Last shaves done and dusted. Amazing razor! I really appreciate that some razor makers are making new, innovative designs that aren't just copies of Gillette techs. I personally would have never though that a razor with so little blade exposure / gap could give such a great shave. I hope more makers follow lambda's lead and try new ideas. Many thanks to Lambda for this pass around. I have put myself on the waitlist for the next batch! Razor will be on it's way to Kix today.
Lambda Athena Cap and Baseplate Pass Around
- Thread starter Wgg2017
- Start date
- Thread starter
- #182
The Athena definitely surprised me with how close it shaved given how little of the blade was exposed. I kept looking at the razor once it was assembled thinking I had done something wrong.
For those that have used the Athena, how would you rate the smoothness when shaving against the grain? It’s at the top, or very near the top, for me. I need a bit more time with it once I get it back to know for sure though.
Once I got the angle right it beat all my razors against the grain. Very smooth and left nothing behind!
This is the only razor that allows me to go shaving against the grain, directly after the WTG, without going across and it not feeling rough.
The smooth transition this razor provides has me changing my technique when using it. So with Athena I make one WTG and two times ATG, skipping the completely pointless in this case - XTG. As a result, I always get an easy and long-lasting BBS.
I know it seems like the Athena is hyped up a lot, but it turns out, it is really that good. I have a number of excellent razors and the Athena is their equal or better. For the money, in my limited experience, I’m not sure you can do better. Just one man’s opinion. As we know,,YMMV.
UPDATE: The Athena has landed!
First shave will be tomorrow. I will report on the much anticipated shave.
First shave will be tomorrow. I will report on the much anticipated shave.
Can't wait to hear your results. I know you like the Overlander and I'm really interested to see how it compares. Right now the Overlander is tops for me.
June 7, 2024 Friday shave
Razor: Lambda Athena pass around w/shortened Razorock Titanium Halo handle
Blade: Personna Lab Blue (1)
Soap: Barrister and Mann Le Grand Chypre
Brush: Paladin Tut STF XL (5)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Heavyweight copper
Post shave: Barbero alum block, Thayer's Witch Hazel
Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman
This was the first shave with the Lambda Athena. It's a different experience. The Athena has some blade feel, not scary, but it's there. For me, it's not an auto-pilot razor. It's more efficient than my fave Overlander, and thus more care is required. I opened a weeper from several days back and got a tiny cut on the side of my neck. An unfamiliar razor and a new blade can do that sometimes. Neither was a big deal, but reminded me to be a little more careful next time.
The shave was close, with no significant irritation, just enough to notice more alum and aftershave feedback than usual.
It was entertaining to watch the water channel through the razor head and shoot out through the ends when rinsing.
All in all, a good shave.
Thanks to @Wgg2017 for making this experience possible!
Razor: Lambda Athena pass around w/shortened Razorock Titanium Halo handle
Blade: Personna Lab Blue (1)
Soap: Barrister and Mann Le Grand Chypre
Brush: Paladin Tut STF XL (5)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Heavyweight copper
Post shave: Barbero alum block, Thayer's Witch Hazel
Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman
This was the first shave with the Lambda Athena. It's a different experience. The Athena has some blade feel, not scary, but it's there. For me, it's not an auto-pilot razor. It's more efficient than my fave Overlander, and thus more care is required. I opened a weeper from several days back and got a tiny cut on the side of my neck. An unfamiliar razor and a new blade can do that sometimes. Neither was a big deal, but reminded me to be a little more careful next time.
The shave was close, with no significant irritation, just enough to notice more alum and aftershave feedback than usual.
It was entertaining to watch the water channel through the razor head and shoot out through the ends when rinsing.
All in all, a good shave.
Thanks to @Wgg2017 for making this experience possible!
I hate to say it.... but I tend to agree with you.. though I have to say, I really, Really like the two NEW 1933 and 1934 Long and Short Combs.... Both of them gave me excellent shaves.... but they weren't inexpensive either.. Around $100 each and $80 each to get them plated so they are pristine. I'm too fussy that way... I shaved with both to see if they were worth re-plating... and in my view, they were. Chris did an outstanding job on both of them.
I do have two less expensive razors that work extremely well for me: the Rocnel Elite Brass and the Good Fellas Smile Bayonetta.... $75 and less.... So there are bargains out there... Add to that the great shaves some people are getting with other Vintage razors... the Souplex Metal razor, for instance...
I am in, Assuming this is still going on?
Been very curious about this and a couple other razors I won't be able to try outside of something like this.
Been very curious about this and a couple other razors I won't be able to try outside of something like this.
- Thread starter
- #191
Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the sign up period has ended.
- Thread starter
- #192
I have a New SC and it’s wonderful. It shaves smooth and close and feels like toy compared to modern SS razors. But it works.
