Stirling Soap 316 Stainless Steel Razor

I shaved with the prototype and both baseplates so I can’t wait to try this version to see if theirs any difference. The description of the couple of Shave reports from users sounds like the efficiency levels of each plate are the same as when I used the prototype. This may sound masochistic but I preferred the Hyper Baseplate. No pressure and use it like a ST8 skin stretching all through the shave kept the beast in check..

NOTE: LOOT James you have the Rocnel 2019 so you got this! No worries. Lol

Oh yeah, I got the hyper plate, no worries. Like George said, a GSB should take some bite out of it.

This one sounds really good. Blade feel seems akin to the Sailor.

I wiped both razors this morning with a lint-free cloth, and I just want to say that these razors shine up quite nicely. They appear to be very resistant to scratches, though I am certainly not going to test the theory. In that sense, they remind me of the Paradigm 17-4.

I shaved with the prototype and both baseplates so I can’t wait to try this version to see if theirs any difference. The description of the couple of Shave reports from users sounds like the efficiency levels of each plate are the same as when I used the prototype. This may sound masochistic but I preferred the Hyper Baseplate. No pressure and use it like a ST8 skin stretching all through the shave kept the beast in check..

NOTE: LOOT James you have the Rocnel 2019 so you got this! No worries. Lol

Oh yeah, I got the hyper plate, no worries. Like George said, a GSB should take some bite out of it.

This one sounds really good. Blade feel seems akin to the Sailor.

I was thinking that the Hyper Baseplate may be like the sailor set on 6. Really looking forward to this one.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Tonight I did, in fact, have enough beard to take the ST (standard gap) for a spin.  I paired it with an ‘old reliable’ blade (Astra SP).

I used the bottom-knurled handle this time and despite my initial concern about the location of the knurling, it actually provided a very secure, natural-positioned shave.  Both handles instill confidence; it could simply come down to looks rather than functionality.

On to the shave.  Again I used my customary steep angle on the first pass.  And again I was met with a blade-forward and efficient result.  As with the HA head, there was plenty of audible feedback (‘knife on toast’).  And once again, I felt that the razor required both good technique and concentration.  Neither of these baseplates provided me a carefree shave.  Both demand your full attention.  I tried a shallower angle XTG tonight, and rode the cap a bit.  That seemed to tame the blade feel, as such technique tends to do. 

The ST still has lots of blade feel; but the lower gap probably reduces efficiency a hair (sorry).  As I said last night, those who enjoy feeling the blade as they shave will adore these razors.  Perhaps I am simply not one who particularly enjoys so much blade feel.  The shave results are stellar.  The journey, for my tastes, was a bit harsh.

I think I’ll try the ST again tomorrow night with a Feather.  After that, I will likely be ready to pass it along to the next gentleman, unless someone has a suggestion/request.

I want to publicly commend and thank Rod and Mandy for allowing so many of us to try these razors, and I am really happy for them that the production issues they encountered are in the rear view mirror.

I shaved with the prototype and both baseplates so I can’t wait to try this version to see if theirs any difference. The description of the couple of Shave reports from users sounds like the efficiency levels of each plate are the same as when I used the prototype. This may sound masochistic but I preferred the Hyper Baseplate. No pressure and use it like a ST8 skin stretching all through the shave kept the beast in check..

NOTE: LOOT James you have the Rocnel 2019 so you got this! No worries. Lol

I'm surprised by your last comment, Frank. I have the Rocnel 2019 Elite Aggressive, which to my face is not unlike the Paradigm 17-4. Not aggressive, but efficient. I'm hopeful that the hyper-aggressive baseplate from Sterling has more blade-forwardness than either.

CCity , I’ve owned the 17-4. That razor, IMO, is not blade-forward at all. I thought it to be buttery smooth. These Stirlings are both blade-forward. I would equate the ST with a CG Level 3. The HA baseplate? Simply badass.

In comparing the handles, the ‘bottom-knurled’ provides a more balanced feel.  The ‘top-knurled’ is definitely top-heavy and must be treated differently as a result.

The blade must be positioned on the top of the baseplate (and not the underside of the cap), which makes coupling the plate and cap unique.  I spread my fingers, press the two together and attach the handle on the top of my hand between my fingers.  There is significant blade overhang on both sides, which is not really necessary IMO because the tolerances are so tight. Once the cap and plate are secured, the side blade tabs will not move at all. (So, I’m not sure why Rod wanted this blade overhang — with vintage razors, the side tabs are useful to adjust the blade, if uneven.)