The Vector, SE RAD Killer

They have been working on designs for a while. I think they were hoping for a release this year but I haven't asked João for an update for a few months.

From the newsletter

I posted the below in the daily SE, but wanted to Xpost here since I think it’s pretty vector specific and may reinvigorate the discussion in this thread.

(Referring to my 2023-06-26 post on daily SE thread)
Had a fantastic first shave with my new OC plate for my Ti vector. Also loving Muir Woods for these hot Texas days - B&M complexity without the dark notes I may like more in the winter (although honestly I don’t care much about that - give me lavanille or Vespers any day of the year).

3 pass BBS on 2-3 days of growth. The 3rd ATG was almost a formality. I did not find this plate any more aggressive than the SB but will continue to feel it out.

A couple notes:
The OC plate is SS while my vector is otherwise Ti. I don’t like the additional weight - I could probably adjust, but I had been learning to use the light weight to my advantage and this feels like backtracking on a razor which is designed to be minimalist. Such is life - no Ti base exists. I would have sprung for it if available. If I still worked in a machine shop I would probably drill some weight reduction holes in the SS base to get me back to that scalpel feel.

I made the OC base purchase ultimately because I have recently been switching to high angle of attack (riding the base) and finding good success with how gentle this method with the vector is on my skin. I thought the OC might prevent some scraping/snowplowing of the soap ahead of the blade. After the first day I’m optimistic - I’ll keep using it.

Is it a permanent replacement for the SB? Remains to be seen. To me the question is: am I happy with shave improvements (if any) when weighed (hah) against the additional weight.

I had mentioned to Shane at blackland a while back that an open comb in titanium would and should be an option but for whatever reason he thinks it's not something that people would want. I for one still wish he would make it.

I had mentioned to Shane at blackland a while back that an open comb in titanium would and should be an option but for whatever reason he thinks it's not something that people would want. I for one still wish he would make it.

We’re working on this! Currently in the process of moving our production and then this is on the list of new products to make when possible. It’s likely a 2024 item.

Great to hear Ti OC may be in the works.

Two other questions:
- any thoughts on weight reduction of the SS heads? There’s a bunch of material you could remove without suffering any functionality. I know machine ops are money, so maybe an up charge for “hyper light” option?

- I’ve noticed the handle into the stand is almost a press fit. If there’s a bit of water on the handle and the stand is on glass, the razor doesn’t enter the stand without some force. How about a channel to allow air to exit the bottom- could even be partial spiral to allow it to be completed after lathe facing on the bottom without tool change (if you face after parting).

Great to hear Ti OC may be in the works.

Two other questions:
- any thoughts on weight reduction of the SS heads? There’s a bunch of material you could remove without suffering any functionality. I know machine ops are money, so maybe an up charge for “hyper light” option?

- I’ve noticed the handle into the stand is almost a press fit. If there’s a bit of water on the handle and the stand is on glass, the razor doesn’t enter the stand without some force. How about a channel to allow air to exit the bottom- could even be partial spiral to allow it to be completed after lathe facing on the bottom without tool change (if you face after parting).

Appreciate the feedback! 

- Weight reduction on the stainless head feels silly. It's already lighter than an aluminum DE head and we offer titanium for that reason. So I won't rule it out entirely, but from here I can't see a great reason to try to take it from 17g to 12g or something.

- We'll look into this!

I’ve been thinking about the head weight reduction a bit. I think what I wanted to communicate about the vector shaving experience, and especially since I’ve gone back and tried some of my DE razors recently, is that its best feature to me is how light the head is. The light weight of the full Ti means there’s a high amount of feedback - there’s no heavy head to dampen the feeling of cutting the hairs. When I return to other razors, more than anything else, this is what I miss. Everything comparatively feels so vague.

That’s why I personally think it would be worthwhile to pursue weight reduction even in the Ti head. The Ti vector is at the point where things feel so unique, engaged, and raw in a way with which no other razor can compete. Why not try to go even further?

The Lotus of razors. World's best but lacking snob appeal.

I’ve been thinking about the head weight reduction a bit. I think what I wanted to communicate about the vector shaving experience, and especially since I’ve gone back and tried some of my DE razors recently, is that its best feature to me is how light the head is. The light weight of the full Ti means there’s a high amount of feedback - there’s no heavy head to dampen the feeling of cutting the hairs. When I return to other razors, more than anything else, this is what I miss. Everything comparatively feels so vague.

That’s why I personally think it would be worthwhile to pursue weight reduction even in the Ti head. The Ti vector is at the point where things feel so unique, engaged, and raw in a way with which no other razor can compete. Why not try to go even further?

This is definitely on the table. Eventually I’m sure we’ll come out with a V2 Vector. But it’s worth wondering whether carving another 3 grams from this thing will make someone more likely to buy it. Either way, I like pursuing concepts to their full conclusion so maybe I’ll consider this.

The Lotus of razors. World's best but lacking snob appeal.

Ah now we’re speaking my language!