HomelikeShaving Taiga Adjustable Razor tester....

You have may attention too. Looking forward to seeing your impressions.
Does it have a positive, neutral or negative exposure?
If there’s going to be a pass around cont on me!!


Greetings from Santa Rosa, CA

This is only a prototype model, I think the original design will be slightly different. 
I can only send it to couple of my friends, then we have to return it back to Russia, soon. 
I think Homelike will start selling their adjustable model early 2020. 
If they can send two Taiga pass-around razors to DFS, will be nice to have a pass-around same as Start.

You bet. I really want to get a nice modern adjustable in my den. This one if it is smooth will be a top candidate.


Greetings from Santa Rosa, CA

I’m pretty sure that the lower the number on the dial, the higher the blade gap one gets. 

0.1 is the mildest one, 6 is the most aggressive. I think it is going up to 6.5
But If you wanna play with the handle, by a bit releasing the rod, you can go up to 10.

The shave was done and it was a very good one. I’ll say it up front with no strings attached and CK89 just wanted me to post my honest and no holds barred opinion. This is NOT a very aggressive feeling razor (more on this in a bit). It exhibits no harshness on blade feel nor does it give one the impression that it will cut or harm you in any way, shape or form. I’m pretty sure that the lower the number on the dial, the higher the blade gap one gets. I installed one of the included blades that was in the package, a Polsilver Super Iridium and it went on just like with the Rex as it is also a 3 piece design but, the barrel actually disengages from the lower handle, not like the Rex where it stays within the barrel itself. So, I dialed this baby to 1 and let it go.  Excellent smoothness that exhibits an uncanny similarity to it’s bigger brother, the START with the 1.18 blade gap sb plate. I think I get a bit more blade feel with the Taiga over the START 1.18 by just a small margin but, it’s very welcome in my opinion. Intuitive from the first stroke to the last. This razor exhibited very good feel and balance without being head heavy or handle dominant. Speaking of the handle, the knurling is spot on and the length is just about right.  Very, very good tactile feel in the hands and no one will say that this handle is just not grippy enough. For comparison, it’s just a hair under what the Rex Ambassador handle feels like and I mean barely. The head is slim and covers the blade tabs completely a la the START razor. Working in the corners of the mouth and my tough spots like the nooks of Sir Adam was comfortable and effortless. I can’t speak of the stache area as I maintain a mustache but, I see no reason how this razor won’t work for one in that area. Again, this razor exhibits a low level of audible feedback. You can hear it doing its thing, it’s just a bit muted. But, don’t let that silence fool you because it cuts like a ninja moving amongst the shadows. Very stealth like with very nice results on each pass. Remember what I said earlier that this is not an aggressive razor? Well, I was such in a groove and throwing this razor around with aplomb, I got a little bit lazy and it happened. I didn’t even feel it to be honest. But, there it was. A very small thin red line just under my right jawline. I performed a couple J-hooks in that spot to finish off and I must have turned it a bit to quick and Bada-Bing! Chalk that one up to the user and not the razor at all. I haven’t cut myself in years but, I did it today. Anyways, splash and alum had it under control in less than 2 minutes. That smoothness that the Taiga exhibits cleverly hides it’s stealth and assassin like cutting prowess.  Get careless and WHIIISSSHH..... Seppuku! 

Overall a very nice and impressive first shave from the Taiga. I won’t say if it shaves the same, better or is less of a performer as I hate comparing shaves based on memory to the likes of the Rex Ambassador or the Gibbs Adjustable 15/17. I’ll put them up and face them off as that will give a better feel for me and I can translate the shave and performance onto you gents and go from there.

First shave and I like it. More in the next few days to follow.....

Thanks for the review.
It is a bit concerning that at 1 is like the highest setting on the START. It most likely should be around half the dial or a bit more? What is the blade gap? Positive or negative exposure?


Greetings from Santa Rosa, CA

I’m pretty sure that the lower the number on the dial, the higher the blade gap one gets. 

0.1 is the mildest one, 6 is the most aggressive. I think it is going up to 6.5
But If you wanna play with the handle, by a bit releasing the rod, you can go up to 10.

Actually, the gap increased on the razor as I turned the adjuster dial heading towards the lower #’s. Maybe the dial adjuster needs a quick alignment to get it to work in the direction you stated. It should be fairly simple as the razor comes apart extremely easily to clean and maintain. Beautiful simplicity in it’s design!

