H&S P076 Ti DE SB & OC Passaround Review–Epitome of Craftsmanship & Efficient Comfort

ALI Currently my three razors in rotation are a Blackbird, CG level 2, and a CG level 3.

Thats a great line up. I have the Blackbird and the CG lvl2 but not the lvl 3. They are both terrific. You might want to try the po76 in 17-4 if you have not already - I found it to have a bit more aggression than the Ti.

Razor arrived, it's up tomorrow. Finish is gorgeous! And it's going to be a pleasure using the soap included with this pass-around. It's only the best soap I've ever used - Ethos! Can't wait to use the work of art created by Aji & paired with the perfectly luxurious Ethos soap. Thank you, gentlemen. And included in that "gentlemen" is the mastermind of this pass-around, DanLaw .

I've had several shaves with this razor & feel able to review it. Before I talk about the shave, I need to mention the magnificent finish & polish. Exquisite!

The balance & feel of this razor in the hand is quite natural & feels comfortable & secure. After lathering some of the world's best shave soap, Ethos, I  found the razor angle wide & easy to find. I used both shallow & steep angles, & both delivered pleasing results. This razor is so smooth & efficient.  A mild amount of blade feel reminds me I'm gliding a razor across my face. I am receiving wonderful 2 pass shaves with this work of precision engineering. There is more audible feedback & blade feel using a steep angle, so for those of you that like a louder shave, go steep.

I've tried too many soaps to list; new base, old base, new formula, old formula, tallow, vegan, triple milled, & croap. But regardless of which scent I use of Ethos, it never fails to provide the best lather, slickness, cushion, residual slickness, & post-shave feel of any soap I've used.

The combination of H&S with Ethos soap... delightful!

The titanium OC is available on H&S Co's website for anyone looking.

[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Shave 1 - Ti SB[/font]

I got 6 shaves in with the P076 Ti SB & OC respectively so it's now onto the next lucky participant. The razors, soap, and Nacets showed up on a Friday so I was able to start over the weekend. This usually gives me more time to slow down and enjoy the process more than I usually do. My initial impression is that these razors are simply gorgeous. They're lightweight but not like aluminum. There's definitely enough heft to feel like you have something substantial in your hands, but not so heavy that it's unwieldy. I'm also a huge fan of the low profile cap. 

• Brush: Elite Razor - Blue Resin over Olivewood; Elite Razor - 26mm Manchurian White bulb knot
  
• Razor: Haircut & Shave - P076 - Ti SB
  
• Blade: Gillette - Nacet (4)
  
• Lather: Ethos Grooming Essentials - Succes - Soap
  
• Post: Zingari Man - The Navigator - Recovery Splash
  
• Post: Dapper Dragon - Sensitive Unscented - Scale Polish
  
• Post: Grooming Dept - Uscented - Rejuvinating Serum
  

A surprising amount of blade feel, yet not nearly as efficient as expected. I needed all 4 of my usual passes. (Yes, it takes 4 usually, my facial hair grows in all sorts of mysterious directions). I"m pleased that I didn't feel excessive razor burn that I tend to suffer from with more aggressive razors. My neck in particular is in very good shape.

This was also my first use of an Ethos soap. Succes is an aventus scent that tends to be sweeter than many other dupes that I've smelled. The soap performs very well and I'm happy with the ease of lather and slickness. I didn't notice the post-shave feel to be on par with say GD, DG, WK, and BandM, but I also wasn't paying close enough attention.

Shave 2 - Ti SB[/url]

• Brush: That Darn Rob - 1673 Ambrosia; with That Darn Rob - 26mm Fanchurian
  
• Razor: Haircut & Shave Co. - P076 Ti - sb
  
• Blade: Gillette - Nacet (1)
  
• Lather: Mammoth Soaps - Stones - Soap
  
• Post: Mammoth Soaps - Stones - Aftershave Balm
  
• Post: Grooming Dept - Unscented - Rejuvenating Serum
  

About the same result. I struggled to get a truly close shave. I tried a new Nacet in hopes that that would help but it was the same result as the last blade which was on its 4th use. I tried every angle but I worked hard on getting everything and I was still left with a DFS at best.

