Long time lurker here on the forum - longer than I have been wet shaving. I've been wet shaving for 4 yrs, but only with DE razors. I've progressed from a Merkur 34C - Rockwell 6S - iKon X3 - ATT S1/S2, using the Rockwell the longest, for 2 yrs, but recently discovered slants in the last year. The ATT S1/S2 has given me the best shaves by far, rotating plates and blades depending on days of growth. I have a fairly coarse/dense beard but really prone to irritation on the lower neck. I can't get more than 2 shaves out of any of the dozen and more DE blades I've tried. I've discovered that more efficient razors, partnered with face/skin apropos blades, gives me a closer shave with less passes/buffing and less irritation.
I recently started reading about AC razors. Thicker blade, more efficient, and smoother shave? Not sure why they were never on my radar before, but I was skeptical about "chatter" of a thinner DE blade. I'm not a gear hoarder and am reluctant to adopt new things. I like to stick with what I have and try to make it work. Shaving has always been a chore until I discovered DE, but I still wasn't 100% satisfied with my shaves. On a whim, I picked up an AC blade sampler pack from Try A Blade and an ATT SE1 head to partner with my Atlas handle, expecting I would be disappointed and probably return it. 3 shaves over a period of 3 days and I'm seriously impressed. Hands down the best shaves I've ever had. I've been shaving for 30 years. As I'm typing this, the 30 year number is sticking in my head and I'm wondering, why did it take me so long? No hyperbole, the SE1 and AC platform has been a revelation for me.
First shave with SE1 was with 4 days growth, a Feather Pro in the SE1/Atlas mowed almost as easily as the S2, but was more comfortable. I had a couple of small weepers after the second pass. While there was some tugging in some spots, the shave was sooooo smooth and comfortable. It was an odd tactile and auditory experience feeling the blade cut through every whisker efficiently down to the skin. I had to use a little more force to pull the razor across 4 days growth than I'm used to. The S2 would have slid across a bit better with less effort but not quite as comfortable, close and efficient as the SE1/Feather Pro. I shaved again the following evening, 2 nights in a row (rarely do I shave more than twice a week), this time with a Kai Protouch MG blade. Super smooth and irritation free with my usual Stirling prep, soap, and post. 3rd evening, added more hydration to soap and even better than the two previous shaves. Amazing...just amazing.
The Feather Pro was a closer shave, but I'm really impressed with the guarded Kai. I can't wait to try the other blades in my AC sampler pack. I could easily live with the Feather Pro or Kai MG in the SE1. I'm really really impressed.
I prefer shorter handles like the 3" Atlas, but might give the longer 3.5" Calypso a punt with the wider/heavier AC SE1 head. Weight distribution feels fine though as is. I love the barber-pole design of the Atlas. Super grippy. Best handle I own. I've never regretted any money spent on ATT hardware. Great company, customer service, and story. These are people I want to do business with.
I shave for comfort. I rarely go ATG and never attempt BBS - I'm more than happy with DFS. I do ATG sometimes with the S1/S2, but generally don't feel it's worth the effort. I was easily able to go ATG irritation free this evening with the SE1/Kai MG. The SE1 shaves as close as the S2, if not better in my circumstances, but also a little easier to achieve and with more comfort.
First post on the forum, I want to thank everyone on this forum for your participation. I wouldn't have started DE shaving in the first place, much less picked up an AC razor if it wasn't for the community. Sharing your experiences has been more helpful than you probably realize - I'm guessing I'm not the only one lurking here. I wanted to share my experiences and contribute to the greater wet shaving community. Thank You to everyone and happy shaves!
I recently started reading about AC razors. Thicker blade, more efficient, and smoother shave? Not sure why they were never on my radar before, but I was skeptical about "chatter" of a thinner DE blade. I'm not a gear hoarder and am reluctant to adopt new things. I like to stick with what I have and try to make it work. Shaving has always been a chore until I discovered DE, but I still wasn't 100% satisfied with my shaves. On a whim, I picked up an AC blade sampler pack from Try A Blade and an ATT SE1 head to partner with my Atlas handle, expecting I would be disappointed and probably return it. 3 shaves over a period of 3 days and I'm seriously impressed. Hands down the best shaves I've ever had. I've been shaving for 30 years. As I'm typing this, the 30 year number is sticking in my head and I'm wondering, why did it take me so long? No hyperbole, the SE1 and AC platform has been a revelation for me.
First shave with SE1 was with 4 days growth, a Feather Pro in the SE1/Atlas mowed almost as easily as the S2, but was more comfortable. I had a couple of small weepers after the second pass. While there was some tugging in some spots, the shave was sooooo smooth and comfortable. It was an odd tactile and auditory experience feeling the blade cut through every whisker efficiently down to the skin. I had to use a little more force to pull the razor across 4 days growth than I'm used to. The S2 would have slid across a bit better with less effort but not quite as comfortable, close and efficient as the SE1/Feather Pro. I shaved again the following evening, 2 nights in a row (rarely do I shave more than twice a week), this time with a Kai Protouch MG blade. Super smooth and irritation free with my usual Stirling prep, soap, and post. 3rd evening, added more hydration to soap and even better than the two previous shaves. Amazing...just amazing.
The Feather Pro was a closer shave, but I'm really impressed with the guarded Kai. I can't wait to try the other blades in my AC sampler pack. I could easily live with the Feather Pro or Kai MG in the SE1. I'm really really impressed.
I prefer shorter handles like the 3" Atlas, but might give the longer 3.5" Calypso a punt with the wider/heavier AC SE1 head. Weight distribution feels fine though as is. I love the barber-pole design of the Atlas. Super grippy. Best handle I own. I've never regretted any money spent on ATT hardware. Great company, customer service, and story. These are people I want to do business with.
I shave for comfort. I rarely go ATG and never attempt BBS - I'm more than happy with DFS. I do ATG sometimes with the S1/S2, but generally don't feel it's worth the effort. I was easily able to go ATG irritation free this evening with the SE1/Kai MG. The SE1 shaves as close as the S2, if not better in my circumstances, but also a little easier to achieve and with more comfort.
First post on the forum, I want to thank everyone on this forum for your participation. I wouldn't have started DE shaving in the first place, much less picked up an AC razor if it wasn't for the community. Sharing your experiences has been more helpful than you probably realize - I'm guessing I'm not the only one lurking here. I wanted to share my experiences and contribute to the greater wet shaving community. Thank You to everyone and happy shaves!
