Oneblade

Imunro69

Imunro69

Messages
243
Location
Essex
Really thinking about getting a oneblade can anyone recommend that have tried or that have taken the plunge !
I must say it's a gorgeous looking razor but is it worth the hefty price tag ?

Thanks Ian
 
Don't let Billy fool you. He's already explained how much he loved the OneBlade, calling it the most comfortable razor he's ever used. He's just sore he can't afford one... :p

Anyway, below is my review of the OneBlade, the newer version they have that I originally posted on another forum:

"In the past month or so, OneBlade has made some slight changes to the head design of their razor, and have claimed to be using a new, harder steel alloy (this alloy has yet to be disclosed, except to say that it is a steel alloy currently only being used in medical equipment) in the OneBlade head. With these changes came a $100 markup in price, up to $399 from the previous cost of $299. For the first couple weeks after it's introduction, version 2.0 was sold at the old price of $299. I was able to pick the 2.0 version up at the price of $299, minus 10% off with their ongoing discount code.

I was an early buyer of the original OneBlade, and it has been my #1 most used razor in my den since I purchased it. For me, it was quite simply the greatest razor ever made; better than any other DE, SE, or cart I had tried. What made it better?

1. The blade

SE blades are thicker, more sturdy and more rigid than DE blades or cartridge blades. An SE blade will not bend or warp the way these thinner blades will, thus the shave provided will be more consistent throughout, at least in my experience. The spineless Feather FHS was the best possible choice, IMO, because it is both smoother and sharper than the GEM PTFE. The GEM may last longer, but this is because it is not as sharp as the Feather. That is the trade off. (Yet, for those who prefer the GEM, the spine may be removed to fit the razor, and it fits even more precisely if the GEM is clipped at it's sides. [Instructions for this modification will be posted upon request.])

2. The head

Beginning with blade insertion, it doesn't get any easier to change blades. Push in, pull up and out, blade changed. Simple, efficient, innovative. No razor makes switching blades so easy or so quick.

Being an SE, the razor head angle can and is designed to lay flat against the face to maintain the optimum shave angle. The correct shaving angle is built into the head, so there is never any guesswork or slip ups; which is something DE razors cannot accomplish, and something which some new SE razor makers have not taken advantage of.

3. The pivot

A pivot on a razor, which prior to the OneBlade only existed on cartridge razors, accomplishes two things. One, a pivot can move with the contours of the face at the same angle whilst shaving. Two, a pivot offers forgiveness in the razor. This second point requires some explanation.

In a normal safety razor lacking a pivot, the aggression level and efficiency of the razor is practically unchangeable. (Exceptions here are adjustable DE's, and new Mongoose/Cobra style SE's that use the wide shavette style AC blades. These latter type SE's have adjustable aggression based on the blade type used [ProGuard, Pro, Super Pro, etc.]) If you want a different aggression level, you will need to change the razor, the blade, or make an adjustment to the adjustable in between passes. With a pivot, however, aggression/efficiency can me monitored and adjusted instantly during the pass and during the stroke by adding or removing pressure. Without a pivot, adding pressure is like going from 1 to 10 on aggression with no middle ground and no brakes. With a pivot, you have very precise control + forgiveness on the level of agression; starting mild at 1, and moving to 2,3,4,5, and up to 10 on those exact places on the face that most need more or less.

Being tight and spring loaded, the OneBlade's pivot is completely unlike the pivot on a cart. A cart's pivot does ride the contours of the face, but is very floppy, and not very pressure sensitive to changes in aggression. And thus, a cart is not made to allow for the highest levels of aggression/efficiency/closeness of shave. A cart is made for safety first, whilst the OneBlade is made for safety with higher levels of closeness with intuitive control. No other razor can boast of delivering such a close shave, whilst having so much control on aggression, whilst being as safe.

4. The handle

Safety razors these days are mostly built entirely in stainless steel. And no wonder. It is a great, hard metal that will last forever without rust or corrosion. The trade off for all this is weight. Stainless steel is heavy, much heavier than any of the vintage razors many of us and previous generations have used. I would say, too heavy. Shaving requires dexterity and nimble fingers. Much of this dexterity is obviated when using too heavy a razor, akin to using a machete rather than a scalpel in surgery.

