My new $7 razor is making me rethink everything

[giftofbab]

I have been using a Blackbird Lite lately with great results. It’s been my daily driver and I’ve been content that it’d be the last razor I purchase. It just works for me and I was able to see myself using it for the rest of my life. I tried NUMEROUS razors before it. This Blackbird and a Timeless SS being the most expensive (I’ve since returned the Timeless due to the Blackbird being better for me). With it being expensive, I don’t want to bring it traveling just in case it went missing or something and I’d be out nearly $200.

In came my journey to find a travel razor and my first stop was Aliexpress. With a welcome deal, I was able to get a Baili BD179 for insanely cheap. Awesome! It came and I shaved with it and it was extremely mild and smooth. Okay shave but not the best. It would’ve been fine for travel though and it was cheap as hell. I’m talking like $4 shipped cheap! I was pretty content for maybe a week that I found my travel razor since it came with a convenient case, does the job and it’s a super smooth shaver. I think it looks pretty cool though.

Not sure why or how, but I stumbled upon the Wilkinson Sword Classic. The black plastic one. And let me tell you…I am pissed off guys. This $7 razor shaves the same, if not better than every single razor I’ve ever tried. I’ve tried a lot. This damn $7 razor works so well with my hair and skin. It shaves almost the same as my beloved Blackbird Lite. The difference is, the Blackbird is $193 more expensive. If I knew or got this razor at the beginning of my traditional wet shaving “journey”, I’m not sure I’d be here posting this right now. I’m not a collector. I wouldn’t consider myself super into the hobby or anything. I like a good shave and like the experience. This damn $7 razor has fulfilled that.

Now, is this razor and its performance enough for me to sell the Blackbird? Probably haha…but I might wait a bit. Simply because I love the Blackbird. And it honestly doesn’t hurt or take up a lot of space to keep both razors. It just makes me upset. I also haven’t even used my preferred blade with it yet!

A couple concerns with it though…I haven’t been able to find it on any of the Wilkinson Sword websites so I’m guessing it’s been discontinued. That sucks. I have an itchy trigger finger and I’m going to order like 5 (probably just 2 ) more on Amazon for backup/just in case which leads me into my second concern…how durable is this razor? With it being mostly plastic, how long do these things last? I’m big on BIFL when possible. I take care of my things and I’m especially diligent when it’s things I have to use every day. Is it realistic with care, this can last a lifetime?

What an amazing razor for $7. Unbelievable.

 

[Beefdrippings]

I would not expect it to last a lifetime but, at that price you could buy enough of them to last a lifetime.

 

[EclipseRedRing]

Why would the price of a razor have anything to do with how well it shaves for you? A higher price may offer many things, perhaps exclusivity, tighter tolerances, being hand made, more expensive raw materials etc. but none of that guarantees that you will like the razor any more than a Bic disposable. The same applies to soap, brushes, blades, cars, coffee, and many other things. Just use what you like and sell the Blackbird if you want to release the funds. I guess the longevity of the Wilkinson Sword depends on the type of plastic used, many Gillette cases are plastic, such as the 195 Adjustable, and they have been kicking around for 60 years.

 

[StewB]

I am wondering whether the good shaving technique you have developed in order to use the Blackbird successfully is a factor in improving your shaves with other razors. (This seems to be the case with me, FWIW.)

 

[idjekyll]

It should be a said clearly and loudly that a good shave can be had from $7 up to $1000 type of razor. It is not a 'mo money mo performance' type of thing. It's like expecting a Rolex to tell the time better than a $5 Casio.

Also, since you already have the BB Lite, I'd say its high time you buy a 1000 packs of your preferred blade pairing and call it day.

 

[Vacumatic]

Interesting post.

I bought one of these Wilkinson razors about six years ago, the price was under £5 and that including 5 Wilkinson blades, that is around $6.50.

In terms of shaving performance it is fine, a mild razor that is easy to own and clean, well designed and manufactured and I cannot see any reason why it should not be working in 100 years time.

I guess that if a younger member of the family were to ask me how to shave and shave safely I would be giving mine away but there really is nothing wrong with them at all for the experienced shaver.

I am reminded of a motoring journalist who said that in 20 years time we will look back and say why did we waste our money on Italian exotic cars or expensive German saloons when Camry and Accord does everything that we need at a fraction of the price. Is it just because we want a fancy badge and the thought that expensive also means better,

 

[roaduck]

I have that one giftofbab - the black plastic one with the aluminium inside the handle - I agree - it`s brilliant - period - and not just for the money.
Mine was a bargain £4.99 shipped.

I`m sure it will last - I have a £3 Wilkinson Sword - that`s plastic & aluminium that`s well over 15 years old - used 3 times a week and it still looks the same - performs the same.

