Pearl Hammer All Brass CNC Razor.

[dotKomo]

Okay, wanted to get more action on this thread. I ordered a Hammer and got it yesterday. I plan on using it next week, as I'm using my Parker Variant on this week's rotation. That will be 3-4 days growth, depending on whether I shave tonight or tomorrow morning, or not.

Full report on the shave.

 

[Dave himself]

My Pearl Hammer arrived a few days ago but im trying to hone my skill with a AC straight. So it will just have to wait but I'm really looking forward to trying it.

 

[GlazedBoker]

Ok, I finally got to put in a few shaves (5) with the Hammer from Pearl after a little over a month of having it in my possession. Made some commitments to some shaving events and did not want to break my promise in participating in those dedicated shaving events.

Anyhow, the experience with this razor has been a bit of a roller coaster ride for me. Off the bat, the Silvermax blades do not agree with my face. The very first shave was a weeperfest of epic proportions. At first I thought it was a bad blade on the initial shave so, I changed it out before completing my first pass. I did that one more time hoping that I just had a couple of rough blades but, to no avail. It just wasn’t smooth and felt kind of skittish on my skin. I managed to complete the first shave with those 3 blades but, it was weeper and irritation universe. I hadn’t experienced that in quite some time. Though the shave was nearly a BBS finish minus a spot around the Adam’s Apple area, the alum pass set my face on fire. A nice cold water splash for a few seconds and a healthy helping of after shave with alcohol gave me the bracing effect that I wasn’t welcoming but, definitely needed. It subsided within 30 minutes and after about an hour my skin felt smooth & clean of whiskers. Slight discomfort for a bit after but, I was clean shaven. Rough blades and getting to know a razor on it’s initial outing is a bad combo. I knew better as I should have gone with blades that I know and feel comfy with but, was just being stubborn and I paid the price.

The following 4 shaves have been with a Gillette Minora and it has been good to excellent shaves since. Finding the angle on the Hammer takes a little adjustment (it feels really good & smooth almost riding the safety bar) but, once there and one maintains that angle of attack, it’s a pleasure to use and wield. The weight for me is a non issue as I have razors that are equal to the Pearl Hammer with some exceeding it by a bit. Balance is quite good with weight bias that shifts slightly towards the handle. I can live with that. The handle is either love or hate and I’m somewhere in the middle. It offers good grip and tactile feel even with one’s paws full of suds. Lather slots work very well and the razor rinses clean with ease. For those that take this into account, the blade tabs are fully covered so no earlobe nics for some. To me it makes no difference but, it’s a positive attribute for the Hammer. Now I’ve had all my shaves with the sb variant base plate up until this point including today’s shave. The next couple of shaves I will swap out the sb plate for the oc version and put it through some shaves and see what it delivers which I think will be more of the same in good shaves with a tad more blade feel. Well, that’s the theory at the moment. Will post again in a few days and give a more complete report on the Pearl Hammer once those shaves are completed,

Great shaves to all…

 

[BradWorld]

I knew better as I should have gone with blades that I know and feel comfy with but, was just being stubborn and I paid the price

Excellent write up. Yes, shoulda used a known blade on the first shave. Live and learn.

And I hate the handle, despite its good grip and balance. I can’t get past the looks of the darn thing. Luckily had a matte stainless free range handle floating around that is the absolute perfect match to the Hammer.

I also have not used the OC plate yet. I plan on bringing both plates on my next road trip Thursday.

 

[dotKomo]

This morning was my first shave with the Hammer. Here was my set-up:

Pre-Shave	Hot Shower and CeraVe Moisturizing Face Wash. Proraso Red Pre-shave cream
Soap/Cream	Proraso Red (Sandalwood)
Brush	Omega 10048
Razor	Pearl Hammer with the OC Plate
Blade	Silvermax Platinum Blade
Aftershave	Alum block on my neck only. Witch Hazel, American Shaving Products Sandalwood Balm
Fragrance	Proraso Sandalwood AS
Rating	9/10
Comments	My beard had four days growth. I decided to go with the open comb plate for my inaugural shave and use the supplied Silvermax blades. The Hammer is the heaviest razor I've ever used but did not feel at all awkward or unbalanced. I was surprised at the amount of beard reduction from the first WTG pass and the Silvermax blade performed well for me. We'll see how it retains its sharpness in subsequent shaves this week. The knurling on the handle could be a little more aggressive, but I did not feel that I would lose my grip on the razor. Despite using the open comb plate, I did not have any cuts or weepers nor did I think I was at risk of cutting myself. I did not push my luck on trying to get a really smooth feel on my neck as I want to wait until I have the razor dialed in. Alum block on my neck revealed a little irritation around my Adams apple. Perhaps I'll try that with the closed comb. I would agree that a steep angle is best with this razor - almost riding the bar (or in the case of the open comb - the teeth). Maybe that (the teeth) accounts for the neck irritation. All in all, I would agree that this razor is a bargain at this price point and punches way above its weight. The fit and finish is spot on and being all brass will last forever. Have a great week, and I'll keep you posted as I get more shaves under my belt with the Hammer.