[url=https://imgur.com/s4Bu443]Shave 3 - Ti OC

• Brush: Elite Razor - Blue Resin over Olive Wood handle; Elite Razor - 26mm Manchurian White fan
  
• Razor: Haircut & Shave Co. - P076 Ti OC
  
• Blade: Gillette - Nacet (2)
  
• Lather: Noble Otter - Monarch - Soap
  
• Post: Noble Otter - Monarch - Aftershave Splash
  
• Post: AP Reserve - Restore Peptide Serum
  

First time using the H&S Ti P076 open comb. Continuing to my test run, I figured it was time to switch over to the open comb. As I suspected, this razor is very much not for me. There is tons of blade feel here but somehow it still lacks efficiency. Mirroring my experience with the solid bar version, I am having a bear of a time knocking down my whiskers along my jaw line and under my chin. For a razor with this much blade feel, it should much more efficient than this. Comparing it to the Nodachi, for instance, that razor is definitely aggressive thanks to the blade gap and blade exposure. But it does a hell of a job, making the shaves effortless. I have yet to get that kind of efficiency with either H&S Ti P076 models.

Shave 4 - Ti SB

• Brush: Elite Razor - Black over Blue handle; Maggard Razors - 26mm Timberwolf knot
  
• Razor: Haircut & Shave Co. - P076 Ti SB
  
• Blade: Wizamet - Iridium Super (1)
  
• Lather: Ethos Grooming Essentials - Succès Soap
  
• Post: Declaration Grooming - Shore - Aftershave Splash
  
• Post: Barrister and Mann - Unscented - Aftershave Balm
  

Back to the H&S P076 Ti SB which was a nice improvement over the OC. I think the Wizamet helped smooth out this shave as it was more comfortable than with the Nacet I used previously. It was also a tad easier to achieve the level of DFS/BBS that I wanted.

This is my second use of Ethos Succès. It's crazy slick. Smells great (again, to my nose, this is a sweeter Aventus) and the post shave feel is excellent. I'm just not sure I'd eagerly spent the $35-40 bucks for this soap. I appreciate how easy it is to lather and its performance, but I just don't need 7 oz of soap even if it is a good bang for the buck.

Shave 5 - Ti OC

• Brush: That Darn Rob - 1673 Ambrosia Burl handle | That Darn Rob - Fanchurian v.6
  
• Razor: Haircut & Shave Co. - P076 Ti Open Comb
  
• Blade: Wizamet - Iridium Super (2)
  
• Lather: Gentleman's Nod - Zaharoff Signature - Soap
  
• Post: Gentleman's Nod - Zaharoff Signature - Aftershave Splash
  
• Post: Dapper Dragon - Unscented - Scale Polish
  

This was my 2nd and final use of H&S Co. P076 Ti OC. After the previous day's ok shave with its closed comb sibling, I woke up to a surprising amount of stubble that needed to be hacked down. Compared to the last shave with a Nacet, the Wizamet definitely gave a more comfortable shave. I'm still surprised at how much blade feel this razor has. I think this is someone's cup of tea, just not mine.

Shave 6 - Ti SB

• [b]Brush:[/b] That Darn Rob - 1710 Ebony and Copper handle | Elite Razor - 26mm Finest fan
  
• [b]Razor:[/b] Haircut & Shave Co. - P076 Ti solid bar
  
• [b]Blade:[/b] Wizamet - Iridium Super (3)
  
• [b]Lather:[/b] Oaken Labs - Sanctum - Soap
  
• [b]Post:[/b] Oaken Labs - Sanctum - Aftershave
  
• [b]Post:[/b] Wholly Kaw - Bare Naked - After Shave Balm
  

This was the 4th and final shave with the  H&S P076 Ti sb and it was definitely my most comfortable and efficient that I had. Maybe the blade reached peak sharpness, maybe I just got better with the angle. Not sure, but this shave was better than before. 

Overall, I felt that these razors had just too much blade feel without a corresponding efficiency. Gorgeous razors and I definitely can see these being a favorite for many of you. 

Thanks again for letting me participate in the pass around. 

NOTE: Sorry that my formatting is all effed up, everyone. I can't fix it.

[img]undefined[/img]Today was my first shave in this pass-around.  

