On a whim about a week ago I purchased a RazoRock Hawk. I had wanted the stainless steel model, however that was sold out. So I bought the aluminum version. It arrived yesterday. Since the debut of the Mongoose, I've been fascinated with the use of the Artist Club blades, wondering how they would shave and if they would be an improvement on the existing formats. I've previously dabbled with all three formats; DE, SE/Gem, & Shick Injector.
While I own more razors than one guy needs, as a point of reference my long ongoing rotation, consists of; the Gem 1912, Gillette “Old Type” (thick cap), and a Merkur Slant. I've discovered I don't much care for the Schick Injector format, mainly due to their in-precise blade loading system, difficulty in cleaning and the light weight of their razors. It is that last point which gave me some concern in ordering the aluminum Hawk. While not quite as light as the Schick razors, it was lighter than I was comfortable with. I was able to rationalize the purchase by the option of being able to replace the handle with one having more heft if need be. Also this would give me an idea if I like this shaving format and razor should the stainless steel version become available.
Outside of the plastic multi-blade cart, which we all detest, shaving innovation has mostly been at a standstill since the 70's if not longer. That is until recently, as you all know we have been fortunate to be experiencing a renaissance in shaving hardware. Companies like RazoRock, Above The Tie, Maggard Razors and others have been offering newly designed razors at an astounding rate. We no longer, in the case of DE's, need to rely on vintage Gillette’s if we don't want to. There are a wealth of new “open combs”, safety bars & slant razors, made out of all sorts of materials, now being offered to suit every taste. Even the “Injector” format has a company offering a modern updated alternative. The SE/Gem format has not fared as well. But in place of it we have a 21st century alternative to the SE of the past. It is based on the “Feather Artist Club” blade and if the Hawk is any example it may be the biggest innovation to hit the world of wet shaving since “stainless steel” blades.
The improvement in the quality of shave is nothing short revolutionary. This has everything to do with the blade and less so with the handle you put it in. We currently have at least a half dozen razors that accept these blades so this is not a “one off” experiment. Modern SE shaving is here to stay and evolve.
The blade is very sharp, previously the crown of sharpest blade belonged to the “Schick Injector system”, but no longer. I started with the Feather Pro model and it gave me an effortless shave that I could only achieve with a DE under ideal conditions and with a lot more work. I bought a sample set of blades from “Try A Blade”, ordering all the recommended blades, plus the non-recommended one. So in the coming weeks I will be giving these a try, to see which is best for me.
Is the Hawk a perfect razor? No. For some it will be; too long, too light, too wide, to shiny or not shiny enough. What it is, is a gateway to what the future of shaving looks like, feels like and can be. The Hawk razor itself really shines for a $25 razor, I don't know how you could expect much more. It is no surprise that it is lighter in weight and eventually I will probably put on a more robust handle so it feels more like my other razors, which is something I did with my “Old Type”. The other thing that will take a little adjustment is the width of the blade. The Hawk is likely not as precision as some of its more expensive brothers but here we are really splitting hairs. I'm impressed at its build, I don't think anyone would be disappointed, based on cost vs. quality. This is really a tribute to Joe at RazoRock / Italian Barber and his dedication to bringing the finest to the wet shaving community at an affordable price.
I urge any of you who are curious about the Feather Art Club SE format and have been on the fence, like I was, due to the price to give this a try and see. As for myself I believe this is the future of wet shaving, so much so that I will be liquidating my various Schick Injectors and hoping that a Stainless Steel Hawk finds its way to me soon. . . . . . What are your thoughts?
While I own more razors than one guy needs, as a point of reference my long ongoing rotation, consists of; the Gem 1912, Gillette “Old Type” (thick cap), and a Merkur Slant. I've discovered I don't much care for the Schick Injector format, mainly due to their in-precise blade loading system, difficulty in cleaning and the light weight of their razors. It is that last point which gave me some concern in ordering the aluminum Hawk. While not quite as light as the Schick razors, it was lighter than I was comfortable with. I was able to rationalize the purchase by the option of being able to replace the handle with one having more heft if need be. Also this would give me an idea if I like this shaving format and razor should the stainless steel version become available.
Outside of the plastic multi-blade cart, which we all detest, shaving innovation has mostly been at a standstill since the 70's if not longer. That is until recently, as you all know we have been fortunate to be experiencing a renaissance in shaving hardware. Companies like RazoRock, Above The Tie, Maggard Razors and others have been offering newly designed razors at an astounding rate. We no longer, in the case of DE's, need to rely on vintage Gillette’s if we don't want to. There are a wealth of new “open combs”, safety bars & slant razors, made out of all sorts of materials, now being offered to suit every taste. Even the “Injector” format has a company offering a modern updated alternative. The SE/Gem format has not fared as well. But in place of it we have a 21st century alternative to the SE of the past. It is based on the “Feather Artist Club” blade and if the Hawk is any example it may be the biggest innovation to hit the world of wet shaving since “stainless steel” blades.
The improvement in the quality of shave is nothing short revolutionary. This has everything to do with the blade and less so with the handle you put it in. We currently have at least a half dozen razors that accept these blades so this is not a “one off” experiment. Modern SE shaving is here to stay and evolve.
The blade is very sharp, previously the crown of sharpest blade belonged to the “Schick Injector system”, but no longer. I started with the Feather Pro model and it gave me an effortless shave that I could only achieve with a DE under ideal conditions and with a lot more work. I bought a sample set of blades from “Try A Blade”, ordering all the recommended blades, plus the non-recommended one. So in the coming weeks I will be giving these a try, to see which is best for me.
Is the Hawk a perfect razor? No. For some it will be; too long, too light, too wide, to shiny or not shiny enough. What it is, is a gateway to what the future of shaving looks like, feels like and can be. The Hawk razor itself really shines for a $25 razor, I don't know how you could expect much more. It is no surprise that it is lighter in weight and eventually I will probably put on a more robust handle so it feels more like my other razors, which is something I did with my “Old Type”. The other thing that will take a little adjustment is the width of the blade. The Hawk is likely not as precision as some of its more expensive brothers but here we are really splitting hairs. I'm impressed at its build, I don't think anyone would be disappointed, based on cost vs. quality. This is really a tribute to Joe at RazoRock / Italian Barber and his dedication to bringing the finest to the wet shaving community at an affordable price.
I urge any of you who are curious about the Feather Art Club SE format and have been on the fence, like I was, due to the price to give this a try and see. As for myself I believe this is the future of wet shaving, so much so that I will be liquidating my various Schick Injectors and hoping that a Stainless Steel Hawk finds its way to me soon. . . . . . What are your thoughts?
