Paradigm 17-4 SS Razor

Does anyone remember if Andrew gave a timeline for the GEM razor?

No timeline. It's as quickly as I can get it done, basically.

Also, I have been shaving a lot with GEM lately and have noticed a persistent roughness, irrespective of the razor. So I examined the blade microscopically against a Feather AC. The grind on the Feather is just so much smoother and more uniform. So looks like the SE will be AC, not GEM. Hope the GEM fans are not too disappointed....

This just made my day! I love my AC format razor and will gladly scoop this one up!

Does anyone remember if Andrew gave a timeline for the GEM razor?

No timeline. It's as quickly as I can get it done, basically.

Also, I have been shaving a lot with GEM lately and have noticed a persistent roughness, irrespective of the razor. So I examined the blade microscopically against a Feather AC. The grind on the Feather is just so much smoother and more uniform. So looks like the SE will be AC, not GEM. Hope the GEM fans are not too disappointed....

While I find the Blackland Saber to be incredibly smooth and efficient, I'm excited that you're coming out with an AC razor next! I don't have an AC SE razor with the smoothness and efficiency of the 17-4 and the Saber

This is really exciting news. SE=AC is a ok!

This is promising as my facial skin has never enjoyed GEM-type blades.

I do like the GEM PTFE blade and I really like the Sabre L2 as it's smooth and efficient. As far as AC razors the only two I like so far is the ATT which is smooth but not as efficient as the the Sabre L2 but the ATT SE 2 OC is very efficient but is not a smooth shaver IMO and the Brass General is fairly efficient and smooth. So I'm hoping that like the 17 4 Andy can do a SE AC razor that is both smooth and efficient and I find the best AC blade to be the Proline for my beard. I find Feathers harsh.

So looks like the SE will be AC, not GEM. Hope the GEM fans are not too disappointed....

Some will be disappointed but with the AC I'm in for sure

Andy,
What is your process for designing a razor if you don't mind?
Do you try all of the competitor's razors yourself and attempt to make some improvements?
Do you have some people test prototypes and then make changes based on their recommendations?

I've tried about all of the AC razors out there and there are things I like and dislike about each of them.
I only ask because my favorite AC blade razors are the King Cobra and the ATT SE1 and I'm hoping that this new razor will be the combination of smooth and efficient that I find present in these razors, while making some additional improvements.

I never got the Wolfman hype except when it was described as an art piece. I would often get better shaves with a Gillette Tech than the Wolfman SB. It’s always been about a fresh blade and technique for me. This razor is a bit different. The design is such that the shaves are effortless, close and clean. A very well thought out and designed razor.

Five weeks now and I have tried Stork, Wolfman and the Ikon handles (which fit well.) Nothing matches the 17-4 stainless handle for me. It’s not flashy like the first two mentioned above but it spirals down beautifully with the head. An advantage of using the razor as intended. The finest wet shaving product imo of 2017/18...so far.

The finest wet shaving product imo of 2017/18...so far.

Second that!

The handle is beautiful and the texture feels great in the hand. I just wish it was larger.
The exact same design and finish but a bit more substantial size wise would be an improvement for me.
I've been trying to get used to the size of the handle but it's just not happening.

The razor however is outstanding and would certainly be in contention for the best new product offered for 2017/2018.
The new Grooming Dept soaps would be in contention as well.