Rocnel SE-G. My first thoughts and shave...... Fine!

Prepped for my first shave with the Rocnel SE-G and wanted to change things up a bit. But before that I would like to thank Phil @Bullgoose for sponsoring this pass around (another shave forum) and for his generosity in allowing me to trial this razor.

So, like I had stated I wanted to change things up a bit so I decided to get my first shave with the Rocnel with the standard carbon steel GEM blade. I figured, if it goes bad at the start, it will only get better down the road. Plus, I haven't used them before and there's very little talk if any on how it would work with the Rocnel. Deep waters, here we go....


Pic above pretty much tells what I used.......

Onto the shave. Loaded the Gem carbon steel blade without a single issue. The feel and weight of the razor felt very good in the hands. The SE-G felt kind of small in my hands, but very comfortable and nicely balanced. Alignment and fitment of the blade was excellent. No overhang on either side and it was secured nicely with the grub/handle screw.

Pass 1 WTG, N-S= I started from the sideburns, mid-ear from North to South. The angle was easy to acquire on the first two strokes and even easier to maintain. Smooth, light touch and the razor cut through the stubble very nicely. The Rocnel has plenty of weight, so no pressure is needed, just a controlled and balanced drop. Very nice and comfy first pass with the carbon steel GEM blade. I felt no roughness or stickiness of the razor on my face. Just tiny little soap lines from the open comb design as I made my passes. Nice.....

Cold water rinse, one tiny weeper on the right and relathered......

Pass 2 ATG, WTG hybrid pass, S-N & L-R, R-L = Started from the base of the neck on an upward pass and slightly I turn inward towards the throat as that's how my hair growth maps out. From the jawline up it's a straight South to North pass. Man, what a pass! Now, it wasn't perfect as I felt a couple little bumps and skips on the neck heading towards the throat from both sides. A couple tiny red dots confirmed this. But I don't fault the razor at all on this. I knew it would be a little tough there for me because of my pronounced Adams Apple area. But it was smooth as silk when it was done. Also, the GEM carbon steel blade is a couple notches below on the smoothness compared to the SS PTFE coated ones. The finish on my face was just excellent. As close to a BBS shave all around minus the throat area. Chin was clean and just minor buffing along the jawline. Dropped the mic and walked of the stage performance.

Cold water rinse and onto the alum pass. Slight feedback along both jawlines and both sides of the throat. 4-5 weepers gone on the rinse and alum pass. Minor irritation on said areas, but gone in 30 minutes. I was left with an excellent smooth and refreshed shave. Got my hazel, rose water and aftershave splash and quench on. My daughter said "Nice Dad". 100% approval.

This razor can cut gents. A very nice aggressive shave and feel. Not overly done though, just the right amount of blade feel for those that like the blade feel on the skin, like myself. And contrary to the stories I've read about the GEM carbon steel blades not being smooth or efficient? Not so for me. It cut nicely and efficiently. Not as smooth as the SS PTFE version, but certainly respectable.

1st shave in, and I like it....

Congratulations on the successful shave.

Brave of you to start off with a carbon. I do know a few people who prefer carbon SE blades so it's not completely unheard of. The SE-G was too aggressive for me to use regularly but I agree with you that it can certainly shave and shave well.

Glad you enjoyed it, Gus! I enjoy mine, although my local friend to whom I loaned it did not have a good experience. I'm seeing him Tuesday to see if we can figure out what the problem is. And to allow him to return it after one horrible shave. And to have a beer.

[quote="CCity" pid='155640' dateline='1501469451']
Glad you enjoyed it, Gus! I enjoy mine, although my local friend to whom I loaned it did not have a good experience. I'm seeing him Tuesday to see if we can figure out what the problem is. And to allow him to return it after one horrible shave. And to have a beer.
[/quote
A pint is always a good reason for anything! But on the Rocnel, it was a good shave. Good blade feel, though not excessive. No blade stops or tabs might be an issue for some and I can see that. But as long as you align the GEM blade well and use very little pressure, it's a true whisker whacker. Next up is trying it with the FHS-10 blade. Although it is not so easy getting it aligned as it does not have a spine, I got it to where it's even exposure from end to end and not to far forward. Should be interesting........

Nice review! You provided lots of good insights on this interesting razor.

[quote="CCity" pid='155640' dateline='1501469451']
Glad you enjoyed it, Gus! I enjoy mine, although my local friend to whom I loaned it did not have a good experience. I'm seeing him Tuesday to see if we can figure out what the problem is. And to allow him to return it after one horrible shave. And to have a beer.
[/quote
A pint is always a good reason for anything! But on the Rocnel, it was a good shave. Good blade feel, though not excessive. No blade stops or tabs might be an issue for some and I can see that. But as long as you align the GEM blade well and use very little pressure, it's a true whisker whacker. Next up is trying it with the FHS-10 blade. Although it is not so easy getting it aligned as it does not have a spine, I got it to where it's even exposure from end to end and not to far forward. Should be interesting........

What's intriguing to me about using the FHS-10 in the Rocnel is that an infinite number of blade exposures become available! Let us know how it goes, Gus.

Glad you enjoyed it, Gus! I enjoy mine, although my local friend to whom I loaned it did not have a good experience. I'm seeing him Tuesday to see if we can figure out what the problem is. And to allow him to return it after one horrible shave. And to have a beer.
[/quote
A pint is always a good reason for anything! But on the Rocnel, it was a good shave. Good blade feel, though not excessive. No blade stops or tabs might be an issue for some and I can see that. But as long as you align the GEM blade well and use very little pressure, it's a true whisker whacker. Next up is trying it with the FHS-10 blade. Although it is not so easy getting it aligned as it does not have a spine, I got it to where it's even exposure from end to end and not to far forward. Should be interesting........

What's intriguing to me about using the FHS-10 in the Rocnel is that an infinite number of blade exposures become available! Let us know how it goes, Gus.

Definitely not infinite. The blade actually has to sit farther back in order for the set screw to secure it. If you expose the blade out as far as the GEM sits then I don't think the screw can hold it anymore.

What's intriguing to me about using the FHS-10 in the Rocnel is that an infinite number of blade exposures become available! Let us know how it goes, Gus.

Definitely not infinite. The blade actually has to sit farther back in order for the set screw to secure it. If you expose the blade out as far as the GEM sits then I don't think the screw can hold it anymore.

Spot on. To far forward, not enough blade to tighten it down.
Needless to say, the shave was average with the FHS-10 blade. I had to adjust it a bit just to get a decent WTG pass on it. Really only did 2 passes with it. Just wasn't confident enough on how the blade was sitting in the razor. Without a spine on there I believe the FHS is at a disadvantage when being secured. Plus, without any blade stops or tabs, you really can't just eyeball it to be exactly lined up. With the GEM, you have that spine there where the blade is aligned for proper blade exposure and you just have to worry about your corners being equally centered on the ends. Get a spine on the FHS, and it just work. But as it stands, I wouldn't recommend it unless you can square it up perfectly on all 3 sides. I could not despite my best efforts.

A new flavor added to the mix:

Rocnel SE-G Matte finish