I don't post original threads often, but thought my very limited experience with the most recent Paradigm offering was worthy of a post. I was quite fortunate to have landed on my Diamondback 2020 by way of Ebay this past week. I had sent out an inquiry to buy one secondhand on a couple of forums, but had not had success. So, on a whim, I went to the auction site. Lo and behold a Paradigm Diamondback with "minor cosmetic damage" had just been posted and was being offered below retail. The seller had a whopping ZERO sales on Ebay. I typically steer clear of this type of seller, but the name of the seller looked familiar. Let's just say the razor and seller had a very personal relationship, so I bought it.
When it arrived to me, I could not for the life of me find any "minor cosmetic damage", so I sent the seller a note. He pointed out a minor dent on the threading of the top cap. I would never have found the damage and it is not an issue. That was it. Otherwise, it was a new, in the box, never used DB2020. Lucky find.
I have only shaved twice with this razor, the first shave with one days growth and this morning on two days growth. Both days with the same Astra SP and Martin de Candre soap. The first shave was as smooth and efficient as I have ever experienced, but I never felt in control of the razor. The reason being, the handle is so smooth and polished, it lacks knurling that I enjoy in a handle. I was chatting about this with a very respected B&B member and he reminded me of the alum on the finger tip trick. For this morning's second shave, I lightly rubbed my shaving fingers on my alum block and PRESTO, VOILA, the clouds parted etc, the DB2020 was now in my complete control and in addition to as good a shave as I have ever experienced, the actual shaving experience matched the performance. Such a little thing, rubbing my shaving hand fingers on the alum block. I would now consider this the finest shaving razor I have enjoyed. The combination of efficiency and smoothness is quite amazing. I hope this continues with each future shave and is not just some residual hallucinogenic from my youth paying me a visit.
In parting, I have only used this razor twice with terrific results and amazingly it shaves better than my Wolfman, BBS1 and CG razors, which are the only modern razors I decided to keep. The DB2020 is NOT my favorite looking razor. Not even close. I like a variety in my razors, so I now have 9 1/2 that I will keep. It will be hard to not reach for the DB2020 for the foreseeable future.
There are multiple reasons for my post today... Don't give up searching for the miracle find. Be grateful for wonderful advice you can find on B&B. MdC soap is amazing. Astra SP are a great blade to test any new razor you acquire. YMMV is real. And last but not least...
Happy Father's Day to all you Dads out there.
When it arrived to me, I could not for the life of me find any "minor cosmetic damage", so I sent the seller a note. He pointed out a minor dent on the threading of the top cap. I would never have found the damage and it is not an issue. That was it. Otherwise, it was a new, in the box, never used DB2020. Lucky find.
I have only shaved twice with this razor, the first shave with one days growth and this morning on two days growth. Both days with the same Astra SP and Martin de Candre soap. The first shave was as smooth and efficient as I have ever experienced, but I never felt in control of the razor. The reason being, the handle is so smooth and polished, it lacks knurling that I enjoy in a handle. I was chatting about this with a very respected B&B member and he reminded me of the alum on the finger tip trick. For this morning's second shave, I lightly rubbed my shaving fingers on my alum block and PRESTO, VOILA, the clouds parted etc, the DB2020 was now in my complete control and in addition to as good a shave as I have ever experienced, the actual shaving experience matched the performance. Such a little thing, rubbing my shaving hand fingers on the alum block. I would now consider this the finest shaving razor I have enjoyed. The combination of efficiency and smoothness is quite amazing. I hope this continues with each future shave and is not just some residual hallucinogenic from my youth paying me a visit.
In parting, I have only used this razor twice with terrific results and amazingly it shaves better than my Wolfman, BBS1 and CG razors, which are the only modern razors I decided to keep. The DB2020 is NOT my favorite looking razor. Not even close. I like a variety in my razors, so I now have 9 1/2 that I will keep. It will be hard to not reach for the DB2020 for the foreseeable future.
There are multiple reasons for my post today... Don't give up searching for the miracle find. Be grateful for wonderful advice you can find on B&B. MdC soap is amazing. Astra SP are a great blade to test any new razor you acquire. YMMV is real. And last but not least...
Happy Father's Day to all you Dads out there.