I think the Masamune might be a step milder than R4 on the Rockwell? Been a while since I tried it in the Passaround. The Masamune top cap nodachi base plate was the sweet spot for me. I think if you like R4, we’re have similar tastes for mid-aggression.
The overlander is very good but I didn’t love it, I found the head a little bulky. I owned both the brass and SS variants, neither lasted in the den. These razors might fit your remit:
1) Aylsworth Apex - very nice shaver and I’d say close to R4 but more efficient than Overlander.
2) Alpha Outlaw evo - maybe R4/5 but very smooth shaver, in my top 3 razors.
3) Lambda Athena - R4 and a beautiful looking razor too.
Of course YMMV. Don’t discount the gamechanger - there is a 0.76 plate which might work for you (never tried it but found the 0.84 a little aggressive)
I have some experience with both of those razors and I don't think either of them are what you're looking for.
If you shave every other day, the Nodachi would be better but it does have some blade feel. Are you specifically after an artisinal razor? A few alternatives to consider:
Merkur Progress - there's a reason this razor is still going strong 60+ years after its inception
Supply Single Edge - not much use if you've got a massive DE blade stash but the shaves are very comfortable and I think this will do what you want it to do.
Game Changer. 76 - occasionally available from Shaving Time. Hits the sweet spot between the 68 and 84 - which makes sense, mathematically!
As you can already see from this post and @Borygmi , there are many many options and opinions.
A bigger budget won't buy you a better shave but it may enhance your shaves from a perceived value perspective- hopefully that makes some sense.Thanks for that. What's your experience with the Overlander?
I don't need artisinal no, just something that feels a bit milder than Rockwell plate 4, but with greater or equal efficiency. I was hoping a higher budget than I've had previously may get me there. The only thing I don't really want to do is go down the adjustable route.
I had a perception that the two I listed were generally better received than the gamechanger, but I'll do further reading on that considering you've both mentioned it.
edit: and yes, several lifetimes worth of DE blades at my disposal!!
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?