The Rockwell Model T is, for all intents and purposes, an update of a classic - the Gillette Fatboy/Slim. And it’s a welcome update, especially if you value sturdiness and ease of use. But with the Model T, Rockwell came up with a few improvements, including a general upgrade in materials and added heft.
But the Model T’s internet popularity isn’t as wide as I’d anticipated. As often as not, forum discussions get grounded in a fog of delayed shipments and cancelled orders.
It’s time to clear up this problem.
The Package
The Rockwell Model T comes with an assortment of shaving goodies. There’s the razor itself….and a package of 100 Rockwell blades, a small tuck of Rockwell blades, a Rockwell blade safe, a faux leather tuck holder, and a snappy presentation box that shuts magnetically. This box recalls those vintage Gillette boxes for the British Aristocrats; they had lots of tin and satin, but still exuded class.
Appearance
The Model T comes in two finishes: chrome and gunmetal - and I chose chrome. Compared to the dull, pellet-sanded finish of the Rockwell 6S, the Model T is really eye-catching. To some, a chrome finish might seem “cheap.” But the Model T still looks nice, even if it’s half-buried under suds.
Balance and Feel
Based on reviews, I’d expected that the Model T would be poorly balanced - but that wasn’t the case for me. Most razors have their center of gravity about a half-inch down the handle; that’s supposed to make maneuverability easier. The Model T is 104 grams - heavier than average - and the center of balance is a little further down the handle. In other words, don’t hold the razor with the dial numbers covered. Hold it by the handle proper - like a Gillette Slim - and the balance will be fine.
Mechanics
The Rockwell Model T has a twist-to-open dial - a feature used in a long line of Gillette razors. When you turn the handle, the blade compartment opens slowly and precisely - and with a reassuring tightness. A lot of TTO razors can be loose, with blade doors that jangle when you open them. Not so with the British Gillette razors, or the Model T.
Rockwell Model T Summary
- It’s time to dispel a few misconceptions. The size of the razor head - which is larger than some expected - doesn’t seem to affect the shave, aside from settings 1 - 3; the #3 setting requires a shaver to work a little harder for a close shave. Next, as mentioned in part of my reactions, the handle isn’t imbalanced for me, and didn’t pose much of a learning curve. I admit that the chrome isn’t as “classy” looking as other metals, but it brightens the utilitarian styling of the Model T.
- The Rockwell 6S and Model T have obvious differences - but in one way I wouldn’t have guessed. If I skimp on prep, the 6S is much milder, and the Model T can irritate the skin. However, if I wash and massage my beard before shaving, the two razors are pretty similar, shave-wise. I think they can be used interchangeably. (I compared the two razors, using fresh blades and controlling for shaving strokes and pressure.) For me, the optimal setting for closeness is 5, or maybe 4. Setting 3 is closer to a “comfortable” shave, but it’s harder to achieve a DFS. Another small difference is obvious: the 6S sounds “solid” while shaving, and the Model T sounds more hollow.
- “Chatter,” or blade vibration, can occur when a blade isn’t entirely rigid while shaving - or if the blade itself is dull. But there’s another reason for chatter. If your beard lies flat, it’s a lot harder to shave. Conversely, massaging your beard makes it stand upright. With the Model T, this step is very important. (In other words, muss up your beard, use a sharp blade, and near-zero pressure.)
- I compared the Model T to the Gillette Slim, since they’re so similar - even the “hollow” sound. It’s much easier to turn the settings dial on the Slim, but shaving with the Model T was slightly closer - and I liked the utterly tight closure of the blade bay. My personal preference: I narrowly prefer the Model T for appearance and good heft. Both are solid shavers, though the Slim, for me, was unusable at setting #1.
- I used a bunch of blades and settings. Honestly, I believe that changing settings during a shave has more disadvantages than advantages. The Model T’s settings dial can be slippery when wet. (I’m not sold on the concept of “infinite adjustments.”)
- The Model T is one of the noisier razors I’ve used; when you haven’t fully prepped, your beard will sound “raspy.” But there’s abundant audio feedback even after softening your beard; it’s great for trouble-shooting your beard for BBS closeness.
- The Model T works best with sharp blades. Recommended blades include Feather, Personna Med Prep, Polsilver, Gillette Silver Blue, and Gillette Nacet. The Astra is a fine budget choice. I don’t recommend Rockwell blades for the Model T.
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