Tradere OC razor comparison?

[Roefisher]

Hello again,

I have already bitten the bullet and ordered one this morning, but I would love to hear people's opinion of the Tradere 2nd generation open comb razor compared to the Merkur Barberpoles or similar, if possible, please.

To give you an idea of my own preferences, my everyday routine is to bowl lather with a Fitjar Shea Pleasure cream, MWF soap & glycerin Uberlather and a 39C slant.

Before settling with the larger slant, I used a 38C closed comb Barberpole which I thought was too mild and caused me some irritation due to the extra work required to complete a shave. Then I went onto the 12C open comb Barberpole which was a much better razor but still not as good as the slant. What I love about the 39C is the fact that it is so smooth and efficient I get no irritation, ingrowns or other troubles, as I am able to work with such a light touch. This is also why I use Feather blades - the sharpness mates beautifully with the slant action. A wonderful set-up for sensitive skin or just a generally enjoyable, easy shave. Which leads to my wondering this...

I really hope the Tradere is similar and how have you users found it?

EDIT: I have also read about the possibility of a slant version Tradere. Any more details, dates or information on this?

Thank you,

Mark

 

[Triad]

I have a 1st Gen Tradere OC and i find it more aggressive than the slant.

 

[Roefisher]

Thanks Triad,

I read on the description that the 2nd generation is slightly toned down on aggressiveness over the first version so it should hopefully be around the same as the slant?

As long as we're not talking new R41, I should find it OK. I could shave alright with the R41 but it took just a little too much concentration and, well, worrying...

Mark

 

[sfcablecar]

Please see this link Mark and be careful. Don't let what happened to me happen to you.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...re-SB-Model-Has-Landed!?p=4422040#post4422040

 

[Roefisher]

Please see this link Mark and be careful. Don't let what happened to me happen to you.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...re-SB-Model-Has-Landed!?p=4422040#post4422040

Thank you, sfcablecar.

I appreciate this very much.... I will go carefully.

Cheers again,

Mark

 

[shyrlock]

Mark, Of the razors you listed, I have only used the 38 and the 37. My impression of them was pretty mutch the same as yours, except that I never had much succsess shaving in difficult areas with the slant.
I recently purchased a Tradere OC from Phil at Bulgoose. I am totally happy with it in every way.
I have had it for a week, and found that it gives me close, clean, comfortable shaves. Besides that it is a beautiful piece of work, and I really enjoy the weight and feel in my hand. I know that different people have different tastes and expieriences, but as for me, the Tradere OC is the best DE razor I have ever used.
Best of Luck
ike

 

[Triad]

Thanks Triad,

I read on the description that the 2nd generation is slightly toned down on aggressiveness over the first version so it should hopefully be around the same as the slant?

As long as we're not talking new R41, I should find it OK. I could shave alright with the R41 but it took just a little too much concentration and, well, worrying...

Mark

Mark i hope you are happy with it they are well built razors, definatly not R41 aggressive but they give a nice smooth shave.

 

[Roefisher]

Thank you, fellas.

Mark

 

[celestino]

i found the Tradere more aggressive than the Slant, but YMMV. Good luck and they are beautifully crafted razors.

 

[Roefisher]

My Tradere arrived today.

No shave yet, as I always wait to the weekend to try out and new cutting equipment like razors and blades, but I am in love already. Never have I seen workmanship like this and I'm really impressed by the flawless quality and overall character of this one. It blows everything else I have seen away.

My earlier comments about hoping it compared well to my favourite razor, the Merkur 39C slant Barberpole, have been answered (in looks anyway, to date) as it is near the same. The lengths of the two match perfectly just under 4" and the weights are also close at 112g for the slant and 116g for the Tradere.

I know this doesn't mean the shaves will be the same, of course, but I am really spirited by the near identical shapes which will give me the starting benefit of being used to the weight and length.

I'm feeling good about this one!



Mark

 

[Attila]

Looking forward to your shaving impressions.

