Rocnel Elite and DE-P: A Comparative Review

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I've had a few shaves now with both of these razors and thought I'd have a head-to-head comparison shave with both razors today using the same make of blade, a Rapira Swedish Supersteel, (as this blade will fit both razors).

Once I'd completed this, it struck me that it would make sense to review each razor in terms of the other, given that there is very little information available on both of them, hence my review below.

1) Design Fit & Finish

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As can be seen in the pictures above, there are some clear aesthetic differences between the two razors.

The DE-P is clearly influenced by the designs of other stainless steel razors such as those made by ATT and Feather, whilst the design of the Elite is somewhat different and results in a much thicker and heavier head.

The handle that came with the DE-P is similar to that on the Elite and both look to have been based upon the design of the ATT Kronos handle. This is not uncommon, of course, and Rocnel also uses this design on the SE-G razor they produce.

In terms of fit and finish, the Elite is noticeably superior to the DE-P with very precise tolerances and a beautiful and flawless finish. The DE-P, whilst finished to a much higher standard than some stainless steel razors available on the market, is slightly rougher around the edges.

2) Weight and Efficiency of Shave

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The difference in weight between the two razors can be seen in the photo above, with the Elite being the heavier razor.

In terms of efficiency, both razors are pretty efficient with the main difference being that the Elite gives a very smooth shave (similar to a Timeless 0.95) whilst the DE-P gives a harsher shave.

To this end, the shave the DE-P gives a result which is somewhere between an ATT R1 and H1 and similar to an Ikon B1 Slant in terms of face feel.

When head shaving, I found the DE-P worked better than the Elite as it did not clog up as easily and was a little easier to manoeuvre. It gave a very close shave in this role and this is where I feel I'll use it the most.

3) Blade Gap and Tolerances

The picture below shows the differences in blade gap between the two razors.

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The high engineering tolerances of the Elite means that the version I have (the 2017 version) will only take certain blades (such as Feathers, Rapiras, Voskhods, Derbys and Shark Chrome & Stainless blades for example). This has been addressed in the 2018 LE version which will take any blade but only 55 of these razors have, so far, been made (to my knowledge).

The DE-P has the advantage of taking any blade. However, the lower tolerances needed to enable this does lead to some blade misalignment problems which led to a couple of harsh shaves until I figured out what was happening. Thankfully, it is very easy to sort this issue out without too much of a problem.

4) Conclusion and Recommendations

I like both of these razors as they are both very well engineered and are made out of a premium grade of stainless steel.

If you are able to get over the lack of blade choice, I would highly recommend the Elite as it is an amazingly good razor.

The DE-P is no slouch either by any means and I would also recommend it if you are looking for an alternative to some of the other razors out there. [emoji846]









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Well done review!

I soon will be one of the lucky 55 owners of an Elite 2018 LE - thanks to a very helpful and generous friend [emoji108][emoji2533]

Thanks Jens.

I've heard from another member that the 2018 LE is a great razor and works brilliantly with a Polsilver.

I hope you enjoy it when it arrives. [emoji846]


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Andy, I have received it today und have just tried it.

In one word: Amazing! It was one of the best shaves I ever had. Wonderfully mild, yet very efficient.

There could be a little more blade feel for my liking, but (that's) just me. What I really like, is that the razor is really audible. You get a good sense of the correct blade angle.

I am really really happy with it. That's one that stays with me, (that's) for sure.
 
Andy, I have received it today und have just tried it.

In one word: Amazing! It was one of the best shaves I ever had. Wonderfully mild, yet very efficient.

There could be a little more blade feel for my liking, but (that's) just me. What I really like, is that the razor is really audible. You get a good sense of the correct blade angle.

I am really really happy with it. That's one that stays with me, (that's) for sure.

I'm 100% with you there Jens.

The Elite is one of the nicest razors I've ever used and is a definite keeper for me was well. [emoji106]

Incidentally, which blade did you use?


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