Hi, folks! Let me say this right up-front, I'm not a collector or an aficionado of collecting. I'm just a guy that wants a good razor that gives me a clean, comfortable shave. Lord knows, I don't need another hobby. Smiles.
I'm also not a "newbie" to DE razors. As a kid I learned to shave using an old, hand-me-down, OC razor, probably a Gillette of some fashion. I still don't like OC razors to this day. LOL!
I've been using a "Chieftain" Butterfly razor for 8 years, or so. The razor was okay, nothing to write home about. Prior to that it was a name brand adjustable razor. That was a very disappointing experience. 18 months ago I noticed the blade was shifting around in my razor. Not good! So, I started tightening it up with pliers. Also, not good.
Bottom line, I needed to replace my razor. Looking around at stainless steel razors, most were totally out of my price range. So, this time around, I decided on a three (3) piece razor. IMO, a more robust and simpler design. I also didn't want to spend a lot of money. After looking around, I ended up with a Merkur 180 (23C). I'm not fond of cast Zinc, chrome plated razors, but it is what it is. Did I mention I prefer "mild" razors?
During my research for stainless steel razors, I can't believe I either missed, or overlooked RazoRock. But, I did.
When I began to research RazoRock I discovered a jewel in a sea of overpriced stainless steel razors: Game Changers! An apt name for this series of razors.
The first thing you notice is the excellent machine work! As a retired Aerospace engineer, I've had the pleasure of seeing some of the world's best machined goods. And, I can say unequivocally, RazorRock machine work is second to none. Tolerances look tight. I didn't breakout my Micrometer or my Dial Indicators, but to my calibrated eye everything looks good. The GC 0.68-P is made from 316L stainless steel. Which happens to be a material I'm very familiar with. Its used for the Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Liquid Hydrogen supply piping on the Space Shuttle.
In light of my recent experiences, one of the most important features of any razor, for me, is how well the blade locks-up. In this instance, the GC 0.68-P is solid as a rock. No blade movement whatsoever.
I chose the "Super Knurled" handle. The 'knurling' is what I would call 'soft', not so sharp its uncomfortable, but still gives you excellent purchase and feels good in the hand. I also ordered the "Barber Pole" handle, but it hasn't arrived, yet.
I'd like to address one of the criticisms leveled at this razor. The "blade alignment pins", located on top of the Baseplate, rather than on the underside of the Cap. IMO, this is a non-issue. While it may be a little fiddly at first, after my first blade load, I quickly figured it out. Not an issue.
I also read people had issue with "Italian Barber" Customer Service. I can only say, my experience was the direct opposite. My second order, included a spare handle, and a few other items. Unfortunately, I pressed the wrong button and chose the wrong style handle. I emailed IB and within a very short time I received an answer back from "Michael" and he switched the order to the correct handle style. I've emailed IB a couple of times and I always got a timely and thoughtful response. Again, bad Customer Service has not been my experience.
My first shave was a delite! Close, comfortable with one tiny weeper, but that was caused by my poor technique. The 23C has made me lazy and sloppy. I don't know if this was the best shave of my life, but it was definitely top 5. I now look forward to shaving. Go figure?
The RazoRock Game Changer 0.68-P is my daily driver for the foreseeable future. The Merkur will be "gifted" to another.
In conclusion, the RazoRock Game Changer 0.68-P is a great razor. There may be other S.S. razors, but how much better and at what price? This razor is affordable, made from high quality material and CNC machined using tight tolerances. And, it gives me one of the best shaving experiences in my life. Checks all the boxes for me. JMHO. YMMV.
b/r
ON_1
I'm also not a "newbie" to DE razors. As a kid I learned to shave using an old, hand-me-down, OC razor, probably a Gillette of some fashion. I still don't like OC razors to this day. LOL!
I've been using a "Chieftain" Butterfly razor for 8 years, or so. The razor was okay, nothing to write home about. Prior to that it was a name brand adjustable razor. That was a very disappointing experience. 18 months ago I noticed the blade was shifting around in my razor. Not good! So, I started tightening it up with pliers. Also, not good.
Bottom line, I needed to replace my razor. Looking around at stainless steel razors, most were totally out of my price range. So, this time around, I decided on a three (3) piece razor. IMO, a more robust and simpler design. I also didn't want to spend a lot of money. After looking around, I ended up with a Merkur 180 (23C). I'm not fond of cast Zinc, chrome plated razors, but it is what it is. Did I mention I prefer "mild" razors?
During my research for stainless steel razors, I can't believe I either missed, or overlooked RazoRock. But, I did.
When I began to research RazoRock I discovered a jewel in a sea of overpriced stainless steel razors: Game Changers! An apt name for this series of razors.
The first thing you notice is the excellent machine work! As a retired Aerospace engineer, I've had the pleasure of seeing some of the world's best machined goods. And, I can say unequivocally, RazorRock machine work is second to none. Tolerances look tight. I didn't breakout my Micrometer or my Dial Indicators, but to my calibrated eye everything looks good. The GC 0.68-P is made from 316L stainless steel. Which happens to be a material I'm very familiar with. Its used for the Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Liquid Hydrogen supply piping on the Space Shuttle.
In light of my recent experiences, one of the most important features of any razor, for me, is how well the blade locks-up. In this instance, the GC 0.68-P is solid as a rock. No blade movement whatsoever.
I chose the "Super Knurled" handle. The 'knurling' is what I would call 'soft', not so sharp its uncomfortable, but still gives you excellent purchase and feels good in the hand. I also ordered the "Barber Pole" handle, but it hasn't arrived, yet.
I'd like to address one of the criticisms leveled at this razor. The "blade alignment pins", located on top of the Baseplate, rather than on the underside of the Cap. IMO, this is a non-issue. While it may be a little fiddly at first, after my first blade load, I quickly figured it out. Not an issue.
I also read people had issue with "Italian Barber" Customer Service. I can only say, my experience was the direct opposite. My second order, included a spare handle, and a few other items. Unfortunately, I pressed the wrong button and chose the wrong style handle. I emailed IB and within a very short time I received an answer back from "Michael" and he switched the order to the correct handle style. I've emailed IB a couple of times and I always got a timely and thoughtful response. Again, bad Customer Service has not been my experience.
My first shave was a delite! Close, comfortable with one tiny weeper, but that was caused by my poor technique. The 23C has made me lazy and sloppy. I don't know if this was the best shave of my life, but it was definitely top 5. I now look forward to shaving. Go figure?
The RazoRock Game Changer 0.68-P is my daily driver for the foreseeable future. The Merkur will be "gifted" to another.
In conclusion, the RazoRock Game Changer 0.68-P is a great razor. There may be other S.S. razors, but how much better and at what price? This razor is affordable, made from high quality material and CNC machined using tight tolerances. And, it gives me one of the best shaving experiences in my life. Checks all the boxes for me. JMHO. YMMV.
b/r
ON_1
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