I was lucky enough to test one. I then ordered one after the pre-order came open. I have shared my thoughts in the trials thread, please share yours. (I love it!)
Titan H1 Discussion Thread
- Thread starter RailroadMan
- Start date
I'd love to give my impressions on the razor, but mine just arrived at my local post office today according to the tracking number. I wasn't able to pick it up as the post office here is only open for 1 hour on Saturdays! I live in the boonies, they don't deliver mail so I have a PO box. Anyways, from what I'm hearing, it shaves very close. Can't wait to try it out. It won't be until Monday at the earliest. Boo.
I posted this before:
I just finished my first shave with the Titan. I have mentioned that I am a Tradere SB lover and that I would post a brief comparison. Just a minute about me..I am early 40's very thick beard. I learned how to shave on a DE but it was almost 30 yrs ago. Wet shaving again almost 10 months. I am certainly no expert but were talking about shaving here and I have been doing it at least 5 days a week for 30 yrs.
The Titan is NOT for the faint of heart. I have seen many posts that claim it is not too aggressive. Man if this is not aggressive I have no idea what is. It gave me an extremely close shave. NO Nicks, stubble, left behinds. But it did leave a subtle feeling of razor burn. Something I do not experience with the Tradere. I felt that the shave was a bit course. I need to spend a few more days with the razor. I also was very cognizant of the shave. I am fast and efficient with my Tradere. Perhaps it is the safety bar but I did not feel as confident with this razor. The head of the Titan is outstanding. It is the perfect size as I feel that the Tradere Head is a bit wide. That is my only complaint of that razor.
Obviously it is a beautiful instrument. I prefer the machining swirls. I hope that it had some hand finishing in Tennessee or where ever it was made. It is a wonderful razor and well worth the money. Again to me it is NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART. Preliminary indications are that it will not overtake my SB. Of course if I spend the proper time with it maybe that will change. If it means anything I used the Astra included and AOS Sandalwood Soap.
I just finished my first shave with the Titan. I have mentioned that I am a Tradere SB lover and that I would post a brief comparison. Just a minute about me..I am early 40's very thick beard. I learned how to shave on a DE but it was almost 30 yrs ago. Wet shaving again almost 10 months. I am certainly no expert but were talking about shaving here and I have been doing it at least 5 days a week for 30 yrs.
The Titan is NOT for the faint of heart. I have seen many posts that claim it is not too aggressive. Man if this is not aggressive I have no idea what is. It gave me an extremely close shave. NO Nicks, stubble, left behinds. But it did leave a subtle feeling of razor burn. Something I do not experience with the Tradere. I felt that the shave was a bit course. I need to spend a few more days with the razor. I also was very cognizant of the shave. I am fast and efficient with my Tradere. Perhaps it is the safety bar but I did not feel as confident with this razor. The head of the Titan is outstanding. It is the perfect size as I feel that the Tradere Head is a bit wide. That is my only complaint of that razor.
Obviously it is a beautiful instrument. I prefer the machining swirls. I hope that it had some hand finishing in Tennessee or where ever it was made. It is a wonderful razor and well worth the money. Again to me it is NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART. Preliminary indications are that it will not overtake my SB. Of course if I spend the proper time with it maybe that will change. If it means anything I used the Astra included and AOS Sandalwood Soap.
I posted this elsewhere today:
"First shave this morning with my new Titan H1. Nice! Although it is somewhat aggressive, it is not overly so. (It is nothing like the Muhle R41!) After four passes with I Coloniali and a bit of touch up, I had BBS on my cheeks and DFS on my neck. (Note: I have a beard, so I only ever shave my cheeks and my neck).
"I am looking forward to getting to know this razor better. My favorite razor remains my trusty Feather AS-D1, but I think the Titan will grow on me! (Another note: I have used the AS-D1 almost exclusively for many months with Feather blades. Perhaps I have learned how to use it, perhaps I simply have a good one, but I always get good and SAFE shaves with the AS-D1.)
"Interestingly, there is quite a bit of adjustability with the Titan H1 depending upon how tight you tighten the handle. It has much more adjustability than my AS-D1 or my triangle-slot, fat-handle Tech. If you want really aggressive, just loosen the Titan's handle a bit. If you want milder, just tighten the handle really tight. Also, there is a really nice bend to the blade in the Titan. It makes shaving with it really easy and intuitive (unlike the R41, which has a relatively flat blade).