Plus I have an all-stainless Wilkinson Sword Classic all-stainless TTO butterfly head one that was only £10 that is fabulous for me - even with my Treet Black carbons, Torpedo Lieres carbons, Med Preps or Feather Stainless blades.

I love German made Wilkinson Sword blades - they are a fabulously balanced all round blade that is good in all types of razors IMHO - been using them 45 years.Not tried the Indian made ones yet.

I have very mild and extremely aggressive razors and I have a Yaqi Flipside that`s an open and a closed comb on one head and I can use any because I am used to really old rust-pitted antique carbon straights, turn of the Century safety razors and budget bargains.

I have a cheapie Turkish - YUMA YM-401 with heavy art deco handle on the way - I loved that one and gave all mine away because they were very efficient but smooth at the same time - now THAT is a bargain - sod blade alignment, how it looks or price tag - it performs superbly with a lot of different blades.

I used it in Marmaris in 1998 and hunted one down in a Turkish Barbers as soon as I got home.

 

[DesertIguana]

Well there are people who honest assessment of products upset some folks. Things that work do not have to have big price tag to get you results you desire. Happy to hear great new about your $7.00 Special Razor. Great find.


Saturday night were at local Cigar Store watching Barret Jackson Fall auction, friend was wearing his RM-55 Richard Mille Bubba Watson watch, I could get same time off my old outdate half dead iPhone.

 

[Vacumatic]

Saturday night were at local Cigar Store watching Barret Jackson Fall auction, friend was wearing his RM-55 Richard Mille Bubba Watson watch, I could get same time off my old outdate half dead iPhone.

That sounds like a good evening, we didn't get to see Barret Jackson this year, it used to be shown non stop, chassis cameras and everything else, loved it.

Our local cigar shop owner doubts my sanity.

Buy 1865 Cigars UK | Buy Cigars Online | Tobacco Products Online - https://1865cigars.com/

The cigars are kept inside a caged area within a hardware store, I like to go in just to see the cigar boxes, some are works of the craftsmans art.

The hardware store even has a small selection of razors, soaps and blades.

https://www.cboothandson.co.uk/search?q=shaving

 

[borwish]

@giftofbab Whatever you do don't get a Razorock SLOC/ Yaqi Mellon. The head is often available for about $6.

 

[DesertIguana]

On the Bay

Wilkinson Sword Classic Men'S Razor with 5 Razor Blades | eBay

Manufacturer Wilkinson Sword. The double-edged razor blade is embedded in the apparatus head without vibration, so that a risk of injury is excluded when handled properly. Wilkinson Classic Razor. Number of Blades 5.

www.ebay.com

Plus other places if you search.

 

[BigJ]

I have been using a Blackbird Lite lately with great results. It’s been my daily driver and I’ve been content that it’d be the last razor I purchase. It just works for me and I was able to see myself using it for the rest of my life. I tried NUMEROUS razors before it. This Blackbird and a Timeless SS being the most expensive (I’ve since returned the Timeless due to the Blackbird being better for me). With it being expensive, I don’t want to bring it traveling just in case it went missing or something and I’d be out nearly $200.

In came my journey to find a travel razor and my first stop was Aliexpress. With a welcome deal, I was able to get a Baili BD179 for insanely cheap. Awesome! It came and I shaved with it and it was extremely mild and smooth. Okay shave but not the best. It would’ve been fine for travel though and it was cheap as hell. I’m talking like $4 shipped cheap! I was pretty content for maybe a week that I found my travel razor since it came with a convenient case, does the job and it’s a super smooth shaver. I think it looks pretty cool though.

Not sure why or how, but I stumbled upon the Wilkinson Sword Classic. The black plastic one. And let me tell you…I am pissed off guys. This $7 razor shaves the same, if not better than every single razor I’ve ever tried. I’ve tried a lot. This damn $7 razor works so well with my hair and skin. It shaves almost the same as my beloved Blackbird Lite. The difference is, the Blackbird is $193 more expensive. If I knew or got this razor at the beginning of my traditional wet shaving “journey”, I’m not sure I’d be here posting this right now. I’m not a collector. I wouldn’t consider myself super into the hobby or anything. I like a good shave and like the experience. This damn $7 razor has fulfilled that.

Now, is this razor and its performance enough for me to sell the Blackbird? Probably haha…but I might wait a bit. Simply because I love the Blackbird. And it honestly doesn’t hurt or take up a lot of space to keep both razors. It just makes me upset. I also haven’t even used my preferred blade with it yet!

