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(This post was last modified: 02-01-2022, 08:47 PM by scottcw.)
My long time razor Ikon 102 Slant failed around Thanksgiving. I was changing the blade and the thread on the top cap broke off as I was tightening the handle. I had been using it for over 7 years, so I decided to try some different options. My findings are below, as always YMMV.
I can't find any info for the blade gap on the Ikon, but it is generally regarded as a mild razor. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I like big gaps.
First up was an ATT Slant S1. I started here because I loved the Ikon Slant. I immediately discovered that this this is a more typical "torqued" slant where the Ikon is a "tilted" slant. One of the main differences is that the slant is the same on the S1 no matter which side of the razor you use - \. The Ikon orientation is \ on one side and / on the other. See Feather AS-D2 vs Ikon 102 vs ATT S1 - https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/thr...st-7508050 for pics and details. Fit and finish is top notch. The only downside, for me, is that the blade tabs are exposed. The S1 gap is .61. My concern that it might be too aggressive was unfounded, though I did need to pay more attention to my technique. With an Astra SP, I was able to get a DFS with my usual WTG and XTG passes. Nothing to complain about, but nothing jumped out either. I would grab the Ikon over the S1.
Next was the Rockwell 6S direct from Rockwell. This is a very well made razor package. I started with plate #2 (.35 gap) thinking this would be close to the Ikon. The shave was very smooth, but not very close. Moving to #4 (.61) was just as smooth and much closer. I've finally settled on #5 (.69) as the sweet spot. I shave my head and this razor is the smoothest I have tried on my scalp. It is almost impossible to nick myself, even in tough spots for other razors. I did try #6 (.79) a couple of weeks ago and realized it is possible to nick myself. The only drawback for me is those exposed tabs.
Then I found a Blackbird Tradere OC on eBay. I was very excited about this one as I have been hunting an original for a while. I find the flat blade and the way the tabs are covered a very appealing design. I read a comment that this is as close as a safety razor gets to straight razor results. This takes fit and finish to another level. The OC is the more aggressive option. My first shave was not pleasant. Blade angle, balance point, everything was different than any other razor I have used. Did some research and found a comment that you don't want to see the rows from the OC in your lather. In other words, the OC guard should not touch the skin. My following shave was much better. I'm still finding the optimum shallow angle and the correct balance point. I think this razor will be for days when I can take my time. It's a bit too finicky for a quick shave.
I thought I was done at this point, but then a beautiful Charcoal Goods Gen2 Level 2 plated in rose gold showed up. A .86 blade gap, oh my! Again, my expectation of being too aggressive was wrong. This might be my favorite so far. The thing that jumped out to me was the feedback as it cuts. I can hear the hair being cut and even find the optimum blade angle based on that feedback. This razor is not as grab and go as the Ikon or the Rockwell nor as finicky as the Blackbird. It's the Goldilocks. I do have to pay attention to technique, but the feedback makes shaving quick and easy. BBS with WTG and ATG passes.
I can't find any info for the blade gap on the Ikon, but it is generally regarded as a mild razor. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I like big gaps.
First up was an ATT Slant S1. I started here because I loved the Ikon Slant. I immediately discovered that this this is a more typical "torqued" slant where the Ikon is a "tilted" slant. One of the main differences is that the slant is the same on the S1 no matter which side of the razor you use - \. The Ikon orientation is \ on one side and / on the other. See Feather AS-D2 vs Ikon 102 vs ATT S1 - https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/thr...st-7508050 for pics and details. Fit and finish is top notch. The only downside, for me, is that the blade tabs are exposed. The S1 gap is .61. My concern that it might be too aggressive was unfounded, though I did need to pay more attention to my technique. With an Astra SP, I was able to get a DFS with my usual WTG and XTG passes. Nothing to complain about, but nothing jumped out either. I would grab the Ikon over the S1.
Next was the Rockwell 6S direct from Rockwell. This is a very well made razor package. I started with plate #2 (.35 gap) thinking this would be close to the Ikon. The shave was very smooth, but not very close. Moving to #4 (.61) was just as smooth and much closer. I've finally settled on #5 (.69) as the sweet spot. I shave my head and this razor is the smoothest I have tried on my scalp. It is almost impossible to nick myself, even in tough spots for other razors. I did try #6 (.79) a couple of weeks ago and realized it is possible to nick myself. The only drawback for me is those exposed tabs.
Then I found a Blackbird Tradere OC on eBay. I was very excited about this one as I have been hunting an original for a while. I find the flat blade and the way the tabs are covered a very appealing design. I read a comment that this is as close as a safety razor gets to straight razor results. This takes fit and finish to another level. The OC is the more aggressive option. My first shave was not pleasant. Blade angle, balance point, everything was different than any other razor I have used. Did some research and found a comment that you don't want to see the rows from the OC in your lather. In other words, the OC guard should not touch the skin. My following shave was much better. I'm still finding the optimum shallow angle and the correct balance point. I think this razor will be for days when I can take my time. It's a bit too finicky for a quick shave.
I thought I was done at this point, but then a beautiful Charcoal Goods Gen2 Level 2 plated in rose gold showed up. A .86 blade gap, oh my! Again, my expectation of being too aggressive was wrong. This might be my favorite so far. The thing that jumped out to me was the feedback as it cuts. I can hear the hair being cut and even find the optimum blade angle based on that feedback. This razor is not as grab and go as the Ikon or the Rockwell nor as finicky as the Blackbird. It's the Goldilocks. I do have to pay attention to technique, but the feedback makes shaving quick and easy. BBS with WTG and ATG passes.
