(This post was last modified: 06-01-2020, 02:42 PM by Maditalian.)
Thanks to Dan this is the second Haircut & Shave razor pass around I have tried. I am now more
familiar with the company and its unique design elements so the surprise at the styling of Haircut &
Shave razors has dissipated. Before beginning the details of my review, it is important to remind people
that I am a native Italian highlighting the important role design plays; we view it as an integral part of our
visual and tactile life experience.
Dan made a point to emphasize that this razor is a complete departure from the P076 17-4 SS; while
still possessing a thin stack height, it is completely different in concept using a hybrid of 303 SS for the
handle and top cap and BaseKote aluminum for the baseplate. My senses were shocked when first
opening the package as I had never seen a razor with different colored baseplate from the rest of the
razor. I would be less than honest if not expressing my disappointment combined with prejudice;
something just seemed out of place with a two-tone razor that moved me to call Dan asking if I could
pass it on to the next person without shaving. Dan went into a long explanation that this razor was his
favorite shaving razor ever used and how I needed to wrap my mind around the performance long
enough to give it a try. In the end, I tried the razor to placate a friend with the expectation that I would
pass it on immediately after checking the box of trying it based on Dan’s insistence. I had to confess
that despite its looks and visual impression of imbalance, it felt quite good to the grip.
I reluctantly loaded a Timor blade expecting the worst but much to my surprise, this proved to be a
pretty incredible razor. It shaves very smoothly and close while maintaining comfort; even with a much
more aggressive PolSilver blade, it still shaved equally comfortable. I have never experienced a razor
that shaves so equally smoothly and well with any blade you place in it. This razor shaves so
surprisingly well that I don’t care that it has a different colored baseplate. My only remaining worry was
that the razor might be expensive but I was surprised to learn it costs less than $200. In my opinion,
there isn’t any razor near its price point that shaves so well and comfortably as the N075 with its
aluminum baseplate. Somehow a 3 pass shave feels like a 1 pass shave with other razors but delivers
completely smooth skin; that is a compromise I can live with every day.
Two tubs of Cutting Edge soaps were included with the razors. Admittedly, I am a user of Grooming
Dept soaps almost exclusively but I have to admit these soaps are really good. Dan believes these are
within a hair of Grooming Dept in performance with even better cushioning. My take was the same but
with the understanding that I am not a fan of the 2 scents included (Citrus Wood and Lemongrass). A
big positive for me was that the Cutting Edge soaps are available for $20 which is a fantastic price. I
liked the soap enough to take a generous helping prior to mailing the package to the next person.
In summary, thanks to Haircut & Shave for providing this unique razor for testing; it is amazing how
similar the shapes of their razors look while being subtly distinctive and unique. My initial impression
remains that Haircut & Shave razors are beautifully manufactured and finished. Summing up the N075
aluminum baseplate razor: I cannot think of any razor on the market combining the perfect shave
qualities of this razor at anywhere near its price. This razor went from being tried based entirely on the
insistence of a friend to being one I am going to purchase for my second home and travel.
DanLaw and
drewyoshida like this post