Since the summer, I have tried out about a dozen quality razors searching for a favorite, a winner, or at least a winner that works for me.  This is the ‘one,’ the H&S PO76 in Titanium (the SB plate).  It just clicked.  Smooth on my face with the right blade feel and it produced an incredibly efficient, smooth shave.  As aggressive as I’d want and not more. It was basically easy.  I lathered up, began, and within minutes I was smiling.  A gorgeous shaver.  Not a nick, not a weeper, no irritation.  What more can I want?   Well, I could add that the finish, fitting, and quality of the razor are also top-drawer and gorgeous – impressive for polished titanium. But the shave’s the bottom line, and this, in a word, rocked for me.  It’s not a cheap razor but it is worth, to me, the price.
 
I may sound overly enthusiastic but, honestly, I’ve been wondering if all this effort was worth because I’ve been disappointed with some others that just didn't work for me.  I see that others have had different reactions to the PO76, but we only can really talk about own experiences.  Up to now, my previous favorite happened to have also been a H&S, the NO75, and I’ve been enjoying it as a smooth, effortless shaver.  It’s a smidge less efficient than the PO76 but both can have a place with me because the NO75 is really ideal when I'm in a hurry or just wanting an "easy day."
 
What’s particularly interesting is that I had previously tried the P076 in the 17-4 steel and for three shaves that was a most uncomfortable experience.  I was wondering whether it was the metal or the design, or both.  However, clearly it wasn’t the design because the same design but in titanium was an entirely different experience than in 17-4.  So, my skin must just not like 17-4 steel.  
 
Before I got this through the pass-around, I was thinking that one thing I had learned this year was that I seem to like razors with some more weight.  Well, this showed me that’s not necessarily true.  At 62 grams, it’s light but, obviously, that wasn’t a problem.
 
Perhaps, of course, this was an aberrational day.  I'll post the next few days as they occur.  I also want to try the OB plate, and I’m curious as to how the PO76 is in copper (that turn will come soon).  I know some folks have raved about it in copper, and I'm sure that will an interesting comparison.  
 
For the shave today, I used a new Nacet blade and the A&E SoCal Hipster soap because I’ve found that is a soap I turn to for trying razors; I’m quite used to it and I’d prefer to minimize the soap variable for a first shave.  And one of my favorite brushes, my Brad Sears Arley 26 with his Estate Badger knot.  Soon, I'll try the Ethos.  I also went with the Tallow & Steel AS because I thought the citrus in it would work with the A&E and it pretty much did.  Between the two I have had a great post-shave feel.  A full work-day later, I’m still smooth and moisturized.  

Two more PO76 Ti shaves.  Yesterday's was not on par of Friday's, discussed just above, but I was impatient to proceed and probably overwatered the Ethos, and I also used a Bic, which was somewhat harsh, although Bics do work well in my NO75.  Good shave but not stellar.  For today's shave I went back to a Nacet and worked a bit more in making sure I got the Ethos up to snuff, but I also pre-shaved with the shown GD preshave.  Stellar shave again.  Not a nick, not a weeper, not any irritation at all; even on the folds of my neck where I'm sensitive and most razors leave me a bit irritated.  Everyone's mileage may differ but, for this one person, it rocks.

For me, the PO76 Ti is a natural shaver.  I am intuitively dialed into it and it's got enough  aggressiveness to give me as close a shave as I ever want.  Smooth and irritation free. There is feedback but it's not harsh.  And the titanium feels just great against my skin, particularly when I use the cap.  Altogether, feels great. A first rate tool in every respect.  This is quality and it does the job wonderfully. Superb.  For me, I'm sold.  Have one on order, can't wait for it.    

I also like the Ethos a great deal.  For my first use, I didn't scoop enough and overwatered it; I tried to work it up but should have added more soap (but only am using the scoop which is a bit, for me, ungainly to add more). Wasn't slick enough.  But today, I took my time in adding water until it had a richer density and it felt good and smooth and lathered richer.  The scent is great.  In the end I was seriously impressed.  A first-rate soap and the aftershave feel was well above ordinary.  Really enjoyed it today. 

I will use the OC tomorrow although, generally, as a daily shaver, I just feel more comfortable with SBs.  But I'm loving this pass-around.  Will be sad to send it on....

