The Greencult 2.0 with plate II has a blade gap of 0.65mm and a blade exposure of 0.10mm, very similar to the Blackland Blackbird with a gap of 0.58mm and exposure of 0.10mm. Something magical happens when these two specifications are combined. The narrow gap reduces the risk of nicks while the elongated exposure delivers high efficiency. The result is a razor which is comfortable, albeit with strong blade feel, which is easy-to-use and highly efficient.
A third factor which makes the GC2.0 and Blackbird so efficient is strong blade clamping, although how they achieve it is very different. Blade clamping reduces blade flex which can cause chatter (skipping) and improves performance.
The Blackbird is a “Blade Bender”. It achieves blade rigidity by clamping the blade in the middle of the plate near the peak of the top cap then steeply bending the blade to each side, creating a sharp angle of attack and distributing the force on the edge over the full expanse of the blade.
The GC 2.II is an “Edge Clamper”. It firmly clamps the entire width of the blade very close to each edge, leaving only minimal blade reveal.
Blade Bending is more common although difficult to do effectively and achieve high blade rigidity. Most mass market razors employ blade-blending, and to achieve lower costs use molten zinc alloy (zamak) which is die-cast.
In order: Blackbird (Ti), Muhle Rocca R94 (SS), Merkur 38B (zamak)
To effectively employ Edge Clamping the razor needs more precise dimensions than can be achieved by die-casting, and instead relies on a CNC process where the parts are carved from solid blocks of metal, usually alloys of aluminum, copper, bronze, brass, steel, or titanium, all of which are more costly than zamak.
In order: Tatara Masamune Nodachi (Ti), Karve Overlander (SS), GC2.II (SS)
In addition, the blade needs to be clamped close its edge, which minimizes blade reveal as seen from the top, which also controls flex. The GC2.0 has both strong clamping and minimal reveal, which keeps blade flex low making it feel extremely sure-footed, particularly when going against the grain in tough spots like the soul patch or upper lip.
My experience is that the denser and stronger the material the more it aids in clamping. The GC2.II is made from 303 Stainless Steel using a CNC process and the blade clamping is superlative. The GC2.0 is also a bit of a tank at 126 grams. Although some find the handle to be unattractive and short at only 88mm, I personally find it long enough and like its 13.9mm girth and modern design. One interesting feature is the embedded plastic washer inside the top of the handle which removes any concerns of scratching the base plate.
My review is based solely on the II Plate, but three additional plates are offered with varying degrees of efficiency, and all four have open comb variations available.
In many ways I view the GC2.0 as the quintessential razor. It’s made of quality materials, to exacting standards, with flexible features, modern good-looks, and at the very affordable price of around US$110. It’s strange to me that although it came out in 2022 it doesn’t get more representation from shavers in the United States on the shaving forums. Maybe it’s because it hails from Austria, from a small family run machine shop in Goetzis, Vrarlberg. It’s not due to distribution, because although Greencult operates its own portal, Fairschenkt.at, the razors are also sold in the States through Italianbarber.com and therazorcompany.com. Regardless, the GC2.0 feels like the forgotten stepchild of the shaving community. But it shouldn’t be. It’s a hidden gem.
Here's how it scores relative to the other razors in my line-up:
A third factor which makes the GC2.0 and Blackbird so efficient is strong blade clamping, although how they achieve it is very different. Blade clamping reduces blade flex which can cause chatter (skipping) and improves performance.
The Blackbird is a “Blade Bender”. It achieves blade rigidity by clamping the blade in the middle of the plate near the peak of the top cap then steeply bending the blade to each side, creating a sharp angle of attack and distributing the force on the edge over the full expanse of the blade.
The GC 2.II is an “Edge Clamper”. It firmly clamps the entire width of the blade very close to each edge, leaving only minimal blade reveal.
Blade Bending is more common although difficult to do effectively and achieve high blade rigidity. Most mass market razors employ blade-blending, and to achieve lower costs use molten zinc alloy (zamak) which is die-cast.
In order: Blackbird (Ti), Muhle Rocca R94 (SS), Merkur 38B (zamak)
To effectively employ Edge Clamping the razor needs more precise dimensions than can be achieved by die-casting, and instead relies on a CNC process where the parts are carved from solid blocks of metal, usually alloys of aluminum, copper, bronze, brass, steel, or titanium, all of which are more costly than zamak.
In order: Tatara Masamune Nodachi (Ti), Karve Overlander (SS), GC2.II (SS)
In addition, the blade needs to be clamped close its edge, which minimizes blade reveal as seen from the top, which also controls flex. The GC2.0 has both strong clamping and minimal reveal, which keeps blade flex low making it feel extremely sure-footed, particularly when going against the grain in tough spots like the soul patch or upper lip.
My experience is that the denser and stronger the material the more it aids in clamping. The GC2.II is made from 303 Stainless Steel using a CNC process and the blade clamping is superlative. The GC2.0 is also a bit of a tank at 126 grams. Although some find the handle to be unattractive and short at only 88mm, I personally find it long enough and like its 13.9mm girth and modern design. One interesting feature is the embedded plastic washer inside the top of the handle which removes any concerns of scratching the base plate.
My review is based solely on the II Plate, but three additional plates are offered with varying degrees of efficiency, and all four have open comb variations available.
In many ways I view the GC2.0 as the quintessential razor. It’s made of quality materials, to exacting standards, with flexible features, modern good-looks, and at the very affordable price of around US$110. It’s strange to me that although it came out in 2022 it doesn’t get more representation from shavers in the United States on the shaving forums. Maybe it’s because it hails from Austria, from a small family run machine shop in Goetzis, Vrarlberg. It’s not due to distribution, because although Greencult operates its own portal, Fairschenkt.at, the razors are also sold in the States through Italianbarber.com and therazorcompany.com. Regardless, the GC2.0 feels like the forgotten stepchild of the shaving community. But it shouldn’t be. It’s a hidden gem.
Here's how it scores relative to the other razors in my line-up:
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