"Regarding build quality, the Titan is nicely put together. I would give the nod to the Feather AS-D1, but there is nothing objectionable to the Titan at all. (I notice some machining swirls inside when the head is removed, but these are not visible when the razor is assembled.) Also, the length of the handle is slightly short than the AS-D1, but the handle is fatter (nice!), and it is really a good length. The Titan is noticeably heavier, too (again, nice!)."
"First shave this morning with my new Titan H1. Nice! Although it is somewhat aggressive, it is not overly so. (It is nothing like the Muhle R41!) After four passes with I Coloniali and a bit of touch up, I had BBS on my cheeks and DFS on my neck. (Note: I have a beard, so I only ever shave my cheeks and my neck).
"I am looking forward to getting to know this razor better. My favorite razor remains my trusty Feather AS-D1, but I think the Titan will grow on me! (Another note: I have used the AS-D1 almost exclusively for many months with Feather blades. Perhaps I have learned how to use it, perhaps I simply have a good one, but I always get good and SAFE shaves with the AS-D1.)
"Interestingly, there is quite a bit of adjustability with the Titan H1 depending upon how tight you tighten the handle. It has much more adjustability than my AS-D1 or my triangle-slot, fat-handle Tech. If you want really aggressive, just loosen the Titan's handle a bit. If you want milder, just tighten the handle really tight. Also, there is a really nice bend to the blade in the Titan. It makes shaving with it really easy and intuitive (unlike the R41, which has a relatively flat blade).
"Regarding build quality, the Titan is nicely put together. I would give the nod to the Feather AS-D1, but there is nothing objectionable to the Titan at all. (I notice some machining swirls inside when the head is removed, but these are not visible when the razor is assembled.) Also, the length of the handle is slightly short than the AS-D1, but the handle is fatter (nice!), and it is really a good length. The Titan is noticeably heavier, too (again, nice!)."
- Thread starter
- #5
Sorry, guys. I did see your reviews from the other thread, but it was in the Vs. Tradere SB thread. Thank you for re-posting your results here.
Second shave today:
Again, BBS on my cheeks, DFS on my neck (my beard covers the rest).
Four passes using GFT Coconut Oil shaving cream, using one of the Astra blades that came with the Titan.
The only blood was around a small bump on my right cheek (a bump that I need to have removed). Only my Feather AS-D1 can successfully navigate this spot.
The Titan has great heft and balance, it is loud, and it is fairly intuitive and easy to use. Just remember, Jeff: the Titan is not like the AS-D1, so NO PRESSURE.
I am going to set the Titan aside now until next weekend. During the work week, I plan to use the Feather, so I can safely whip it around with wild abandon and still get a safe, comfortable, and decent shave. The Titan demands a bit more care and attention than I would like for my work week shaves.
The verdict so far: I really like the Titan H1. It is a very nice and effective shaver. It is moderately aggressive but manageable (unlike, for me anyway, the R41).
However, it shaves my neck no closer than my Feather AS-D1. Perhaps that is because I use Feather blades with the Feather razor. Perhaps I am just more accustomed to the AS-D1. More likely, though, I suspect that no DE razor can shave my neck as closely as I would like.
Again, BBS on my cheeks, DFS on my neck (my beard covers the rest).
Four passes using GFT Coconut Oil shaving cream, using one of the Astra blades that came with the Titan.
The only blood was around a small bump on my right cheek (a bump that I need to have removed). Only my Feather AS-D1 can successfully navigate this spot.
The Titan has great heft and balance, it is loud, and it is fairly intuitive and easy to use. Just remember, Jeff: the Titan is not like the AS-D1, so NO PRESSURE.
I am going to set the Titan aside now until next weekend. During the work week, I plan to use the Feather, so I can safely whip it around with wild abandon and still get a safe, comfortable, and decent shave. The Titan demands a bit more care and attention than I would like for my work week shaves.
The verdict so far: I really like the Titan H1. It is a very nice and effective shaver. It is moderately aggressive but manageable (unlike, for me anyway, the R41).
However, it shaves my neck no closer than my Feather AS-D1. Perhaps that is because I use Feather blades with the Feather razor. Perhaps I am just more accustomed to the AS-D1. More likely, though, I suspect that no DE razor can shave my neck as closely as I would like.
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Hi Will: That is a great idea to keep the Titan H1 razor reviews in one section. To the lucky owners of the Titan H1... I am looking forward to your reviews with pics. If you are able... kindly post pics of the Titan H1 with your other razors for visual comparisons. Thanks in advance.
