Atelier DURDAN Vestige pass around

Razor arrived yesterday in good condition, will post a review after a few shaves.

Two shaves in, so a quick update and first impression.

This razor is beautiful in looks and feel. The machining is perfect and artwork to say the least. I don't have any pictures yet that can capture the beauty, but will in my final review.

The razor itself is much smaller than I was expecting. It seems like most GEM format razors are large and bulkier, probably to conceal the back of the blade. With the Vestige having the rear of the blade exposed, allows for the razor to be much lighter and more nimble. In hand it is very well balanced and feels like a precision instrument.

For the first shave I used the "+" plate. It took a few strokes to find the correct angle coming from a DE. The first pass was a little rough, and the second XTG pass being smooth. The efficiency lacked a little, probably due to not being used to the more shallow shave angle. I had some minor irritation more than likely due to overshaving.

Second shave I used the "++" plate on 3-4 days of growth. The angle seemed a lot more natural this shave. The first pass was still a little tuggy but nothing super uncomfortable. Second pass XTG was like butter and left me near BBS with next to no irritation.

Looking forward to the next shave or two before I send the razor on and can get some pictures and a more thorough review!

Augustin shared the full gap and exposure specs for each Vestige plate configuration. I had seen the exposure listed elsewhere but not the gaps:

plate        exposure       gap
classic      0.00 mm       0.19
+             +0.05 mm        0.25
++           +0.10 mm        0.32

Note: units were omitted for the gap but I assume they are mm

Interesting as Augustin told me pre-release that the gap would be identical for all three plates. Only difference was to be exposure.

Thanks for sharing. I meant to measure myself but didn't get around to it.

Interesting as Augustin told me pre-release that the gap would be identical for all three plates. Only difference was to be exposure.

Thanks for sharing. I meant to measure myself but didn't get around to it.

Now that you mention it, I do recall you saying that earlier on. I mentioned in my review some observed differences with what I thought could be a pre-production Vestige in brass. Based on feedback from Augustin, it seems as if there were some adjustments between the copy I had, and the final production model.

My time is up with the Vestige and it is shipped on to ppshil . First I would like thank cornbread for organizing and running the passaround, and to Atelier DURDAN for donating the razor for us all to use!

I was only able to get three shaves unfortunately due to life becoming busy, but I don't think I needed many more than that to get a feel for this razor. In the three shaves I was able to learn how great this razor is, and I'm sure with continued use it only would have gotten better. 

The first shave was with the "+" plate, and while good lacked a little bit of efficiency. It also took a few strokes to find the optimum shaving angle. 

Next two shaves were with the "++" plate which was easier to find the angle and the perfect level of efficiency. It is so smooth for how efficient it is! One thing I noticed, which I feel is the blade format, is the first pass is a little bit tuggy with longer growth. Every GEM, modern and vintage, have been that way (for me). The second pass is very smooth and efficient. 

The head is the lowest profile GEM razor I have used and easily got under my nose. The blade sticking out the back did not bother me. Loading was not an issue, but I agree removing the blade can be a bit difficult. I found putting my thumb on the stud and pulling up on the back of the blade popped it out fairly easy. 

The stand is small but does the job great while being aesthetically pleasing. The tapered fit of the handle is a great idea and causes it to have no wiggle. 

The basic polish is great and I really love how this razor looks. The machining marks that are visible are impressive and you can tell they were done to look good. I attempted to attach some pictures showing the machining marks, but they are very light. The combs on the guard are VERY thin. Impressively so. With that said, I worry how they would hold up to being bumped while cleaning. I could see some build up forming there eventually and am not sure if trying to use a qtip or small brush would bend them. 

All in all, if you're on the fence about this one, don't be! If you like GEM razors, it should be an automatic purchase. These are functional pieces of art. 

Razor arrived this Saturday. Unfortunately, I have been under the weather and have not been able to even open the box yet. I will do so today, take some photos and do a first shave. My apologies for the late response- there is some weird mix of flu/covid what knows what going around in our part of PA. Will try to get some thoughts in soon. If I am unhappy with my input, I will at least sanitize and move the set along on to the next participant- won’t hold it up. Thank you for your understanding and this opportunity to participate


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My apologies for the lack of updates. I have done several shaves with the vestige razor and will be posting my thoughts shortly. Will also take some photos today to go along with my thoughts. Razor is outstanding, as you might already expect from this maker. I will also be messaging the next participant in the line for the address to pass the set along. Thanks again for the wonderful opportunity.


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Messaged next in line ewk for address.


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Vestige arrived today professionally packed and in beautiful shape. Looking forward to my first foray in GEM style Blades. I couldn't ask for a more beautiful introduction to the format.