7 Pass Around list:
1. GlazedBoker - North Brunswick, NJ - Completed
2. Phoenixkh - Gainesville, FL - Completed
3. cigarman - St. Louis, MO - Completed
4. rocket - Denver, CO - Completed
5. Dragonsbeard - Webster, NY - Completed
6. Dtownvino - Philadelphia, PA - Completed & shipped
7. Keto _ Aurora, MO - en route to
8. Spacemonkey42 - Williamstown, MA - next in que
9. Calm_Shaver - NY, NY
10. Big_T - King,NC
11. ewk - Goose Creek, SC
12. Bbssboss - Boston, MA
13. wyze0ne - Farmington Hills, MI
14. Marhos24 - Armada, MI
15. Stickshift - Chicago, IL
16. Einar - Appleton, WI
17. jbreakfield - Daphne, AL
18. Rudy Vey - South Plainfield, NJ
19. WVShaver - Mason, WV
20. Lesser - Chappaqua, NY

Thanks, GlazedBoker, you're the best! It is so kind of you to run such a great opportunity for us fellow shavers!

Thanks Gus GlazedBoker this should work fine for me. Your efforts are very much appreciated.

The razor arrived in fine shape I'll get a shave in with her tomorrow and update.
    First thoughts are it's a really nice presentation box and good looking razor.