I’ve found out in my side by side one pass comparisons using two razors that of any razor in my den the Ikon Tek is hard to beat as far as efficiency and effective beard reduction. An especially at the price which is around $35. My Wolfman 1.55, Charcoal Goods Level 3 OC are close, but their price is significantly more expensive than the Ikon. The one that matches the Ikon and I say that after more recently doing a side by side is the 2011 Muhle R41. They are hard to find and usually very expensive if you do. In fact there’s only one on eBay right now that’s outrageously expensive. I don’t use mine very often because it made of Zamak and I’m not sure how well the finish would last if used a lot over time. Lastly the only razor that surpassed the Ikon Tek in the one pass side by side comparison and did it by a good margin was the 2021 Rocnel Sailor on setting 10. I’m sure it would have matched the Ikon on a setting somewhere between 7 to 9 but never had the chance to try those settings as I sold it thinking that a Ti version was coming out which I’m still hopeful about as it would probably be the perfect razor for me replacing many razors in my den because of the many settings as it can go from mild to very wild like no other razor I’ve used.
I have a lot of shave time with my Ikon Tek and have the head on a Tiban Ti handle that to me gives it better balance and maneuverability than the stock handle. I use aggressive skin stretching very similar to what you’d use if using a straight razor with 0 pressure.
So to me it’s a great razor at a bargain price but it does require sone taming.
Just my thoughts so may or may not be of any help to you.
Good hunting!
