How do you get that under your nose?
Edit - never mind. With the Twig
Edit - never mind. With the Twig
First shave with the Leaf. Not especially close, but maybe a DFS. The thing feels heavy and shows sturdy quality in the hand. Because I was using a fresh blade (Derby) and a new razor, indeed a new kind of razor, I loaded only two half-blades into the top two positions. The shave was smooth and nick-free. For me trying out a new razor, that's a total win. (I can nick myself even with a new cartridge.) Blade loading may be the hardest part of using a Leaf Razor.
I left a blade out of the first position on purpose. My batting average with new razors and fresh blades is lousy. In fact, with a fresh blade, I very often draw blood even with my favorite DE razor and blade. After a few shaves, I'll try moving the top blade to the bottom spot. (I don't have a Twig trimmer to use that last half blade from 2 split blades.)
The leaf receives some negativity. What I believe it comes down to is how it's used.
From the YouTube reviews I’ve seen, the users were applying no pressure, as if it's a fixed head razor but it's a pivot head and pressure is a must to achieve a close shave. How much pressure just depends on the requirement of the user.
So I basically used the same technique as I used to use with my mach 3 and ended up with an ultra-comfortable and very close shave!
IME the need for pressure is due to the extremely shallow angle, not because of the pivot. I need to use extra pressure with non-pivoting disposables, as well as DE razors when riding the cap.
I agree with your assessment for fixed head razors...even I apply some pressure when needed, at the appropriate angle.
However, with the Leaf, if you see the negative YouTube reviews, they literally apply no pressure.
It doesn't matter if it's the Leaf, Gillette, Schick or any other cart razor...The pivot needs to be engaged for it to be effective. Otherwise, no pressure would literally mean it's gliding with minimal contact because the pivot would back away enough from the skin so that it would cut very little.
Best people to review it should be those that still use carts on occasions. They still have the technique in memory.
If I had a Van Dyke beard I would be all over it.
Used the Leaf again. Did my full shaving brush routine. Truefitt & Hill Number 10 whipped up with a badger brush. I guess that made a difference. I got a BBS shave, with no cuts or nicks even on my neck or jawline. Blades still in top two spots. Frankly, I can't believe how good the shave was.
I finally tried using a blade in the bottom slot. I just moved a blade from the super-mild top slot. The razor becomes more aggressive, as indicated by that extra sting as I applied my alum crystal. However, it does shave somewhat closer, definitely BBS. I tend to shave WTG, ATG, and then a cleanup pass. Still no cuts, nicks or razor burn, so that's a plus. Yet I think this slightly closer shave is not worth the extra irritation. YMMV.
I believe there is a razor that takes one-half of a DE blade and has a pivoting head, called Focus Slim.
The T shape may look better however, I personally feel the Y shape looks nice although it really doesn't make much difference for me. I didn't even think about it until I read your post. In any case, you should check out the Focus Slim (but be sure to check out the reviews as many users didn't get on well with it).
I’ve heard that if you don’t load a blade into the first (bottom) slot, only loading the top two slots, you get the mildest shave. SinatraLennon of YouTube tried loading the top 2 slots and was so disappointed in the result he had to finish with a third pass using a Gillette FatBoy. However, in a later video, he loaded all three slots with Feather blades and was very happy with the results. I believe he also pressed down slightly harder and that probably helped.First shave with the Leaf. Not especially close, but maybe a DFS. The thing feels heavy and shows sturdy quality in the hand. Because I was using a fresh blade (Derby) and a new razor, indeed a new kind of razor, I loaded only two half-blades into the top two positions. The shave was smooth and nick-free. For me trying out a new razor, that's a total win. (I can nick myself even with a new cartridge.) Blade loading may be the hardest part of using a Leaf Razor.
If I remember rightly, KevyShaves tried the Focus and it looked like a bloodbath. I was contemplating ordering one until I saw his YouTube review. Then I changed my mind! The design of the Leaf head kind of reminds me of the oldest Valet shavers from England.
I’ve heard that if you don’t load a blade into the first (bottom) slot, only loading the top two slots, you get the mildest shave. SinatraLennon of YouTube tried loading the top 2 slots and was so disappointed in the result he had to finish with a third pass using a Gillette FatBoy. However, in a later video, he loaded all three slots with Feather blades and was very happy with the results. I believe he also pressed down slightly harder and that probably helped.
I don’t have one of these, but am seriously considering ordering one.