Most of the weight being in the handle, OneBlade has solved this problem by hollowing out the center of the handle. This not only solves the weight issue, but makes for an excellent non-slip grip within the hollowed out section.

**********************

Above is simply a breakdown of OneBlade's separate attributes. As to the shave itself, I have already partially alluded, but may need restating. There is quite simply no other safety razor ever made that shaves so safely and comfortably, whilst simultaneously providing the closest BBS shave possible. It is as smooth as ice, with very small risk of nicks, cuts, weepers, or irritation, and shaves closer and more consistently than any DE I've used.

**********************

This is why I wasn't hesitant to purchase the unofficially dubbed OneBlade 2.0. With a 30 day money back guarantee, and customer service that has gone above and beyond in the past, I had nothing to lose with trying a new version of my favorite razor.

...And I'm not sorry, as I'll be keeping the new version. Most everything needing to be said about the OneBlade I've said above, so below I'll focus on the differences.

First thing I noticed when receiving the 2.0 was the case. The OneBlade comes with the razor, a solid metal stand which holds the razor horizontally, a stitched leather case holding both razor and stand, and 10 pack of Feather FHS blades. The case on the 2.0 is a dark chocolate leather, much darker than the original case.

The stand and razor look almost exactly the same. The only visual differences I could perceive was slight manufacturing molding lines at different places within the head (where the blade sits). While I do not have a scale to weigh for myself, a member on another forum has found slight weight differences in the razor and stand. These are:

- V1 (Stand 205.1 grams, Razor 89.2 grams)
- V2 (Stand 202.7 grams, Razor 87.6 grams)

I've noticed no difference in weight by simply handling the two razors, but if the weight differences are accurate, my only explanation is for the alleged steel alloy change. (When OneBlade announces what this is, I'll let you all know.)

The next difference in the V2 is the blade insertion/locking mechanism. The blade in V2 can be removed with less pulling force, sliding in and out easier, and the blade sits slightly more loose in the razor. There is an amount of very slight "play", or free floating movement to the blade that is not there in V1. I do believe this was intentional, and as much was said to a member of another forum concerning the design changes as told by OneBlade themselves. I must mention that although there is this "play" to the blade, it is very slight, and the blade is still very much "locked in" to the razor.

Now for the shave. I am about 5 shaves in, and this is where the most noticeable changes have taken place. Somehow, the shave "feels" more mild. For about 80% of the shave, I feel no blade at all. If I took the blade out, my skin would not even be able to tell whether or not there was a blade inserted. The blade feel, or lack of blade feel, can only be described as 'ghost-like'. Now, this 'ghost-like' lack of blade feel did occur in the V1, but only for about 40% of the shave. Now, at about 80% of the shave lacking blade feel, this attribute has increased by about 100%.

This means: whatever chance of weepers or irritation existed in the original version, which was still possible, but better managed than any other safety razor, has now doubly improved. And yes, my skin is smoother and feels less raw post shave.

But while 'apparent' mildness may have increased, zero efficiency has been lost. It feels more mild, but cuts just as close, and for a just as long lasting BBS shave. OneBlade has claimed that mildness and efficiency have increased, but in my experience efficiency has remained the same whilst only mildness/safety have improved. For me, this is enough. I'm still getting the closest shaves of my life, but it is even more smooth, gentle, safe and comfortable beyond the degree which V1 was already the champion. To me, OneBlade (now V2) is the prize and centerpiece of my den."
 
Len said:
Don't let Billy fool you. He's already explained how much he loved the OneBlade, calling it the most comfortable razor he's ever used. He's just sore he can't afford one... :p

Anyway, below is my review of the OneBlade, the newer version they have that I originally posted on another forum:

"In the past month or so, OneBlade has made some slight changes to the head design of their razor, and have claimed to be using a new, harder steel alloy (this alloy has yet to be disclosed, except to say that it is a steel alloy currently only being used in medical equipment) in the OneBlade head. With these changes came a $100 markup in price, up to $399 from the previous cost of $299. For the first couple weeks after it's introduction, version 2.0 was sold at the old price of $299. I was able to pick the 2.0 version up at the price of $299, minus 10% off with their ongoing discount code.

