#261
I received my polished Vector this morning, and this was the first time I've used an AC-style safety razor in several years.  I have a couple Schick Prolines on hand, as well as one Kai Titan ProTouch.  I just placed an order with TryAblade for a Feather Professional, Feather Pro Super***, Feather Pro Guard, Kai Captain Original and Kai Captain Sharpblade.  First shave an hour ago was with a Proline.

I planned a typical 2+ pass shave.  I went super light on the touch, as I am wont to do with a new razor/blade setup, much less a format that is largely foreign to me.

First (WTG) pass was intuitive as far as angle of attack; zero thought here, and as smooth as any sharp blade on my face has ever been.  Good audible feedback.

Second (ATG) pass likewise, zero issues with light touch.  Almost imperceptible pressure applied by sheer necessity of gliding the Vector upward.  Quick face rinse, and my cheeks & neck as sooth as glass.  As per usual, my problem areas, chin and mustache area (especially the latter where my stubble grows down as opposed to out), needed more work.

I applied more lather to the problem areas and buffed as I usually do.  Here is where I had some issues, perhaps technique related.  I was still reluctant to apply much pressure on my buffing strokes.  I re-applied lather on these areas and re-buffed three more times, no exaggeration.  I stopped while these areas were not quite DFS, in my estimation.

It's obvious to me that my second attempt needs to be more free-wheeling, with some pressure applied the first two passes, especially on my problem areas.

I want to be clear that while the result was not what one would hope, the in-shave experience was terrific.  The Vector, a much lighter razor than I am used to using, was a joy to hold and maneuver.  It's also quite the looker, IMO, something I appreciate as an admirer of design in general.

I have a titanium 92mmx11mm, 36g Tradere-esque handle by Stork on the way, and my plan is to try it with the Vector as the somewhat elongated neck should work aesthetically with the compact Vector head.  I also just tend to prefer handles with knurling, no casting of aspersions at all regarding Shane's handle design.

I think I'm gonna have some fun, and eventually terrific shaves, with the Vector.

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***my last attempt with an AC razor involved a Feather Super....not great, buuuut, my first shave made me open up to the thought a Super might have some symbiosis with the Vector.  Only way to know is to try.

smurfups77, Sun777, Matsilainen and 1 others like this post
#262
Short & sweet: Third use this morning, and I already have this thing dialed-in. BBS, zero nicks, zero weepers, zero burn.

I'm a little taken aback, to be honest. I really didn't "get" SE in general, and AC-style in particular, in the past. Previous experience wasn't particularly impressive. Now? I love the rigidity of the AC blade. This format seems perfect for me. To me, blade chatter is the worst. While there are of course DE razors that provide the requisite blade clamping, I am contemplating my shaving life using only SE.

Of course this is after I've purchased ~400 blades the last 30 days (and waiting on my 250 Wizamets to arrive), which I know is a laughably small amount to certain men's standards, LOL. Anyway, I'm probably being reactionary. I'll go back to wanting a bit of diversity soon, I expect. For now though, I am loving AC life with the Vector.

IanG153, Matsilainen, Sun777 and 1 others like this post
#263
A full week with the Vector and I remain smitten.  I used it with a new titanium handle (~36g; similar dimensions as stock handle) received from Stork for my Saturday shave.

[Image: Vector-Stork.jpg]

Burtonburger, Matsilainen, Max Sprecher and 4 others like this post
#264

Merchant
San Diego CA
(02-29-2020, 08:09 PM)JoeLr Wrote: A full week with the Vector and I remain smitten.  I used it with a new titanium handle (~36g; similar dimensions as stock handle) received from Stork for my Saturday shave.

[Image: Vector-Stork.jpg]

That actually looks pretty good with the Tradere copy!

Matsilainen, ANG69, jags009 and 2 others like this post
#265
I actually ordered the handle before I ordered the Vector. The plan was to pair the two. I'm also readying my hand for the Blackland Tradere release!

Matsilainen likes this post
#266

It's sharp and it cuts. I like it...
Northeast, USA
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Set up the Vector with the Feather Pro (6 uses on the blade) and it just knocked down stubble with ease. The Feather was not at it’s optimal cutting regime but, it still left me with a near BBS finish on both face & neck. Might have to bin the Feather Pro after this shave. Still, the Vector with a less that optimal blade delivered a smooth, close shave albeit with the slightest of tugging on the ATG pass. This razor is a serious contender for RAD Killer it is that good. The only negative and I say this very lightly is perhaps the blade install/removal. Could be a bit challenging at first but, once you get a few shaves in and get your install steps down, it’s a breeze. Truly, a remarkable razor.....

[Image: zUeE3Xb.jpg]

smurfups77, Sun777, ANG69 and 6 others like this post
#267
(This post was last modified: 05-23-2020, 02:44 PM by jags009.)
I had my 10th shave with a proline. I could still get 2-3 more but I don't intend to drag it further. Vector has earned a sweet spot in my little den.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

GlazedBoker likes this post
#268
It’s a wonderful SE razor as it’s comfortable (not as smooth as Paradigm SE) with mid level efficiency (Asylum more aggressive) yet very nimble. To enhance its efficiency I took a used SE blade and ground off the cutting edge (don’t forget your safety gloves and goggles) to use as a shim. Shimming the Vector makes it a reasonably mid aggressive razor and improved its efficiency.
#269

Merchant
San Diego CA
(05-23-2020, 08:52 PM)AJSharp Wrote: It’s a wonderful SE razor as it’s comfortable (not as smooth as Paradigm SE) with mid level efficiency (Asylum more aggressive) yet very nimble. To enhance its efficiency I took a used SE blade and ground off the cutting edge (don’t forget your safety gloves and goggles) to use as a shim. Shimming the Vector makes it a reasonably mid aggressive razor and improved its efficiency.

Have you tried a Pro Super? That might help you avoid the shim.

GlazedBoker, CK89, AQU and 2 others like this post
#270

It's sharp and it cuts. I like it...
Northeast, USA
It's coming. Real Soon......

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCrJ3a4naE-/..._copy_link

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