For the record, I use AC blades for every shave. But since the OP said he was not interested in straights.......
Great comments and input for this newbie. Can you elaborate, why do you prefer the DE. Also, for compare and contrast, what would you suggest for DE to compare with a Hawk (Vectors are out of stock) that is same "weight class"? Any other safety AC razors out there?I've got 3 AC razors:
1. Feather AC SS Japanese style (aka non-folding)
2. RR Hawk v.3-SB
3. Blackland Vector with both SB and OC plates
I bought the AC SS, as I was curious about straights. I managed to get to a level where I can obtain the BBS, but I found the razor "laborious" and unforgiving (especially when loaded with the Pro Super blade). Bottom-line: I never use it.
The Hawk is your #1 choice for a great, no-nonsense, reasonably priced first SE razor. If you happen like it, you can explore further. Some people like it so much, they stop right there (not an unreasonable decision at all). That said, Hawk is mild, so mild you can't cut yourself even if you try. This comes at a price of being what some would say inefficient, as you have to maintain the specific angle to make up for a very narrow useful angle of attack. In other words, if you like the Feather AS-D2 in DEs, this is her "soulmate" in SE world. IDK about OC and A plate, but the SB was just too mild for me. Bottom-line: I never use it.
The Vector is THE SE razor to get if you're serious about AC-type SE razors. Period. End of story. Full stop. There is nothing quite like, with its pin-screw going through the base plate. The level of nimbleness and agility is unrivaled. I know there are some great SE razors out there like Colonial and ATT, but nothing comes close to Vector. NOTHING.
So there ya have it.
P.s.: Me, I take my Vector for the spin every now and then, but have returned to DE as my primary choice of safety razor.
I was just noticing his absence. Hope all is well with him.While we wait for the return of and answer from @DaveHStone , …
It's a gray steel versionWhich version of the General do you have?
I just learned there was a v2.....the v2 is the smaller head...I have the v1...I think only 100 of them were made.The latest one, the v2? I'm interested to know how the two compare. I only have the brass General.