I was an early buyer of the original OneBlade, and it has been my #1 most used razor in my den since I purchased it. For me, it was quite simply the greatest razor ever made; better than any other DE, SE, or cart I had tried. What made it better?

1. The blade

SE blades are thicker, more sturdy and more rigid than DE blades or cartridge blades. An SE blade will not bend or warp the way these thinner blades will, thus the shave provided will be more consistent throughout, at least in my experience. The spineless Feather FHS was the best possible choice, IMO, because it is both smoother and sharper than the GEM PTFE. The GEM may last longer, but this is because it is not as sharp as the Feather. That is the trade off. (Yet, for those who prefer the GEM, the spine may be removed to fit the razor, and it fits even more precisely if the GEM is clipped at it's sides. [Instructions for this modification will be posted upon request.])

2. The head

Beginning with blade insertion, it doesn't get any easier to change blades. Push in, pull up and out, blade changed. Simple, efficient, innovative. No razor makes switching blades so easy or so quick.

Being an SE, the razor head angle can and is designed to lay flat against the face to maintain the optimum shave angle. The correct shaving angle is built into the head, so there is never any guesswork or slip ups; which is something DE razors cannot accomplish, and something which some new SE razor makers have not taken advantage of.

3. The pivot

A pivot on a razor, which prior to the OneBlade only existed on cartridge razors, accomplishes two things. One, a pivot can move with the contours of the face at the same angle whilst shaving. Two, a pivot offers forgiveness in the razor. This second point requires some explanation.

In a normal safety razor lacking a pivot, the aggression level and efficiency of the razor is practically unchangeable. (Exceptions here are adjustable DE's, and new Mongoose/Cobra style SE's that use the wide shavette style AC blades. These latter type SE's have adjustable aggression based on the blade type used [ProGuard, Pro, Super Pro, etc.]) If you want a different aggression level, you will need to change the razor, the blade, or make an adjustment to the adjustable in between passes. With a pivot, however, aggression/efficiency can me monitored and adjusted instantly during the pass and during the stroke by adding or removing pressure. Without a pivot, adding pressure is like going from 1 to 10 on aggression with no middle ground and no brakes. With a pivot, you have very precise control + forgiveness on the level of agression; starting mild at 1, and moving to 2,3,4,5, and up to 10 on those exact places on the face that most need more or less.

Being tight and spring loaded, the OneBlade's pivot is completely unlike the pivot on a cart. A cart's pivot does ride the contours of the face, but is very floppy, and not very pressure sensitive to changes in aggression. And thus, a cart is not made to allow for the highest levels of aggression/efficiency/closeness of shave. A cart is made for safety first, whilst the OneBlade is made for safety with higher levels of closeness with intuitive control. No other razor can boast of delivering such a close shave, whilst having so much control on aggression, whilst being as safe.

4. The handle

Safety razors these days are mostly built entirely in stainless steel. And no wonder. It is a great, hard metal that will last forever without rust or corrosion. The trade off for all this is weight. Stainless steel is heavy, much heavier than any of the vintage razors many of us and previous generations have used. I would say, too heavy. Shaving requires dexterity and nimble fingers. Much of this dexterity is obviated when using too heavy a razor, akin to using a machete rather than a scalpel in surgery.

Most of the weight being in the handle, OneBlade has solved this problem by hollowing out the center of the handle. This not only solves the weight issue, but makes for an excellent non-slip grip within the hollowed out section.

**********************

Above is simply a breakdown of OneBlade's separate attributes. As to the shave itself, I have already partially alluded, but may need restating. There is quite simply no other safety razor ever made that shaves so safely and comfortably, whilst simultaneously providing the closest BBS shave possible. It is as smooth as ice, with very small risk of nicks, cuts, weepers, or irritation, and shaves closer and more consistently than any DE I've used.

