Finished my 8th shave with my OneBlade today [I pushed the blade as far as I could and it cried uncle this morning]. Going into it, I really was looking for fault. Anything with such wholesale support, particularly at this price band, has me skeptical from the gate.
Turns out I was unable to find anything. It shaves wonderfully, offering up extremely smooth passes with zero irritation. I was not or did not seem to be engaging the pivot but the blade angle is very intuitive based on the design and there is a meaningful amount of audible feedback. So smooth I found myself buffing on occasion with dry skin/no lather and had no burn or after effects.
I did find it took some feel initially to edge the sideburn area and get under the nose closely but after a few shaves it was more second nature.
I think this razor will not be for everyone based on a number of things including non-traditional format, price point, etc. but does represent a nice bridge from cartridge to SE/DE shaving based on feel and design.
If I were to nitpick a few things I would like:
1. A locking mechanism. As mentioned, I didn't necessarily feel the pivot engage other than when I REALLY tried [see below] but I think it may be nice to be able to lock it down for those of us used to more traditional, non-pivoting heads. Not a deal killer but a nice to have.
2. This razor has a lot of nooks and crannies. Looks really cool but no doubt will build up a lot of soap residue over time. If you are like me and can't seem to let it go, it makes it tricky to clean. I rarely use Scrubbing Bubbles but did after today's shave as I couldn't get it spic and span with my normal water, Dr. Bronners, rag/Q-tip routine.
3. I think the razor so efficient and face friendly that it will easily encourage bad habits! A good problem to have but I did find myself intentionally using more pressure just to get a feel for the pivot. Buffing without lather? I rarely do to any extent but with the OneBlade was going crazy with no consequence!
4. Wish there were more blade choices. The Feathers are solid and if I can go 8 shaves pre change I am good [it is doubtful I will ever go past 7 in future as I usually use one razor an entire week then switch]. I do like to try other stuff though and kudos to
SharpSpine for paving the way.
The net net: a solid piece of HW and with the discount I feel a decent value based on my interpretation of their service and warranty. Happy to have it in my rotation and, although a very non-typical design, a great shaver that offers up a BBS shave in even the most problem areas with zero irritation. Add the presentation, subscription model for blades if you choose that route and it will definitely make many happy as well as draw others into the wetshaving community IMHO.
PS I did purchase mine and have no ties to anyone affiliated with the producer