For the record, I use AC blades for every shave. But since the OP said he was not interested in straights.......
What's the draw for Artist Club type razors?
- Thread starter JCinPA
- Start date
- Thread starter
- #22
JCinPA
The Lather Maestro
Well, being specific kept this to a short 2 pages for me to come to a conclusion! Not 38 pages of bullshtein with some on-point information thrown in every 12th post! 
All kidding aside, though, I appreciate the concise responses to my question. It was as I suspected, but I was willing to be persuaded.
Ron R
I survived a lathey foreman
As mentioned the AC 50mm razor blades have a few more available types & can be used in different razor systems from safety razors to folding types. I have a folding razor that holds the 50 mm blade and a safety razor that holds the 50mm. Is it better than the other Schick or Gem SE blades No IMO, but the 50 mm guarded blades for the folding razors are exceptional IMO for this Greenhorn trying to shave with a folding razor and they can be used in 50mm safety razors also. The guarded blades kind of prevents the blade from digging into the skin and you can receive a close shave with Kai Protouch or Feather Proguard also, they cut down on weepers and nicks.
Kai clone AC type folding Shavette......................................................Yaqi Excalibur V2 50mm AC safety razor
Have some great shaves!
Kai clone AC type folding Shavette......................................................Yaqi Excalibur V2 50mm AC safety razor
Have some great shaves!
I've had a couple of different AC-type shavettes (a folding Feather RC and the CJB non-folding) as well as the v1 and v2 RazoRock Hawk. While I think the shavettes are excellent, that type of shaving is just not for me. I loved the Hawks loaded with Feather Pro blades, very easy to use and they delivered great shaves. In fact, I probably came the closest I ever have to a one-pass BBS shave using the Hawk. I wound up PIFing the Hawks because I wanted to downsize my collection and focus on DEs.
In my experience, the differences between an Injector and the Colonial General (or any AC razor for that matter) are more than just subtle; for me, they’re night and day.
Artist Club razors yield a completely different (and closer, at least at this point) shave for me. Although, I am still trying to hone my technique with the Injectors, so that could of course change.
The Colonial General is an outstanding razor for me.
Artist Club razors yield a completely different (and closer, at least at this point) shave for me. Although, I am still trying to hone my technique with the Injectors, so that could of course change.
The Colonial General is an outstanding razor for me.
Sounds like the OP has decided to stick with the injector. It's a great choice--but as an injector user, I'll throw out my opinion. I have 3 Schicks (E, I, and M) and they give a great shave that I can't complain about. I also have 3 AC style (Razorock Hawk v1, Above the Tie SE1 in aluminum, and the Feather AC folding).
You said no interest in AC folding--so I'll keep my opinion to myself. The Hawk v1 had a short production life because (my understanding) is they were forced to discontinue it due to a threat of a lawsuit from the makers of the Mongoose razor. I knew when I bought the Hawk v1 that I was buying a clone of the Alumigoose, but was OK with it because the Alumigoose was a mythical razor that was never in stock and they didn't seem interested in or able to increase production. As for the shave, it's fine but I don't love it. It pretty much collects dust and, given a choice, I would pick up the Schick over the Hawk.
The ATT SE1 is a much different story. Where the Hawk feels harsh and unforgiving at times, the ATT is smooth and efficient. Every time I use it, I'm amazed at how great it feels and the results. The Hawk is inexpensive aluminum and weighs almost nothing. The ATT is aircraft grade aluminum and has good weight to it (not heavy like the stainless). But as others have said, the choice of blades is what keeps me coming back--Feather makes five different blades in the format (guard, pro, super, light, and guard light), and Kai also makes blades that fit. ATT no longer makes the aluminum version, so to go that route your only option is the $185 steel version.
Anyway, comparing a $25 razor to $100 razor isn't really a fair comparison--the ATT is a great option if you can find one at a price you're willing to pay. I'd guess the Vector is also a pleasure to use, but it's even more expensive at $200. Given the choice, I'll pick up the ATT over the Schick's, but the Schick's are still a great option that I whole-heartedly endorse for anyone intrigued by them.
You said no interest in AC folding--so I'll keep my opinion to myself. The Hawk v1 had a short production life because (my understanding) is they were forced to discontinue it due to a threat of a lawsuit from the makers of the Mongoose razor. I knew when I bought the Hawk v1 that I was buying a clone of the Alumigoose, but was OK with it because the Alumigoose was a mythical razor that was never in stock and they didn't seem interested in or able to increase production. As for the shave, it's fine but I don't love it. It pretty much collects dust and, given a choice, I would pick up the Schick over the Hawk.
The ATT SE1 is a much different story. Where the Hawk feels harsh and unforgiving at times, the ATT is smooth and efficient. Every time I use it, I'm amazed at how great it feels and the results. The Hawk is inexpensive aluminum and weighs almost nothing. The ATT is aircraft grade aluminum and has good weight to it (not heavy like the stainless). But as others have said, the choice of blades is what keeps me coming back--Feather makes five different blades in the format (guard, pro, super, light, and guard light), and Kai also makes blades that fit. ATT no longer makes the aluminum version, so to go that route your only option is the $185 steel version.
Anyway, comparing a $25 razor to $100 razor isn't really a fair comparison--the ATT is a great option if you can find one at a price you're willing to pay. I'd guess the Vector is also a pleasure to use, but it's even more expensive at $200. Given the choice, I'll pick up the ATT over the Schick's, but the Schick's are still a great option that I whole-heartedly endorse for anyone intrigued by them.
