That's a pity, and a bit of bad luck, but at least you weren't out of pocket.First time I saw the Option 5 razor was on Kevys Youtube channel a few years ago.
I liked the overall style and design and I kept an eye on the usual websites for months. Eventually one got listed on ebay from a UK seller and I bought it immediately.
I was really looking forward to getting my hands on it but my expectations were blown out of the water when I opened the box and found a very obvious dent in the middle of one of the safety bars. The seller had manipulated the photos to hide the damage and hadn’t given any written disclosure about it. It’s probably the reason it was being sold.
I loaded a blade anyway and had one shave with it just to see if the damage was actually affecting the shave and it was. The increased blade gap in the area of the dent was very noticeable and it was rough and uncomfortable over the skin.
It did feel nice using the good safety bar and I think it’s a razor I’d have enjoyed after getting more familiar with it.
I could have kept it and used it in effect as a SE but I was pretty pissed off to be duped by the seller so I returned it and received a refund. Shame.
The Bombay Shaving Company razor appears to have a very similar head design and comes with an additional aggressive baseplate but as yet I've not felt compelled to pull the trigger.
Yes it was a shame. I reckon the seller was just chancing his arm to get rid of it but he had no issues with refunding me. It’s the only one I’ve seen available for sale in the last few years. I still keep an eye out from time to time but I’m not sure if I’d have the same enthusiasm to go for it today and particularly now after reading your comments about the build quality and materials used.That's a pity, and a bit of bad luck, but at least you weren't out of pocket.
I didn't think I'd like it, but it turned out otherwise. During the brief time it was available, I seem to recall that there were a lot of comments or complaints about its fragility. If dropped, it could dent, as yours was, or more drastically, the head could split apart along the seams. I'm very careful with mine, but there are some things, like the interior cap catches operated by the buttons, which, being plastic, may not stay the course. That's why I don't use it much, but it is a good razor when I do.
It's an odd razor. The overall build quality and finish is excellent (if you get an unbent one), but the design has these weaknesses. Offhand, I can't think of any razor where the head and baseplate assembly is in two halves, with a seam either side. I don't know how the two halves are held together, but presumably the buttons come into it somewhere. As for plastic latches and catches, especially those which are used every time the top cap goes on and off, my experiences with these things, mainly in bicycle equipment and marine engines, makes me wonder about long-term durability.Yes it was a shame. I reckon the seller was just chancing his arm to get rid of it but he had no issues with refunding me. It’s the only one I’ve seen available for sale in the last few years. I still keep an eye out from time to time but I’m not sure if I’d have the same enthusiasm to go for it today and particularly now after reading your comments about the build quality and materials used.
You’re probably quite right about its longevity and better used less frequently. Still a nice razor to have in your collection and all the better if you enjoy it.
I'd hang on to it, unless you want to be rid sooner than later.I still have the pass-around Option 5 from 5 years ago.
I don't think I have used it since 2017.
I did like it back then, but I'm an SE shaver now.
Sell it? Or wait until it's really rare? I'll decide in another year or five.
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