 

[dotKomo]

This morning was my second shave with the Hammer. Here was my set-up:

Pre-Shave	Hot Shower and CeraVe Moisturizing Face Wash.
Soap/Cream	Cella
Brush	Omega 10048
Razor	Pearl Hammer with the Closed Comb Plate
Blade	Fresh Personna Blue Blade
Aftershave	Alum block on my neck only. Witch Hazel, Cremo 508 Heritage Spiced Amber Balm
Fragrance	Avon Wild Country AS
Rating	9/10
Comments	One day growth. I went with the closed comb plate for my second shave and switched to a fresh Personna Blue Blade. My neck was a bit irritated. That may have been from a combination of the open comb plate and the blade. So, I am going easy on the neck and using alum to reduce the irritation. A good shave. I'm still learning on this razor, but it seems to do well on my trouble spots despite my light and careful ATG pass on my neck. I expect the shave to improve as I find the sweet spot pairing of razor and blade. Cheers.

 

[GlazedBoker]

I’m still putting in some more shaves with the Hammer but, I just wanted to drop a quick note here and thoughts while they are still fresh in my head. Put a shave in yesterday and one this evening and I have to say, the open comb has been very impressive. Still has a smoothness to it that somehow might feel smoother than the safety bar version. Again it works extremely well riding the razor slightly towards the teeth on the open comb. 2 days straight of real quality shaves and not a single issue with irritation nor weepers. The Minora by Gillette just works beautifully in this razor with an excellent combination of sharpness yet very smooth on the skin. Longevity has been pretty good as well as I’m on my 6th shave with it with the initial 4 being done on the safety bar. Impressive this Pearl Hammer.

Great shaves to all….

 

[Mark1977]

pearl razors have always interested me. I know they are an indian brand. how do they compare to parker? I recently bought a pearl l55 (closed comb) in antique brass. Handle is brass, head is zinc alloy. anyone try this particular razor? the handle is heavy and very beautiful. Have not shaved with it yet, but any reviews on this particular razor would be much appreciated.

I have the exact razor. It has a DE89 style head but there is definitely more blade feel than the DE89. It is a good razor at a very affordable price and gets the job done pretty well. It is my travel razor as of now.

 

[dotKomo]

Third shave today with the Hammer. Here was my set-up:

Pre-Shave	Hot Shower and CeraVe Moisturizing Face Wash.
Soap/Cream	Cremo Original Shave Stick
Brush	SOC Badger
Razor	Pearl Hammer with the Closed Comb Plate
Blade	Personna Blue Blade - 2nd use
Aftershave	Witch Hazel / Osage Rub mix, Cremo 508 Heritage Spiced Amber Balm
Fragrance	Floid Menthol Vigoroso
Rating	9/10
Comments	One day growth. The irritation on my neck is improving. Another good shave. Getting used to this razor. Light buffing on the neck is providing a smooth finish without additional irritation. At the price point of this razor, I really think it's a no brainer to add to your stable. Cheers.

 

[dotKomo]

Fourth shave yesterday with the Hammer (didn't get this posted). Here was my set-up:

Pre-Shave	Hot Shower and CeraVe Moisturizing Face Wash.
Soap/Cream	La Toja stick
Brush	RR Big Bruce Synthetic
Razor	Pearl Hammer with the Closed Comb Plate
Blade	Personna Blue Blade - 3rd use
Aftershave	Witch Hazel, Cremo 508 Heritage Spiced Amber Balm
Fragrance	Vintage Sandalwood Cologne -picked this up at TJ Maxx. Not a mainline product. Smells divine.
Rating	9/10
Comments	One day growth. Good shave. I am starting to realize (though it would be apparent) that the sheer weight of this razor means to apply little to no pressure. I think that would account for most of the irritation from Day 1. Happy Friday!

