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Trigger pulled!+1, 100mm is my ideal handle length. Yet another possible purchase.
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Hone Type 15a
- Thread starter Hone
- Start Date
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I couldn't decide between the Cobra and the T15A, so I used both
Cobra for right side and T15A for left.
My first shave and impressions:
1st pass no difference in stubble removal, the Cobra very slightly quicker being wider, but rougher too. T15A very smoothly done.
2nd pass, again not much in it, but for me the T15a side is ever so slightly smoother.
3 pass I've got to call it a draw as it was too close..
4 pass touch up. T15A is more nimble and I found it easier to smooth off the bits I'd missed.
No weepers anywhere.
More AS sting with the Cobra - next to naf all with the T15a
So, the T15A is definitely more aggressive than the T15. But, it is still SUPER smooth, being (far far) lighter it is also easier to use. It never felt like it would bite. It is NOT rough and scratchy like the Standard.
There is no dragging like I get with the T15 (like the brass sticks to your skin - hard to describe!)
This is probably the BEST DE shave I have had for quite a while!
Cobra for right side and T15A for left.
My first shave and impressions:
- Super Smooth V2 Garden Mint
- RazorRock Barber Plissoft
- Hone T15A
- Platinum Lux [1]
- Cobra Classic
- Feather Pro [3]
- 4711 EdC
- Boss Soul EdT
1st pass no difference in stubble removal, the Cobra very slightly quicker being wider, but rougher too. T15A very smoothly done.
2nd pass, again not much in it, but for me the T15a side is ever so slightly smoother.
3 pass I've got to call it a draw as it was too close..
4 pass touch up. T15A is more nimble and I found it easier to smooth off the bits I'd missed.
No weepers anywhere.
More AS sting with the Cobra - next to naf all with the T15a
So, the T15A is definitely more aggressive than the T15. But, it is still SUPER smooth, being (far far) lighter it is also easier to use. It never felt like it would bite. It is NOT rough and scratchy like the Standard.
There is no dragging like I get with the T15 (like the brass sticks to your skin - hard to describe!)
This is probably the BEST DE shave I have had for quite a while!
Last edited:
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- London
More pictures please (100mm handle in particular), I need more pictures!
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- 6,401
- Location
- California
I was one of the lucky people that had the opportunity to test a pre-production model of the razor.
Now, I'm the kind of guy that normally go for heavy, aggressive OC stainless steel razors if I have a choice so testing this razor was interesting to me as I might in a way represent a group of people that wouldn't normally consider a razor such as the Hone 15a.
Below are photos and snippets of honest feedback that I provided to Andrew during the testing phase.
Nothing has been changed or added - just cut out some rambling parts.
(The razor I'm showing is the black w/ 100mm handle)
Enjoy...I hope:
Hone 15a Feedback
First, immediate impressions:
- Loving the long handle
- Very even and attractive, matte finish
- I'm normally not a big fan of writing/logo on the topcap - but it works here,
- It is lightweight - to no surprise.
It can be tricky to have black razors stand out as often the finer details are hard to capture in photos but I think the Hone 15A does a good job distinguishing itself;
Loading the blade was uneventful (as in 'good').
Theblade alignment was spot on and the handle and head comes apart without any grinding or difficulties. Solid machining.
I used a Rapira blade that already had been used twice (technically that shouldn't be an issue as I tend to get 3-4 good uses out of a blade).
WTG pass:
Mild.
I am really loving the length of the handle and the thickness of it. I know it's partly perception but that makes the razor feel more 'substantial' and I caught myself forgetting that it was an aluminium razor I was using and not one of regular SS beasts.
Not a lot of audible feedback.
ATG pass:
I feel as if I have to deliberately move the head closer to my face. The lack of weight in general..or maybe how it's distributed across the razor. Not sure.
Maybe I also should have used a fresh blade. Having issues getting the area above my lip/around my nose clean shaved. Maybe the blade?
Ye olde finger-balancing:
The Good:
* Love the look and size of the razor. Easy to navigate yet feeling substantial.
* Gave a very nice, close, clean shave on my cheeks and neck.
