First a disclaimer; I don't collect razors and know little to nothing about the vintage ones. I grew up using Gillettes made in the 50s & 60s but don't consider them vintage as I would then have to consider myself as such. This was my first encounter with the Kirby.
This post is really just some shaving impressions of these marvelous razors. If you want to know about Kirbey Razors and the company, this brilliant must read post by Moshulu really set the standard for a detailed history of a manufacturer.
An enormously generous & thoughtful friend lent me the two razors below. The gentlemen on this board are truly a rare breed. The only apparent difference between the two is the handle as the heads appear identical. Both stand 81mm and the fluted handle one weighs 68g while the knurled one weighs 74g. Both have a nice solid feel and enough heft to let you know you have a tool in your hand. I left a blade in the knurled handle razor so the blade gap/exposure could be seen.
I approached these razors with some trepidation as the gap between the safety bar and cap appears very large. What I found was quite an efficient razors without the feeling of aggression you get from say a R41. I'd rate it as slightly less aggressive than the Joris. Loaded with a fresh Feather blade, it was a very comfortable smooth shave. There is an issue with the fluted handle razor. Whether because of damage, a manufacturing defect or by design, I don't know, but the two sides of the razor shave differently. You realize this immediately and by the second pass I was using it to my advantage. I used the less efficient side under my nose. bottom lip and some sensitive areas at the base of my neck. Truth be-told, I enjoyed the idiosyncratic nature of this one and it offered a nice change of pace from the regular rotation.
This post is really just some shaving impressions of these marvelous razors. If you want to know about Kirbey Razors and the company, this brilliant must read post by Moshulu really set the standard for a detailed history of a manufacturer.
An enormously generous & thoughtful friend lent me the two razors below. The gentlemen on this board are truly a rare breed. The only apparent difference between the two is the handle as the heads appear identical. Both stand 81mm and the fluted handle one weighs 68g while the knurled one weighs 74g. Both have a nice solid feel and enough heft to let you know you have a tool in your hand. I left a blade in the knurled handle razor so the blade gap/exposure could be seen.
I approached these razors with some trepidation as the gap between the safety bar and cap appears very large. What I found was quite an efficient razors without the feeling of aggression you get from say a R41. I'd rate it as slightly less aggressive than the Joris. Loaded with a fresh Feather blade, it was a very comfortable smooth shave. There is an issue with the fluted handle razor. Whether because of damage, a manufacturing defect or by design, I don't know, but the two sides of the razor shave differently. You realize this immediately and by the second pass I was using it to my advantage. I used the less efficient side under my nose. bottom lip and some sensitive areas at the base of my neck. Truth be-told, I enjoyed the idiosyncratic nature of this one and it offered a nice change of pace from the regular rotation.
