Lupo 95 Honeymoon

[NEPA507]

I didn't quite want this to be a review or an acquisition post, but rather a proclamation of my happiness with this razor so wanted to just make it its own post if allowed.

If anybody has seen my previous posts I was battling more mild razors and on the hunt for something that suited my preferences of only shaving 2-3 days, wanting at the least a real close DSF or borderline BBS, and not tear up my neck. I read, and people suggested to ignore common sense and go with a more aggressive razor and so I procured a Razorock Lupo 95 which arrived last night.

Well, this morning I took it for a test drive, and, with a bit of trepidation touched the blade to my face and instantly fell in love. With as little pressure as I could use without the razor falling out of my hand with a Wizamet Iridium blade the first pass alone produced a DFS going WTG. I rinsed my face to check progress and really only had a touch of stubble around by chin, jawline, and neck. So I lathered up again and went XTG on my upper face, and a mix of XTG and ATG on my jawline/chine and down my neck. The thing that really boggled my simple mind was that there was absolutely zero tugging or irritation on my lower neck. If I'm being honest, I jumped the gun and actually went over a part of my neck that wasn't fully healed from a few days ago and had some superficial razor bumps and the Lupo never even made them the slightest bit red or weep.

I fought all my instincts not to go in for the kill and do 1 more cleanup pass on my lower neck and left good enough alone for the first attempt, and decided to chase it with the alum block. Again, I had a small kneejerk reaction when I placed it to my face thinking I would find that irritation, but even on my lower neck I might have well been rubbing water on my face because I didn't get a single tingler anywhere save for a little pimple on my cheek which we can't blame the razor for since it didn't cut it open (a testament in and of itself.

I'm not sure I even want to experiment with other blades (but let's be honest we all know I will) and am extremely satisfied the this "n" of 1 shave. I still have an inbound Game Changer 84 coming in, but I can't see any reason that will make me decide to keep that vs the Lupo. Right down to the milling coming in flush with the blade's sides making it an extremely versatile tool for around the nose, to the shaving angle which apparently really fits my hand and face makes this my current unicorn I have been after. This is probably the 3rd time I've put this picture for attention, but I can't get enough of this little razor. I won't shave my face again for a couple days again, so might have to shave everywhere else on my body just to have some more fun. I'm sure I could use the increase in aerodynamics...

PS: I might have gone a bit overboard because that lather you see is AFTER my 2 pass shave. Rather have it and not need it vs need it and not have it I suppose.

 

[Jay21]

Congrats! The Lupo 95 is also one of my favorite razors, if not my favorite.

 

[Ron R]

I have to agree with your assessment of the RR Lupo, I have the Lupo.72 and it has been used every week when possible for the last 2.5 years with excellent results most of the time. Hard to beat this razor has been my conclusion. A lot of folks like the Lupo.95 more than the .72 for some reason, they claim it is smoother! I have a very large DE razor rotation and it has been in the top 2 of my 60+ razors for a very long time IMO.
(Old archived photo of the 2nd Generation of Lupo Stainless steel uncoated changes to their Lupo razors I bought mine in January of 2021 when they where first introduced.) The 1st Generation of Aluminum Lupo razors(+ 1 SS DLC coated variant) where very popular also and folks wanted a stainless steel version with no diamond like coatings (AKA= DLC.).

Have some great shaves!

 

[JL 52]

@NEPA507 You're going to be surprised by how much you also like the Game Changer .84. I think I like the Game Changer better than the Lupo, but honestly my favorite seems to be whichever one I last used lol. The Game Changer seems to feel smoother to me, and the Lupo has more blade feel and is more efficient; both enjoyable and the ending shave were about the same in my case. Both the .72 and .95 seems to cut just a little closer than the Game Changer .84 but also came with the tradeoff of slightly more irritation for me.

 

[Hairy Callahan]

Never had a truly satisfactory shave out of my Lupo 95. Not going to give up, the Minora blade I used in it yesterday came close to a decent shave, so there's definitely potential. First time I used it, my suntan was laying in the sink. Razor burn central. If you put a Feather in this chainsaw, you could shave the paint off a car hood. After Minora Week is in the books, my plan is to find a blade that works in this slasher movie prop.

 

[JL 52]

A couple weeks ago I tried back-to-back head shaves days with the Lupo .95SB. Both shaves felt amazingly smooth and efficient, but the alum sting after the second shave sent a loud and clear message that it isn't a daily driver for me. I still love having it in my rotation but its a once a week razor for me. I have the .72SB and .72OC as well and but I'm still getting a feel for how often I can use them comfortably.

 

[Sweeney_]

@NEPA507
That is a fine looking razor you have there.
What a coincidence your post is. Just today I received two more .95 plates so I can perform blind blade testing with two identical razors.

Based on your initial report, don't be surprised when the honeymoon grows into a longterm lovefest. I say that because your experience mirrors my own back in March of 2021.