WARHAWK
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WARHAWK
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First. I don't what this "wanna be" thing is but know I am 62yo and double edge shaving since 15..do the math Anyway I am on my 3rd day with the Titan and you could not get a closer shave but I have had weepers with each shave and I almost never do with any other razor. For the record I us a feather blade with Poroaso green, QCS Vostok and Palmolive Menthol. I will stick with it and prefect my technique because this razor is such a great shaver. I will let you guys know.
Re-Post from this morning from my thread:
2nd shave with the Titan this morning. I used a Yellow blade and T&H 1805 cream. Did not get the efficient shave as I got with the Med Prep and feel I need to use a SI, Black or even a Feather. Took 3 passes to get a BBS, and was about 85% there after 2 passes. Face again feels very very smooth after a very close in shave. Was more careful setting the blade on the pegs and no problems there today. I still feel it is a very efficient (call it aggressive if you wish) and smooth shaving razor, but it will bite you if you're not careful with it.
2nd shave with the Titan this morning. I used a Yellow blade and T&H 1805 cream. Did not get the efficient shave as I got with the Med Prep and feel I need to use a SI, Black or even a Feather. Took 3 passes to get a BBS, and was about 85% there after 2 passes. Face again feels very very smooth after a very close in shave. Was more careful setting the blade on the pegs and no problems there today. I still feel it is a very efficient (call it aggressive if you wish) and smooth shaving razor, but it will bite you if you're not careful with it.
A PLANNED EXPERIMENT:
While sitting in church this morning, my mind wandered (as it often does, regardless of where I am sitting) to the subject of DE razor geometry and the Titan in particular. It seems to me that the Titan head has a lot of room for adaptability. As I did with my R41, I plan to try using some "reverse" shims to see if I can tone down the Titan a bit. I fully expect success and will report back after I have tried it.
Here's what I plan to do: cut six very narrow strips of duct tape, stack two on top of one (twice) to assemble two stacks consisting of three strips each, and then apply the stacks to the UNDERSIDE of the head, at the very edges. These stacks will press the edges of the blade further downward, reducing the blade gap considerably and also causing the blade not to project as far outward as it does now. I expect the resulting shave to be considerably milder, but I'll let you know. Wish me luck!
While sitting in church this morning, my mind wandered (as it often does, regardless of where I am sitting) to the subject of DE razor geometry and the Titan in particular. It seems to me that the Titan head has a lot of room for adaptability. As I did with my R41, I plan to try using some "reverse" shims to see if I can tone down the Titan a bit. I fully expect success and will report back after I have tried it.
Here's what I plan to do: cut six very narrow strips of duct tape, stack two on top of one (twice) to assemble two stacks consisting of three strips each, and then apply the stacks to the UNDERSIDE of the head, at the very edges. These stacks will press the edges of the blade further downward, reducing the blade gap considerably and also causing the blade not to project as far outward as it does now. I expect the resulting shave to be considerably milder, but I'll let you know. Wish me luck!
Jeff, the Titan can be tighten up so it can be set to milder...........also , Stan is making a less aggressive Titan ( Titan M-1/medium 1)
^ Thanks, Alex. I did not know about the upcoming medium version. (I did know about the adjustability based on handle tightness--a very cool feature!) Still, I like to experiment, especially with duct tape!
Jeff, that is some experiment you plan on conducting! Good luck!
^ Thanks!
I have already applied the duct tape. I am not going to wait for next weekend; I'm giving it a go tomorrow morning! By the way, only one layer of duct tape should be needed. Three layers are clearly too may; three layers just about close the blade gap entirely. (Three layers were not enough with my R41!)
Also, the supplied Astra blades have four big blobs of wax on one side of the blade. If the wax side is placed upward, toward the cap, the wax blobs further push the edges of the blade downward, narrowing the blade gap further.
I have already applied the duct tape. I am not going to wait for next weekend; I'm giving it a go tomorrow morning! By the way, only one layer of duct tape should be needed. Three layers are clearly too may; three layers just about close the blade gap entirely. (Three layers were not enough with my R41!)
Also, the supplied Astra blades have four big blobs of wax on one side of the blade. If the wax side is placed upward, toward the cap, the wax blobs further push the edges of the blade downward, narrowing the blade gap further.
