FIRST SHAVE WITH OLIBLADE
In order to just focus on the razor, all my other products were those I was very familiar with. After inserting the blade I adjusted the setting knob from .5 to 6 and saw no misalignments. There was no issue with the thread being too rough or loose. I decided to star with the RazorEmporium test for an adjustable. I started with setting 1 to see if it would take off any stubble. I was surprised that the Oliblade did remover stubble at that level. There was no blade feel at adjustment and the pass was smooth. I increased the setting to 3 and the pass was very smooth and efficient. Again, I had no blade feel. Then I kicked it up to 5 and the blade feel was quite evident. I used a few strokes but the aggressiveness was more than I was use to and so I kicked it down to 4. That being said, the blade feel and the aggressiveness reminded me of the Ambassador. I would say the two razors are in sync at that level. I finished the first pass (WTG) at level 4 and it was quite smooth and efficient. Pass 2 (XTG) was at level 3 and it was a very smooth, efficient and comfortable pass. The final pass was (ATG) and I set the razor at 2. This pass was no different than the other 2. It was comfortable and efficient. It was in the touchups that I overdid it. I should have stopped at the end of pass 3. I didn't and it resulted in some neck irritation. This was my fault for chasing a BBS shave.
CONCLUSIONS.
The knurling on the handle is very good. I had no issues with slippage. It is a bit smaller than the handle on the Konsul which is the same as the Ambassador. The balance on the razor was fine and I was able to control the angle without issue.
The weight of the razor and the appearance of the razor were fine. Is this razor as good looking as the Ambassador, NO. But it is also 1/2 the price of the Ambassador.
Does it shave well, ABSOLUTELY.
The polish on the underside of the head and plate are no where near as good as some other razors, but it in no way affected the shave.
That said, there are still issues with this product. I am concerned with the numbers on the setting wheel. I fear that in time they will vanish. The wheel finish is very rough looking and should be polished a bit more. However, other than the wheel, the polish on the razor was quite good.
MAIN PROBLEM
The main issue for this razor is at the manufacturer's level. There are just too many comments on this thread and other threads about alignment, thread and other matters. This is a result of a poor quality control department. Whether this product is $150, $25 or $500, there should be no alignment issues or any other visual or mechanical issues for the razor before it is sent out for use. If they can fix this issue, then this is going to be a quality razor that will challenge other razors at much higher prices.
These are just my initial thoughts on the razor after 1 shave. I will continue to use it for the next few weeks to see if there comes an issue.
Would I recommend this razor, YES, if they fix the quality control. The fact that they have a 30 day return, at no cost to the consumer, makes me say go ahead and get it. With their customer support and return policy, you have nothing to lose.
RAD is just a permanently temporary condition. I'll get over it.. eventually.