- Thread starter
- #27
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?
While we wait for the return of and answer from @DaveHStone , I remember reading he likes the smooth, efficient, and effortless shave with a scalloped cap, scalloped safety bar Timeless 0.68. The ability to get near a Vector-class shave without having to keep his mind in the game appeared to be the draw.
I was just noticing his absence. Hope all is well with him.
I have 1 AC type razor, the alu Black Hawk v2. I also have 3 Schick injector razors, type E, I and J. Next to 3 DE razors (RR Sloc, Gillette Tech en R89).
The biggest advantage of the AC type razor, is the choice in blades. Kai mild, Feather Pro en Schick type P all work well for me in this razor. For my injectors, I have tried the Personna, but didn't like it. Only the Schick B types (and vintage ones) work well.... very well! Biggest difference between these two types of razors, are the width of the razor. 38 versus 50mm does make quite a substantial difference. My preference lies with the injectors (and DE razors), but I still like to use my Hawk as well every now and then!
The biggest advantage of the AC type razor, is the choice in blades. Kai mild, Feather Pro en Schick type P all work well for me in this razor. For my injectors, I have tried the Personna, but didn't like it. Only the Schick B types (and vintage ones) work well.... very well! Biggest difference between these two types of razors, are the width of the razor. 38 versus 50mm does make quite a substantial difference. My preference lies with the injectors (and DE razors), but I still like to use my Hawk as well every now and then!
I haven't tried either Blackland Vector razors but I sure love my Executive Shaving Co. Claymore Evolution. It has a nice feel to it and I love shaving with it. I'm using Feather ProGuard blades at the moment but will get around to the rest of the eventually.
I have been happily using a colonial general AC razor and I like how it's wider and has more coverage on each sweep.
I'm trying to talk myself out of buying a $220 vector by telling myself the general is fine.
I'm trying to talk myself out of buying a $220 vector by telling myself the general is fine.
Which version of the General do you have?
It's a gray steel version
The latest one, the v2? I'm interested to know how the two compare. I only have the brass General.
Wanting to try an AC razor, I recently ordered a Yaqi Excaliber (Chromed Head/Black Handle), which has now given 3 very close, enjoyable shaves. I'm actually impressed at how well it shaves, even with the included blade. Given the angle of the blade, I'm suspecting it might shave more like an AC Shavette/Strait, than a safety razor, since the guard really isn't contacting the face (or barely, if at all).
Might need to look into another AC razor, and of course some blades at some point. The wider blade also results in a quicker shave, making fewer strokes per pass. I can really see the draw, in the efficiency and width of the blade, which you immediately become accustomed to on the first shave. Makes starting with an ATG pass, right of the bat, a piece of cake, requiring just a little touch-up for a second pass. (The wider blade also does cut/nick as deep as a DE razor might, being more like an injector, just wider).
Might need to look into another AC razor, and of course some blades at some point. The wider blade also results in a quicker shave, making fewer strokes per pass. I can really see the draw, in the efficiency and width of the blade, which you immediately become accustomed to on the first shave. Makes starting with an ATG pass, right of the bat, a piece of cake, requiring just a little touch-up for a second pass. (The wider blade also does cut/nick as deep as a DE razor might, being more like an injector, just wider).
ACs that I have/have used:
Mongoose- incredibly efficient and fairly brutal. I feel there are better current offerings, but it is very good if you like aggressive, but won't go full SE-vette. The barber pole handle is gorgeous and a great grip. $$$, if you can find one.
AlumaHawk- good shaver, but "meh" for me. I do not find it to be a copy of the Mongoose, other than profile. $ Bargain, if you like mild & light.
SS Hawk- Standard and Aggressive. Love it! The best of the Mongoose, without the teeth, and more aggressive than the Aluma. Either plate could be a daily-driver for me. $$ Great value
Occam Oren- Many people don't care for this because of the floating blade. I find it the most gentle, but most efficient and most blade-feel of the milder AC offerings. Great AC and can't recommend it highly enough. Daily-driver grade, if you aren't excessively exfoliating yourself with it. $$ Aslo a great value for an AC entry.
Asylum RX V1- Yeah. just, "yeah". As aggressive as the Mongoose, but more controlled, if that makes sense. The head design is right where it should be. $$$ V1 more so, and rare, V2 stil in production.
Mongoose- incredibly efficient and fairly brutal. I feel there are better current offerings, but it is very good if you like aggressive, but won't go full SE-vette. The barber pole handle is gorgeous and a great grip. $$$, if you can find one.
AlumaHawk- good shaver, but "meh" for me. I do not find it to be a copy of the Mongoose, other than profile. $ Bargain, if you like mild & light.
SS Hawk- Standard and Aggressive. Love it! The best of the Mongoose, without the teeth, and more aggressive than the Aluma. Either plate could be a daily-driver for me. $$ Great value
Occam Oren- Many people don't care for this because of the floating blade. I find it the most gentle, but most efficient and most blade-feel of the milder AC offerings. Great AC and can't recommend it highly enough. Daily-driver grade, if you aren't excessively exfoliating yourself with it. $$ Aslo a great value for an AC entry.
Asylum RX V1- Yeah. just, "yeah". As aggressive as the Mongoose, but more controlled, if that makes sense. The head design is right where it should be. $$$ V1 more so, and rare, V2 stil in production.
Last edited:
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.
I will be borrowing the v2 from a friend soon.
Brass is so smooth but not my most efficient razor.
Brass is so smooth but not my most efficient razor.
