Supply V1 vs V2

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I finally managed to get my hands on a very lightly used Supply V2 via the BST and thought I'd do a quick review comparing it directly with the V1 I already own.

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I used a custom Shavemac D01 3-band fan brush, some Citrus CRSW soap, some BBA Pre-shave oil and followed up with some Fitjar ASB. The V2 is on the left in the pictures.

I used a new Personna blade in each and a tried and tested means of doing half a pass on each side of my face with one razor and then swopping things around on the next pass so as to get an even picture.

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There are some minor differences in specification between the two models with the V2 being made using a metal injection moulding (which is often referred to as sintering) whereas the V1 was made using a CNC machine and was cut from a single block of metal.

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These different processes have led to the same design having different properties. The fit on the V2 is exemplary. Everything slots together very nicely with a higher level of tolerance than the V1. It wins hands down in this area.

The overall finish in the polished version I have is not, though, as good as that of the finish of the V1. There are some very minor but still noticeable sink marks on the final polished handle on the V2 model and these mean that the overall polished finish, whilst still being a mirror finish, falls very slightly short of the very high standard set by the V1.

Onto more important things, namely how well do they shave?

Thankfully, the simple answer is that they both shave as well as each other. I have previously read that the V2 Baseplate were designed to be more efficient than their V1 counterparts and, in my experience, this appears to have been achieved. For example, I noticed a clear difference between the two dot plate on each version, with the V2 plate being more efficient. When I tried it against a three dot V1 plate, on the final two passes, the shave appeared to be identical in all respects.

So the final question is which of the two versions do I prefer. This is a difficult question to answer. I like the heft of the V1 which feels better (and very slightly heavier) in the hand than the V2. The fit of the V2 is noticeably superior though.

They both shave equally well (albeit using different plates) and I can, therefore, only conclude that I do not prefer one over the other.

They're both great razors and the only question I now need to ponder is whether it is worthwhile getting the extra two plates that are available for the V2 razor or not. [emoji41]



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What I found was that for those tending towards the ••• plate on the V2, there wasn't anything quite comparable enough with the ••• plate on V1. I've found the V2 a lot easier to shave with on ••• as a result, but if you tend towards the middle-of-the-road settings, then you're absolutely right, perhaps no need for one over the other.
 
- I read that the difference between the Supply V1 and V1R could be seen from different tubs. I am not sure how to judge that. In my version the blade drops out when pushing the base plate. Anybody knows what version this is?
- I use it with the 2 dot plate and a Personna. I have a hard beard. The shave is okay in terms of hair removal, but slightly harsher on the skin than e.g. a Gem 1912 or a Rockwell on plate 3, etc. I usually don't need much time to get used to a razor , but I find this one harder. It is my first injector. I ordered Pro Line blades hoping they would cut better.
- I am a bit torn. I have this Supply V1 or V1R on loan with the option to buy for about half the new price. I love the looks and the injector style and want to love it, and hope the Pro Line blades would improve things. I read the previous posts and the other thread about the Supply. Would the V2 be a better fit , since I like efficient (not aggressive razors) like the Rockwell and the Ikon X3? I use Personna Reds in my DE's, since blade sharpness is really important. Thanks for your help.
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I understand that my query seems a bit asking for the obvious, in view of what was written above. Yet I felt that there might be new experiences, maybe of people with a similar need. Since I have no comparison , I am really unable to distinguish a V1 from a V1R myself.

Anybody have a V2 for sale? Thanks and good shaves.
 
I might be wrong, but based upon the packaging I think (that's) an original V1. I have a later V1 model with the newer packaging (which is similar to the packaging used with the V2).

It terms of efficiency, I found the V1 three dot plate to equal the V2 two dot plate. It might, therefore, be worth purchasing the current model you have on loan and the extra V2 plates from Connaught Shaving if you want the most cost effective upgrade option.


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Thanks ajc347, that helps. I know where I am now. I watched a view YouTube videos and read things like from Sharpologist. The interesting thing is that most claim that the V2 is marginally but certainly better.

Scenario 1: It seems that what appears to be happening is that the V1 2 dot became the V2 1 dot, the V1 3 dot became the V2 2 dot, etc. Giving people the sensation of a more efficient razor. If that is the case, the V2 is mostly a differently produced V1 with renamed plates.

Scenario 2: If, however, the V2 2 dot plate removes as much beard as V1 3 dot plate, but is smoother / more comfortable in the process, the V2 is a true improved version.

From what I read here it appears that scenario 1 applies. Someone wrote that V1 3 dot and V2 2 dot shave the same for all practical purposes.. Not sure though if new V2 plates were used. Shame that the V2 2 dot plate can not be bought seperately.

Another question I want to ask; Is it true that if I don't like the V1, I will most probably not like the V2 either? Still have to try the pro line blades. I really want to love this razor, because it is most beautiful design.

Thanks
 
cant answer your questions but i use my v2 5 days outta 7 number 2 plate...shaves great...number 3 plate ...well i dont see the difference

Well 5 days out of 7, ... if a razor becomes your daily driver, that says a lot about its qualities. My daily drivers usually stay the same for years.
 
Thanks ajc347, that helps. I know where I am now. I watched a view YouTube videos and read things like from Sharpologist. The interesting thing is that most claim that the V2 is marginally but certainly better.

Scenario 1: It seems that what appears to be happening is that the V1 2 dot became the V2 1 dot, the V1 3 dot became the V2 2 dot, etc. Giving people the sensation of a more efficient razor. If that is the case, the V2 is mostly a differently produced V1 with renamed plates.

Scenario 2: If, however, the V2 2 dot plate removes as much beard as V1 3 dot plate, but is smoother / more comfortable in the process, the V2 is a true improved version.

From what I read here it appears that scenario 1 applies. Someone wrote that V1 3 dot and V2 2 dot shave the same for all practical purposes.. Not sure though if new V2 plates were used. Shame that the V2 2 dot plate can not be bought seperately.

Another question I want to ask; Is it true that if I don't like the V1, I will most probably not like the V2 either? Still have to try the pro line blades. I really want to love this razor, because it is most beautiful design.

Thanks

I would say that scenario 1 is correct as well. The method of manufacture is different between the two versions (CNC vs MIM respectively) and this has led to a few mainly cosmetic changes.

AllI can about the second question is that I've had a V1 and V2 and kept the V1.

Whilst the tolerances are tighter on the V2 I found the V1 to suit me better in terms of both balance and finish.

I'm aware of two other people who have sold their V1, purchased a V2 and wished they had kept the V1, so I'm not alone in holding this view.






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ajc347 thanks, your take is interesting and different from the mainstream (and I tend to value that). I bought too many razors for hundreds of dollars that were overhyped, overdecorated, glorified R89's (nothing wrong with an R89 though).

For me the shaving qualities come first, looks second. I love the looks of the Supply, but I wouldn't choose the V1 over the V2 only because it looks better. And you didn't either, if I understood correctly.

The remaining issue to overcome is that my beard is very hard and although I prep really well, the Supply/Personna is not that sharp for me. I am waiting for ProLines to hopefully solve that. Cutting down Feather AC's is an option, but more expensive.
 
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The Prolines are significantly better than the Personna Blades and give a much smoother shave.

I would certainly delay your decision until they arrive.

Better still are vintage blades or the modern Chinese Schick Blades (if you can get hold of some for a decent price). The Chicks transformed my experience of the razor significantly. [emoji846]




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