Item Description
The current production (current this date) Rockwell 6S is the second iteration of Rockwell's original, all-stainless steel double edge razor that offers a form of efficiency adjustment by means of exchanging razor base plates (included in purchase). Each razor ships with 3 different plates and depending on which side of the base plate is up or down, a given amount of blade gap is provided. The "R" number that is visible on the bottom when the razor is assembled (closest to handle) indicates which side of the base plate will be in use. This provides 6 different levels (R1 through R6) of blade gap.
The razor itself is currently shipped in an attractive book-type case with magnetic lid closure and all contents are securely surrounded in precision cut foam. The case contains the handle, top cap, three different base plates, user guide and a tuck of 5 branded Rockwell razor blades.
Current blade gap specifications of the razor from the Rockwell website are as follows:
R1: 0.008" (0.20 mm)
R2: 0.014” (0.35 mm)
R3: 0.019” (0.48 mm)
R4: 0.024” (0.61 mm)
R5: 0.027” (0.69 mm)
R6: 0.031” (0.79 mm)
Weight and dimensions are as follows:
Assembled weight: 3.99 oz (113 grams)
Handle weight: 2.4 oz (68 grams); approximate length: 85mm (3-5/16")
Overall length: 3.74” (9.5 cm) long from cap top to handle bottom
Country of origin: USA
User impressions:
I never used the "first generation" Rockwell 6S but considerable review from the shaving community indicates less than overall consistency of dimensional uniformity and consequently many users reported less than satisfactory results. This first generation model was produced through investment casting stainless steel. This process requires more post-casting finish work to ensure dimensional uniformity and more overall potential variability in the finished product dimensions.
Rockwell changed their manufacturing process to Metal Injection Molding (MIM) for the subsequent (and the presently reviewed) razor design. MIM ensures much more consistent and closer tolerances and eliminates the need for post production machining work. Additional improvements in design were incorporated, including more support for the safety bar where it attaches to the base plate and bead blasting the handle to increase user comfort in the hand. The razor is delivered with a subdued, matte grey finish.
This razor is by far the most comfortable razor I've ever used. Rockwell has managed to blend the qualities of efficiency and smoothness of shave in a way I haven't experienced before. Many razors will be biased to one degree or another to one side of this equation; a highly efficient razor may not necessarily be smooth, and a particularly smooth razor may not necessarily be very efficient. The highest quality shaves combine both characteristics in equal proportions, and we know from history this is not easy to do while accommodating a majority of prospective users.
Combining all features of the Rockwell 6S, including shave quality, versatility and price, the 6S comes out at near the top of the pack of double edge razor designs available to users today.
The razor itself is currently shipped in an attractive book-type case with magnetic lid closure and all contents are securely surrounded in precision cut foam. The case contains the handle, top cap, three different base plates, user guide and a tuck of 5 branded Rockwell razor blades.
Current blade gap specifications of the razor from the Rockwell website are as follows:
R1: 0.008" (0.20 mm)
R2: 0.014” (0.35 mm)
R3: 0.019” (0.48 mm)
R4: 0.024” (0.61 mm)
R5: 0.027” (0.69 mm)
R6: 0.031” (0.79 mm)
Weight and dimensions are as follows:
Assembled weight: 3.99 oz (113 grams)
Handle weight: 2.4 oz (68 grams); approximate length: 85mm (3-5/16")
Overall length: 3.74” (9.5 cm) long from cap top to handle bottom
Country of origin: USA
User impressions:
I never used the "first generation" Rockwell 6S but considerable review from the shaving community indicates less than overall consistency of dimensional uniformity and consequently many users reported less than satisfactory results. This first generation model was produced through investment casting stainless steel. This process requires more post-casting finish work to ensure dimensional uniformity and more overall potential variability in the finished product dimensions.
Rockwell changed their manufacturing process to Metal Injection Molding (MIM) for the subsequent (and the presently reviewed) razor design. MIM ensures much more consistent and closer tolerances and eliminates the need for post production machining work. Additional improvements in design were incorporated, including more support for the safety bar where it attaches to the base plate and bead blasting the handle to increase user comfort in the hand. The razor is delivered with a subdued, matte grey finish.
This razor is by far the most comfortable razor I've ever used. Rockwell has managed to blend the qualities of efficiency and smoothness of shave in a way I haven't experienced before. Many razors will be biased to one degree or another to one side of this equation; a highly efficient razor may not necessarily be smooth, and a particularly smooth razor may not necessarily be very efficient. The highest quality shaves combine both characteristics in equal proportions, and we know from history this is not easy to do while accommodating a majority of prospective users.
Combining all features of the Rockwell 6S, including shave quality, versatility and price, the 6S comes out at near the top of the pack of double edge razor designs available to users today.