**********************

This is why I wasn't hesitant to purchase the unofficially dubbed OneBlade 2.0. With a 30 day money back guarantee, and customer service that has gone above and beyond in the past, I had nothing to lose with trying a new version of my favorite razor.

...And I'm not sorry, as I'll be keeping the new version. Most everything needing to be said about the OneBlade I've said above, so below I'll focus on the differences.

First thing I noticed when receiving the 2.0 was the case. The OneBlade comes with the razor, a solid metal stand which holds the razor horizontally, a stitched leather case holding both razor and stand, and 10 pack of Feather FHS blades. The case on the 2.0 is a dark chocolate leather, much darker than the original case.

The stand and razor look almost exactly the same. The only visual differences I could perceive was slight manufacturing molding lines at different places within the head (where the blade sits). While I do not have a scale to weigh for myself, a member on another forum has found slight weight differences in the razor and stand. These are:

- V1 (Stand 205.1 grams, Razor 89.2 grams)
- V2 (Stand 202.7 grams, Razor 87.6 grams)

I've noticed no difference in weight by simply handling the two razors, but if the weight differences are accurate, my only explanation is for the alleged steel alloy change. (When OneBlade announces what this is, I'll let you all know.)

The next difference in the V2 is the blade insertion/locking mechanism. The blade in V2 can be removed with less pulling force, sliding in and out easier, and the blade sits slightly more loose in the razor. There is an amount of very slight "play", or free floating movement to the blade that is not there in V1. I do believe this was intentional, and as much was said to a member of another forum concerning the design changes as told by OneBlade themselves. I must mention that although there is this "play" to the blade, it is very slight, and the blade is still very much "locked in" to the razor.

Now for the shave. I am about 5 shaves in, and this is where the most noticeable changes have taken place. Somehow, the shave "feels" more mild. For about 80% of the shave, I feel no blade at all. If I took the blade out, my skin would not even be able to tell whether or not there was a blade inserted. The blade feel, or lack of blade feel, can only be described as 'ghost-like'. Now, this 'ghost-like' lack of blade feel did occur in the V1, but only for about 40% of the shave. Now, at about 80% of the shave lacking blade feel, this attribute has increased by about 100%.

This means: whatever chance of weepers or irritation existed in the original version, which was still possible, but better managed than any other safety razor, has now doubly improved. And yes, my skin is smoother and feels less raw post shave.

But while 'apparent' mildness may have increased, zero efficiency has been lost. It feels more mild, but cuts just as close, and for a just as long lasting BBS shave. OneBlade has claimed that mildness and efficiency have increased, but in my experience efficiency has remained the same whilst only mildness/safety have improved. For me, this is enough. I'm still getting the closest shaves of my life, but it is even more smooth, gentle, safe and comfortable beyond the degree which V1 was already the champion. To me, OneBlade (now V2) is the prize and centerpiece of my den."
Click to expand...
What a fantastic review hats off to you its just the price at the moment of £317 I need to get my head round p
 
Addendum: I forgot to share the following, that I also posted elsewhere. OneBlade V1 was made previously in 316L stainless steel, which has been, until recently, the very best steel to use for longevity in terms of not rusting, and being anti-corrosive. From my understanding, only Wolfman has previously used this top of the line alloy. In the V2, OneBlade has upped their game using a new stainless steel alloy in the razor head:

"Developed jointly by BASF in Germany and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule, or ETH) in Switzerland, this alloy is called PANACEA (Protection Against Nickel Allergy, Corrosion, Erosion, and Abrasion). It is 2-4 times harder than any other stainless steel, and is more corrosion resistant than any other stainless steel. Previously, it has been primarily used in medical and dental implants, as well in jewelry and watch applications. It is also nickel free, and the alloy least likely to cause an allergic reaction.

https://books.google.com/books?id=SAfOjwUXqk0C&pg=PA195&lpg=PA195&dq=PANACEA+steel&source=bl&ots=iWgr5ziN7X&sig=VQyxwaXmlCNtL3SfKryIb9bQuhM&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjh98yc4KLRAhVByoMKHcSyCs44ChDoAQhYMAI#v=onepage&q=PANACEA steel&f=false

From the link: “If fracture toughness is plotted versus yield strength, it is seen that PANACEA achieves the highest combination of strength and toughness of all steels, and indeed, of all materials of this world.”

