Excuse the delay gents in putting my final thoughts on this razor to the screen. I’ll be brief and to the point as I see no need to add anything that does not pertain to the shave performance and quality of this kits craftsmanship. Monetarily wise, I think it’s worth the 5 Benny’s + as I see it as an heirloom quality creation. Pricing is subjective and everyone is going to have a different look and opinion on it. I see the work & the time put into it. Plus, the performance backs it up.
Let’s cut to the chase. The quality and attention to the smallest of details is apparent in the whole kit itself. From the detailed cuts of the wood case that holds each individual piece in its place to the near perfect alignment of the blade on each of those base and top caps is exceptional. One might gripe on the kits individual finishes on each respective alloy but, I find it to be a grain of sand that happens to be white at the beach that’s predominantly colored beige/brown. To me it does not detract from the overall quality and character that this particular kit delivers. The artisan has a vision and a particular idea on what he believes is the nature of what this razor should deliver. The individual pours their time, heart & soul into a creation and as a whole, it tells a story of refinement and homage to someone in their life. And I truly appreciate that aspect of the creation and most importantly, the thought behind it.
The 1.2 Brass. This is without question the most efficient operating option of the 3 included. Yet, I still felt comfortable in every stroke and at every particular pass whether it was ATG, WTG or XTG that it would deliver optimal feedback as long as the technique was equal to the task. Not saying that it is a razor that needs ultimate concentration or lock oneself into a zen like state but, just good razor sense on the individual and not be lazy about that technique. What it delivers is an exceptionally smooth & efficient shave that given its gap size and positive blade exposure, only a handful of razor makers have attained. Think R41 type like results with a Timeless SS .95 like type feel or a Karve F in Brass. Not bad company if you ask me.
The 1.0 SS. This one is slightly toned down from the 1.2 but, it still manages to give you good feel and feedback and when I installed a bit wider blade such as the KAI, blade feel was turned up a notch with a minuscule drop in comfort/smoothness. Still easier to maneuver than the 1.2 but, if you get lazy well, weepers and nics will abound without blinking an eye. With the Feather I would put this up against any mid aggressive razor in terms of shave prowess while still being quite nice on the skin and mean on the whiskers. And I believe that this particular set up with a milder or smoother blade would be the hands down winner for a perfect daily driver.
The .8 Ti. This one was smooth, smooth and more smooth. But, this pup still has some teeth to nibble on your skin if you think it’s a daisy. Clearly it’s the easier razor of the three on face feel, comfort and affords one the ability to get real cozy with it right quick. But, the positive blade exposure still tells you that it’s still there and can take a quick bite if you get too over confident too quickly. If your a daily shaver who can care less for a BBS or Dolphin like smooth skin after every shave, this is your huckleberry. The Titanium feels great on the skin and with a Feather, that initial harshness is tamed somewhat and it really is a joy to use. Gillette Tech razor seekers that want a modern alloyed shaver with just the slightest bump over that Tech, your search is potentially over with this one.
Great shaves across the board with every single one of these. I can’t say there was a bad one for the week that I had it. I never had an issue with the razors ability in keeping lather and cut whiskers flowing away from the skin and through the lather slots. Never an issue with rinsing on the Open Comb side and let alone on the Safety Bar side. The blade posts on the base plate is a non issue for me. Drop the blade in, place the top cap over it and screw in the handle. 1,2,3 easy. Traditionalist might take exception to this set up but, barring a severe medical condition this is a point that I see no grounds in arguing over. The argument simply just does not hold any water. Now, if your a klutz then, you shouldn’t be near anything sharp let alone holding it. Disposables were meant for you. Just embrace it and be happy with your shaves. Anyhow, I do have a gripe and that is with the handle itself. Not that it didn’t over balance or feel but, I felt that somehow this razor kit would have benefited from a knurled handle or something along the lines of the Timeless Crown Ti handle. Not exact but, something that offered some type of tactile grip/texture with some type of curves or undulation within the length of the handle. The handle never felt like it was going to slip but, somehow I was always fidgeting with it during the shave on trying to find the sweet spot for my fingers. Alum always took care of the grip but, it just felt lacking. That’s just me and me being finicky.
