The General in brass

Ferrum said:
First time around with this, and it's another first-class razor.

I went for a North American-themed morning, with Razorock's 400 Rubberset-style brush and Don Marco Bergamot Neroli soap. Blade is a thrice-used Schick Proline P-20 from my Hawk, and there aren't any fit or load problems with that blade.

Impressions:-
  • it's heavy (but, of course, we know that.)
  • I prefer longer handles, but the slightly shorter one here is exactly mated to the head, and the whole thing feels good and well-balanced in the hand.
  • it heats up and holds it incredibly well, so if you have very hot water, be careful.
  • as usual with a razor this heavy, minimal pressure is needed, and it whizzes around more smoothly and slickly than even the aluminium model, with marginally less effort.
  • there is considerable audible feedback, which I welcome; much more than the aluminium.
  • two passes WTG and XTG, and it's "job done", with nothing adverse detectable after the liberal application of Fine Fresh Vetiver.
All in all, it's a pleasure to use. I'm not fussed whether razors are light, heavy or in-between, and I use everything from the Fine plastic slant to this, the Hone and a couple of other heavyweights, but in the heavy class, this is an exceptionally nice razor. If you prefer a heavier razor, then you'll probably like this.

I'm tempted to compare the brass and aluminium, but this would be invidious. Both are superb shavers, but they are different in feel and use.

I still haven't worked out what exactly makes these two so good. Setting apart the handle and materials differences, and comparing them side-by-side, the form of the heads looks identical. I guess that it's down to a perfect combination of shape, geometry and blade gap. The new stainless AC SEs with rounded heads (not flat planes like Hawk and Alumi/Mon-goose) such as the Claymore and the Rocnels have thicker or bulkier heads than the slimmer, thinner Generals. Maybe this is significant?

My verdict? I like it very much. My problem? I'm running out of razors to dislike.
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Great write up, I ordered my General the second they opened the web page. It was in London two days later but still nothing, I only live in Kent! Perhaps I am getting the personal service and the postman is walking from Heathrow. Do hope it has shrugged of it's old name Thief-row. Have to go the aluminium route for now.
 
It all goes together neatly and tightly. Compared to the Hone, there are slight but visible horizontal machining marks width-wise on the top-cap exterior, and rather more in the interior. That's to be expected, with the need to form the threaded post and the pins. The baseplate is pretty smooth both sides, and the handle likewise, with a bit of turning mark on the butt end. The handle isn't matt, but it isn't mirror-finish either. The overall look is "workmanlike" rather than "jewel-like".

I still think a name stamped or engraved in the baseplate, a la Hone top cap, would be nice, but that's just me. The other thing is that some discolouration has appeared already on the baseplate, and, as with the Hone, people will doubtless like it or be busy with the Peek or Brasso. Time will tell.
 
Ferrum said:
It all goes together neatly and tightly. Compared to the Hone, there are slight but visible horizontal machining marks width-wise on the top-cap exterior, and rather more in the interior. That's to be expected, with the need to form the threaded post and the pins. The baseplate is pretty smooth both sides, and the handle likewise, with a bit of turning mark on the butt end. The handle isn't matt, but it isn't mirror-finish either. The overall look is "workmanlike" rather than "jewel-like".

I still think a name stamped or engraved in the baseplate, a la Hone top cap, would be nice, but that's just me. The other thing is that some discolouration has appeared already on the baseplate, and, as with the Hone, people will doubtless like it or be busy with the Peek or Brasso. Time will tell.
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Thank you, I'm in agreement with you re the stamped / engraved name similar to the Hone but I'm sure I can overlook that small point.
I shall be leaving mine to tarnish as I have with the Hone.
I suppose the quality of the shave is of the most important part of any razor, jewel like looks alone does not make a good razor. :)
 
Blademonkey said:
Thank you, I'm in agreement with you re the stamped / engraved name similar to the Hone but I'm sure I can overlook that small point.
I shall be leaving mine to tarnish as I have with the Hone.
I suppose the quality of the shave is of the most important part of any razor, jewel like looks alone does not make a good razor. :)
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I quite like things which look "manufactured", and I hope that people have read and taken on board the honest description on the Colonial page for this; namely, and I quote " Material:C360 brass with machine marks showing. Brass will tarnish with use." before getting exercised over the finish.

I've polished enough brass cap badges, buckles and fittings on webbing equipment to last me a lifetime, so it's the tarnished effect for me as well.
 
The General with Feather Pro (1)

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This morning was the maiden voyage for the brass General. Three passes with minimal touch ups left me with a near perfect shave. The General is one of the smoothest artist club razors I have used. It felt mild but was very efficient. Overall I am very impressed .
 
I had a great shave with the brass General this am using a Kai mild (fits on perfectly with slight resistance upon removing it) and Ghost Town Barber shave soap (love that scent!!). Heavier weight seems to improve the efficiency over the aluminum model, but they both shave great. BBS was had in my usual 3 passes plus minor touchups. Highly recommend!!
 
Mine will be here hopefully in a couple of weeks. I ordered it the moment they went on sale.
wingman said:
Hi Kypros,
Had to let the RX go but the Brass General has more than compensated, you will love it when it arrives.
It will give the OneBlade a run for its money, more positive feel and the blades on a shave for shave basis work out cheaper.
However that is not always what we buy them for, good luck my friend.
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Hello Wingman, I have the alum. general and I indeed find it smoother than the OB V1.
I can imagine the brass will be even better because of the heft, but to tell the truth, I was using the general with a heavier handle. I guess though the brass will be more balanced.
 
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