Gentlemen, I hope you will indulge me, I would like to add my two cents here:
I have been looking for a RAD-killing solid bar for a couple of years now, ever since I got into wet shaving. I started off with the Edward Jaeger DE89L; nice razor but not aggressive enough (it's now my wife's razor, she likes using it on her legs) - I then went on to the Pils; feels great in the hand, looks great, but the shaves were average for me, at best - I then went on to the Feather; I get great shaves but with patience, it its a bit on the mild side for me - I then went old school and picked up a #22, and this has become my go-to solid bar. However, the #22 is a bit on the small side (to me); I like my razors to be hefty. I then picked up the Tradere SB; I love their OC, and had very high hopes for the solid bar. Unfortunately, I found that the SB was not for me, I just couldn't get the blade angle down, could never get a BBS smoth shave without finishing up with their OC. So, now, I've turned my attention to the Titan:
I need to say that, when I received the Titan, I was impressed by it's build; it's clearly a quality razor. However, I noticed a quality-control issue with mine: approximately 3/4 of the head is discolored, it looks as though the head was held near a heat-source for too long. The discoloration does not affect the build of the razor at all, the head itself is smooth and solid; it's purely an aesthetic issue, one that, I believe and considering the price, is unacceptable. I immediately contacted Stan and explained the situation, and he responded quickly, telling me to keep the defective head, and would send out a new one tomorrow. I think that it's important to recognize when good customer service is shown, and I want to publicly thank Stan for his attention and willingness to rectify my issue so quickly -
Now, on to the main event:
Saturday morning, first shave with the Titan: I purposely had not shaved in four days, wanting to give the Titan something substantial to cut. I unwrapped a Personna Med blade, prepped with Proraso pre-shave, lathered up some L'Occitane Cade, and got to work. North to South, then South to North, with little to no pressure, two very, very smooth passes: I amazingly (to me) found myself 90% close to BBS. To get that last 10%, I admit that I become a scraper - and the Titan, no doubt, is an aggressive razor. A couple of minutes later, I am BBS, and with NO weepers, and only a touch of neck irritation (size of a quarter), really no big deal to me, nothing some Razor Rock R-160 AS Balm couldn't fix.
Sunday morning, still BBS - to me, that's truly impressive -
To me, what stands out about shaving with the Titan is the following:
1 - the aggressiveness of the razor makes for an efficient shave; the fact that I didn't cause any nicks or substantial razor burn in the process (and, admittedly, my technique is sloppy) is impressive - the Titan is actually a forgiving razor
2 - absolutely no learning curve with the blade - I honestly think that a newbie could handle this razor and, if cognizant of the minimal pressure needed, get great results
3 - This feels really good in the hand, substantial but not too heavy.
so, is this a RAD killer? Let's be honest: most of us here will always be interested in the latest-and-greatest that comes out, no matter how many or which razors we own so, honestly, I am sure I will be purchasing another SB razor at some time down the road - RAD can never be cured (at least mine can't
) . However, this is absolutely my new go-to SB and, in my humble opinion, whatever comes out down the road will be hard pressed to beat the Titan, this razor is the new measuring stick for all other solid bars to be compared to, and Stan has set the bar extremely high here.
I have been looking for a RAD-killing solid bar for a couple of years now, ever since I got into wet shaving. I started off with the Edward Jaeger DE89L; nice razor but not aggressive enough (it's now my wife's razor, she likes using it on her legs) - I then went on to the Pils; feels great in the hand, looks great, but the shaves were average for me, at best - I then went on to the Feather; I get great shaves but with patience, it its a bit on the mild side for me - I then went old school and picked up a #22, and this has become my go-to solid bar. However, the #22 is a bit on the small side (to me); I like my razors to be hefty. I then picked up the Tradere SB; I love their OC, and had very high hopes for the solid bar. Unfortunately, I found that the SB was not for me, I just couldn't get the blade angle down, could never get a BBS smoth shave without finishing up with their OC. So, now, I've turned my attention to the Titan:
I need to say that, when I received the Titan, I was impressed by it's build; it's clearly a quality razor. However, I noticed a quality-control issue with mine: approximately 3/4 of the head is discolored, it looks as though the head was held near a heat-source for too long. The discoloration does not affect the build of the razor at all, the head itself is smooth and solid; it's purely an aesthetic issue, one that, I believe and considering the price, is unacceptable. I immediately contacted Stan and explained the situation, and he responded quickly, telling me to keep the defective head, and would send out a new one tomorrow. I think that it's important to recognize when good customer service is shown, and I want to publicly thank Stan for his attention and willingness to rectify my issue so quickly -
Now, on to the main event:
Saturday morning, first shave with the Titan: I purposely had not shaved in four days, wanting to give the Titan something substantial to cut. I unwrapped a Personna Med blade, prepped with Proraso pre-shave, lathered up some L'Occitane Cade, and got to work. North to South, then South to North, with little to no pressure, two very, very smooth passes: I amazingly (to me) found myself 90% close to BBS. To get that last 10%, I admit that I become a scraper - and the Titan, no doubt, is an aggressive razor. A couple of minutes later, I am BBS, and with NO weepers, and only a touch of neck irritation (size of a quarter), really no big deal to me, nothing some Razor Rock R-160 AS Balm couldn't fix.
