I have been on an SE roll for the last several weeks. My Mongoose has become the go-to razor in my collection. I recently bought the Occam's SE Razor from Classic Shaving, and I used it this morning for the first time. I used the two-dot head (the one between the mildest one-dot and the most aggressive three-dot) with an Artist's Club Professional blade. (They don't recommend using the three-dot with a Professional blade, only a Pro Guard). I didn't bother using the tool to insert the blade.
Here are some first impressions:
This is like no other razor I have used. It is extremely light. The first strokes suggested an almost free-floating blade held in place by a minimal apparatus. The only razor that gave me a remotely similar feeling was the ultra-light Standard DE, which I consider a beginner's razor. I found it hard to get a good grip on the Occam, because of the odd shape of the handle and the razor's extreme lightness.
I began at my right sideburn, which I usually do. Since the way the blade is oriented enforces a very steep angle, I found it a bit difficult to shave at places that require more dexterity. I noticed when I was done that my right sideburn was less straight than I usually get it. Even more difficult was the stubble just under my the nose. It isn't easy getting that area smooth when it can only be approached from one fixed angle.
The first pass was not very effective. I suppose that was mostly because I was not used to the overall feel of this unusual razor. Usually, I can get a great shave in two passes, but this time I needed three full passes followed by a little touching up.
These negatives aside, I did ultimately get an OK shave from the Occam, and there were no bleeders or nicks. I am actually looking forward to improving my technique with this razor, because I think it has potential to be a keeper. This razor does require a learning curve to improve one's skill at it. I am also looking forward to using the three-dot head with a Pro Guard blade (but I may have to buy the right-sized screwdriver to change the head).
And while I'm on that subject, I do, by the way, agree with those on other forums who view the blade-inserting tool as useless and who question the design that requires one to use a screwdriver to change the head. Both of these undermine the advertised assertion that the Occam is the simplest way to shave.
Here are some first impressions:
This is like no other razor I have used. It is extremely light. The first strokes suggested an almost free-floating blade held in place by a minimal apparatus. The only razor that gave me a remotely similar feeling was the ultra-light Standard DE, which I consider a beginner's razor. I found it hard to get a good grip on the Occam, because of the odd shape of the handle and the razor's extreme lightness.
I began at my right sideburn, which I usually do. Since the way the blade is oriented enforces a very steep angle, I found it a bit difficult to shave at places that require more dexterity. I noticed when I was done that my right sideburn was less straight than I usually get it. Even more difficult was the stubble just under my the nose. It isn't easy getting that area smooth when it can only be approached from one fixed angle.
The first pass was not very effective. I suppose that was mostly because I was not used to the overall feel of this unusual razor. Usually, I can get a great shave in two passes, but this time I needed three full passes followed by a little touching up.
These negatives aside, I did ultimately get an OK shave from the Occam, and there were no bleeders or nicks. I am actually looking forward to improving my technique with this razor, because I think it has potential to be a keeper. This razor does require a learning curve to improve one's skill at it. I am also looking forward to using the three-dot head with a Pro Guard blade (but I may have to buy the right-sized screwdriver to change the head).
And while I'm on that subject, I do, by the way, agree with those on other forums who view the blade-inserting tool as useless and who question the design that requires one to use a screwdriver to change the head. Both of these undermine the advertised assertion that the Occam is the simplest way to shave.