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So I tried a Nanjie today

Just to be fair, and not judge the thing based on it being a cheap knockoff.

Looks kind of reminiscent of the flare tip superspeeds, with a little bit wider handle like the red tip. Nice looking, aside from a little plastic nub on the knob that was kind of like the nubs left over from model kits when you snap the pieces out of their forms. Now it's just a sharp little irritating reminder of the quality I purchased. New out of the box there are scratches on the head and missing spots of chrome paint on the knob.

Very light. Too light. Not quite that insubstantial feel I get from the krona, but close. Balance is surprisingly good.

The TTO knob feels gritty or 'catchy', like there is debris inside an old razor.

The head is a bit more angular than a gillette.

It closes on the blade unevenly, so one side is about as aggressive as a red tip, and the other is visibly moreso.

In spite of its myriad shortcomings, it delivered a great shave. I am almost embarrassed to say, I will probably be using it again.
 
Earlier this week I received my Nanjie through an Ebay purchase. Obviously, the construction quality is a shimmer compared to some vintage shavers that I own. And yes, you have to be careful when inserting the blade, since correct blade adjustment is not guaranteed by default. But... I had a great shave this morning with the Chinese bugger! No nicks, no burns, smooth as a baby bottom. I used a new 7' clock blade. So no complaints here and I will certainly put the Nanjie in my regular shaver rotation.
 
So... after a long day outdoors still a very kissable face after my first experience with the Nanjie. But Nanjie or not, the kiss factor was there ever after starting shaving the vintage way! ;-)
 
I picked up one of these from the 'bay as well, it was listed as a "gillette patent" razor, and curiosity got the better of me. I was unimpressed with the build quality -- the doors do not close evenly, and the shave was meh. I have enough other better razors to use, but it did satisfy my curiosity as to what a cheap TTO was all about.
-- Chet
 
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