Haircut & Shave N075 SS & Hybrid Al DE Passaround Review – Simply the Best Mild DE

Aji is an amazing guy for sure. I reached out to him to ask when the aluminum plates would be available and to tell him how much I enjoyed using the aluminum pass around plate and I end up buying one of the plates he had in hand. He received 4 plates for the pass around, two of which he kept, and he sold me one of them. He said the other plates should be available in a few weeks but I didn’t pass up the opportunity to snag one now.

I don’t post this to brag but to point out how nice of a gesture that was. He was thankful for my interest in buying another of his products and decided to sell me a plate he had in hand. It’s not like multiple plates won’t be a available soon, but still a nice thought.

Second shave with the Al hardcoat. Just as smooth as the first shave. Did a 2 pass since I need to shave again in under 24 hours and didn't want to push it. Gillette platinum (2), RR Santa Maria, and proraso green AS. I gave myself some slight razor burn on my lower lip, unsure how that happened. I must have used too much pressure. Other than that, had a very good shave. Some slight stubble left on my neck, but the only way to get rid of that is by going ATG which I decided against. I planned on shaving yesterday but didn't need to because the first shave left me clean enough!

You may want to copy the Al Baseplate posts from here to the CG Lvl2 v N075 thread so people understand how different are the 2 baseplates on the same razor

Good idea, I posted a link in that thread for those interested.

I have one more shave with this Al baseplate tomorrow morning, then it's sent out to the next tester! If you haven't signed up to try this, DO IT! You won't be disappointed. This morning, I used a GSB and obtained a comfortable, close shave. The smoothness of this baseplate compared to the SS is very noticable, and one of my smoothest razors. There is some efficiency sacrificed, but it is made up for. It takes me 3 passes with the Al baseplate compared to 2 passes with the SS to get the closeness I want. The difference is, I have less irritation after 3 passes with the Al than 2 passes with the SS.

Gentlemen,

I had almost given up on my H&S Co NO75 razor in the stainless steel baseplate. Fit and finish on the razor are superb. The shave head covers the blade tabs and that’s a blessing for me. The weight is just right; so is the balance from where I hold the razor. All well.

Unfortunately, I found the shave a little too aggressive, and with measurable blade feel. I have been a predominantly straight razor shaver and experienced 100 percent blade feel. But that’s a different blade feel and less irritating than that from the double edge or single edge safety razor. Go figure. 

I should note that I have not given the H&S with the stainless steel base plate enough time to learn its characteristics fully and to adjust to them. 

My friend Dan Law convinced me to try the aluminum baseplate (AL) as part of a pass-around. I have had two shaves with the razor in the AL plate. My first shave was with the Personna “Red” blade. This blade, although not the sharpest among DE razor blades, is one of the smoothest, in my experience. I was not impressed with the shave. Yes, it was close, but not as efficient and comfortable as Dan predicted I would experience. 

Today I used a fresh Feather blade, corked, my usual, and the shave turned into a celebration of efficiency and comfort. I have always held the motto: comfort over perfect. This time around, with the AL base plate and the fresh Feather blade, corked, I did not have to choose between comfort and perfect. I experienced both. Yes, there is still a wee bit more blade feel than I like, but the razor’s overall comfort and efficiency make up for it. 

For years I have searched for the perfect DE razor. As if such a thing exists. Still, it’s a sweet dream that someday I shall reach the rainbow. Or maybe I have found it in the H&S in the AL base plate don’t know it yet.

Is there a blade gap or exposure difference between the Aluminum and Stainless base plates? If the gap and exposure are the same, is just the metal difference somehow providing a different comfort level? Inquiring minds want to know.

Passing the enquiry to Aji for response

Exactly as quoted from Aji:

“Both the Al plate and SS plate have the same exact 0.75mm blade gap. Different materials used will give you different shave characteristics.”

My Review of H&S N075 with Al baseplate (based on 5 shaves in 1 week period). I tested the Al baseplate as a daily driver and with 2 days growth. I will begin to say that prior to receiving the Al baseplate, I shaved with the H&S N075 with the polished stainless steel baseplate for 3 times. I will say right off the bat that the H&S N075 with the Ss baseplate is not a daily driver for my skin type, as always YMMV. But, the Al baseplate (again for my skin type) is a Wonderful daily driver. H&S with Ss baseplate is a 2-3 day shaver for me.

Balance: The balance of the Razor with the Al baseplate is perfect, leaving you (the user) more in control. On the other hand the Ss baseplate makes the razor a little more head heavy and feels a little unbalanced. Both baseplates shave very well but it is easier to maneuver the Al baseplate.

Glide: The Pollished Ss baseplate had better glide than the hardcoated Al baseplate.

Efficiency/Smoothness Ratio: The Ss baseplate was more efficient but also less smooth than the Al baseplate. I would rate it as 7/7 for Ss. The Al I would rate it as 6/9. (With 10=most aggressive; 10=Smoothest).

Daily Driver: For me, the Ss would require 2 pass Bbs with touch ups, while the Al would require 3 passes+touch ups to reach Bbs. The Ss is much better at 2 days growth than the Al baseplate imo.

Speed: I shaved much faster with the Al baseplate and it felt “safer” to shave than the Ss baseplate. The Ss baseplate requires more concentration especially across the grain.

Side note: I found that the Nacet blades work better than my Wizamet Iridium in the Al baseplate. Meanwhile, the Wizamet work better than the Nacets in Ss baseplate.

Conclusion: My shaves with the Al baseplate have been a true discovery. It did cross my mind that the H&S N075 Ss was not for me, but after I have tried the Al baseplate it is such a different razor for me that it will be a keeper. IF you have tried the H&S N075 with the Ss, You will find that the H&S N075 w/ Aluminum baseplate feels like a total different razor. (It feels as different as Timeless .95 vs Gamechanger .84). I will absolutely buy the Al baseplate when released. Both baseplates truly have different shave characteristics, so purchasing the Al baseplate is justified. Thank you Aji for re-releasing the Al baseplate. I inquired about the Al baseplate, and he said it will be released sometime in May.

A Big Thank you to Dan DanLaw for giving me the opportunity to try out this baseplate. Thank You Sir!!