The ECO arrived in the mail late this morning. I ordered the blue version and it is very attractive with a dark blue non glossy finish. 3 3/4 inches long overall and 36.7 grams weight, just slightly longer and heavier than the classic Schick E2, however the width of the head is 43.87 mm or 1.72 inches compared to 38.38 or 1.51 inches for the Schick. Front to back of the head 26.2 mm or 1.03 in. for ECO and 12.55 mm for the Schick. Neither of the handles are grippy but both can be easily held securely. The ECO handle is 12.5 mm diameter at the widest and has smooth barrel that diminishes in diameter to 10.3 mm near the bottom end and ends with a knob of 12.4 mm. In my hands, I do not find any distracting imbalance for the ECO despite a large difference in head size. The minimum shaving angle, blade to skin, for the ECO is about 17 degrees and perhaps 6 degrees for the Schick (the angles are hard to measure with my tools and eyesight).
On to the shave, I loaded a Nacet and found the four posts that bracket the blade by it's contours is without slop or binding. The cap, base and handle is in the familiar three piece safety razor manner and assembly was easy and normal on the first attempt. There is an undetermined gap and blade exposure. I washed my face for prep and proceeded with loading my brush for face lathering. I attempted shaving at a minimal angle and the stubble was easily removed. I did not have any cuts and weepers in a four pass shave, I am normally three pass and done, just going for the best shave and I got it. However, the light razor does not clamp and damp as well as I hope for, a thicker blade might help. So I'll leave conclusions for another time after more shaves. I am hoping for at least three good shaves from each half DE blade. This is clearly a razor worthy of a tryout.
On to the shave, I loaded a Nacet and found the four posts that bracket the blade by it's contours is without slop or binding. The cap, base and handle is in the familiar three piece safety razor manner and assembly was easy and normal on the first attempt. There is an undetermined gap and blade exposure. I washed my face for prep and proceeded with loading my brush for face lathering. I attempted shaving at a minimal angle and the stubble was easily removed. I did not have any cuts and weepers in a four pass shave, I am normally three pass and done, just going for the best shave and I got it. However, the light razor does not clamp and damp as well as I hope for, a thicker blade might help. So I'll leave conclusions for another time after more shaves. I am hoping for at least three good shaves from each half DE blade. This is clearly a razor worthy of a tryout.