Should I Bother With A Cadet?

[mjclark]

Way back, my head wanted a Cadet but my heart wanted a FaTip.
I followed my heart and was handsomely rewarded by the excellence of the FaTip.
I also have a NEW LC and a Pilot ( a Mariner clone) as well as an R41 coming as a birthday present ( thanks kids!)
So now, would a Cadet bring anything new to the party?
Could it be as smooth as the NEW, as aggressive as the Pilot, as well balanced as the FaTip or as edgy as the R41?
You tell me

 

[Jeff_H]

Well, I have a Cadet OC, a NEW LC and a 2013 R41. To me, the Cadet is somewhere between the NEW and the R41. It is NOT as smooth as the NEW IMO. I have not shaved with the FaTip or the Pilot. For me, the Cadet head is redundant. Not smooth enough for me. If I want more aggression than the NEW LC, I go with the R41. The R41 is a beast but with the right angle it can shave very smoothly. You just need the right angle and lots of practice in your trouble areas.

That's my experience. However, tons of guy's really like the Cadet, so if you like more aggressive razors it might be for you. I can tell you one more thing. The Cadet handles are excellent. The handles are worth the price of the razor. I use mine on every other razor head I own, and love what it adds to the shave. They have so many different handles there is certainly one you will like as well.

 

[hdjj00]

... To me, the Cadet is somewhere between the NEW and the R41. It is NOT as smooth as the NEW ... The Cadet handles are excellent. The handles are worth the price of the razor.

Jeff_H's experience with the Cadet is pretty much the same experience I've had with mine. Does a great job, but not very smoothly.

 

[samasourus]

Yes you should get one the price is right can't go wrong. I am a newbie and it seems aggressive to me but I just use a light touch and fewer passes and it gives me a great shave. There is bound to be one that catches your eye.

 

[gmgaj]

I prefer the maggard razors over the razorock/cadets. In any case the handle will go with your new, and that is a nice upgrade.

 

[DrAwkward]

Jeff nailed it, but I reached the opposite conclusion: buy it. I like my Cadet OC. It is a very inexpensive (and aggressive) change of pace.

 

[oldbluelight]

I've had a Cadet for about a year and just recently acquired a NEW. The Cadet has remained in its case with the exception of only one shave since the day my soap-slimed fingers closed around the handle of my NEW. The Cadet gave me close shaves but always demanded a blood sacrifice. They averaged only slightly closer than what I've been able to get from the NEW and, on several occasions, the NEW equaled the effectiveness of the Cadet. In addition the Cadet that I received had some issues. When mounting the blade I had to exercise care to assure that it lined up 'square', with both ends of an edge extending an equal distance from the cap. I have never been able to install a blade in the Cadet and achieve equal exposure of the blade on both sides of the cap. This type of sloppiness has never been a problem with the NEW. As others have stated the handle of the Cadet is quite substantial and provides a good grip. I agree the Cadet is more aggressive than the NEW but, in my case, I've found it too be hostile as well. What, besides blood and a few dollars, have you got to lose? Give it a try. I'll probably give the Cadet another chance after the newness of my NEW has faded but right now the honeymoon is still underway.

 

[creekwalker]

Isn't the head design of the Fatip and the Cadet the same?

 

[mjclark]

Isn't the head design of the Fatip and the Cadet the same?

No, though clearly they drew the same inspiration.
Still not sure if the Cadet's gonna add anything to my rotation...what about these Maggards then?