Janus Razor Shave Experience

I also asked for a turn with the prototype.   After testing them I agree with every point made above by CK89 except that to me 9 on the LE feels ok, less aggressive than lower settings.

The gap difference is big also radii of the guard bars and doors.  The radius of those curves is where a lot of blade feel is either muted or enhanced. Gap plays a big part but as I suspected the shape of the guard bar and doors is key to the comfort of the prototype. I suspect it is also why the prototype felt a bit too mild on 9 for CK89.

I like the prototype better than the LE afa style, heft, size, shave.  The LE is ok, but if I could choose, I would go for the prototype.
Janus Prototype vs. Limited Edition Blade Gap
Could not embed the image for some reason. Clicked on toolbar-image, pasted address, saved, no joy.

I also asked for a turn with the prototype.   After testing them I agree with every point made above by CK89 except that to me 9 on the LE feels ok, less aggressive than lower settings.

The gap difference is big also radii of the guard bars and doors.   I like the prototype better than the LE afa style, heft, size, shave.  The LE is ok, but if I could choose, I would go for the prototype.
Janus Prototype vs. Limited Edition Blade Gap
Could not embed the image for some reason.  Clicked on toolbar-image, pasted address, saved, no joy.

You can copy BBcode link here under embed codes,

The side by side photo above is very interesting.

Are the razors set at the same setting and, if yes, which one?

The side by side photo above is very interesting.

Are the razors set at the same setting and, if yes, which one?

They are both set on 5.  The pic really highlights how the fatter guard bar and dome doors are key to the comfort of the prototype.  As soon as I placed it against my skin I could tell that it was at the correct angle of approach and blade exposure is reduced.

 I suspect it is also why the prototype felt a bit too mild on 9 for CK89. 

I didn't feel the prototype felt too mild on 9. It is more like a bit less aggressive than or equal to CG LV3 or Blackbird.

I just prefer to have a bit more settings with higher gaps.

 I suspect it is also why the prototype felt a bit too mild on 9 for CK89. 

I didn't feel the prototype felt too mild on 9. It is more like a bit less aggressive than or equal to CG LV3 or Blackbird.

I just prefer to have a bit more settings with higher gaps.

Prototype on 9 was definitely milder to you than the LE on 9?

 I suspect it is also why the prototype felt a bit too mild on 9 for CK89. 

I didn't feel the prototype felt too mild on 9. It is more like a bit less aggressive than or equal to CG LV3 or Blackbird.

I just prefer to have a bit more settings with higher gaps.

Prototype on 9 was definitely milder to you than the LE on 9?

I properly misunderstood what you said. 
Prototype #9 is much smoother than LE #9. 
Prototype #9 is more like LE #1 or #2, even a bit smoother.  
They are efficient.

I found the prototype to be amazingly smooth even on #9 with the efficiency being equal or close to my most efficient razors. #6 was what I would use as a daily driver.

I'm guessing that he set out to make the LE version more aggressive than the prototype, but it sounds like he overshot by a ways. The gap differences are huge.

I'm guessing that he set out to make the LE version more aggressive than the prototype, but it sounds like he overshot by a ways. The gap differences are huge.

Eric told me he set out to make the razor a bit more aggressive and more stylish but I think he missed the mark by a mile on both goals.  The changes to radii of guard bar and doors magnified the changes to gap and exposure, resulting in an overall negative result.

Afa style imo the prototype has a simple, elegant, clean look.  The big smooth round toggle knob was actually a shortcut but I love that feature as it is.  The changes to the style make the LE look too similar to the original Toggle and eliminate the beautiful simplicity of the prototype.  The smooth handle was not slippery at all and actually gives more contact area.  The differences to the original Toggle are a plus, not a negative.

I like the LE but it doesn't hold a candle to the original design.  It is a prime example of someone being pressured to continue work on a job that is finished.