The Vikings Blade Emperor Meiji

[Saloogie]

I've been looking over adjustable razors, and the Vikings Blade Meiji is a real standout on its looks. It looks like a Fatboy, but in a nice gun metal ish finish. The price is right as well.

But I've heard about problems with blade loading. Apparently, the tips of the blade get pinched when the doors are close and it bends the blade into a frown like look. Vikings Blade said this is not a flaw, but some users say it makes for an uncomfortable shave, nicks and cuts etc.

I don't see much information on this razor on the forum, but if somebody has one or knows if these problems have been fixed, it would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Flanders]

Mine has been boxed up for some time so it can't do any further harm. There was a discussion more recently, this year, and it sounds like the newest batches might be OK. You are probably better off getting a Pearl Flexi.

 

[reformedshavr]

The gunmetal Emperor Meiji was my first DE razor and everything about it is solid, it shaves quite nicely, and looks great .... there are lots of excellent adjustables for a fair price, and this is one of them.

 

[Saloogie]

So it looks like we have a not-so-good review from @Flanders and a glowing review from @reformedshavr !

That seems to happen a lot in this DE razor game of ours. Ten people can use the same razor, and 5 will love it and 5 will hate it. I've read other opinions and they are also all over the map on this razor.

I think the problem is that VB says the the blade is meant to bend when the doors clamp down and it's not a defect, but I think most people believe it is a defect and VB had to much invested to fix it.

Ill have to think it over. I might take a chance. It's not crazy expensive, so if it's a bust, it'll at least make a good looking Shave Den Queen!

 

[Ranyart Finn]

I was definitely wowed by the Meiji's looks, and it isn't a bad razor, but...

The doors can be troublesome; the selection ring can sometimes feel loose; the blade tray does get out of whack and needs manually adjusting (there's even a 'how to...' guide packed with the razor); and it's heavy for its size. Its also not particularly well-balanced either, being handle-heavy.

So all these things considered, the Meiji doesn't get much attention from me these days. I prefer lighter, less trouble-prone razors, such as my Slim, Fatboy and Super Adjustable. Even my Rex Ambassador offers better balance and a nicer shaving experience.

In my opinion, the Emperor Meiji looks great, but performs just okay. It has too many foibles for me to remain excited about it, although I use it every now and again. There are certainly better adjustable razors out there, and you can easily pick up a Gillette adjustable for the same money or cheaper, and not suffer the issues that affect the Meiji.

 

[Saloogie]

I was definitely wowed by the Meiji's looks, and it isn't a bad razor, but...

The doors can be troublesome; the selection ring can sometimes feel loose; the blade tray does get out of whack and needs manually adjusting (there's even a 'how to...' guide packed with the razor); and it's heavy for its size. Its also not particularly well-balanced either, being handle-heavy.

So all these things considered, the Meiji doesn't get much attention from me these days. I prefer lighter, less trouble-prone razors, such as my Slim, Fatboy and Super Adjustable. Even my Rex Ambassador offers better balance and a nicer shaving experience.

In my opinion, the Emperor Meiji looks great, but performs just okay. It has too many foibles for me to remain excited about it, although I use it every now and again. There are certainly better adjustable razors out there, and you can easily pick up a Gillette adjustable for the same money or cheaper, and not suffer the issues that affect the Meiji.

Excellent post.

I think you summed up nicely what many people say about the Meiji, beautiful razor but mechanically questionable. It's surprising that VB hasn't done anything to fix these issues, but I guess it would cost to much, and besides, they're selling plenty of them on their looks alone!

My first DE razor was a VB Chieftan Odin. I didn't know anything about this razor, but it to looked really pretty and the price was right. And if you look at the Amazon reviews, it earns 4.8 or something and there's like 3000 reviews. Yeah, I was sucked in! Not a bad razor for what it is, but it's pretty aggressive and not for a beginner. Moral of the story - I won't get sucked in by another pretty face again!

 

[reformedshavr]

I just revisited my Meiji for the first time in quite a bit (2022) - mechanically, it is quite sound so I believe it was manufactured after they remade the castings.
Today's shave was quite pleasant, and am looking forward to putting it thru the paces again now that I have a much more refined technique and experience.

 

[Saloogie]

I just revisited my Meiji for the first time in quite a bit (2022) - mechanically, it is quite sound so I believe it was manufactured after they remade the castings.
Today's shave was quite pleasant, and am looking forward to putting it thru the paces again now that I have a much more refined technique and experience.

Glad to hear it.

So I guess VB went with new castings after all. That's interesting and it might make me re-think whether to get one.

 

[reformedshavr]

Glad to hear it.

So I guess VB went with new castings after all. That's interesting and it might make me re-think whether to get one.

I'd say it's worth considering if you like, or think you might like, a heavy razor ... specifically handle heavy. Obviously there are issues that people have had in the past, but my experience has been smooth.

 

[Saloogie]

I'd say it's worth considering if you like, or think you might like, a heavy razor ... specifically handle heavy. Obviously there are issues that people have had in the past, but my experience has been smooth.

I actually like the Chieftain Odin model I have. It wasn't a great first razor because it's pretty aggressive, but it's grown on me as my skills improved. It has a pretty heavily weighted, fat handle as well.

I guess that's how the Vikings liked their razors!