A couple concerns with it though…I haven’t been able to find it on any of the Wilkinson Sword websites so I’m guessing it’s been discontinued. That sucks. I have an itchy trigger finger and I’m going to order like 5 (probably just 2 ) more on Amazon for backup/just in case which leads me into my second concern…how durable is this razor? With it being mostly plastic, how long do these things last? I’m big on BIFL when possible. I take care of my things and I’m especially diligent when it’s things I have to use every day. Is it realistic with care, this can last a lifetime?

View attachment 1927127

What an amazing razor for $7. Unbelievable.

First, CONGRATULATIONS! You found a great razor, period!!

My ’travel’ razor is the Lord L6 (also $7), a very fine shaver!! You might consider one if and when you need a replacement.

 

[rudygu]

At the end of the day the razor is just a device that holds the blade. You can find one at any price point that will supply the mass, gap, exposure, etc that you find most intuitive and call it done. Blade choice, prep, technique and postshave products are greater influences on the success of any given shave than the actual razor used.

I have more than my fair share of vintage and modern razors in varying materials, but it’s not because any of them are better at shaving than any others. I just like collecting well-made mechanical objects in an era where goods are increasingly disposable or digital.

 

[DesertIguana]

At the end of the day the razor is just a device that holds the blade. You can find one at any price point that will supply the mass, gap, exposure, etc that you find most intuitive and call it done. Blade choice, prep, technique and postshave products are greater influences on the success of any given shave than the actual razor used.

TOTAL TRUTH. But more fun to have BMW, and not be stuck driving YUGO.

 

[reformedshavr]

First, CONGRATULATIONS! You found a great razor, period!!

My ’travel’ razor is the Lord L6 (also $7), a very fine shaver!! You might consider one if and when you need a replacement.

The Lord L6 is a fantastic cheapie ... I've taken it as a travel razor as well, and at $6 I consider it 'expendible' if the TSA gods were to relieve me of it.

I couldn't believe how well it shaved given the build quality/tolerances aren't particularly tight.

 

[Trollky]

View attachment 1927163
I have that one giftofbab - the black plastic one with the aluminium inside the handle - I agree - it`s brilliant - period - and not just for the money.
Mine was a bargain £4.99 shipped.

I`m sure it will last - I have a £3 Wilkinson Sword - that`s plastic & aluminium that`s well over 15 years old - used 3 times a week and it still looks the same - performs the same.

Plus I have an all-stainless Wilkinson Sword Classic all-stainless TTO butterfly head one that was only £10 that is fabulous for me - even with my Treet Black carbons, Torpedo Lieres carbons, Med Preps or Feather Stainless blades.

I love German made Wilkinson Sword blades - they are a fabulously balanced all round blade that is good in all types of razors IMHO - been using them 45 years.Not tried the Indian made ones yet.

I have very mild and extremely aggressive razors and I have a Yaqi Flipside that`s an open and a closed comb on one head and I can use any because I am used to really old rust-pitted antique carbon straights, turn of the Century safety razors and budget bargains.

I have a cheapie Turkish - YUMA YM-401 with heavy art deco handle on the way - I loved that one and gave all mine away because they were very efficient but smooth at the same time - now THAT is a bargain - sod blade alignment, how it looks or price tag - it performs superbly with a lot of different blades.

I used it in Marmaris in 1998 and hunted one down in a Turkish Barbers as soon as I got home.

Bloody hell... I haven't seen a flip-top Wilkie in a long time (you lucky bastard). Excellent photo btw.

 

[roaduck]

I think I tried a Lord L5 and L6 ages ago - but didn`t know much about razor brands or blades at the time; a razor was just a razor to me - they were just tools and from memory I thought they were fab - got lost in a house move or given away - I can`t remember.
I recognised them after researching and landing on this lovely forum site.

Thank you all folks - I`m learning every day.

 

[roaduck]

Bloody hell... I haven't seen a flip-top Wilkie in a long time (you lucky bastard). Excellent photo btw.

Thanks Trollky - I`ll fish out the buy now link for you - no probs.

Wilkinson Sword Barber’s Style Classic Shave - The Edger
Here you go Sunshine - I think it was less than twelve quid all inc.

 

[AshleyC]

Well there are people who honest assessment of products upset some folks. Things that work do not have to have big price tag to get you results you desire. Happy to hear great new about your $7.00 Special Razor. Great find.


Saturday night were at local Cigar Store watching Barret Jackson Fall auction, friend was wearing his RM-55 Richard Mille Bubba Watson watch, I could get same time off my old outdate half dead iPhone.

Ah, but you did notice the watch he was wearing.

Watches are just about the only thing I wear that random people notice and comment upon. Usually at a cigar store, but other places as well.

 

[helicopter]

It seems to be the same design for at least 38 years, indicating it does the job well.

You don't have to spend $7 to get great shaves, though. The 1970s Tech design and the click are both available in the $1 range.

They all do the same thing.