Review: Sanguine XD20 Shavette (a.k.a: Yellow Peril)

[FrenchBlade]

Man of Leisure was kind enough to pif on an unwanted XD20 to me.. (originally from Tazzbaby)
He's named it yellow peril, and never used it...

Ok, where to start, I did a review on the Dovo shavette, so I think a comparaison is in order.
I had 3 days growth, so a good bit to chop off.

First of all, the XD20 feels a lot more solid then the Dovo, however it looks like its price: cheap.
But don't let looks get you, this is a good piece of kit, for very little money.

I used the the exact same setup as last time: Shark, KoS, MWF, NF2211.

Fitting the blade can be a bit of a fiddle, on my first go the blade was not lined up properly.
I do prefer the way the blade is held compared to the Dovo and the cheap plastic sleeve.

A lot of the gripes I had with the Dovo seem lesser with the XD20.
The heavier front (blade end), allows you to let the razor do all the work, no pressure needed.
This translates to a more confortable shave all round.

Pros:

• Heavier. (weight of a straight)
  Blade exposure quite visible.
  Cheap.
  Feels better balanced.
  [/list:u]
  
  Cons:
  • The scales are horrid looking.
    Rivet pin looks like it won't last long...
    Fiddlely blade change. (but better than the Dovo)[/list:u]
    
    Conclusion: If I had to chose between the Dovo and the xd20, the xd20 wins it hands down, and costs 1/3 of the price.
    The Dovo looks like it's maybe better made, but I doubt it'll last you 3 times as long!
    If you want to try a shavette, this is the one to get.
    I think you could probably get away with it as a newbie, but still can't beat a straight when starting out.
    If ever I got fed up with the whole stropping honing etc.. I'd probably turn to this as a viable alternative.
    
    These are available for less than 8 quid (inc P&P) off the bay of evil.
    
    Max
    
    Pictures:
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Sanguine XD20 on the scales (loaded)
    
    
    
    
    Dovo shavette on the scales (loaded)
    
    
    
    
    Balance point of both shavettes (loaded)

 

[tazz]

Re: Review: Sanguine XD20 A.k.a: Yellow Peril

well done fb nice write up on them told you the xd20 is a good shavette

 

[Parwin]

The XD20 looks to have the same method of holding the blade as this.

[attachment=0]

Only about £8 from The Shave Shack. Used one this morning and had a fantastic shave. The razor itself is well made and feels substantial. This is the one I would recommend.

 

[man of leisure]

Right the Yellow Peril as pifed by me to Max had in fact on my second attempt shaved my cheeks. I can tell you on my first attempt my bottle went looking at myself in the mirror with what looked for all the world like a straight. Plucking up the courage 2 days later managed to actually shave my cheeks and surprised myself, however after that never had the urge to return to Yellow. Was then glad when I found Max wanted to try one of these to compare with another shavette he had just tested.
As it stands I am more than happy with DE shaving and take my hat off to the lads that regularly use straights, or a shavette.