 

[GlazedBoker]

Nearly 2 more weeks of shaves with the Pearl Hammer switching between both the safety & open comb plates. I’ve also used a few different blade setups which include Gillette Platinum (Black Ninja’s), Bic Chrome Platinum, Gillette Minora, Lord Platinum & KAI SS blades and all have worked tremendously well with the KAI’s giving more blade feel over the others mentioned. The Hammer gives a rock solid platform with excellent shave characteristics that should give most shavers today everything they could possibly want or need in a very affordable package that is well made and nicely presented. Of course if we were to speak on aesthetics alone, quite a few would write it off as a novelty razor at best. But, there is no razor in existence today that pleases every wet shaver including razors that are classified as luxury or ultra premium shave tools nor the vintage greats from the likes of Gillette, GEM, Gibson and countless others. I agree that for my own tastes the handle is not the most pleasing yet, in function it covers the most basic necessity in proving good tactile feel and better than average balance. The only caveat that I would say is that for a true beginner in the wet shave ranks, I would not recommend this to be your absolute first razor into the DE world of shaving. Not because it‘s an aggressive razor (I’d consider it mid-level at best) but, rather it fits the shaver that has had some experience with a few razors and have the experience to adjust their technique in acclimating themselves to a razor such as the Pearl Hammer. Not difficult to learn nor master just takes a few shaves to find that sweet spot where it works at maximum efficiency while still promoting smoothness with a comfortable shave experience. When those factors are taken into account, for the sufficiently experienced wet shavers this is a razor that exudes great value & performance in the shave universe.

It simply works. Great shaves to all….

 

[dotKomo]

Took a week off from the Hammer. Went back to it today. Here's the set-up:

Pre-Shave	Hot Shower and CeraVe Moisturizing Face Wash.
Soap/Cream	Kiss My Face Cool Mint Shave Cream
Brush	RR Bruce Synthetic
Razor	Pearl Hammer with the Open Comb Plate
Blade	GSB - 2nd use
Aftershave	Witch Hazel / Osage Rub mix, Duke Cannon Cooling AS Balm, Aqua Velva Blue
Fragrance
Rating	9.5/10
Comments	Two days growth. Great shave. Went back to the open comb plate. I figured out it's best to back off riding the bar and use no pressure. For some reason, this razor tends to nick me; however, I chalk that up to my technique with it and not an inherent design flaw. Small weeper next to my Adam's apple. We'll see what tomorrow's shave brings on that front. I agree that it checks all the boxes for a DE razor. Perhaps the aesthetics on the handle could be better, but that's a small ding in my estimation.

 

[dotKomo]

Today's shave:

Pre-Shave	Hot Shower and CeraVe Moisturizing Face Wash.
Soap/Cream	Kiss My Face Lime Shave Cream
Brush	RR Bruce Synthetic
Razor	Pearl Hammer with the Open Comb Plate
Blade	GSB - 3rd use
Aftershave	Witch Hazel / Osage Rub mix, Trumpers Skin Food Lime AS Balm, Clubman Lime AS
Fragrance
Rating	10/10
Comments	Had the lime scent vibe going on today. Great shave. No nicks or weepers! Dialing in my technique with this brass behemoth and the shaves are improving. May switch back to the closed comb tomorrow.

 

[Dave himself]

Had my 5th shave this morning with the Hammer. The first 4 shaves were a bit rough with some irritation around the neck area. I also used two of my favorite blades for the shaves, Perma Sharps and gillette Nacets.

But this morning all the changed, I put the OC base plate on instead of the SB. I've got to say for me this fixed the irritation problem straight away. The razor felt more efficient but the best bit was it felt so smooth. Now I'm not saying that with the SB this razor feels rough, I think it was just operator error. I'll keep trying it with the SB now and again, but I think the razor with the OC base plate is my sweet spot.

 

[Doc Dan]

Oddly enough,no info on Pearls own website.
Seems like a good deal though.

It is listed under exclusives.

 

[Doc Dan]

Had my 5th shave this morning with the Hammer. The first 4 shaves were a bit rough with some irritation around the neck area. I also used two of my favorite blades for the shaves, Perma Sharps and gillette Nacets.

But this morning all the changed, I put the OC base plate on instead of the SB. I've got to say for me this fixed the irritation problem straight away. The razor felt more efficient but the best bit was it felt so smooth. Now I'm not saying that with the SB this razor feels rough, I think it was just operator error. I'll keep trying it with the SB now and again, but I think the razor with the OC base plate is my sweet spot.

I would have thought it would be the other way around. Interesting. This seems like a fine razor and sure looks cool.

 

[Eric_75]

Off the bat, the Silvermax blades do not agree with my face. The very first shave was a weeperfest of epic proportions. At first I thought it was a bad blade on the initial shave so, I changed it out before completing my first pass.

Gus, I tried the Silvermax "CRYO" Sputtered Platinum for the first time today. No weepers but the blade had a somewhat rough and prickly feel to it. Not a good first impression at all.

 

[Chan Eil Whiskers]

Available here on the Pearl website in India.

I ran across it while looking for Willy's blades.

(I don't have this razor, but maybe one day I will.)

Happy shaves,

Jim

 

[luv2shave]

The OC plate is smoother than the SB. Prefer the OC each time j reach out for the razor.

 

[Dave himself]

The OC plate is smoother than the SB. Prefer the OC each time j reach out for the razor.

Thank goodness someone else prefers the OC over the SB. I thought my head was going.