* It's a mild yet rather efficient razor (see below as well)
The "I need to try it more":
* Difficulty getting a clean shave above my upper lip/around the nose
(Will try with a fresh blade next shave)
A few days passed...and I used the razor for a second time....
Shave report #2 (Darkbulb)Decided to switch it up quite a bit in the blade department today.
Today I loaded a fresh Feather blade into the Hone 15A.
Proceeded with the shave and the same feeling of 'mildness' immediately came back to mind. Now, mild is not bad - as long as it's efficient I have no problem at all with a mild razor as I value the result almost more than the shave sensation in some cases.
Great results on the cheeks and neck. No real fear of the razor biting.
ATG:
Good results on cheeks and neck. Razor felt smooth and mild.
Then came the dreaded trouble-spot: above the upper lip.
I spent a good two minutes alternating ATG and XTG strokes but was still not able to get a completely clean shave in this area. I stopped as I didn't want to risk any razor burns.
This is one of the two areas (under the chin as well) where I sometimes see razors (or me as it may be) struggle.
Now, do take into account;
- I normally don't use light weight razors apart from my old carts,
- I tend to favor aggressive razors
So it's quite possible that I've adopted a shaving technique that places this razor in an unfavorable position.
I'll be most curious to see how this impression may change with more use - and maybe me re-programming my technique.
...a few more days passes and...
Shave report #3 (Darkbulb)
Committed to seeing if it's "the razor, me or something else" I this morning pulled out a fresh Astra SP blade (it's, to me, a good average blade that handles any razor pretty well). I should had done this already from the first shave...
Same initial reactions in the den when seeing and picking up the razor: great look and feel to it. The subtle softness of the design lines are also really starting to grow on me. Initially I felt it almost had a feminine look to it but after using and seeing it more I think 'elegant' is more appropriate.
Lathered up some Catie's Bubbles soap using an old and rather floppy Vulfix brush and got to it.
During the shave:
I am noticing that I have 'forgotten' about the head needing more weight. I assume I have adopted to the lighter weight already.
And now we're at the crucial point..the above the upper lip area.
During the initial few strokes I am once again reminded that the razor 'sounds' different in this area. A louder higher pitched sound. Actually that there is any sound is a difference as it's a pretty quiet razor.
Hm. The same amount of stubble remains.
I re-lather and decide to play around more with the razor head angle and there is it.
The heavenly doors open and an angelic choir (mostly trumpets really) salutes the fruit of my labour: I have..a perfectly smooth and cleanly shaved upper lip area.
So what did I change?
The angle. By adjusting to a very, very shallow angle (basically riding the top tap) it all came together and the whiskers gave away for the mighty Hone 15A.
Almost using it in the same way as I do with the Blackbird.
Interesting thing is that I've so far used the pretty standard 30ish degree angle when shaving my face and neck and that have resulted in a very passable shave.
Next time I'll try to adopt this angle for the entire shave and see what happens.
Very happy to be 100% clean shaved and it might, as much as I hate to say so, have been me and not the razor
Final notes:
Subsequent shaves continued to be as good as the last one - after I dialed in the razor for the area under my nose I had no problem getting a clean shave there. I'm surprising myself in how much I am enjoying this razor - let's put it this way: I am currently looking at buying a second razor from Hone.
Now, I'm the kind of guy that normally go for heavy, aggressive OC stainless steel razors if I have a choice so testing this razor was interesting to me as I might in a way represent a group of people that wouldn't normally consider a razor such as the Hone 15a.
Below are photos and snippets of honest feedback that I provided to Andrew during the testing phase.
Nothing has been changed or added - just cut out some rambling parts.
(The razor I'm showing is the black w/ 100mm handle)
Enjoy...I hope:
Hone 15a Feedback
First, immediate impressions:
- Loving the long handle
- Very even and attractive, matte finish
- I'm normally not a big fan of writing/logo on the topcap - but it works here,
- It is lightweight - to no surprise.
It can be tricky to have black razors stand out as often the finer details are hard to capture in photos but I think the Hone 15A does a good job distinguishing itself;
Shave report #1 (Darkbulb)
Loading the blade was uneventful (as in 'good').