Apparently, some OneBlade users reported damage to the razor head after dropping it, which is understandable. Using PANACEA stainless steel in the head would greatly reduce the risk of damage to the razor if dropped. In using this medical grade, incredibly tough and strong PANACEA stainless steel in the OneBlade razor head, it is clear that the OneBlade V2, is made out of a better and tougher material than any razor on Earth"
 
Kypros Christodoulides said:
Does the very first version of the Oneblade take the gem without clipping?
Click to expand...

Version 2 of the OneBlade requires the full modification of the GEM blade in order to fit the razor. Version 1 requires the GEM to be despined only, and it will work, with the caveat that it will not fully "lock in" to the razor and will bend the blade. Full modification of the GEM, as detailed below, is recommended when using this blade in either version of the OneBlade razor.

Chaddy said:
Can someone post how to clip the gem blades? Please
Click to expand...

See here: http://theshavingroom.co.uk/communi...modification-instructions-for-oneblade.41866/
 
Two issues.
I de-spined some Gem blades and dremmelled them to fit. I had a shave with one this morning and I can say it was a beautiful shave, BBs in 2 passes and corrections, just like the Feather. I do hope the Gem lasts longer than my Feathers with 2 shaves, 3 if pushing it.
I have received today my second used V1 OB serial number. OB-02980 and I took the two head screws off to clean it internally, same as I did with my first V1 a week ago. On this new one, the screws were thread locked while on the first OB they were not, giving more trouble to take them off. Upon internal inspection, I saw this new one has seen much less use than the previous one, but the head was laterally moving a bit more. I conclude therefore that not all same series OB's are exactly the same.
 
Last edited:
Imunro69 said:
Really thinking about getting a oneblade can anyone recommend that have tried or that have taken the plunge !
I must say it's a gorgeous looking razor but is it worth the hefty price tag ?

Thanks Ian
Click to expand...

Hi Imunro69

Arrived earlier this month, good performance. It needs at least a couple of experiences for the correct angle application (especially if you use other SE or DE from other manufacturers that use different shaving angles).
Very gentle approach, the head meekly follows the shape of the face. I must stress, however, the absolute rudeness of management, in my opinion, not up to the high standing of the razor. In my opinion Tod Barrett (CEO of the company) should remove the general manager (boy snooty arrogant and rude) not able to solve administrative errors recognized by themselves. In this respect, a truly painful.
Conclusion: if you can not let yourself be enchanted by the "expensive" silhouette of this SE, stay away from rude and rampant boys. Around the world, with Q / P ratio interesting, it gets better.
 
Blue Note said:
Hi Imunro69

Arrived earlier this month, good performance. It needs at least a couple of experiences for the correct angle application (especially if you use other SE or DE from other manufacturers that use different shaving angles).
Very gentle approach, the head meekly follows the shape of the face. I must stress, however, the absolute rudeness of management, in my opinion, not up to the high standing of the razor. In my opinion Tod Barrett (CEO of the company) should remove the general manager (boy snooty arrogant and rude) not able to solve administrative errors recognized by themselves. In this respect, a truly painful.
Conclusion: if you can not let yourself be enchanted by the "expensive" silhouette of this SE, stay away from rude and rampant boys. Around the world, with Q / P ratio interesting, it gets better.
Click to expand...
According to Steve Hardy, the razor should be placed flat on the skin and let the pivot do the work. This is how I approach it and I'm very satisfied with the shaves.
As far as buying one is concerned, it is a very expensive razor that takes away the skill needed to shave with an SE or DE, but there are occasions we have to shave in a hurry. This is where the OB will shine as it will give you a BBs in less time and with less attention to technique.
 
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