I have been following this thread. As well as the previous one that started the Oliworks discussion on here.
When I started shaving circa 1984. The first method was a Norelco electric rotary. Then bic disposables Ugh. After those two methods. I got ahold of a Gillette Fatboy cause that what my dad had. Paired with Acme Super Markets purchased blades it worked. But I only got 2-3 ok shaves before they started tugging. But I usually tried to get a whole week out of a blade. Cause I am almost as tough as I am cheap.
Now with the knowledge gained from here and elsewhere. And sampling a bunch of blades I have 5 blades that are inexpensive and very good in my trusty Fatboy. Places like this forum are not the kind of enviroment that encourage you to stick with just one razor however. Always another shiny tool that someone raves about how dang good of a job it does.
Gears turn. Rationalizations are formulated. And internet orders are submitted. Trucks and delivery drivers run their routes. Packages are brought into homes under the watchful eyes of spouses asking. What do you need another one of THOSE for?!
For quite a while now. A great many threads and posts, mention the Gibbs adjustable as one of the best razors ever made. So much so, that many modern copies have come along to fill the void. I read and followed many posts about them, Taiga, Rex, Heritage and the Flexi. I decided to give the Flexi a try. The price is reasonable and the reviews are decent.
I like it but don't love it. (Check out my BST post
)
Then I start seeing posts about a new kid on the block. Oliworks. The pics looked nice. Along with a few very seasoned and knowledgeable gentleman on here giving them very favorable reviews. Piqued my curiosity. I reached out to one fellow with a few questions about the razor. And he offered to send his to me to give it a spin. How could I say no?
FWIW here are my thoughts on the Oliworks version of the vaunted Gibbs adjustable.
1. Nice heft and feel in my hand. Solid. Knurling is nicely executed. Good grip, while not pointy or distracting.
2. Adjustment wheel moves smoothly. And guard indexes smooth as well as staying square with the cap. Blade gap stays parallel and i could not get it to misalign. As many have said the dot is small. Another small critique is, it easy to unintentionally change your setting if you grip high up toward the head. I believe a stiffer spring would easily solve this issue if it really bothered you.
3. Fit and finish. Very well done. I like the matte stainless. Not a fan of mirror polished DE's
4. This version has a straight bar on one side and scalloped on the other. Not much of a difference feel wise for me. I would probably opt out of this "hybrid" design.
All of this while good is pointless if it doesn't do it's job well. And that is comfortably shave. Which this razor did deliver. I set it right in the middle of its adjustment range at 3.25.
The new Treet Falcon blade in conjunction with the Oliworks. Gave an easy comfortable DFS with zero irritation. I will shave with this razor more at other settings and with different good blades for me. And update with a final verdict. But this first use has been enjoyable.
Fluffy