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

SOTD Pics with the H&S N075 w/ Aluminum baseplate:

Those are beautiful pictures. I am buying an aluminum razor when they are released for my second home and travel

Am posting this on behalf of a nonmember reviewing the razor and soap.

My current razor is a Timeless straight bar with 0.68mm gap. While the Timeless finish is very well executed, I preferred the more industrial finish of the H&S. It reminded me of a high quality tool which is appealing being a maintenance mechanic for a major international airline. If I had to characterize the looks versus the Timeless, it would be that the Timeless appears much more like a fancy watch with the H&S similar to a purposeful tool - I like that. The extended width head covering the blade tabs was the only area I could fault with the design of the razor, as its thin head allowed getting in tight spots but the extended width interfered with getting access directly under the nose without altering my established shaving method. The manufacturer supplied a Gillette Nacet blade that combined well with the black aluminum plate resulted in a perfect shave. In summary, based on shaving my skin with dermatological challenges issues, I found the razor to be great and I want one.

I also had a good experience with Cutting Edge soaps preferring the Citrus Wood; it is a nice soap at a good price. Highly recommended.

One of the best shaves ever with the aluminum base plate!

Just finished my fourth shave with the H&S Hybrid Al passaround. This was my first experience with a Hybrid / AL component and I must report that I was impressed. To put this in context I shave daily with 3 passes - WTG, XTG and AGT. The shave was smooth and efficient. Some blade feel AGT but very pleasurable and provided excellent feed back. Although this is not the polished version which I prefer the SS cap and handle are excellent in hand and in use. I was pleasantly surprised by the fluted handle. No issues with balance. If you are considering an AL I would highly recommend. However, to get to this recommedation it took three shaves. The first was with a Nacet blade from the tuck that is included in the pass around and that Aji recommends. Truth be told the shave sucked. Uncomfortable and the AGT was hideous. If it was my razor it would have been on BST before the end of the first pass. But in all fairness, I decided to give it another shot the next day figuring the blade needed another use to show it's stuff as many like the Nacet alot. Nope - sucked even more. In fact one of the most uncomfortable, draggy and inefficient shaves I ever had. My other razors, if animated, would be laughing their heads off asking to be sold to a more deserving shaver. Decided to change the blade to a slightly used feather for the third outing. Much better - now I am beginning to see why all the acclaim for H&S. This morning I put in a new Wizamet. Now I get it - an excellent razor and shave. Will I be adding to my tool box - no - only because I prefer more aggressive razors. I would put this up against any razor in the mild to mild / mid category. Well done Aji! Can't wait for my turn on the SS, 17-4 and Ti H&S passarounds. Now onto the Cutting Edge soaps. I liked the feel of the lather - reminded me of the sego base. Not a fan of the scents and all of us can point to the good base / not in love with the scent conflict. Looking forward to see how the soap is tweaked in the future. Worth getting a sample to try. You will not be disappointed when you find the scent that rings your bell. Overall I am very pleased to have participated and had the opportunity to experience the razor, soap and blade. A very generous pass around so my sincere thanks to Aji of H&S, Cutting Edge and to DanLaw who has organized some amazing passarounds.

Funny how blades so personal - to be fair to Aji, it was my recommendation he include Nacets so blame clearly on my shoulders. But we agree on all other aspects of your review, this an amazing mild shaver - no peer to my experience and Dave has done a great job on his Cutting Edge soaps although scents are mhew. You will likely love the 17-4 and Ti based on your statements.

Dan - there is no blame in this game except for bad behavior. I always wanted to try a Nacet and glad I did. What is one man's trash is another man's treasure. This is what makes for valuable exchanges of experience, expertise, equipment and fun. The best part is I have one less blade to covet, acquire in bulk and hoard for the apocalypse of ones choosing.

Well that was faster than expected. My Al base plate was delivered this morning. I might get around to using it sometime this week. It's just really difficult to pull me away from my Vector, hahahaha.

I've been watching this thread with keen interest, since I just received the SS .075 about a week or so ago. I find the aggressiveness can be a tad much for me but I am sure, with the right blade it will be perfect. I tried the WIZAMET first since it usually works for me . Nope, not perfect for this razor, but close.

VINTAGE WILKINSON SWORD LIGHT BRIGADE next, which smoothed it considerably. Much better

But tonight, I found a MAGIC DUO: the SS TIMELESS .68 with Light Brigade for first pass (as a reduction method).
2nd with th H@S SS.075 and Light Brigade. ( I don't do third passes)

VIOLA! Absolutely PERFECT BBS SHAVE.

AND the best part is I can use BOTH razors at same time.
( but of course, I'll HAVE to get an Aluminum Plate also: Enquiring Minds have to know!!)

I had the pleasure of using the new Al baseplate for just over two weeks. Prior to using the new plate, I’ve been the proud owner of a full stainless steel NO75 (high polish short handle version) which I’ve been incredibly impressed with since purchasing it last year. The H&S NO75 has served me well, but as a daily shaver, I have at times found it to be a tad too much for me, especially if I was being careless or had experiencing irritation from the prior days shave. The shorter handle version causes it to be “head heavy” and unbalanced. Here are my thoughts:

I have the hair of an ape. I’m eastern European and I’ve got straight, incredibly thick hair (thanks mom). My 5 o’clock shadow can feel like sandpaper which is why I prefer to shave daily. I always shave with 3 passes - WTG, XTG and AGT. Historically, I’ve preferred what some shavers refer to as “aggressive” razors with some noticeable blade feel such as the Blackland Blackbird and Dart, Timeless .95, CG lvl 2, etc. Most recently, I’ve settled on the Razorock Lupo stainless steel, which I’ve found to be an incredibly enjoyable razor. The NO75 full stainless was nice, but a bit hefty which may have resulted in some lite irritation.

Enter the H&S Hybrid Al – Simply amazing. Shaves have been buttery smooth with all blades that I’ve tested it with: Gillette Nacet, Feather, Treet Platinum, and my go-to – Gillette Perma-Sharp Super. The reduction in weight from the Al baseplate really balanced this razor for me and resulted in glorious irritation-free shaves. Blade feel was minimal, which I’ve also really enjoyed. The best part? Efficiency of this razor has remained incredible, especially given the fact that it was designed with neutral blade exposure.

Conclusion: The new AI baseplate has made the H&S NO75 an outstanding daily driver. So much in fact that I had to apologize to Dan Law due to delays in returning it in a timely manner. The full NO75 was already incredibly efficient and smooth, but the reduction of weight from the Al baseplate just made this razor such a pleasure to use. It’s just as efficient and incredibly smooth, resulting in irritation-free shaves. Simply the best mild DE? So far for me, YES. YMMV but as someone who has purchased and used dozens of vintage and modern razors, I highly recommend this razor and am planning on purchasing the new Al baseplate.

Special thanks to Aji of H&S for designing this outstanding razor, and to Dan Law who organized this passaround, and was kind enough to let me use it a bit longer than I was supposed to.