Copper Haircut & Shave P076 DC Passaround – Simply Spectacular

Posting here not because I took part in the passaround.  But because it seemed to be the best place to write a review of my copper P076.  I had previously done the titanium and 17-4 P076 passarounds (as well as the N075 in black).  I liked the titanium a fair amount but found the 17-4 metal way too harsh (for me; others have had no problem with it).  Based upon a hunch that I'd enjoy the copper P076, I purchased one from Aji at H&S.  Of course, it should be pointed out that he does have a 30 day return policy so I knew I could try it without committing myself (I'm not sure others have pointed out Aji's 30 day trial period).  

Well, I got mine two weeks ago and it has met my expectations completely.  Actually, more than completely.  Yes, as others have pointed out. it is very efficient -- but notwithstanding its efficiency it is soft and smooth.  Glides around the face.  For a razor this efficient to be so comfortable is really a feat.  Other razors with the same efficiency that I have tried have felt harsh by contrast. It has sufficient blade feedback to guide me but not so much that I have to be on my toes lest I slip or feel as though I'm stripping skin off my face.  The handle and 114 gram weight are both spot on. 

And, of course, the finishing is superlative and in the top rank of any razors being made.  Picking up such an artisanal work is a joy, frankly.  One pays for such a fine tool but, to me, it's worth it.  

So, in short, it’s spectacular.  

However, the hard question is whether to keep it polished or let it get a patina?  H'mmmmmmm......Folks have views as to that?

Here's yesterday's shave with it:

Have some pics of patina but very prejudiced to polished. Treat with ProtectA to preserve polish

And that Elite brush is stunning!

Have some pics of patina but very prejudiced to polished. Treat with ProtectA to preserve polish

And that Elite brush is stunning!

Can one put ProtectA everywhere on it?  Ok for it?
Thanks about the brush.  It's a great great brush -- the stone handle makes it feel entirely different; real heft and hand feel. Photo doesn't do it justice. This is a bit better (not great but better):
 Here's a better view.

Have some pics of patina but very prejudiced to polished. Treat with ProtectA to preserve polish

And that Elite brush is stunning!

I haven't used ProtectA or Renaissance, but am about to purchase one, or the other for my stainless steel pieces. Can you advise one over the other?

To be honest, never considered using any of these products on my SS razors. 

A very well regarded shaving fora member with high end restaurant management experience, which is to state expertise maintaining high end crafted copper utensils, suggested ProtectA for mitigating copper developing patina. His expertise far exceeds mine in dealing with copper.

Thank you for your input. I trust the knowledge of others more than my suppositions. Until I have more information, I won't be using any on my SS razors, either.

As always, thanks to Dan and Aji for allowing the pass-around. It's really an incredible way to get to know a razor without having to talk myself into liking it because I've spent hundreds of dollars on it. (I know from first hand experience what this is like, **cough** my two Wolfman razors **cough**). 

I had a really sold 7 days with the copper P076. Of of the H&S razors, I have now tried the N075 mixed metal, the P076 Ti and then this razor. I can definitely say that this was the best mix of smoothness and efficiency of the three. Personally, I do not think that I could use this as an every day razor - but it's close. The distinct plus for me is that it didn't shave nearly as harshly as the Ti did. But on the other hand, it was noticeably more efficient than the mixed metal N075. 

One thing to note is that while I only used 4 different blades, Dan's axiom that these razors work best with Nacets held true. 

I started my shaves off with a Platinum that had a few shaves on it. That shave was flat out uncomfortable. But I set that aside and used a Nacet for the next 4 shaves and all were much more comfortable. 

My second shave (first with a Nacet) I gave the open comb side a try for the first two passes. While it glided well, it was too much blade for my liking as a daily shaver. 

Shaves 3 through 5 were all on the same Nacet. I wanted to use good soap so that there wasn't any concern that my results (positive or negative) could not be blamed on inferior glide. In a way, each of these shaves were unremarkable and I mean that in a good way. I did have to take an extra pass and some buffing on my biggest trouble spots which are along my jaw line and under my chin, but the good news was that the razor didn't punish me for doing so. 

Shave 6 I switched to a Polsilver. Not as bad as my shave with the platinum but still pretty rough. 

Finally, shave 7 I tried an Astra SP as that's my usual blade for new razors. It was a nice way to go out. Smooth shave that still lacked some of the efficiency that my swirling Mediterranean facial hair needs. 

The razor is a beauty though and the weight and balance is excellent. For me, the price tag is just too much to justify a purchase. But for those that have the money, I certainly wouldn't blame you. 

I mentioned the excellent soaps that I used earlier and included in those were 2 of the Ethos soaps in the pass-around box. It's a huge bonus that the box includes those. I've learned from my past experience how to get the most out of Ethos soaps and while I didn't care for the scent on the green soap, the lavender is a thing of beauty. Gorgeous bright bold lavender scent that somehow felt even more luxurious than the other Ethos soaps I've used. I'll add this as an aside, while not included in this box, my absolute favorite Ethos product is the splash. I used my bottle of agrumes for one of my other shaves this week and it's nearly as good as a balm. Incredible stuff. 

Edit: pics deleted. Apologies.

One thing to note is that while I only used 4 different blades, Dan's axiom that these razors work best with Nacets held true. 

Very nice review.  As to blades, it's interesting:  the Nacet is one blade that I've not liked using with this razor.  FWIW, I've not tried a Platinum or Polsilver.  I've had success with Feathers, BICS for close shaves, a 7 O'Clock Yellow for almost close (if that makes sense) but then great success with GSBs as a sort of in-between that really is for an effortless but an excellent shave. I've tried (and tried again) Nacets but they just don't seem to work for me and I'm done with trying. Everyone is different, clearly.  I could probably use the Yellows or,  more certainly, the GSB for daily use but then I consider this razor to be my "aggressive" driver so that's not my real goal. On the other hand, I use a N075 as my "mild shaver" at the other extreme and my WR-1 as the in-between the two H&Ses).  I also did once use an Astra SP in the copper but, like you, didn't find that a good match because it was too inefficient.

Have found Isreali Reds and MedPreps also work well but need hand stropped

Received the copper passaround razor last night. This will be the last variation of the P076 razor for me to try, unless ofcourse Aji comes out with more. I have had trouble with all of the previous models, causing irritation. Its been a bummer to only have the razor for a week at a time, as that makes it difficult to experiment very much with blades. For this time I decided to use a Wizamet, which I have not tried in this razor yet. The copper is absolutely stunning and one of my favorite razor materials. Solid in hand and holds warmth well.

For the first shave I loaded up the fresh Wizamet and lathered some Ethos Lavender soap. The soap smells fantastic. As expected, easily whipped up a slick protective lather. I am usually a neutral/steep angle shaver. Today I found this may be my issue with these razors. I used a shallow angle riding the top cap, and effortlessly removed 3 days growth. The two pass shave went very smoothly and efficiently. It was a little uncomfortable keeping the shallow angle since I'm not used to it, but it was worth it for the shave. Slight alum burn, and finished with a near BBS shave. I shaved the R side of my face with the OC side and the L side with the SB. I can not currently feel a difference in closeness. Splashed on some Ethos Succès skin food, and my face is feeling great. Im excited to use this razor with the shallow angle for the remainder of the week and hopefully keep getting close comfortable shaves.