Theblade alignment was spot on and the handle and head comes apart without any grinding or difficulties. Solid machining.
I used a Rapira blade that already had been used twice (technically that shouldn't be an issue as I tend to get 3-4 good uses out of a blade).
WTG pass:
Mild.
I am really loving the length of the handle and the thickness of it. I know it's partly perception but that makes the razor feel more 'substantial' and I caught myself forgetting that it was an aluminium razor I was using and not one of regular SS beasts.
Not a lot of audible feedback.
ATG pass:
I feel as if I have to deliberately move the head closer to my face. The lack of weight in general..or maybe how it's distributed across the razor. Not sure.
Maybe I also should have used a fresh blade. Having issues getting the area above my lip/around my nose clean shaved. Maybe the blade?
Ye olde finger-balancing:
The Good:
* Love the look and size of the razor. Easy to navigate yet feeling substantial.
* Gave a very nice, close, clean shave on my cheeks and neck.
* It's a mild yet rather efficient razor (see below as well)
The "I need to try it more":
* Difficulty getting a clean shave above my upper lip/around the nose
(Will try with a fresh blade next shave)
A few days passed...and I used the razor for a second time....
Shave report #2 (Darkbulb)
Today I loaded a fresh Feather blade into the Hone 15A.
Proceeded with the shave and the same feeling of 'mildness' immediately came back to mind. Now, mild is not bad - as long as it's efficient I have no problem at all with a mild razor as I value the result almost more than the shave sensation in some cases.
Great results on the cheeks and neck. No real fear of the razor biting.
ATG:
Good results on cheeks and neck. Razor felt smooth and mild.
Then came the dreaded trouble-spot: above the upper lip.
I spent a good two minutes alternating ATG and XTG strokes but was still not able to get a completely clean shave in this area. I stopped as I didn't want to risk any razor burns.
This is one of the two areas (under the chin as well) where I sometimes see razors (or me as it may be) struggle.
Now, do take into account;
- I normally don't use light weight razors apart from my old carts,
- I tend to favor aggressive razors
So it's quite possible that I've adopted a shaving technique that places this razor in an unfavorable position.
I'll be most curious to see how this impression may change with more use - and maybe me re-programming my technique.
...a few more days passes and...
Shave report #3 (Darkbulb)
Committed to seeing if it's "the razor, me or something else" I this morning pulled out a fresh Astra SP blade (it's, to me, a good average blade that handles any razor pretty well). I should had done this already from the first shave...
Same initial reactions in the den when seeing and picking up the razor: great look and feel to it. The subtle softness of the design lines are also really starting to grow on me. Initially I felt it almost had a feminine look to it but after using and seeing it more I think 'elegant' is more appropriate.
Lathered up some Catie's Bubbles soap using an old and rather floppy Vulfix brush and got to it.
During the shave:
I am noticing that I have 'forgotten' about the head needing more weight. I assume I have adopted to the lighter weight already.
And now we're at the crucial point..the above the upper lip area.
During the initial few strokes I am once again reminded that the razor 'sounds' different in this area. A louder higher pitched sound. Actually that there is any sound is a difference as it's a pretty quiet razor.
Hm. The same amount of stubble remains.
I re-lather and decide to play around more with the razor head angle and there is it.
The heavenly doors open and an angelic choir (mostly trumpets really) salutes the fruit of my labour: I have..a perfectly smooth and cleanly shaved upper lip area.
So what did I change?
The angle. By adjusting to a very, very shallow angle (basically riding the top tap) it all came together and the whiskers gave away for the mighty Hone 15A.
Almost using it in the same way as I do with the Blackbird.
Interesting thing is that I've so far used the pretty standard 30ish degree angle when shaving my face and neck and that have resulted in a very passable shave.
Next time I'll try to adopt this angle for the entire shave and see what happens.
Very happy to be 100% clean shaved and it might, as much as I hate to say so, have been me and not the razor
Final notes:
Subsequent shaves continued to be as good as the last one - after I dialed in the razor for the area under my nose I had no problem getting a clean shave there. I'm surprising myself in how much I am enjoying this razor - let's put it this way: I am currently looking at buying a second razor from Hone.
