Paradigm Diamondback Titanium Pass Around

My second shave with the Ti Diamondback was outstanding!!  

Although the results were similar to the first shave, it was more enjoyable due to having a better understanding regarding how the razor and blade were actually working.  I continued with my plan of going slow and concentrating on technique.  I, however, was not concerned about feeling the blade more than my other razors.  I recognized that the cutting sensation was the razor and blade properly and effectively working and not cutting into my skin.  By continuing to apply as little pressure as possible, I again had no irritation or weepers.  

The shave was efficient and will allow me to shave every other day.  For this shave, I added an extra clean up pass on my neck.  That is usually the tricky part for me, but I had no issues or rashes.  I even used an alum bar on my neck to see if it would cause any stinging.  There was none.  

Mike recommended that I try a slightly steeper angle and ride the safety bar a little more.  I will be using that technique as much as possible for my next shave.  

I am really enjoying the razor so far and I appreciate being given this opportunity. 

Cheers!!

I used the method recommended by Mike for my third shave.  Specifically, I used a steeper angle and rode the safety bar.  To me, this technique added additional smoothness.  I was also a bit surprised that it also seemed to improve the efficiency of the razor.  I needed very little clean up to produce the closest shave of my three shaves with the razor.

For anybody looking to lessen the blade feel a bit, I recommend trying Mike's suggestion about using a slightly steeper angle.  This was definitely the best of my three shaves.  The razor simply felt a tad smoother, but that little extra was very nice overall.  

After revisiting the posts on this thread, I am planning to try a Nacet next.  That seems to be the consensus recommended blade.

My week with the razor has ended.  I will clean and sanitize it tonight and then mail it to Lesser  tomorrow morning.  

I was, however, to complete a fourth shave this morning.  I again used the a steeper angle but with a Nacet this time.  The Nacet was noticeable a bit sharper but, in my opinion, was still very smooth.  I am no razor expert--far from it--but my thought is that riding the bar a little more played a large role in the smoothness of the shave. Regardless, I had no weepers or irritation at all, despite not always maintain the best technique. The shave was also very close, and I am extremely happy with the results.   

I did, however, experience my first slight negative with a shave using the razor.  The sample soap I used today was extremely slick, and the razor became a bit slippery.  It does not have aggressive knurling on the handle.  I, therefore, gripped the razor fairly tight to ensure it did not move or slip in my hand.  Although it did not affect the shave, my hand actually got a bit fatigued.  I, however, do not fault the razor.  It was more due to my slow technique, getting some soap on my hand, and gripping too tight.

FINAL THOUGHTS:  I really appreciate dtownvino  giving me the opportunity to try the razor.  Due to using only mild razors in the past, I was not sure how I would like something slightly more aggressive or even if I was ready to try such a razor.  This pass around has given my confidence that my technique has improved and that I can use a more efficient razor like the Diamondback Ti.    

Although I definitely had more blade feel than my normal razors, I would not describe this razor as very or overly aggressive.  It became more efficient and smooth with each shave, and I am sure spending a little more time with it would make it even a better shave for me.  I am probably a few shaves away with the razor before trying a full three pass BBS shave.  But, that is just where I am at in wet shaving.  For those more advanced, I am positive that you will easily achieve an extremely efficient shave with the razor.             

The biggest selling point of the razor to me was the construction and material used.  I simply love the look and feel of the titanium.  It had a natural softness and glided effortlessly on the skin.  Paradigm Shaveware did an outstanding job designing and fabricating the razor.  WELL DONE!!  I own nothing comparable to the quality and feel of this razor and would purchase it based on those factors even if I had found that I needed a little more time before using a more efficient razor.  This is a keeper to me and something I would want to own.   

I would also not hesitate to recommend it, especially to somebody looking for a titanium razor.  Those who purchased the razor at the presale price got a fantastic deal.  Congratulations and I thank everybody who took the time to read my reviews!  

