Alpha Bandit DFS pass around

I’m in. Southern California. Thx!!

I added my impression on the Google form Vlasta . Thanks for the pass around

Arrived today! First shave will be tomorrow morning. 

The razor looks marvelous, but I felt no burning desire to use it this morning, as I am so smitten by the Overlander. So, I have contacted the next contestant ewk and the razor will be speeding its way to him come Monday.

Thanks to Vlasta for this chance and what looks like a great razor! And thanks to andrewjs18 for coordinating and overseeing the pass around.

If you want to be included in the pass around list, please comment that you're in and what state you live in. As per usual, keep the razor for 7-10 days (mostly because there's 3 plates) and then pass it off to the next person on the list. When you have time, please share your thoughts in this thread.

Here's the google form with some feedback questions Vlasta has for people who have used the razor in the pass around: https://forms.gle/cP6VTUGh1uLx3FN37


List:
ALI (Connecticut)
Dave in KY (Kentucky)
jorvaljr (California) *removed at user's request*
draebeard (Washington)
CK89 (Indiana)
Marhos24 (Michigan)
Lbkindy (Indiana)
Timeclo (California)
Ketotrader (Virginia)
Calm_Shaver (New York)
GlazedBoker (New Jersey)
MaineYooper (Maine)
ewk (South Carolina)
Bullyson (Kentucky)
J33pGuy13 (Pennsylvania)
andrewjs18 (Pennsylvania)

Well this handsome razor just arrived, in time for the Saturday Morning Luxury Shave.

Saturday Morning Luxury Shave -- Alpha Bandit Edition



Yesterday was a great mail day as it brought the Bandit and a new TOBS Platinum combo. I suppose it is a "mixed metal" shave this morning.

I began my trial run of the Bandit with the port-less SB base plate. Shaving 36 hours of growth did not clog the razor at all, and I tried my best to clog it up. The head never became clogged and the lather rinsed clean. 

The first shave accomplished BBS in two passes on both face and dome. Very comfortable shave, nice level of blade feel without feeling aggressive, and excellent efficiency. The razor is very attractive, and the handle is beautiful and functional. I never felt like I had to dry my hands to maintain secure grip.

The only significant negative so far, as has been noted, is the blade feels like it is welded into the topcap. It did not load easily, and a tool will be required to pry it out.

Sunday Shave - SB with Lather Ports Edition

I cannot discern any difference between the two SB baseplates. Today was on 24 growth, and I again achieved a comfortable and efficient shave. Shaved ATG today not because I needed it, but just to see how it feels. Still comfortable and non-irritated ATG. 

I forgot to mention yesterday, what stands out in performance for me is how well the razor handles my chin. No blood at all, which is quite a feat. (Of course much depends on my technique, but some razors like the Gillette TTOs will either tear up my chin or leave it looking like I did not shave at all on the chin).

Next up will be the OC plate on 36 hours growth.

Third Bandit Shave -- Open Comb Edition

I generally prefer SB to OC baseplates; OC tend to leave me with irritation on the neck. The Bandit is now one of the few exceptions for me. Tonight the OC plate gave me the closest most efficient shave yet. Two passes on the face and head gave a very comfortable irritation-free BBS. After using each plate one time, the OC is at the top of my preferences. I will post final thoughts later this week after giving each plate a second run.

andrewjs18 , I was going to begin the process of contacting the next user. Timeclo is next on the list, but had it in April. Shall I contact Bullyson as the next participant?