Used the OC today with the PO76. Except for the brush, same kit as yesterday so no new picture.  The open comb had markedly more blade feel -- I sensed / felt/ heard the blade to a much greater degree.  It wasn't uncomfortable or pulling just a more blade feel.  It is possible that the razor is a touch more efficient with the open comb and also a touch more aggressive as well. Not a lot, but a touch. The shave wasn't quite as easy but I might have also been going careful on myself since I had such greater blade sensation.  Also, I had one tiny weeper that resolved by the time I rinsed off.  As a whole, the shave remained nick free, (basically) weeper free, and no irritation at all. This design is just a great shaver for me.  I actually think, for variety's sake, and perhaps depending on cost, that I might add an open comb plate to my present PO76 SB Titanium order.  So, I'm done with the pass-around and the razors are now going back to Aji, and I have to say that I really enjoyed this pass-around.  Thanks again to Aji and to Dragonsbeard and to Dan for making it all happen.  I'll patiently now await my razor from Aji and the order I placed with Ethos - so, from that perspective, this pass-around worked for them, as well.

First of all,.thanks to Aji, Dragonsbeard and DanLaw for making this passaround possible.

I used the P076 Ti DC model and it was the first time I have ever used a titanium razor as well as the first time I have used a dual comb base plate.  Additionally, on the software side, it was my first opportunity to use ETHOS shave soaps.

Shave 1

I kicked off my journey with the ETHOS Lavender soap and put a new Gillette Silver Blue blade in the razor.  As with the prior 17-4 H&S razors I used, the razor was very well finished.  I was struck by how the weight difference was significant between the titanium and stainless razors, but not a featherweight as an aluminum razor can be.

I did a 2 pass shave plus some very light cleanups.  The razor was very smooth on both the SB and OC sides. I usually prefer heavier razors, but absolutely had no objection to the fit and feel of this outstanding tool.  There was very little to no irritation from the shave.  I did not pay attention to how long it was unril I noticed any stubble, but my.gut feeling was 9+ hours.

The ETHOS Lavender soap was a beautiful lavender scent and the soap ticked all the boxes you would expect out of a higher quality product.  I finished off the shave with some Czech & Speake Oxford & Cambridge splash and felt like a million bucks.

Shave 2

Same setup with razor and blade (2nd use GSB), but I only did a two pass shave and resisted any cleanups.  The shave quality was very comparable and the comfort of the shave was even a bit better.  It was 10-11 hours before I noticed any regrowth of stubble.

I used the ETHOS Melange d'Argumes and it was a very refreshing scent.  I have to confess that I usually don't appreciate grapefruit forward soaps, but this one is very well done.  Major kudos!

Shave 3

Again used the same blade, but shaved one side of my face with the OC side and the other side with the SB.  The SB side won out a bit on face feel and comfort, but the OC side seemed a bit more efficient.  I cleaned up a couple trouble areas on the SB side where I didn't on the OC side of my face.  Did not notice stubble regrowth for about 10 hours.

I used the ETHOS Success soap and it was fantastic.   Really a crowd pleasing scent that I finished off with some Captain's Choice Venture splash.

Overall, very pleased to have the opportunity to use all these outstanding products.  The titanium is an absolutely beautiful iteration of the H&S P076 razor, but it likely would not be something that I would pay the additional money over a stainless steel option.  I also don't know if I have a realistic use case for a DC base plate.... as I would just decide on an SB or OC plate.

SPOILER ALERT:  I have in my posession my perfect H&S razor that I will be reviewing later this week.

The ETHOS soaps were fantastic and I would definitely consider a future purpose.  It's quite obvious that the highest quality materials were used as it's a very classy product. 

Thanks again to Aji, Frank and Dan for allowing me to participate in this passaround.

I received the P076 Dual Comb Ti late yesterday. Cleaned and sanitized, and will be taking it for a first spin tomorrow. (I shave every other day.)

Thanks to Aji, and Dragonsbeard  for sponsoring, and to DanLaw for organizing this passaround. I really appreciate the opportunity to try razors that I may otherwise never get to use.  

I've been using Ethos products for several months now, but this is my first time to try the Lavender and the Melange d'agrumes, so looking forward to that also.