I now look forward to Lesser  thoughts....

The DB has landed, well cleaned and packed for me by SinCityAg.  First shave done.  Used some touchstone tools:  Rudy Vey “Ocean Mist” / Muhle STF / ADP cream / Gillette Silver Blue (my most used blade, although I'm increasingly enjoying Wizamets).  I don't need to talk about quality of the finishing and such since others have but it fully met expectations of anything short of very top-of-the-line.  

The shave:  Finding the angle of slightly riding the cap was intuitive and immediate, and in that sense it handles very much like my H&S N074.  I found it to be pretty much what I expected in terms of aggressiveness given all the other reviews:  to me it feels like a moderate shaver -- which is my comfort zone.  Perhaps a very very touch less efficient than I might have expected but the shave was exactly all I usually want: DFS tending towards BBS.  I don't usually want or shoot for absolute BBS because as a daily shaver it's overkill and only likely to lead to some slips or irritation.  It was perhaps the easiest first shave I've ever had with a razor and the result was just great.  Suffice it to say, that means no nicks, no irritation and a good shave.  As you can see I didn't use aftershave because none was needed -- I sometimes put on a splash or balm just because I feel like it (or like a particular scent) but for good shaves I more often do not use aftershave as I'd rather put on some skin products I use and then a parfum/scent (today, I am trying out Mind Games The Forward).  To me, the only downside is that I have never loved titanium razors.  Many others may not feel this way but even when great shavers (such as a Blackbird Vector Ti), there is something harsh and raspy about the metal that I don't love.  I have over the years bought a few but have yet to keep one.  Here, the titanium quality wasn't as pronounced as with other razors but it was still there.  I'll see how I feel after a few more shaves.

So, all in all, a most impressive and pleasing start to my time with this razor.  If the next few days are equal to today, I could be on my purchase list.  Thanks so very much to dtownvino for setting up this pass around.

Two more days of using the Diamondback.  

Both days used the same brush (Elite Honduran Rosewood Burl 26mm Manchurian White) and soap (A&E Vacanza Romana) and just varied the blades. The first day was a Gillette Silver Blue and the second days was a Wizamet Iridium Super.  Both shave were just excellent.  The razor -- for me -- is entirely natural to use.  I get blade feedback, but not overly much, but, then, that could be because the razor basically glides across my face.  While others have talked about the angle to use, I find a traditional 30 degrees works fine and tend towards riding the cap slightly.  Just a joy to use.  Between he two blades, the GSB shave was slightly better. Both gave equally close shaves (maybe the Wizamet was a touch closer?) but there were one or two places where the Wizamet was more noticeable when it cut and that shave produced a tiny nick. 

One thing I've noticed about this razor is how it compares to the numerous other titanium razors I have used:  the usual harshness of the metal isn't as pronounced.  There is a slight amount but it's reduced.  I do wonder, however, what the steel version of the DB would be like - it could be smooth as can be (for me, at least).  

Have a few more shaves that I would like to try before finishing up. These are primarily to cause me to reach a conclusion on how much I feel I need this razor.......

Hey all. Just wanted to thank everyone for giving the Titanium Diamondback a trial -- and especially thanks to Mike for arranging all of this.

And now for a bit of shameless promotion: there are a handful left after the presale, ready for immediate shipping. If anyone is interested in purchasing a razor, please go to paradigmshaveware.com. The regular retail price is $380. There really are just handful remaining, so don't delay. Any questions, please email me directly, andrew@paradigmshaveware.com.

Thanks again!

This is an amazing deal...and let me tell you just why!

In the iPhone 16 Pro, only the band that runs around the phone is made of Ti...and it costs
up to a cool 2 grand.

The Paradigm Diamondback Ti is 100% space grade Titanium.

get em while you can! You may never get the opportunity again.

get em while you can! You may never get the opportunity again.

Polished will be definitely more $$$ you get the price based off of a very good economy of scale in my opinion.