The Cult of Yuma

[Lee Van Cleft]

The Cult of Yuma

Having just finished a very enjoyable month of NOCvember I feel compelled to propose a dedicated enclave on B&B for all lovers, haters, admirers , naysayers, disciples and acolytes of all things relating to the humble Yuma razor.
I tried all my favourites during this month and the very basic and plain Yuma delivered one of the best shaves of the bunch…sure it has its foibles and perhaps you might have to be careful to check the blade alignment but damn!! Superb smooth shave that lasted longer than a lot of the others. Turkish barbers use it and they know a thing or two….
Feel free to post and impart any relevant history , facts, annecdotes and shave reports concerning this remarkably unremarkable rustic beauty.
I’m aware that at least one other member currently has one on the way and that there are some model variations out there. Which is best / not as badly made as the next, is it really that good or have I completely gone mad?
I’ve seen others post about its prowess on here but I feel a dedicated space is now a must.
I reckon it’s just a great razor that could be better made but the results with mine anyway, speak for themselves…Outstanding!

 

[nemo]

... there are some model variations out there. Which is best / not as badly made as the next, is it really that good or have I completely gone mad?

I think the older style (Made in Turkey) are good. I had a Chinese (bad) and kinda remember one with plastic that came from Ukraine.

Non-plated 100% zamak, woohoo! This I got from Mirac at BestShave . net for $1.75 back in the day (2010?)
Good shave once I filed off some sharp mold flashing from their casting job.

 

[Lee Van Cleft]

I think the older style (Made in Turkey) are good. I had a Chinese (bad) and kinda remember one with plastic that came from Ukraine.

Non-plated 100% zamak, woohoo! This I got from Mirac at BestShave . net for $1.75 back in the day (2010?)
Good shave once I filed off some sharp mold flashing from their casting job.

Thanks for that…..I think mine is a Turkish one and came in a red plastic case.
I love it’s no frills , nothing to see here appearance…..right under the radar .
Shaves like a champ

 

[NorthernSoul]

I like razors such as the Fatip Grande, so am I missing anything not having a Yuma? How do I tell which ones are Turkish made?

 

[Lee Van Cleft]

I like razors such as the Fatip Grande, so am I missing anything not having a Yuma? How do I tell which ones are Turkish made?

No …..you’re not missing anything other than a rough looking, bare metal, low cost razor that happens to shave very well……with the old YMMV caveat of course.
I imagine plenty of people wouldn’t even consider owning one , or would just plain dismiss it on looks alone. There are quite a few other razors in this category too.
I have one that I think is Turkish made as per nemo’s pictures above but I’m no expert on Yuma.
Someone mentioned that it’s a copy of an older razor…Yuma has a Merkur type handle design …. I’d like to try that one too if it’s just like the Yuma.
I find it of interest as I like old razors, underdogs and smooooth chops.
Shaves like a champ

 

[Quaznoid]

I have a Turkish model. It was delivered in a blue box that said something in Turkish.

I love the Yuma. It’s crude and poorly made and weighs next to nothing. It resists all efforts to align the blade; the blade ends up square but off-center with more blade exposure on one side than the other.

But the shave is sublime. So close and comfortable. The offset blade provides a close side and a VERY close side. Two razors in one. Only my SuperAdjustable on “9” can match it.

If everyone had one it would change the way many folks think about wetshaving

 

[Mitzie]

The weight and short handle dictates, to the user, a light touch

 

[DesertIguana]

Ebay has a few for sale, most are not 401's.

 

[Lee Van Cleft]

I have a Turkish model. It was delivered in a blue box that said something in Turkish.

I love the Yuma. It’s crude and poorly made and weighs next to nothing. It resists all efforts to align the blade; the blade ends up square but off-center with more blade exposure on one side than the other.

But the shave is sublime. So close and comfortable. The offset blade provides a close side and a VERY close side. Two razors in one. Only my SuperAdjustable on “9” can match it.

If everyone had one it would change the way many folks think about wetshaving.

100% agree with you @Quaznoid. I should have listened to your shaving sage like advice long ago. We live and learn.
I find it to be capable of the best results compared to any in my collection. It’s all you’d ever need TBH.
Needs and wants are something I still need to get a grip on however.

 

[Cal]

After much prolonged searching, I eventually got mine (that was about four years ago). Seeing they were so cheap I got a few (and they still came to less than the shipping cost!).

Here's two of the boxes they came in:

I DO like SHINY. So, I asked my good (late) friend Doug (@Rosseforp) for advice on polishing the lumpy cap. He gave me grit progressions to be followed by a metal polish HERE.

The Yuma remains one of my TOP razors.

Here's one of my SOTD pics with it:

 

[DesertIguana]

After much prolonged searching, I eventually got mine (that was about four years ago). Seeing they were so cheap I got a few (and they still came to less than the shipping cost!).

Here's two of the boxes they came in:
View attachment 1952260

I DO like SHINY. So, I asked my good (late) friend Doug (@Rosseforp) for advice on polishing the lumpy cap. He gave me grit progressions to be followed by a metal polish HERE.

The Yuma remains one of my TOP razors.

Here's one of my SOTD pics with it:
View attachment 1952257

Are the 403’s Good, Bad, or

 

[Cal]

Are the 403’s Good, Bad, or

(If it wasn't evident from my post) they're excellent, IMO.

 

[Asktm]

YUMA is the poor men's Wolfman.
Excellent shaver.

 

[DesertIguana]

YUMA is the poor men's Wolfman.
Excellent shaver.

FUNNY.

 

[BBSSBOSS]

I have a source who is visiting Istanbul this week, have put in a picture of the Yuma box and razor to their inbox. Keeping fingers crossed they are able to get a few.
Lmk if you know exactly where these could be easily got in Istanbul.

 

[NorthernSoul]

I have a source who is visiting Istanbul this week, have put in a picture of the Yuma box and razor to their inbox. Keeping fingers crossed they are able to get a few.
Lmk if you know exactly where these could be easily got in Istanbul.

I found them for sale online at a Turkish website.

Yuma Lüks Traş Aparatı = Yuma Luxury Shaving Apparatus​

I thought that was pretty humorous. Yet, the price was an unbelievable

61.05 Turkish Lira = $1.76 USD

Quite a bargain. I think it's unbeatable.

Impressive job on the metal polishing, @Cal. I didn't recognize the Yuma once you were done with it.

 

[Lee Van Cleft]

YUMA is the poor men's Wolfman.
Excellent shaver.

Or is the Wolfman a rich man’s Yuma?

 

[Lee Van Cleft]

I found them for sale online at a Turkish website.

Yuma Lüks Traş Aparatı = Yuma Luxury Shaving Apparatus​

I thought that was pretty humorous. Yet, the price was an unbelievable

61.05 Turkish Lira = $1.76 USD

Quite a bargain. I think it's unbeatable.

Impressive job on the metal polishing, @Cal. I didn't recognize the Yuma once you were done with it.

I’m going to try the polishing….might make it an even smoother shaving beast.

 

[DesertIguana]

Or is the Wolfman a rich man’s Yuma?

Think a Wolfman is a Functional Piece of Art, Superior Craftsmanship, Pricy, limited Availability, Blade Holder.

 

[Cal]

I’m going to try the polishing….might make it an even smoother shaving beast.

HERE's how I did mine, Lee.

The only parts I sanded were the top of the cap, and the top and bottom of the handle — the rest was simply metal polish.