[FONT=&]I recently picked up an MR-1 from Maggard Razors, and since there doesnt seem to be much out there yet in the way of user feedback on these, I thought I would post some initial impressions. First, let me say that the service from the good folks at Maggard is second to none. An order placed on-line drew a near immediate confirmation (and, no, not a robo-response, but an actual note from co-owner Casie Maggard). Shipping was a very reasonable $2.44 and the razor, along with a couple of courtesy product samples, arrived in two business days. Outstanding.[/FONT]
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The Maggards recently brought this series of DE razors to the market through their small operation in Michigan, and in so doing have significantly raised the bar for budget/entry level razors. There are five three piece razors in the line each of which has an identical head and different style of handle, the various designs of which provide a nice range of options. Mine is the MR-1. The head is essentially a Muhle/EJ knock off, and a very good one it is. The fit and finish, while clearly not quite up to Muhle/EJ standards, is still surprisingly good. My particular example has no real flaws to speak of. The mechanics and blade alignment are likewise entirely sound, and the bright chrome plating is quite appealing. Time will tell as to the durability of the plating, but initial quality in this regard looks good.[/FONT]
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The first impression of the MR-1 is one of heft. A trip to the kitchen scale confirms this: this thing weighs in at a whopping 86 grams. For comparison, my Big Fellow tips in at 81 grams, the Fat Boy at 79. (Although I dont currently have samples to weigh, at least one on-line review gives the weight of the DE89 as 73 grams; the Muhle R89 a mere 64.) Anyway, you get the picture: the MR-1 is one substantial razor. A lot of that weight is in the solid brass handle, which accounts for 58 grams on its own. Along with the heft, I really like the shape, length and thickness of the MR-1 handle, and the knurling is nicely done. I can already see it being matched up with some of my other three piece heads, for sure. For my money, the MR-1s handle alone is worth the price of admission.[/FONT]
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But it turns out there is a lot more than that to like about the MR-1. As might be expected, the shave is pretty Muhle R89/EJ DE89-like. However, my initial impression after a few shaves is that the MR-1 is slightly more aggressive than the DE89 which, for me, is a good thing. While undeniably smooth and comfortable, Ive always found the DE89 to be perhaps a bit milder than I might like. It could be the greater mass of the MR-1 that gives the impression of superior efficiency, but it seems real to me, and I prefer the shave from it over the DE89. Plus, I frankly despise the completely smooth handle of the DE89; the MR-1 handle is, IMO, a vast improvement.[/FONT]
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Im not sure of the country of origin of the Maggard razors; their web site doesnt say, but they are obviously made somewhere offshore. While my example is excellent in initial quality, it is the only one Ive handled, so I cant speak to QC of the line as a whole. But in the their description of these razors, the Maggards make it clear that they will take care of any QC issues with this product, and I have to think, based on my customer service experience there, they will deliver on that promise.[/FONT]
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At $15.95, this thing is positively off the charts in terms of value. I recommend it highly.[/FONT]
[FONT=&]
The Maggards recently brought this series of DE razors to the market through their small operation in Michigan, and in so doing have significantly raised the bar for budget/entry level razors. There are five three piece razors in the line each of which has an identical head and different style of handle, the various designs of which provide a nice range of options. Mine is the MR-1. The head is essentially a Muhle/EJ knock off, and a very good one it is. The fit and finish, while clearly not quite up to Muhle/EJ standards, is still surprisingly good. My particular example has no real flaws to speak of. The mechanics and blade alignment are likewise entirely sound, and the bright chrome plating is quite appealing. Time will tell as to the durability of the plating, but initial quality in this regard looks good.[/FONT]
[FONT=&]
The first impression of the MR-1 is one of heft. A trip to the kitchen scale confirms this: this thing weighs in at a whopping 86 grams. For comparison, my Big Fellow tips in at 81 grams, the Fat Boy at 79. (Although I dont currently have samples to weigh, at least one on-line review gives the weight of the DE89 as 73 grams; the Muhle R89 a mere 64.) Anyway, you get the picture: the MR-1 is one substantial razor. A lot of that weight is in the solid brass handle, which accounts for 58 grams on its own. Along with the heft, I really like the shape, length and thickness of the MR-1 handle, and the knurling is nicely done. I can already see it being matched up with some of my other three piece heads, for sure. For my money, the MR-1s handle alone is worth the price of admission.[/FONT]
[FONT=&]
But it turns out there is a lot more than that to like about the MR-1. As might be expected, the shave is pretty Muhle R89/EJ DE89-like. However, my initial impression after a few shaves is that the MR-1 is slightly more aggressive than the DE89 which, for me, is a good thing. While undeniably smooth and comfortable, Ive always found the DE89 to be perhaps a bit milder than I might like. It could be the greater mass of the MR-1 that gives the impression of superior efficiency, but it seems real to me, and I prefer the shave from it over the DE89. Plus, I frankly despise the completely smooth handle of the DE89; the MR-1 handle is, IMO, a vast improvement.[/FONT]
[FONT=&]
Im not sure of the country of origin of the Maggard razors; their web site doesnt say, but they are obviously made somewhere offshore. While my example is excellent in initial quality, it is the only one Ive handled, so I cant speak to QC of the line as a whole. But in the their description of these razors, the Maggards make it clear that they will take care of any QC issues with this product, and I have to think, based on my customer service experience there, they will deliver on that promise.[/FONT]
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At $15.95, this thing is positively off the charts in terms of value. I recommend it highly.[/FONT]
Also anyone have any idea how these compare aggressive-wise to a Edwin Jagger DE89?