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- 846
- Location
- London
Hurrah! My birthday's approaching ...
- Messages
- 144
You and I both Blademonkey.... some very positive reviews and the fact that I love using my Hone 15 so much make an addition to my Hone collection very probable. The only difficulty for me will be choosing the colour. The black looks very impressive but I think the silver finish would also provide a nice contrast to the 15 when they are standing side by side
Hone Type 15a - Shave #3 - Battle of the Hones
There are three questions to be answered:
How do they handle, how do they feel on the face and what's the result?
How do they handle?
The 15a is lightweight and more nimble, but the 15 has the weight that gives it a feel of quality. I found them equally easy to use. No problems with slippery handles with either of them. Overall I preferred the weight of the Type 15
How do they feel on the face?
The 15a is a tiny bit more aggressive (as in ‘blade feel'), but less than I expected. So if blade feel is your priority, the 15a is for you. However, I found that the Type 15 has two advantages. Firstly, the heat retention. The hot brass feels very nice. I don't get that with any other razor and I like it. Secondly the brass head seems to be smoother than the aluminium and it glides more easily on my face and through the lather. There is a certain slickness to the shave with the Type 15 that the Type 15a lacks. Overall I prefer the brass Type 15.
What's the result?
Initially the results are pretty much identical. I have managed a very smooth face all over. The alum block and the ASL call it a draw with very little sting on either side. Now I have to wait until I can tell a difference.
Seven hours later: Still pretty smooth on both sides, but I can feel the slightest bit of emerging stubble on the brass Type 15 side. The aluminium Type 15a wins by a whisker. There is not much between them though.
The verdict
The Hone Type 15a is a tiny bit more aggressive and more in line with what people expect from a DE razor. The brass Type 15 is unusual in that it weighs more than almost any other razor I know, except the Stahly razor with its enormous mechanical wind-up vibrating handle. But I like it. The heat retention means that you are shaving with a hot razor. I like that a lot. I also like the weight of the Type 15. It oozes class and quality. And it somehow feels slicker on the face. Overall it is more fun to shave with, despite the 15a having more blade feel and the closeness of the shave being a tiny bit better with the aluminium razor. Overall I prefer the original brass version. Which is a pity, as (that's) the razor I'm going to send back to Andrew tomorrow. Don't get me wrong: I like the Type 15a. It's a great razor, but it's not hot..
What next? Maybe a shaving oil shave with the 15a and I have to revisit the Feather blade.
TBC...
I prefer the brass Hone Type 15
- Wickham Super Smooth V2 Royal Mint soap sample
- Plisson synthetic brush
- Hone Type 15a with PolSilver (2) on the left
- Hone Type 15 with PolSilver (1) on the right
- Alum block
- Specik Men ASL
There are three questions to be answered:
How do they handle, how do they feel on the face and what's the result?
How do they handle?
The 15a is lightweight and more nimble, but the 15 has the weight that gives it a feel of quality. I found them equally easy to use. No problems with slippery handles with either of them. Overall I preferred the weight of the Type 15
How do they feel on the face?
The 15a is a tiny bit more aggressive (as in ‘blade feel'), but less than I expected. So if blade feel is your priority, the 15a is for you. However, I found that the Type 15 has two advantages. Firstly, the heat retention. The hot brass feels very nice. I don't get that with any other razor and I like it. Secondly the brass head seems to be smoother than the aluminium and it glides more easily on my face and through the lather. There is a certain slickness to the shave with the Type 15 that the Type 15a lacks. Overall I prefer the brass Type 15.
What's the result?
Initially the results are pretty much identical. I have managed a very smooth face all over. The alum block and the ASL call it a draw with very little sting on either side. Now I have to wait until I can tell a difference.
Seven hours later: Still pretty smooth on both sides, but I can feel the slightest bit of emerging stubble on the brass Type 15 side. The aluminium Type 15a wins by a whisker. There is not much between them though.