I would like to thank again the sponsor Atelier DURDAN for supplying and allowing us to sample a wonderful creation and the heads at DFS for allowing this to take place here in the forum. It was a privilege for me and I really enjoyed every shave with this kit. I love what the kit represents and what the artisan was trying or is conveying with this product. Some old with some new. I get it and I might just spring for one….
Let’s cut to the chase. The quality and attention to the smallest of details is apparent in the whole kit itself. From the detailed cuts of the wood case that holds each individual piece in its place to the near perfect alignment of the blade on each of those base and top caps is exceptional. One might gripe on the kits individual finishes on each respective alloy but, I find it to be a grain of sand that happens to be white at the beach that’s predominantly colored beige/brown. To me it does not detract from the overall quality and character that this particular kit delivers. The artisan has a vision and a particular idea on what he believes is the nature of what this razor should deliver. The individual pours their time, heart & soul into a creation and as a whole, it tells a story of refinement and homage to someone in their life. And I truly appreciate that aspect of the creation and most importantly, the thought behind it.
The 1.2 Brass. This is without question the most efficient operating option of the 3 included. Yet, I still felt comfortable in every stroke and at every particular pass whether it was ATG, WTG or XTG that it would deliver optimal feedback as long as the technique was equal to the task. Not saying that it is a razor that needs ultimate concentration or lock oneself into a zen like state but, just good razor sense on the individual and not be lazy about that technique. What it delivers is an exceptionally smooth & efficient shave that given its gap size and positive blade exposure, only a handful of razor makers have attained. Think R41 type like results with a Timeless SS .95 like type feel or a Karve F in Brass. Not bad company if you ask me.
The 1.0 SS. This one is slightly toned down from the 1.2 but, it still manages to give you good feel and feedback and when I installed a bit wider blade such as the KAI, blade feel was turned up a notch with a minuscule drop in comfort/smoothness. Still easier to maneuver than the 1.2 but, if you get lazy well, weepers and nics will abound without blinking an eye. With the Feather I would put this up against any mid aggressive razor in terms of shave prowess while still being quite nice on the skin and mean on the whiskers. And I believe that this particular set up with a milder or smoother blade would be the hands down winner for a perfect daily driver.
The .8 Ti. This one was smooth, smooth and more smooth. But, this pup still has some teeth to nibble on your skin if you think it’s a daisy. Clearly it’s the easier razor of the three on face feel, comfort and affords one the ability to get real cozy with it right quick. But, the positive blade exposure still tells you that it’s still there and can take a quick bite if you get too over confident too quickly. If your a daily shaver who can care less for a BBS or Dolphin like smooth skin after every shave, this is your huckleberry. The Titanium feels great on the skin and with a Feather, that initial harshness is tamed somewhat and it really is a joy to use. Gillette Tech razor seekers that want a modern alloyed shaver with just the slightest bump over that Tech, your search is potentially over with this one.
Great shaves across the board with every single one of these. I can’t say there was a bad one for the week that I had it. I never had an issue with the razors ability in keeping lather and cut whiskers flowing away from the skin and through the lather slots. Never an issue with rinsing on the Open Comb side and let alone on the Safety Bar side. The blade posts on the base plate is a non issue for me. Drop the blade in, place the top cap over it and screw in the handle. 1,2,3 easy. Traditionalist might take exception to this set up but, barring a severe medical condition this is a point that I see no grounds in arguing over. The argument simply just does not hold any water. Now, if your a klutz then, you shouldn’t be near anything sharp let alone holding it. Disposables were meant for you. Just embrace it and be happy with your shaves. Anyhow, I do have a gripe and that is with the handle itself. Not that it didn’t over balance or feel but, I felt that somehow this razor kit would have benefited from a knurled handle or something along the lines of the Timeless Crown Ti handle. Not exact but, something that offered some type of tactile grip/texture with some type of curves or undulation within the length of the handle. The handle never felt like it was going to slip but, somehow I was always fidgeting with it during the shave on trying to find the sweet spot for my fingers. Alum always took care of the grip but, it just felt lacking. That’s just me and me being finicky.
I would like to thank again the sponsor Atelier DURDAN for supplying and allowing us to sample a wonderful creation and the heads at DFS for allowing this to take place here in the forum. It was a privilege for me and I really enjoyed every shave with this kit. I love what the kit represents and what the artisan was trying or is conveying with this product. Some old with some new. I get it and I might just spring for one….