I don't really consider the Lupo 95 aggressive at this stage, although it seemed that way back then. The Lupo 1.27 fits the aggressive bill to my mind. If I remember accurately, my razor evolution during those years was a Merkur 34c, a lot of vintage Gillettes, Karve, a few different Razorock models, then Game Changer 68, then GC84, Lupo 72 and lastly the 95. The Lupo 72 was love at first feel and then the .95 plate came out a couple weeks later and I entered Nirvana. Keep a light touch while learning the razor and after a week or two, it'll feel like an extension of your own hand. The shaves will just get better and better.

Like you, I prefer shaving at the 48hr mark or longer and the 95 works great for that. The perfect combination of blade feel and smoothness. Over the last few years, I established such a rapport with the 95 that I could use it four days consecutively during my work week with no irritation. For a daily or when lacking sufficient stubble, I'll usually choose the Lupo 72 or another mildish razor. On four days or more growth - which is rare - I let the lupo 127 out of the cage. I should probably add that my shaves are 2-pass, WTG/ATG and then some touch-up under the jaw and chin. I've learned to value smooth and comfortable over ultimate bbs.

I pick 5 favorite razors (out of many), which are then kept in the rack on my bathroom counter for rotation. The 72 and 95 have stayed there permanently and rub shoulders with the Blackbird, Wolfman and Yates 921 EH, so yeah...
call me a fan.

 

[NEPA507]

@NEPA507 You're going to be surprised by how much you also like the Game Changer .84. I think I like the Game Changer better than the Lupo, but honestly my favorite seems to be whichever one I last used lol. The Game Changer seems to feel smoother to me, and the Lupo has more blade feel and is more efficient; both enjoyable and the ending shave were about the same in my case. Both the .72 and .95 seems to cut just a little closer than the Game Changer .84 but also came with the tradeoff of slightly more irritation for me.

One of the biggest likes is the reduced corners so the guard is only as long as the blade which is great for the nose and tighter areas. I also have a mamba and it's definitely harder the be precise and I know the width is the same on the GC. Maybe I will be surprised but if not I honestly dont card and might stock up on extra Lupo plates

 

[NEPA507]

A couple weeks ago I tried back-to-back head shaves days with the Lupo .95SB. Both shaves felt amazingly smooth and efficient, but the alum sting after the second shave sent a loud and clear message that it isn't a daily driver for me. I still love having it in my rotation but its a once a week razor for me. I have the .72SB and .72OC as well and but I'm still getting a feel for how often I can use them comfortably.

Yeah with my hair it's kind of pointless to shave more than every other day if I get at least a DFS so it's both good and bad. If I keep the Mamba 53 i can shave every day just because it doesn't get close enough and after 48 hours i have visible growth. It's still probably socially acceptable but my ocd won't let it be

 

[NEPA507]

@NEPA507
That is a fine looking razor you have there.
What a coincidence your post is. Just today I received two more .95 plates so I can perform blind blade testing with two identical razors.

View attachment 1880009
Based on your initial report, don't be surprised when the honeymoon grows into a longterm lovefest. I say that because your experience mirrors my own back in March of 2021.

I don't really consider the Lupo 95 aggressive at this stage, although it seemed that way back then. The Lupo 1.27 fits the aggressive bill to my mind. If I remember accurately, my razor evolution during those years was a Merkur 34c, a lot of vintage Gillettes, Karve, a few different Razorock models, then Game Changer 68, then GC84, Lupo 72 and lastly the 95. The Lupo 72 was love at first feel and then the .95 plate came out a couple weeks later and I entered Nirvana. Keep a light touch while learning the razor and after a week or two, it'll feel like an extension of your own hand. The shaves will just get better and better.

Like you, I prefer shaving at the 48hr mark or longer and the 95 works great for that. The perfect combination of blade feel and smoothness. Over the last few years, I established such a rapport with the 95 that I could use it four days consecutively during my work week with no irritation. For a daily or when lacking sufficient stubble, I'll usually choose the Lupo 72 or another mildish razor. On four days or more growth - which is rare - I let the lupo 127 out of the cage. I should probably add that my shaves are 2-pass, WTG/ATG and then some touch-up under the jaw and chin. I've learned to value smooth and comfortable over ultimate bbs.

I pick 5 favorite razors (out of many), which are then kept in the rack on my bathroom counter for rotation. The 72 and 95 have stayed there permanently and rub shoulders with the Blackbird, Wolfman and Yates 921 EH, so yeah...
call me a fan.

View attachment 1880019

This is all reassuring to hear. I want to get an inkwell holder so might use it as an excuse to get a couple extra plates for the free shipping. I'm undecided if it makes sense to get the 127 and maybe the 58 or just an extra handle for it.

 

[Sweeney_]

This is all reassuring to hear. I want to get an inkwell holder so might use it as an excuse to get a couple extra plates for the free shipping. I'm undecided if it makes sense to get the 127 and maybe the 58 or just an extra handle for it.

I've never tried the 58 but I'd suggest that or the 72 if irritation becomes an issue. If you only shave ever other day, you should be fine with the 95. I have no problem at all tackling 4-5 days growth with the 95 SB. Then there are also the open comb versions. Unless you just have an irresistible urge to go full bore and try it, the 127 is likely not needed but only you can decide that.
We like what we like, right?