The verdict
The Hone Type 15a is a tiny bit more aggressive and more in line with what people expect from a DE razor. The brass Type 15 is unusual in that it weighs more than almost any other razor I know, except the Stahly razor with its enormous mechanical wind-up vibrating handle. But I like it. The heat retention means that you are shaving with a hot razor. I like that a lot. I also like the weight of the Type 15. It oozes class and quality. And it somehow feels slicker on the face. Overall it is more fun to shave with, despite the 15a having more blade feel and the closeness of the shave being a tiny bit better with the aluminium razor. Overall I prefer the original brass version. Which is a pity, as (that's) the razor I'm going to send back to Andrew tomorrow. Don't get me wrong: I like the Type 15a. It's a great razor, but it's not hot..
What next? Maybe a shaving oil shave with the 15a and I have to revisit the Feather blade.
TBC...
Hone Type 15a - Shave #4
I did an all oil shave with the brass Type 15 not too long ago, so I'll compare.
I find it helps to apply the oil to my face with the left hand only and hold the razor in my right hand. There will still be oil on the razor and my right hand, but not too much.
The aluminium Type 15a feels a bot more grippy when oily. This could be due its lack of weight. The brass Type 15 needs more concentration when oily.
Again, I noticed that the head of the aluminium Hone is not as slick as the brass one. The brass just seems to have better glide over lather or oil.
The four pass shave was uneventful. One thing I like about oil shaves is, that at the end you can rinse your face with warm water and feel for any bits that could do with a little touch up. No need to reapply oil. There will be enough oil on your skin to go over those bits again. And again. With no irritation. I'm left with a perfect shave. Alum block and after shave have no complaints whatsoever. My skin is smooth, supple and relaxed. Wonderful.
To conclude, the aluminium Hone is easier to handle than the brass version when oily, but again, the brass Hone feels slicker (and hotter) on the face.
More to come...
- Burt's Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream
- Hot Towel
- King of Shaves Sensitive Shaving Oil
- Hone Type 15a
- Voskhod blade (1)
- Alum block
- Cella Eau de Lavande
I did an all oil shave with the brass Type 15 not too long ago, so I'll compare.
I find it helps to apply the oil to my face with the left hand only and hold the razor in my right hand. There will still be oil on the razor and my right hand, but not too much.
The aluminium Type 15a feels a bot more grippy when oily. This could be due its lack of weight. The brass Type 15 needs more concentration when oily.
Again, I noticed that the head of the aluminium Hone is not as slick as the brass one. The brass just seems to have better glide over lather or oil.
The four pass shave was uneventful. One thing I like about oil shaves is, that at the end you can rinse your face with warm water and feel for any bits that could do with a little touch up. No need to reapply oil. There will be enough oil on your skin to go over those bits again. And again. With no irritation. I'm left with a perfect shave. Alum block and after shave have no complaints whatsoever. My skin is smooth, supple and relaxed. Wonderful.
To conclude, the aluminium Hone is easier to handle than the brass version when oily, but again, the brass Hone feels slicker (and hotter) on the face.
More to come...
- Messages
- 17,593
- Location
- Sunny Cornwall
I ordered the black last night, it's already been dispatched this morning! Yes I think silver would look equally as good as the black.
OP
- Messages
- 136
- Thread Starter
- #43
Wow, I think there is a bit too much there to reply to individual parts, but thank you for the messages of encouragement, great pictures from all, and honest reviews! It is somewhat surreal to see images of something I spent such a long time focused on coming in. The response has been fantastic already.
I have fulfilled all order this morning and they are in DHL's capable hands They might not be the quickest, but they always get there...
I have fulfilled all order this morning and they are in DHL's capable hands
They might not be the quickest, but they always get there...
OP
- Messages
- 136
- Thread Starter
- #45
- Messages
- 17,593
- Location
- Sunny Cornwall
Thank you Anderw, will be sure to let you know when it gets here and in due course what my impressions are, thank you for you speedy dispatch of my order.Look forward to hearing what you think @Blademonkey
OP
- Messages
- 136
- Thread Starter
- #47
I am really pleased to be able to offer these options so that there is a choice about which razor might suit individual needs. This was excellent feedback.
- Messages
- 2,367
- Location
- Silly Suffolk
A black one for me, on its way right now.