 

[chris.hale]

Looking forward to hearing how you get on with it, I'm impressed by your resolve to not use it 'til the weekend! I've been using mine since Saturday and am delighted with it, although the handle is longer than I'm used to.

 

[Roefisher]

Cheers fellas,

I was sorely tempted yesterday evening when I put the Tradere out on the shelf and was getting ready to shave later.

But I'll still wait and get the best possible start with this one - a relaxing weekend shave, with plenty of time to enjoy it all

Mark

 

[Attila]

I truly admire your discipline and will power! I don't think I could have waited.

 

[Roefisher]

Hello again folks,

Sorry for not getting back to this sooner but I couldn't get my photos loaded up. I hope that has been sorted out now.

Anyway,

I've used the Tradere open comb three times now, twice over the weekend and again yesterday, so it's still early days. Mechanically the razor has been perfect and superb blade seating which does not need to be adjusted in any way - fit the blade and tighten up. It has been well documented before but the slant needs it's blade to be loaded properly for a good shave and this always involves my manually setting the blade square with the head before tightening up. Forget that and you'll soon know about it. In use... shaves with the Tradere have been really good although I am still operating very carefully until I get my rhythm down. I would say that it's definitely not as aggressive as the 39C slant but the shaves are really smooth. Generally I found with a milder razor that it lead to more tugging and extra work but that isn't case here, as the shave is smooth. The Tradere is a more aggressive razor than the Merkur open combs I have tried, the 11 and 12C models so that improves my opinion of it too. For my shaves, I always used a Feather blade with an Uberlather.

To date I have done two pass shaves going with and across the grain. I must get around the trying a third, against the grain pass just for the sake of it, but this is an unusual feature for me anyway. A finished shave with two passes, using a slant and this Tradere, is more than acceptable and I have both a heavy and thick beard growth. So, yes, I am very pleased with this one and think that, given another few shaves where I get into a relaxed routine, it'll be every bit as good as the slant. That's what I wanted from the Tradere and I'm sure we're getting there.

Here are some pictures. I've shown the Tradere with my spare (shiney brand new) Merkur 39c slant Barberpole;

Mark

 

[Agravic]

Nice photos! Both razors are very nice indeed - I find the slant to be more leisurely i.e. less vigilance needed. Enjoy .

 

[Roefisher]

Thank you, Ravi.

While I am getting into the open combs again and enjoy their smooth shave, I think the upcoming slant Tradere could well be the ultimate razor.

Imagine the slant action combined with this outstanding build quality!



Mark

 

[Attila]

Thanks for the photos and the oppinions. If you have any more to add please do post again. I would look forward to reading it. The Merkur 39C Slant and the Tradere next generation OC are two razors that are always hovering around my AD "needs".

 

[Agravic]

Thank you, Ravi.

While I am getting into the open combs again and enjoy their smooth shave, I think the upcoming slant Tradere could well be the ultimate razor.

Imagine the slant action combined with this outstanding build quality!



Mark

Indeed! I will bow down to the Tradere Slant when it materializes. Richard from Tradere indicated that he will only put his Slant into full production once he is absolutely certain the product represents a solid alternative/advantage over the Merkur Slant. In other words, he does not want to compromise the Tradere name with a sub-par product. No word on time-frame for this yet.

 

[Roefisher]

Indeed! I will bow down to the Tradere Slant when it materializes. Richard from Tradere indicated that he will only put his Slant into full production once he is absolutely certain the product represents a solid alternative/advantage over the Merkur Slant. In other words, he does not want to compromise the Tradere name with a sub-par product. No word on time-frame for this yet.

Exactly. That is just the attitude which will make it a winner, Ravi.

I asked Richard a couple of questions before buying my open comb and also mentioned the future slant version. He was more than kind enough to answer everything I asked as well as giving me some more information. On the slant, he said as you say and explained what he wanted from it. Obviously I hope it happens soon, as my tongue's already hanging out waiting for it, but understand that it needs to be top quality which will take both time and effort.

Patience...


Mark