The shave was done and it was a very good one. I’ll say it up front with no strings attached and CK89 just wanted me to post my honest and no holds barred opinion. This is NOT a very aggressive feeling razor (more on this in a bit). It exhibits no harshness on blade feel nor does it give one the impression that it will cut or harm you in any way, shape or form. I’m pretty sure that the lower the number on the dial, the higher the blade gap one gets. I installed one of the included blades that was in the package, a Polsilver Super Iridium and it went on just like with the Rex as it is also a 3 piece design but, the barrel actually disengages from the lower handle, not like the Rex where it stays within the barrel itself. So, I dialed this baby to 1 and let it go.  Excellent smoothness that exhibits an uncanny similarity to it’s bigger brother, the START with the 1.18 blade gap sb plate. I think I get a bit more blade feel with the Taiga over the START 1.18 by just a small margin but, it’s very welcome in my opinion. Intuitive from the first stroke to the last. This razor exhibited very good feel and balance without being head heavy or handle dominant. Speaking of the handle, the knurling is spot on and the length is just about right.  Very, very good tactile feel in the hands and no one will say that this handle is just not grippy enough. For comparison, it’s just a hair under what the Rex Ambassador handle feels like and I mean barely. The head is slim and covers the blade tabs completely a la the START razor. Working in the corners of the mouth and my tough spots like the nooks of Sir Adam was comfortable and effortless. I can’t speak of the stache area as I maintain a mustache but, I see no reason how this razor won’t work for one in that area. Again, this razor exhibits a low level of audible feedback. You can hear it doing its thing, it’s just a bit muted. But, don’t let that silence fool you because it cuts like a ninja moving amongst the shadows. Very stealth like with very nice results on each pass. Remember what I said earlier that this is not an aggressive razor? Well, I was such in a groove and throwing this razor around with aplomb, I got a little bit lazy and it happened. I didn’t even feel it to be honest. But, there it was. A very small thin red line just under my right jawline. I performed a couple J-hooks in that spot to finish off and I must have turned it a bit to quick and Bada-Bing! Chalk that one up to the user and not the razor at all. I haven’t cut myself in years but, I did it today. Anyways, splash and alum had it under control in less than 2 minutes. That smoothness that the Taiga exhibits cleverly hides it’s stealth and assassin like cutting prowess.  Get careless and WHIIISSSHH..... Seppuku! 

Overall a very nice and impressive first shave from the Taiga. I won’t say if it shaves the same, better or is less of a performer as I hate comparing shaves based on memory to the likes of the Rex Ambassador or the Gibbs Adjustable 15/17. I’ll put them up and face them off as that will give a better feel for me and I can translate the shave and performance onto you gents and go from there.

First shave and I like it. More in the next few days to follow.....

Thanks for the review.
It is a bit concerning that at 1 is like the highest setting on the START. It most likely should be around half the dial or a bit more? What is the blade gap? Positive or negative exposure?


Greetings from Santa Rosa, CA

I think it’s neutral to be honest. And like I stated in my initial shave review, I believe I get a bit more blade feel over the START 1.18 sb plate.

I’m assuming it’s an all stainless razor?


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I’m assuming it’s an all stainless razor?


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Some info:

1. Gaps 0.5-1.5 mm
   
   
2. The price is ~200-250 $
   
   
3. 2 plates included (closed/open)
   
   
4. Material: stainless steel AISI 316
   
   
5. Total length of the razor: 98.17 mm
   
   
6. Handle size: length 90 mm, diameter 12 mm
   
   
7. Weight of the razor: 117 gramm
   
   
8. Fully collapsible, which allows you to disassemble and maintain
   

My thirst for Taiga is real. I want one now.

Very nice!! Can’t wait to get a hold of this one but I really want to try the OC plate. Great review!!


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I really like:
1. The knurling
2. Fully disassembles to clean
3. The fact you can use this as both a closed comb and open comb adjustable razor.

Grip is one of the first things I consider in a razor, and if it does not possess knurling, it is basically a death blow for that razor for me. The Masamune held that distinction for me for some time, but I was lucky enough to win one in a raffle, and glad I did as it makes me reassess whether I completely write off a razor. I believe it is due to the Masamune I have being matte that helps with the grip. From what I see in the pictures, I like the knurling, and have no doubt I would find a secure grip with this adjustable.

I can't say that I am a fan of adjustables or open comb either for that matter, but the mere fact that you can choose between closed and open comb is intriguing, and one that I like. There always seems to be an exception to something even if you dislike it initially. I do have one open comb that manages to surpass everything else I've tried, and even allows my least loved blade, the Green Derby, to shine. That is my simple Gillette Tuckaway. I only reach for it when I have neglected my beard for too long and it has become very unruly, but it does a good job gently removing my scruff.

As to why I don't like adjustables I haven't found the answer yet. The blade feels a bit rougher than it should no matter what setting I've used it at. I've done Slims, Fatboys, and Black Beauties all to no clear favorite standing out as well as using a Mergress. The Mergress seems better, and while I like the idea of an adjustable razor to dial in what you are looking for that day, in practice it just doesn't feel right for me.

I hope that everyone that tests this razor enjoys testing it!

GlazedBoker Gus... Excellent first review of a razor that has my interest my friend. Initial thoughts are it looks like a Gibbs with a SS handle that’s longer and I’m sure heavier  than the Gibbs Bakelite handle. My question is does it shave like a Gibbs that is in good condition with a modified blade properly installed an aligned. I find a Gibbs very smooth from setting 1 all the way through to the highest setting of 6 + and the efficiency at the highest setting to be right at or around the CG Level 3 area.  If that razor can match a Gibbs I’m all in! I haven’t shaved with the latest version of the Rex but all the 3 different versions I have shaved with exhibit some harshness from setting # 4 on up to max setting unlike the Gibbs and I’ve talked to Matt about that and he wants me to try the next Gen when it comes out. So I can’t wait for the side by side shaves my friend as you definitely have my full attention on this razor. I mean if it shaves as good as a Gibbs and has a little better balance with the longer and heavier handle and you don’t have to modify and take the the time to properly align the blade then that should be one heck of a razor when the final production model hits the floor. 

Thanks for sharing my friend!