So, somewhat embarrassingly (because I've been in receipt of some remarkable generosity on here recently), I won ATG's PIF of some soaps, splashes and the OneBlade Core SE razor. It arrived just now, so a lunchtime shave was in order to try it out.
I've only used it once so far obviously so it's a bit early to make up my mind. My initial thoughts are it's an interesting idea and worth a go. It takes Feather SE blades, but NOT the Artists Club format. Also not half DE. They're the size of a DE blade but sharp on one edge and the other has notches. Described as Hi-Stainless. Kind of more like a spineless Gem or something. The razor itself is like a productionised version of one of those 3D-printed SEs.
The razor is very different to a DE. It has a swiveling plastic head and a plastic handle with a steel core to give it some heft. In point of fact the weight is irrelevant, because the way you use this is to do the opposite of everything you thought you knew about shaving. You apply pressure to the head, tilting it on its pivot, and allow the pivoting head to find its own angle. Long slow strokes without pre-stretching your skin. More like you would with a cartridge razor. It's a very mild shaver, which I guess it needs to be given that you need to push it into your skin. The blade seems very smooth. I had a comfortable 3- pass shave. The head design makes getting under your nose a bit awkward, I did so in 3 directions but really you need to go sideways across the top lip and filtrum area. Despite its mildness I still managed to nick myself once, as I slipped and inadvertently did a sideways slice. Butterfingers aside it's fairly hard to cut yourself though. The result of the 3 passes was good, not stellar on my first go. I think this format is sufficiently different in approach that a few more goes might be needed to get the best out of it. Actually, going back and feeling my face now, it feels as good as any. I take that back. This is a good close DFS.
I used the E&S Rasage Traditionell Oasis soap and matching splash Dan sent. This is described as "Fougère fraiche" which is exactly what it is, a lovely refreshing marine scent. Scent strength of the soap is only a 3/10 to me, not overpowering but very pleasant in use. I partially loaded the Phantom Aerolite with lots of water to 'pre-wet' my face while I was intending to work up a proper lather in the tub. However I realised that actually all I really needed to do was keep working the little soap I had loaded. It came up nicely into a very slick lather, enough for 3 passes on the big synth. Yes, I like the soap. The matching splash has alcohol and witch hazel. I felt a little indication from it after the shave, and enjoyed a much more potent blast of the seaside scent in the process.
So, early days but a very enjoyable first experience with the contents of Dan's box of wonders. Many thanks for your generous PIF Dan.
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