I received my Auto-strop this week and haven't shaved with it yet, but in looking over it I notice that it is adjustable. However, it seems that it would be very difficult to adjust it to the exact same point every time it's used, and to adjust it at all without unlocking the blade holder requires a very deft touch. Does anyone actually use this feature?
Does anyone adjust their Auto-strop?
- Thread starter jeffriley
- Start date
Is yours one of these?:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/333727-It-s-been-a-while-for-the-Valet-Auto-Strop-Am-I-The-Only-One?p=4942658#post4942658
I principally shave with VC models (VC3, VC4), so I haven't played around with the B1's. I'm guessing they abandoned the adjustability feature because users didn't find it particularly practical/useful.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/333727-It-s-been-a-while-for-the-Valet-Auto-Strop-Am-I-The-Only-One?p=4942658#post4942658
I principally shave with VC models (VC3, VC4), so I haven't played around with the B1's. I'm guessing they abandoned the adjustability feature because users didn't find it particularly practical/useful.
- Thread starter
- #3
I have a VC2. I would not have even considered it adjustable if the instructions for the razor were not included in the case. After loading a blade, instead of pushing the lever on the back of the head all the way back, it is possible to leave the blade a little short for a milder shave. This lets you move the blade back maybe 1/16 of an inch before the blade holder is no longer locked. It seems that it would be an effective way to reduce the aggressiveness of the razor, but it is a little tricky, and there are no stops or indicators to make the adjustment repeatable. When I get a chance, I'll try to post some pics.
- Thread starter
- #4
Here are some pics. I have included a picture of the blade moved all the way down the comb and one of the blade as far up the comb as I can get it without the blade holder opening. I have also included a pic of the original instructions.
I've never tried to adjust mine, I push the lever all the way down to 'lock' the blade in - and I prefer aggressive razors anyway.
- Thread starter
- #6
I haven't got much feedback, but I have now tried the razor at both ends of the adjustment. I highly recommend giving the adjustment a try if you haven't. In the more aggressive setting, this razor is very aggressive. I found it to be significantly closer shaving than my Slim set to 9. In its milder setting it is about the same as my Slim on 8. I believe the razor makes better use of the comb in the milder setting, making it easier to find the right angle. The most impressive quality of this razor to me is how well it handles problem areas. I can shave under my nose, on my chin, and the base of my neck far easier than with a DE and a bit easier than my other SE an Ever-Ready 1924. If the blades weren't so much more expensive, I could easily see this razor being my daily shaver or at the very least bring it out for those problem areas. I am still learning the razor, but as it stands it can be a bit harsh. I believe the weight of the head combined with the aggressive nature of the design is why the feel of the razor is a little harder for me to adjust to, but if I were to shave with it more frequently, I am sure I would find it a comfortable shaver. As it stands, I consider it the best razor I have for producing a good result, but not as enjoyable a shave as my Slim or my Ever-Ready.
If you are ready to purchase in bulk, the per blade price for the larger quantities is really quite good:
http://connaughtshaving.com/fhs5.html
I purchased 120 blades in April and my total price averaged out to 0.41 per blade. That included shipping. Okay, it's not a dime per blade, but we've always thought we had to pay much more. If that's an appealing price point for you, have at it.
It looks like they currently closed for the holidays until May 17th, however.
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