H&S P076 17-4 DC Review and Passaround

Haircut & Shave has just released their new P076 17-4 in Dual Comb for review and passaround.  Our initial review of the original release of SB and OC versions has previously been received quite favourably and won't be rehashed here other than to focus on the items unique to this production razor.  For those wanting to read the original reviews and passaround perspectives to date, simply click the link: https://damnfineshave.com/thread-haircut...-craftsman

Haircut & Shave remains laser focused on meeting customer demand for new product and to this end has been committed to releasing Dual Comb versions of their P076 line in 17-4 stainless and titanium.  Such has been the overwhelming demand for razors that Aji has been busy sending out releases of SB and OC versions literally nonstop as fast as one can produce hand made razors representing the peak of perfection requiring a day just to polish by hand....  Hitherto, in order to maintain flow amongst passaround participants, the paired P076 17-4 SB and OC razors had migrated from East to West Coast.  This second razor possessing both combs, allows us to split the passaround between the coasts cutting the time to complete the passaround by half and also making shipping/insurance less expensive for participants - an added bonus being some (self included) prefer DC razors for mixing OC first passes with SB subsequent cleaning passes. 

For those thinking they may be missing something by virtue of residing on the "wrong" coast for trialing the razor of their choice, can assure that there is absolutely nothing missing regarding quality between the two passarounds nor is there any delta in the shaving experience.  The two passarounds are about as equally matched regarding quality and shave experience as dueling pistols and would trust my life to either package in assessing H&S P076 17-4 as a potential purchaser.

Further, Aji has decided to include his Haircut & Shave branded Creme and AfterShave Balm!  

Aji's attention to quality control and finishing really deserves mention.  Recently borrowed a Wolfman standard finish razor only to have my heart sink when opening the package - it presented as a lower range Rockwell - seriously, the horse has already left the barn regarding pricing and having to wait a year; why not go all in and purchase a fully rendered Wolfman?!  This isn't to denigrate Wolfman but rather to demonstrate how people are compromising standards to achieve volume.  Having been without a H&S in possession since sending off the P076 Ti DC nearly 2 months ago, and "stuck" with my personal array of fully executed high polish duFour Wolfman and BBS1 razors, it was surprising upon opening the package just how well made are H&S razors.  Sure, we discuss endlessly the incredible quality and craftsmanship of Aji's razors but when reencountering them, one is yet shocked at their damned perfection.  All joking regarding being "stuck" with Wolfman razors aside, H&S is the only current production razor brand encountered that can stand toe to toe on an equal footing with a real deal fully finished Wolfman - period and very abrupt, very hard stop.  But having experienced it in the past and repeatedly discussing it nonetheless pales next to viewing and handling the H&S razors.  Despite having handled more H&S products than likely anybody excepting Aji, I am taken aback each time as to their amazing world class standards of fit and finish.  Moreover, the design is unique adding to the legend being created - not only does one immediately know by the quality just how special these razors are but they stand apart by look too, akin to warriors of ancient history or fighter pilot aces of old that would mark their kit conspicuously so potential combatants would know exactly who they were up against.  It takes courage and pride to so differentiate oneself in a world where getting along quietly is the strategy advocated by the powers that be and the safety of the herd entrenched in every facet of civilized life.  To illustrate the exceptional quality, have been hesitant to include a second photo of the H&S P076 17-4 DC because crepe paper was used as a base which reflected midway up the top cap mimicking stain BUT, paying attention to detail, notice how every crinkle of the crepe paper is captured better than a mirror in reflection.  

Using the razor is again a revelation that a major manufacturer has been established neck and neck at the top of the pecking order.  Irrespective of how fondly I had remembered the shave experience, the H&S P076 17-4 DC shocked me back into reality repeatedly muttering to self that: "Damn, this is an incredible razor as good as my favourite duFour razors costing in some cases multiples more.".  Personally much prefer a DC razor and every personal DE razor where it could be so speced is a DC in Mirror polish but this is just frankly the best of the lot.  The shave is close as a 0,80+ WR1 Wolfman BUT the feel is somewhere around a 0,67 WR1: amazing that almost everybody can now experience a truly effortless BBS shave without the accompanying irritation that those of us with sensative damaged skin must otherwise endure.  Even were I working a Senior Executive level position in the Fortune 50, could shave every third day and still be considered groomed to British button down perfection.

17-4 razors tend to feel hard against the skin to my perspective but in a good way.  While Titanium is all the rage, find it less preferable than stainless as a material even including a certain artisan making razors in Canada, haha.  The first shave with the H&S P076 17-4 DC felt a little harsh but by the second shave had adapted to the feel and found it pleasant.  As anticipated, the balance and maneuverability were exemplary, the blade feel magnificent and quality of the shave BBS spot on with neither nicks nor weepers, lasting a full 48+ hours.

The soaps from H&S are reminiscent of the best classic British cremes; lather builds easily whether using badger or synthetic brush, the scent is subtle yet pleasant and the cushion and glide are classically balanced.  For those fans of classic cremes, this is a must have!  The AS Balm had a soothing and cooling effect that many appreciate while calming post shave irritation for those with sensative skin.

