Yaqi SE

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The half DE blade SE razor head market looks to have a another entrant with a new offering from Yaqi

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Here's a review from FB

YAQI's projects in the field of safety razors are not limited to double-edge ... I had the chance to test a prototype of a single-edge head that uses DE half-blades.
For now the head is made in two versions: polished and satin chrome, I do not exclude a future gunmetal version or other finishes. The finishes are of excellent quality as all YAQI creations have accustomed us to.
While using DE half razor blades, the size of the head is generous with a reference to single-edge razors of the Ever-Ready type. The structure is however that typical of double-edge with baseplate and top cap. The safety bar is a closed-comb "cobbled" type that I don't think I've seen in this type of razor.
Relatively heavy (30 g), the head perfectly blocks the half blade with an apparently noticeable exposure and gap but which have proved to be very balanced.
For the first uses I mounted the stainless steel handle of the YAQI RASS1902 razor that has the same chrome finish.
On the test "in the field", with a half DORCO ST-300 HQ blade at the first shave, the razor showed a high efficacy and surprising sweetness obtained thanks to a perfect balance between "aggressiveness" and head geometry. In particular, I found the cutting angle immediate ... just place the head on the face and the blade works in the best conditions.
I've always been very skeptical about SE razors that use half razor blades DE convinced that the greatest advantage of an SE compared to a DE is precisely in the specific blade (from GEM to those like Feather AC or KAI Captain).
I must admit that I liked this YAQI proposal a lot, I got deep shaving but in full respect of my sensitive skin. Despite the size of the head and the overall weight of the razor with a steel handle, I easily managed it in all the directions of my passes (XTG and ATG).
This is a first step for YAQI in the single-edge world and I must say that it is a great "first step". I wonder if in the future there will be proposals suitable for the use of SE razor blades ... I hope so.
 
Who wrote the 'review'?
I am still unconvinced by these half blade razors although admittedly I haven't tried one. What is the point of them? Is it supposed to be a better profile for getting under the nose? The biggest turn off for me would be having to snap blades in half to load them up.
 
Who wrote the 'review'?
I am still unconvinced by these half blade razors although admittedly I haven't tried one. What is the point of them? Is it supposed to be a better profile for getting under the nose? The biggest turn off for me would be having to snap blades in half to load them up.
You're coming at it from the wrong angle Boab. What we have here is something nice, new and shiny that none of us yet own. Don't lose yourself in logical thought and justification. Succumb to the desire!!
 
Who wrote the 'review'?
I am still unconvinced by these half blade razors although admittedly I haven't tried one. What is the point of them? Is it supposed to be a better profile for getting under the nose? The biggest turn off for me would be having to snap blades in half to load them up.

Came from the Yaqi FB group. I think his first language isn't English as the language in the review seems a bit off. I think it was either auto translated or posted via Google Translate.

As it's a Yaqi design, if/when it'll be eventually on sale I imagine it'll be priced competitively, I imagine less than it's competitors eg RR Eco/Focus etc
 
Who wrote the 'review'?
I am still unconvinced by these half blade razors although admittedly I haven't tried one. What is the point of them? Is it supposed to be a better profile for getting under the nose? The biggest turn off for me would be having to snap blades in half to load them up.
You snap the blade in the wrapper. Easily done without risk of injury.
You can, of course, buy them "pre-snapped", but then your choice of blade is rather limited.
Personally I have never been impressed with any half-blade razor. The worst of both worlds.
The manufacturers don't understand SE. They approach their design coming from DE. This a not an SE, it's half a DE. Different thing.
 
I have been impressed by the quality of Yaqi products, and this razor is very shiny and to my eyes has quite a nice quirky look. However, I won't be a buyer because I don't get the attraction of half DE blade razors. Just because you make DEs "single edge" doesn't give them the sharpness and rigidity of proper SE blades.
 
I'm not a fan of snapping DE blades in half, sometimes it can be a pain in ass to load the blade, because, if, the half DE blades is not loaded correctly or out of line when the top and bottom plate clamp together.

I prefer to used the SE blades in my General SE for example much easier to load the blade, rather than using the snap in half DE blades.
 
From FB, Brad Maggard (off Maggards) posted this reply,

"So, I have a few of these as well... and I fail to understand the point of it. Why not just make it two sided? the head seems to be just as large as a two sided DE. In addition, there are no support posts for the half blade - it just floats in the head, dependent on the top cap and base plate holding it in place. While the two I have do seem to securely hold it; if I ordered them in quantity Chinese manufacturing tolerances are just about going to guarantee we'll see some that don't.

I don't see this as ground breaking or revolutionary. It seems gimmicky and pointless.

If the geometry is good on the head, just make it two sided so that we can guarantee safety of the blade being held properly.

Am I the only one that feels this way?"

Considering he's one of their largest OEM buyers I'd be genuinely surprised if Yaqi putting out the SE head as it is.
 
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