June 9, 2024 Sunday shave
Razor: Lambda Athena pass around with shortened Razorock Ti Halo handle
Blade: Personna Lab Blue (2)
Soap: Razorock New York
Brush: AP Shave Co. 24mm G5A (9)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Heavyweight copper
Post shave: Omega alum block, Thayer's Witch Hazel
Aftershave: Fine Snake Bite
This was the second shave with the pass around Lambda Athena. It was a marvelous shave. Two things improved this shave from the previous Athena shave: first, the blade settled down from its first use, second I used less pressure. The result was much better. I can see why this beautiful razor has such an enthusiastic group of users! I am truly impressed!
The three pass shave was nearly perfect except for a tiny micro weeper on the chin which went away by itself before the shave was concluded.
10/10 BBS. Wow, excellent! It's a shave for the record books!
Enjoy your day!
Razor: Lambda Athena pass around with shortened Razorock Ti Halo handle
Blade: Personna Lab Blue (2)
Soap: Razorock New York
Brush: AP Shave Co. 24mm G5A (9)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Heavyweight copper
Post shave: Omega alum block, Thayer's Witch Hazel
Aftershave: Fine Snake Bite
This was the second shave with the pass around Lambda Athena. It was a marvelous shave. Two things improved this shave from the previous Athena shave: first, the blade settled down from its first use, second I used less pressure. The result was much better. I can see why this beautiful razor has such an enthusiastic group of users! I am truly impressed!
The three pass shave was nearly perfect except for a tiny micro weeper on the chin which went away by itself before the shave was concluded.
10/10 BBS. Wow, excellent! It's a shave for the record books!
Enjoy your day!
June 11, 2024 Tuesday late shave
Razor: Lambda Athena pass around w/shortened Razorock Titanium Halo handle
Blade: Personna Lab Blue (3)
Soap: Barrister and Mann Le Grand Chypre
Brush: Omega 10049 Professional boar
Post shave: Osma alum block, Thayer's Witch Hazel
Aftershave: Captain's Choice Nor'easter
The third shave with the Athena was just as excellent as the previous shave. No drama, no irritation. It was a three pass shave, it was smooth and close. The skin is relaxed and feels good.
I'm very happy to have the opportunity to try the Athena. You can read all about a razor, but you just don't know what it's truly like until you use it.
Razor: Lambda Athena pass around w/shortened Razorock Titanium Halo handle
Blade: Personna Lab Blue (3)
Soap: Barrister and Mann Le Grand Chypre
Brush: Omega 10049 Professional boar
Post shave: Osma alum block, Thayer's Witch Hazel
Aftershave: Captain's Choice Nor'easter
The third shave with the Athena was just as excellent as the previous shave. No drama, no irritation. It was a three pass shave, it was smooth and close. The skin is relaxed and feels good.
I'm very happy to have the opportunity to try the Athena. You can read all about a razor, but you just don't know what it's truly like until you use it.
June 13, 2024 Thursday shave
Razor: Lambda Athena pass around cap and base plate w/shortened Razorock Titanium Halo handle
Blade: Astra Superior Platinum (1)
Soap: Razorock New York
Brush: Yaqi 24mm Silvertip badger (11)
Post shave: Omega alum block, Thayer's Witch Hazel
Aftershave: Lucky Tiger Aftershave and Face Tonic
This is the forth shave with the Athena. It was a three pass shave of 48 hours growth, with no drama and no irritation.
Incredibly close, easy and comfortable. Another BBS shave! I can see why this razor is so popular.
I'm going to get two more shaves with the Athena, then will pass it on Monday (June 17) afternoon, barring unforeseen circumstances. It has been a great learning experience and a pleasure to use this fine razor.
Razor: Lambda Athena pass around cap and base plate w/shortened Razorock Titanium Halo handle
Blade: Astra Superior Platinum (1)
Soap: Razorock New York
Brush: Yaqi 24mm Silvertip badger (11)
Post shave: Omega alum block, Thayer's Witch Hazel
Aftershave: Lucky Tiger Aftershave and Face Tonic
This is the forth shave with the Athena. It was a three pass shave of 48 hours growth, with no drama and no irritation.
Incredibly close, easy and comfortable. Another BBS shave! I can see why this razor is so popular.
I'm going to get two more shaves with the Athena, then will pass it on Monday (June 17) afternoon, barring unforeseen circumstances. It has been a great learning experience and a pleasure to use this fine razor.
- Thread starter
- #196
I’ve been busy lately and a bit MIA but above is an updated list of participants.
June 15, 2024 Saturday shave
Razor: Lambda Athena pass around w/Razorock Ti handle
Blade: Astra Superior Platinum (2)
Soap: Mitchell's Wool Fat, tallow
Brush: Yaqi 24mm Sagrada Familia
Post shave: Barbero alum block, Thayer's Witch Hazel
Aftershave: Old Spice Original
It was another great shave with the Athena. It was a three pass shave, with no weepers, etc. and no irritation. One more shave on Monday, then it's off to @catchacoolbreeze.
