I got it yesterday and shaved with it today for the first time.
But lets back up, why did I get one?
Few reasons. I started with a Merkur 180/23C. Got a RAD so I bought a Progress which is also great. Gave the 23C to my brother. Now my technique is still in the works and having too many options with the Progress settings became detrimental. I missed the 23C or something similar and the L6 price is very compelling. Another good reason is that I talk to my friends how I switched to DE shaving. When I am asked to make a recommendation for equipment, I try to make the point of fitting a starter kit into the price of a 8 fusion cartridges pack. I think the L6 + the Van Der Hagen basic set (bowl, soap and brush) + 100 Astra blades makes a lot of sense. (I don't think a sampler is good for a complete newbie because there are too many variables and there is very little not to like about the Astras).
I like to recommend stuff based on first hand experience. The VDH set is not bad. The soap (yes the $2 puck I get at my supermarket) is so far my favorite, the bowl is not bad. The brush is the weakest point (sheds sheds sheds) but for ~$10 it is a nice package that can be combined with the razor and the blades in one quick Amazon purchase. Sending people to get stuff at different stores is going to make them wait and postpone it.
Now for the L6. I got it on ebay from ntguy_s (pretty sure it is the same member that used to sell them here on the forum as well as the same who sells them on Amazon). It took 5 business days to arrive from NY to CA. It does remind the Merkur shape, but I think the head symmetry is different internally. If you compare them side by side it is hard to see the difference. Once I put the blade in, there is a difference at the exposure and (I think) angle. The finish is great on the parts that touch your face and mediocre on the sides of the razor. The blade is centered and leveled spot on.
I was concerned about the reports that the threading of the handle not enough. I think that issue is solved. I have about 3-4 complete turns to fasten the handle. The threading was a bit rough at the beginning but it was ok after I worked it in a few times. I go gentle when I assemble it so I hope it lasts. I read that ntguy stands behind is product so I am not terribly worried.
I like the light aluminum handle. It feels just right in my hand and it makes the razor head-heavy which makes me feel that I have more control over it. The handle is comfortable to hold and the finish is non slippery.
The shave itself is smoooooth. I got zero irritation even though I did a few passes (WTG, XTG). I just had a good time using it.
I am going to stick with it for the upcoming few weeks. I will revisit the Progress once I feel I really nailed down my technique.
I have yet to try the Lord blade it came with nor the pack of Bluebirds. For now I stick to my current favorite, Israeli Red Personna which coupled with this fine Egyptian Razor yielded the peaceful shave I have been waiting for a long time.
So my RAD is pacified and I am all set for now (who am I kidding...)
But lets back up, why did I get one?
Few reasons. I started with a Merkur 180/23C. Got a RAD so I bought a Progress which is also great. Gave the 23C to my brother. Now my technique is still in the works and having too many options with the Progress settings became detrimental. I missed the 23C or something similar and the L6 price is very compelling. Another good reason is that I talk to my friends how I switched to DE shaving. When I am asked to make a recommendation for equipment, I try to make the point of fitting a starter kit into the price of a 8 fusion cartridges pack. I think the L6 + the Van Der Hagen basic set (bowl, soap and brush) + 100 Astra blades makes a lot of sense. (I don't think a sampler is good for a complete newbie because there are too many variables and there is very little not to like about the Astras).
I like to recommend stuff based on first hand experience. The VDH set is not bad. The soap (yes the $2 puck I get at my supermarket) is so far my favorite, the bowl is not bad. The brush is the weakest point (sheds sheds sheds) but for ~$10 it is a nice package that can be combined with the razor and the blades in one quick Amazon purchase. Sending people to get stuff at different stores is going to make them wait and postpone it.
Now for the L6. I got it on ebay from ntguy_s (pretty sure it is the same member that used to sell them here on the forum as well as the same who sells them on Amazon). It took 5 business days to arrive from NY to CA. It does remind the Merkur shape, but I think the head symmetry is different internally. If you compare them side by side it is hard to see the difference. Once I put the blade in, there is a difference at the exposure and (I think) angle. The finish is great on the parts that touch your face and mediocre on the sides of the razor. The blade is centered and leveled spot on.
I was concerned about the reports that the threading of the handle not enough. I think that issue is solved. I have about 3-4 complete turns to fasten the handle. The threading was a bit rough at the beginning but it was ok after I worked it in a few times. I go gentle when I assemble it so I hope it lasts. I read that ntguy stands behind is product so I am not terribly worried.
I like the light aluminum handle. It feels just right in my hand and it makes the razor head-heavy which makes me feel that I have more control over it. The handle is comfortable to hold and the finish is non slippery.
The shave itself is smoooooth. I got zero irritation even though I did a few passes (WTG, XTG). I just had a good time using it.
I am going to stick with it for the upcoming few weeks. I will revisit the Progress once I feel I really nailed down my technique.
I have yet to try the Lord blade it came with nor the pack of Bluebirds. For now I stick to my current favorite, Israeli Red Personna which coupled with this fine Egyptian Razor yielded the peaceful shave I have been waiting for a long time.
So my RAD is pacified and I am all set for now (who am I kidding...)
