Recommendation for efficient and smooth razor

Hi all,

I wish to seek a recommendation for an efficient and smooth razor.

As of now, I have three razors:

Edwin Jagger DE89 - I hardly use this - IMO is not a very smooth razor
Muhle R41 - Hardly uses this - Too aggressive
Timeless 0.95 Stainless Steel - Daily Driver

A few years ago, I loved my Timeless 0.95 as it is aggressive. But as years goes by I started to feel that Timeless 0.95 is too aggressive for my personal preference, but I really love to chase BBS - but often got punished for the aggressive-ness of Timeless 0.95

What am I looking for:
- Efficient enough for me to chase BBS
- Smooth enough so as not to have irritation when I chase for BBS
- Modern Razor
- Moderate shaving angle
- Max USD250 (Wouldn't mind stretching a little more)

Sorry if I don't come back to reply for awhile, been really busy at work.

My current personal favorites are Above the Tie Windsor Pro SB 90, and the Blackland Era Lvl 4.

Extremely smooth and highly recommended.

The Karve Overlander has become one of the top "efficient but smooth daily drivers" for me. And it is well under your budgeted amount. The Rockwell 6S (plates 4 and 5) is also a fantastic daily driver.

Carbon .68 and Lupo DLC (DLC no longer available but can put WTB ads out for one. New .58 plate is very similar to DLC Lupo though.) 

The carbon is a very fun, smooth, and safe feeling razor. I like blade feel to know where I’m at, and the carbon has that but with its .68 gap, it’s not aggressive for me at all. 

The DLC Lupo is a special razor to me. A lot of folks said they thought the DLC coating caused a drag effect. That may be so, but in a weird way it’s what makes this razor so great for me. It almost “drags” to the point where it’s squeeging your face and holding your skin tight while the blades going over it. I’ve only shaved with the SS .58 plate on the newer Lupo a few times but gap/exposure wise, it’s the closest to the older DLC Lupo. 

Also just ordered a PAA meta 4 razor. Its finally back in stock and going for $70. Have seen some great reviews about it being mild but very efficient.

Its about 70 more than you want to spend but if you can splurge for it I recommend the H&S Co Ti Efficient. It is exactly what your looking for except the cost. If you don't like the full knurl handle Aji will usually swap it out for you.

In order of increasing price:

• Razorock  Lupo .095
  
• Tatara  Nodachi
  
• Blackland Vector (SS, Matte)
  

These three razors are mild, efficient, and easily "BBS capable" for me.  They are modern, stainless, and within your price point.  


-  For the Nodachi, Tatara shows a recommended angle of 24°, which may be less than what you are used to, but FWIW, I had no trouble immediately finding the right angle and shaving with it.  On paper, the Nodachi might not look mild, but it is mild in practice (at least for me).  It is also very efficient.  Tatara is currently running a 15% off sale.  Depending on where you live - Tatara products are made in and ship form Portugal - the 15% discount will be more or less sweet.  You will need the discount code 190622.

-  The Vector takes artist club blades and will likely require a different angle.  It is however, a very loved razor.  Blackland is currently offering a 50% discount on their signature brushes with the purchase of a razor (code DADLAND22).



Good luck with whatever you decide.

Thanks all, do keep up on the recommendation. Will be reading some reviews during lunchtime.

If I want a mild feeling shave I grab my Era lvl 5 or Yates M. Both are absolutely capable of BBS. The latest Lupo 95 OC is also very nice and gets me to BBS (the SB didn‘t).

The Focus Tritok R52 Concave Razor, at around $70 from Italian Barber and other vendors, can't be beat.

My recommendation is the Rockwell 6s.  Its a modern razor, its smooth and as efficient as you want depending on the plate you select from 1 through 6.  I use plate 3 or 4 with a Feather as a daily shaver and will occasionally venture into 5/6 territory if I want a little more aggressiveness or, 2 if Im unwilling to focus too much.  I've never tried plate 1 but I think it would probably give an acceptable shave.