It's obvious you appreciate the head design so the good news is there are plenty of plate options. Enjoy!

 

[JL 52]

One of the biggest likes is the reduced corners so the guard is only as long as the blade which is great for the nose and tighter areas. I also have a mamba and it's definitely harder the be precise and I know the width is the same on the GC. Maybe I will be surprised but if not I honestly dont card and might stock up on extra Lupo plates

And that's a serious consideration to factor in. The Lupo's head design is a thing of beauty. The GC head works well enough for me as I only use it to head shave, but the Lupo's is definitely better.

 

[JL 52]

I've never tried the 58 but I'd suggest that or the 72 if irritation becomes an issue. If you only shave ever other day, you should be fine with the 95. I have no problem at all tackling 4-5 days growth with the 95 SB. Then there are also the open comb versions. Unless you just have an irresistible urge to go full bore and try it, the 127 is likely not needed but only you can decide that.
We like what we like, right?

It's obvious you appreciate the head design so the good news is there are plenty of plate options. Enjoy!

@NEPA507 I'd recommend sticking with the 95SB for some time to see if you even need an adjustment up or down in aggression.

My experience with the 72SB was similar to the 95SB, I got roughly the same ending shave closest and just a little less post shave irritation.

I'd strongly recommend the 58SB as a change of pace, its just further on the end of the spectrum and will give you a less closer shave but practically zero irritation. I like having it handy for to do quick low-risk clean up shaves the day after using something more aggressive like the Lupo 95.

 

[Sweeney_]

@NEPA507 I'd recommend sticking with the 95SB for some time to see if you even need an adjustment up or down in aggression.

^^^^^^^This

 

[NEPA507]

@NEPA507 I'd recommend sticking with the 95SB for some time to see if you even need an adjustment up or down in aggression.

My experience with the 72SB was similar to the 95SB, I got roughly the same ending shave closest and just a little less post shave irritation.

I'd strongly recommend the 58SB as a change of pace, its just further on the end of the spectrum and will give you a less closer shave but practically zero irritation. I like having it handy for to do quick low-risk clean up shaves the day after using something more aggressive like the Lupo 95.

I think I've found success going more aggressive so I'd actually be more nervous going mild again as weird as they sounds. It's been only 1 shave but I was really happy with the 95 so will use it for awhile and compare to the GC84 when it comes

 

[BurnFree]

Love my Lupo95OC. Consider yourself Enabled.

Gamechanger is different geometry. People often strongly prefer one or the other, rarely both. Enjoy the trials!

 

[Iridian]

Hi @NEPA507, I also like my Lupo .95 OC a lot. Thinking about it, all Wolfman head design razor are at least great if not fantastic, but instead of gushing some hints how you can make your LUPO EXPERIENCE even better!

1. Timeless Ti Crown handle. Fits this razor so perfectly that it is now on permanent Lupo duty.

2. Lupo .95 OC. It's adding some extra to the shave and I always liked the OC for Lupos better. For instance I rather shaved with the .72 OC side of the Lupo DC instead of the. 95 SB. And I don't even have a thick beard at all, it's just a better shave with the OC.

 

[NEPA507]

Hi @NEPA507, I also like my Lupo .95 OC a lot. Thinking about it, all Wolfman head design razor are at least great if not fantastic, but instead of gushing some hints how you can make your LUPO EXPERIENCE even better!

1. Timeless Ti Crown handle. Fits this razor so perfectly that it is now on permanent Lupo duty.

2. Lupo .95 OC. It's adding some extra to the shave and I always liked the OC for Lupos better. For instance I rather shaved with the .72 OC side of the Lupo DC instead of the. 95 SB. And I don't even have a thick beard at all, it's just a better shave with the OC.

so what is the purpose of an open comb? Even in my worst I can’t imagine a scenario where I would be able to take advantage of a comb plate just because my hair is not that thick or long. Or I suppose another way to ask since a comb adds aggressiveness, what is the difference between keeping the same blade gap with a comb design versus a safety bar with a larger gap like the 127?

 

[ewk]

so what is the purpose of an open comb?

It is not about thick or long hair at all. The difference may be subtle, but there is a difference. A straight bar acts like a squeegie removing all lather and perhaps hydration before the blade passes over the skin. The open comb leaves "lather trails" on the skin before the blade scrapes across.

 

[JL 52]

It is not about thick or long hair at all. The difference may be subtle, but there is a difference. A straight bar acts like a squeegie removing all lather and perhaps hydration before the blade passes over the skin. The open comb leaves "lather trails" on the skin before the blade scrapes across.

This difference is even less pronounced with the Lupo, its straight bar is scalloped and feels similar to the open comb on the skin and also leaves the “lather trails” you mentioned.

I last shaved with the .72SB and will be using the .72OC this evening to compare yet again. From my memory the two felt similar, with a very slight advantage going to the OC due to the ease of rinsing.