The Astra SP didn't offer quite the close shaves I have gotten with the Personna Lab Blue blade. But, it was still surprisingly effective, with no drama.
I've gotten to know the Athena better and the familiarity has given some predictably wonderful shaves. Without the pass around, I wouldn't have been as inclined to buy an Athena. It's a great razor that does a great job every time. Not too aggressive, not too mild, just right!
Razor: Lambda Athena pass around w/Razorock Ti handle
Blade: Astra Superior Platinum (2)
Soap: Mitchell's Wool Fat, tallow
Brush: Yaqi 24mm Sagrada Familia
Post shave: Barbero alum block, Thayer's Witch Hazel
Aftershave: Old Spice Original
It was another great shave with the Athena. It was a three pass shave, with no weepers, etc. and no irritation. One more shave on Monday, then it's off to @catchacoolbreeze.
The Astra SP didn't offer quite the close shaves I have gotten with the Personna Lab Blue blade. But, it was still surprisingly effective, with no drama.
I've gotten to know the Athena better and the familiarity has given some predictably wonderful shaves. Without the pass around, I wouldn't have been as inclined to buy an Athena. It's a great razor that does a great job every time. Not too aggressive, not too mild, just right!
June 17, 2024 Monday shave
Razor: Lambda Athena pass around with Maggard MR18 handle (6)
Blade: Gillette Nacet (2)
Soap: Razorock Caribbean Holiday
Brush: Paladin Tut STF XL by Rudy Vey
Bowl: Captain's Choice Heavyweight copper
Post shave: Osma alum block, Thayer's Witch Hazel
Aftershave: Pinaud Virgin Island Bay Rum
Today was the last shave for the Athena pass around razor head. It's been a wonderful and enlightening experience, and I'm sad to see it go.
This was a three pass shave of two days growth. The Athena / Nacet combination yielded a homerun shave. No drama, no blood, no irritation. The Razorock soap was excellent. Together, these items produced a fabulous shave, my face feels as smooth as polished marble!
I could go on and on about how impressed I am with the Lambda Athena, it's truly unique and a treat to use. I would like to extend a hearty Thank You to @Wgg2017 for arranging this opportunity for all of us. Theo will undoubtedly benefit from people experiencing this fine razor.
The razor head is now on its way to @catchacoolbreeze, and I hope he has a great experience with it, too!
Razor: Lambda Athena pass around with Maggard MR18 handle (6)
Blade: Gillette Nacet (2)
Soap: Razorock Caribbean Holiday
Brush: Paladin Tut STF XL by Rudy Vey
Bowl: Captain's Choice Heavyweight copper
Post shave: Osma alum block, Thayer's Witch Hazel
Aftershave: Pinaud Virgin Island Bay Rum
Today was the last shave for the Athena pass around razor head. It's been a wonderful and enlightening experience, and I'm sad to see it go.
This was a three pass shave of two days growth. The Athena / Nacet combination yielded a homerun shave. No drama, no blood, no irritation. The Razorock soap was excellent. Together, these items produced a fabulous shave, my face feels as smooth as polished marble!
I could go on and on about how impressed I am with the Lambda Athena, it's truly unique and a treat to use. I would like to extend a hearty Thank You to @Wgg2017 for arranging this opportunity for all of us. Theo will undoubtedly benefit from people experiencing this fine razor.
The razor head is now on its way to @catchacoolbreeze, and I hope he has a great experience with it, too!
Package received! I'll keep you all posted how it goes!
This is just a first impressions post as I only have one shave under my belt with the Athena.
This is an incredibly blade forward razor. I like mild razors - the Overlander being my current top pick - and this is nothing like an Overlander to my face and head. There is no auto-pilot or can't cut yourself feeling to the Athena. The razor reminds me more of a Timeless 95 or Gillette New SC. Maybe even slightly more aggressive than a Lupo.
I remember people saying that angle is important and I will try to play around with (I tried riding the top cap and going neutral) but this is a lot of blade feel for me and my particular wants and desires. I generally prefer more mild razors than most people on this forum so this is not entirely surprising but somewhat surprising as a lot of people compare it to a slightly more efficient Overlander and to me, its in another ballpark in terms of aggression. Just some initial thoughts.
This is an incredibly blade forward razor. I like mild razors - the Overlander being my current top pick - and this is nothing like an Overlander to my face and head. There is no auto-pilot or can't cut yourself feeling to the Athena. The razor reminds me more of a Timeless 95 or Gillette New SC. Maybe even slightly more aggressive than a Lupo.
I remember people saying that angle is important and I will try to play around with (I tried riding the top cap and going neutral) but this is a lot of blade feel for me and my particular wants and desires. I generally prefer more mild razors than most people on this forum so this is not entirely surprising but somewhat surprising as a lot of people compare it to a slightly more efficient Overlander and to me, its in another ballpark in terms of aggression. Just some initial thoughts.
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