Sunday morning, still BBS - to me, that's truly impressive -
To me, what stands out about shaving with the Titan is the following:
1 - the aggressiveness of the razor makes for an efficient shave; the fact that I didn't cause any nicks or substantial razor burn in the process (and, admittedly, my technique is sloppy) is impressive - the Titan is actually a forgiving razor
2 - absolutely no learning curve with the blade - I honestly think that a newbie could handle this razor and, if cognizant of the minimal pressure needed, get great results
3 - This feels really good in the hand, substantial but not too heavy.
so, is this a RAD killer? Let's be honest: most of us here will always be interested in the latest-and-greatest that comes out, no matter how many or which razors we own so, honestly, I am sure I will be purchasing another SB razor at some time down the road - RAD can never be cured (at least mine can't
) . However, this is absolutely my new go-to SB and, in my humble opinion, whatever comes out down the road will be hard pressed to beat the Titan, this razor is the new measuring stick for all other solid bars to be compared to, and Stan has set the bar extremely high here.
Here are a few pictures to liven things up in this thread: Feather AS-D1, Fatboy, 40's Aristocrat, Merkur Slant 37C, Titan H1, Muhle R41
I have tried the Titan H1 twice now and have had CCS both times. With all the razors pictured I get close comfortable shaves as well. I noticed this razor is definitely aggressive, less than the r41 but more than the rest pictured. The blade gap isn't quite as large as the r41 but it has plenty of space to cut whatever enters its path (hair, mole, pimple, skin) when one is not being careful. I have been using Astra SP blades and they are a good combination, for me, in this razor. I am a 2 pass guy, wtg then xtg; sometimes I add another xtg if I am using a more mild razor. The Titan H1 and Muhle r41 are aggressive razors that get the job done in less passes but they can bite you if your lather is bad or your technique is bad (too much pressure or improper angle). It does feel less scary than the r41 (which I like). I like the Titan H1 but I feel if you don't like aggressive razors then you wouldn't like this one, the feedback (sound of hairs being cut) on it reminds me of the r41 or a single edge razor.
My head happened to be discolored as well, I polished it up with some flitz, looks fine now.
I have tried the Titan H1 twice now and have had CCS both times. With all the razors pictured I get close comfortable shaves as well. I noticed this razor is definitely aggressive, less than the r41 but more than the rest pictured. The blade gap isn't quite as large as the r41 but it has plenty of space to cut whatever enters its path (hair, mole, pimple, skin) when one is not being careful. I have been using Astra SP blades and they are a good combination, for me, in this razor. I am a 2 pass guy, wtg then xtg; sometimes I add another xtg if I am using a more mild razor. The Titan H1 and Muhle r41 are aggressive razors that get the job done in less passes but they can bite you if your lather is bad or your technique is bad (too much pressure or improper angle). It does feel less scary than the r41 (which I like). I like the Titan H1 but I feel if you don't like aggressive razors then you wouldn't like this one, the feedback (sound of hairs being cut) on it reminds me of the r41 or a single edge razor.
My head happened to be discolored as well, I polished it up with some flitz, looks fine now.
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No! No room at all. I really don't see why anyone would want to shim this razor, it's aggressive and efficient enough without shims.
That's what many said about the Weber razors, but I need to use 4 shims in mine to get the quality of shave I want.
That's a deal killer for me. I really want to buy one of these, but I'm afraid it won't be as aggressive as I like.
It would be a shame to spend this kind of money on something and not be able to enjoy it. Do you shim the r41 as well? It seems like the modern Merkur adjustables (Progress, Futur, Vision) would be able to satiate your appetite for aggression.
