First impressions
The razor comes in a fairly plain wooden box with a Samurai logo on the top.
The box opens by rotating the lid around one corner of the box. In the diagonally opposite corner of box and lid are two magnets that hold the lid in position when closed. That's a nice detail and I like how the lid snaps into closed position.
Unfortunately that's all I like about the box. I'm not a fan of big or heavy boxes for razors. I don't see the point. The box with razor weighs in at just over 400g. That's more than I would like to carry with me when traveling. I wouldn't store the razor in the box between shaves, especially as this one comes with stainless steel stand (which does not fit in the box). So the only purpose of the box is to take up space I don't have.
The bottom of the box is a block of wood with some cut-outs:
There is one cut-out for the razor and one for blades, instructions and the second base plate. Then there are two cut-outs for your fingers, so you can remove the razor. One of them is blocked by the slot for blades/instructions/second base plate and the other one is too small to get my thumb in there. Small issues, but worth noting before I chuck the box in the bin. Wait, it's not my razor... I'll hang on to the box for a while..
Enough about the box, let's have a look at the razor. I like what I see. The handle looks very elegant and modern. There is no logo on the top cap (good!). At the bottom of the base plate are engravings of a Samurai and a serial number. That's where they belong.
It's a regular three piece razor. When unscrewing the handle I immediately notice that it takes a bit longer than normal. The screw of the top plate seems a bit longer than normal and the top of the handle enters the base plate. Something like this:
I tried another stainless steel handle and a handle from Gillette Tech - they won't fit because the screw is too long. Not necessarily an issue, but something you should note if like to swap out handles. The Tatara handle does fit on other razors though. I looks really great with the head of a 1912.
Overall I'm not disappointed. The razor is well made and looks great. I'll give it a go later today.
@Paul has included 100 Dorco Titan blades. I don't know them, so I'll use a blade I do know.