GAME CHANGER a more aggressive approach

In the queue for tomorrow morning, first run with the Jaws. The GC OC is far and away the best razor I’ve ever used. Looking forward to seeing how the Jaws compares. 

I used the JAWS base plate for the first time on Sunday. I posted my initial thoughts on my SOTD but thought I’d post my thoughts on the JAWS, 0.68 and 0.84. 

I had the Game Changer 0.68 and 0.84 on loan from a good friend @Acer89. I used the 0.68 first and liked it. I found it similar to the Colonial Aluminium General. You could throw it around your face (within reason of course) without much fear of it biting you. The shave was comfortable but too mild for my needs. I don’t like to shave everyday so I’m looking for a longer lasting shave.

Using the 0.84 Game Changer was one of those WOW shaves. I ordered one straight after the first shave.  Great balance, manoeuvrability and the low profile head is fantastic to use around the nose. It’s up there with the smoothest razors I’ve used. Efficiency wise was very good and a step up from the 0.68, not massive but enough for me to pull the trigger straight away. After a few shaves I did find it lacking, just slightly in efficiency.

When Razorock announced the release of the OC base plates this was music to my ears. After waiting what seemed like FOREVER I finally got my hands on the JAWS base plate.

SOTD. I was in a bit of a rush at the time so not ideal conditions…







I used the Gillette Silver Blue as I found it was a match made in heaven with the 0.84 SB. The shave was very similar to 0.84 SB. Very smooth with very little blade feel and only felt the teeth a couple of times. The teeth aren’t sharp unlike other open comb razors I’ve tried from Blackland and ATT.
I did my usual 3 passes and rinsed off and had a feel around for any touch-ups and there was none. We are talking BBS with no touch-ups. WOW!
I did my usual hot and cold water splash and dried off and applied the aftershave. Not much feedback at all. I started to clear my gear up and noticed a load (8+) of sweepers on my chin. Another splash of cold water and some pressure applied soon sorted them out but it shows the JAWS is a deceptive shaver. As I mentioned I was in a rush getting ready so more care needs to be taken next time. Maybe the standard OC base plate could be ‘’just right’’?

I judge razors on a number of criteria including the usual, smoothness, blade feel, efficiency etc. Another one is how long the shave lasts. I don’t like to shave everyday as my face gets tender (as I’m a delicate flower).
I shaved on Sunday afternoon and as mentioned the shave was BBS. I’ve found the regrowth to be a bit faster than the SB 0.84. Maybe this is all in the mind? I’ll keep an eye on this when I use it again.

Cheers
Rob (Mr Goldilocks

I used the Jaws for the first time this morning after a couple months of using the GC OC, which has been hands down the best razor I’ve ever used and I shave with it daily. I replaced the titanium halo handle on the Jaws with the 80mm TiBam New York I’ve come to favor on the standard OC.  I also used a GSB which is my go to blade and CRSW Vetiver Fresco which is the only soap I use when it’s available.

During the shave I didn’t notice any real difference in comfort between the Jaws and the OC, blade feel was also about on par as far as I could tell. I did get the perception that the Jaws was slightly more efficient, particularly under my chin/jawline and neck where I only do a 2 pass shave and avoid going ATG. I didn’t have any nicks or weepers and was very satisfied with the result of the shave.

As the day progressed into the afternoon my face did feel a little rough along the jawline, hardly noticeable, but no visual signs of irritation or anything.  It isn't something I have experienced with the standard OC though, and just wanted to make mention of it.  I will say that after the first pass I may have gotten a bit too comfortable and shaved with the Jaws the same way I have been with the OC.  I’ll give another go at it tomorrow and pay more attention to angle and pressure and see if I still have the same feeling or develop any burn or irritation (which would surprise me if that’s the case).

Either way, I was pleasantly surprised by the razor’s performance.  Time will tell if it will replace the standard GC OC as my daily driver.

I assume the GC .84 SB top cap is compatible with the JAWS base plate?

Yes, the top cap is the same on all of the Game Changers

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Yes, the top cap is the same on all of the Game Changers

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Thanks

Quick update from me on the Jaws vs OC comparison... I shaved 3 days in a row with the Jaws using a GSB and the titanium TiBam handle. All three shaves I used CRSW Vetiver Fresco soap. On the first day there was a slight amount of harshness, barely perceivable but there nonetheless, so on day 2 I really paid attention to angle and pressure. I also switched it up to see what kind of results I could get with a 2 pass shave instead of 3 like I do with the standard OC. First pass was WTG, 2nd pass was a XTG/ATG hybrid above the jawline and just XTG below the jawline. The result was damn near as good as a full 3 pass shave, again I didn’t notice any palpable “aggressive” feel during the shave, and no weepers or cuts. I repeated the same on day 3 and had the same result, neither day produced that harshness I felt on day 1 so I chalked it up to being too comfortable with the razor on the first shave.

That being said, I switched back to the OC this morning and back to a full 3 pass shave as I normally do, same soap and same handle. I have a hard time really putting my finger on what it is about this razor, but it is just so effortless and comfortable to use I hardly even have to think about technique with it at this point.

So, I’m still at a wash between them. The Jaws can get the job done in less time, but requires a little more concentration. This is not something I always want to do when I have to shave at 4am 3 days out of the week. On the other hand the standard OC takes an extra pass (it could also “do the job” in 2 passes but not as cleanly as the Jaws, so I go for a 3rd) but it’s more effortless to use and more comfortable.

I’m a minimalist as far as wet shavers go, I typically don’t hang on to equipment or products that aren’t my absolute favorite because I have a tendency to just reach for what I like best. However, I’m at a bit of a loss at this point because I definitely see each potentially filling a role for me. Either way, I’m not ready to call it yet so I’ll continue testing them both out. I usually shave Saturday afternoon/night so I’ll have a good day and a half worth of growth to try them on tomorrow. I may do a head to head comparison and see what comes of it. Also considering throwing a Voskhod into the Jaws and see how that goes.

I don’t know why but I couldn’t get a fantastic shave from this razor. I’ve owned both gap SB plates and ended up selling them recently. I heard that the GC was supposed to be modeled after a wolfman. I do however get an outstanding shave from the SS Lupo.


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IB has the base plate only option up for the GC OC. Yes, got it.....

I’ve been trying to decide between the Jaws and GC OC the past few weeks and I’ve gone back and forth about which one I prefer. As of right now I’m sticking with the Jaws for the near future.