Essence by Tedalus

Be aware that what you saw was not a review, but just a visual comparison between razors. Keep in mind that the Feather DX design goes back a long way when Feather first started working with disposable blade straight razors for barber's use. Early pre-DX versions had a release slide on the top of the blade and the razor was slimmer. The current spring loaded pinch design came about more than 20 years ago and the purpose was for quick load/reload. This also required a thicker top portion of the blade. The blade sides itself was always a semi hollow ground shape which mimicked a straight razor better than many other shavettes. To compare it with the Essence and to say that the Essence is vastly superior because of it's looks and design and all those other things is like saying that Tesla Model X is way superior to a WWII Jeep. Two different time periods, two different technologies, two different purposes. The primary thing that really matters with razors is how does it shave. The DX has been my favorite shavette for nearly 10 years now. The Essence, after one shave is at least equal to the DX. More to come as I get to know the Essence as well as I know the DX. To say that one no longer have interest in a DX is really limiting your base of knowledge and experience.

I don't disagree with your points. I understand they're very different razors and shave experiences that simply fall under a broad AC shavette categorization.

For me, though, I was looking at a shavette because in the immediate term, I wanted (1) a straight razor-like experience and (2) to see if I might enjoy it enough to go the route of straight razors. The whole honing and stropping thing -- both the general upkeep and the cost of additional accessories -- is the source of my hesitancy.

So if the Essence is closer to that, then I'm satisfied with that. I know I said I'm not interested in a Feather DX, but I've said something similar a million times. Down the road I might still (will probably?) give the Feather DX kamisori a go. After all, the Essence doesn't come in a kamisori option.

Down the road I might still (will probably?) give the Feather DX kamisori a go. After all, the Essence doesn't come in a kamisori option.

Funny you should mention that. I played around with a photoshopped pic of the Essence in the week it took to get to me. 

Down the road I might still (will probably?) give the Feather DX kamisori a go. After all, the Essence doesn't come in a kamisori option.

Funny you should mention that. I played around with a photoshopped pic of the Essence in the week it took to get to me. 

The shape of the face was the main attention grabber, as it reminds me of my Kamisori...

I wonder if the inside piece of the scales can be slightly modified to allow the razor to be closed with a blade.

Although I am the type to fully dismantle and clean after each shave, I do close the razor as I place it on my towel, on the counter, during.

To add to what Les and others have said, the DX and by extension, other 'premium' shavettes, were designed for quick blade changes and a smooth, comfortable shave.

The Essence was designed to mimic a straight razor in feel, look, and shave, as closely as possible. (and use a wide variety of blade types).

They achieve the same ends, but the design philosophy behind each is vastly different.

Had to take a break from the Essense to complete testing on another razor (Denali adjustable). Was finally able to use it for two more shaves on Saturday and this morning. It definitely takes a lot longer to use ... need to be much more conscientious of the lather mix to ensure better slickness, then need to exercise more case in getting a close shave. But with working from home, my mornings are less rushed, and I can probably use this everyday.

My second shave was more about building familiarity with shaving.

In the third shave, I started by playing around with the grip. I initially used it in more of a kamisori-like manner, which I initially found to be quite comfortable, maybe because the long tail allows the razor and scales to be held easily in a straight line. But I found I could grip a bit closer to the head and had a lot more control and precision when using it as it was intended -- as a western straight razor.

In some of the how-to-shave videos, I always thought it would be annoying to shave this way because the scales constantly looked it it was in the line of sight. But depending on the angle, I just flipped the scales up or down such that they were out of the way of the stroke (and out of my line of sight), and it felt very comfortable and intuitive.

The angle of the shave is really easy to find. If you're too low, the razor drags against the skin. There are times where I went a little more steep, more in short buffing. Again, not much to compare against, but I found the razor VERY easy and intuitive to use. No nicks these last two shaves, with a noticeable decrease in irritation in this third shave versus the first two. I think I'm getting the hang of it. Wonderful razor.

"...I found the razor VERY easy and intuitive to use..."

I have a number of razors to compare it to. A Coolcut 4 DE, a vintage Diane that takes injector blades, a Dorko that does the same, a Weck, and an IBC razor, and two straight razors.

The difference between a true shavette type razor and a razor like a DX or Essence is that shavettes are light, and require pressure to use, a razor does not.

Of the shavettes I've used, none have been easier to use than the Essence. I haven't used a Feather, Kai, or Kai clone yet, but I imagine the shave would be similar to the IBC, which is fairly easy to use, but is a pain to load, compared to the Essence razor.

The flexibility of having a wide range of angles and blades to use, compared to most other shavettes, while still having the 'weight' of a real straight razor are what differentiate the Essence from every other replaceable blade straight razor out there.

DIY Kami version of Essence, though I imagine that Manuel's plan for a Kami version probably involves injection molding, and the handle will come further towards the blade, perhaps with a cutout for the Tedalus logo on the side of the blades.

Had my fifth shave with the Essence today and it was the best shave yet. I don't know that it will ever be as close, smooth or mindless as my favorite DE and SE razors in general, BUT it is closer and smoother in certain spots.

So far for me:
Cheeks - about the same result
Upper lip - safety razors are better
Chin - safety razors are better; the curve of the chin is quite challenging with the Essence, though the end result is getting closer
Jaw - Essence is by far better

The first three shaves were with a really, really dull Schick Proline. The last two shaves have been with a new Feather Professional. I'll stay with this blade for a few more shaves and then switch to a new Schick Proline and see what difference there is.

Arrived!
I haven't giving it a proper inspection yet, but it feels nice. The jimping is really great; very pronounced. Similar to the teeth on a pair of pliers. 
One thing I did notice, was that the blade holder is a touch off centered, when closed inside the scales. 
Hmmmm! 

...Similar to the teeth on a pair of pliers...

That's actually a very accurate description of the jimping. Best analogy I've heard so far.