Will reiterate my summation from the East Coast P076 17-4 SB and OC passaround review: these are the best 2 products of their type encountered in a lifetime of shaving – it really is that simple.  When items of such breakthrough significance by artisans having the vision and ability to make them reality are encountered, they deserve to be called out for being exceptional and so I did.  Shaving is not a hobby to me; rather, it is a chore that given an opportunity would happily be abandoned.  These products make a terrible burden better than any others I have used in a decade of experimenting with what are considered the best products available globally.  Whereas the P076 Ti is a Lamborghini Huracan – providing thrills with margin of error protection of a Ferrari Italia but retaining some of the fun feedback of the Ferrari 355 and the N075 Al is akin to driving a Porsche 996/7 or Ferrari Italia – it makes you perform better than ever imagined without punishing mistakes, the P076 17-4 is akin to driving an old midengine Ferrari 246 or 355 or Porsche 993 – it does exactly what is wanted without punishing terribly for mistakes.

For those that have participated in our H&S razor passarounds, henceforth we will be sending the plastic cases which will help protect the razor from damage more easily than relying on participants' wrapping properly prior to shipping.  Unfortunately, it will now require using a medium USPS Priority box with associated additional expense.



All interested in the passaround are strongly encouraged to reach out via PM for inclusion.

PM sent thanks so much

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

I find it really hard to believe the standard finish Wolfman was like a Rockwell... Come on I think your really stretching to make your point. My standard finish Wolfman is beautiful as are all the others that I’ve seen.

I can only speak to my experience and 100% stick by that statement. Am a proud owner of 4 duFour razors - if there a prejudice, it favours Wolfman. The finish on the particular razor was nothing I would put my name on at any price.  Had I not seen the invoice would have suspected it a Chinese counterfeit.  Literally my heart sank when first seeing it - THAT is how bad it was.  To be fair, it shaved wonderfully and the machining was perfect.

I received the H&S PO76 17-4 DC (thank you Dan) and I was pleasantly surprised by the fit and finish of the razor. You can tell a lot of effort has been invested into getting a high mirror polish and overall finish. Even the inside of the OC teeth have been polished. It's a solid looking razor and feels well balanced in my hands. The knurled handle has some heft to it but when shaving I had no issues keeping the razor balanced. I like the length of the handle and you'll never have to worry about slippage due to the heavy knurled design. The plastic storage box is a nice touch and would be an excellent way to travel and make sure your razor is protected. In terms of build quality, fit and finish, I would say the bar has been set high with Wolfman. The H&S PO76 does not disappoint. They could easily be related.

[font=Courier New]For those that don't know me, I'm foremost a straight razor user and I have been enjoying the occasional DE and SE razor to mix it up. In DE I avoid aggressive razors. I like a milder to lower/mid aggressive razor. My favorite razors are Wolfman WR2 1.05 to 1.15, WR1 0.61, Timeless .68 scalloped base and .95 smooth base, Karve C and D. I've tried many others which didn't stay in my den. Not to say they were bad, they just didn't work for me. Favorite DE blades that work for me are Voskhod, Lab Blue/Med Prep, Wiz Super Iridium, Polsilver SS, Gillette Silver Blue and Timor. I always prefer SB over OC and minimal blade feel.

For my first shave I used the included shaving cream. Let me start by saying I mainly use soap and of course I am spoiled with using some of the best soap money can buy. The shaving cream was OK. I was able to get a nice dense and thick lather going although it needed lots of water. Scent was very mild, not overpowering. Clean and fresh. I got some hints of lemon, orange and floral. Overall it didn't knock my socks off but I account most it because I am super spoiled with using high end products ex. Sē'bŭm, Ethos,... I loaded up the razor with a Voskhod which for me is a good all purpose blade. I've tried Nacet before and it was one of the worse blades I ever used (it shred my skin part) so I didn't feel like using the included Nacet but instead use a blade I know inside out and I'm comfortable with.

I did my first WTG using the OC but halfway switched to SB as there was too much blade feel for me. WTG definitely felt smooth but I could already tell the razor was going to be too aggressive to my liking. It did an excellent job on the first pass though. I followed up with XTG and ATG, always using the SB and light pressure. I ended up my 3 pass shave with several weepers, mostly on my neck and a few on my cheeks. I did get an extremely close shave and never did I feel the harshness I keep hearing about in relation to 17-4 steel razors. The gel after shave does have a very nice cooling effect with a lasting mentholated/vicks/cherry experience. [/font]

[font=Courier New][font=Courier New]For my next shave I will use the Nacet as Dan has been suggesting and one of my soaps. This is a very solid build razor with an excellent high grade finish and so far I consider this a medium+ aggressive razor which I know will please many that look for a more aggressive and efficient DE razor.[/font][/font]

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Excellent review!

That nice brush. Which handle colouration and knot?

That nice brush. Which handle colouration and knot?

Declaration Grooming - Boom Roasted B8

I find it really hard to believe the standard finish Wolfman was like a Rockwell... Come on I think your really stretching to make your point. My standard finish Wolfman is beautiful as are all the others that I’ve seen.

I agree. Comparing Rockwell to Wolfman? Come on.

Great review Max.......must resist joining pass around.......must resist......