PAA Ascension Twist Adjustable.... Gimmick or for Real??

Last night's first shave with the PAA Ascension Twist.....

Got my shave in and to be honest, it was a very, very good one. I had a very good shave the night before with the Rx so, stubble was a bit lighter than normal. Nevertheless, the Ascension razor delivered a very good 2 pass plus touch ups that left my face smooth and clean.

First pass was with the razor and blade with a nice snug fit. Completed that pass and decided to turn it the 1/4 turn and see how it felt. And it actually had a nice bit of blade feel, not to much though but, pleasingly efficient and it provided a very nice and thorough 2nd pass. I left it there to complete the clean up pass (slight buffing around the chin and a quick touch up on the corners of the mouth/stache area) and it was a done deal. No irritation, no razor burn. Just an honest and very good clean shave. Nearly BBS everywhere minus Mr. Adam’s Apple area. The razor actually moved quite well and the dual open comb design does what it’s intended to do, help keep some of the lather and keep the face lightly lubricated. This razor is sweet for touch ups. Because of its light weight, it can be maneuvered easily and quickly and for those that like light weight, this one might do it for them.

What I didn’t like? It’s a very light razor and I had to adjust technique and actually create a little bit of pressure to make sure the razor stayed in constant contact with my face. If you hold it lightly, it won’t do much cutting. Unlike it’s big brother, the DOC EVO SS, a bit of pressure is required so that it’s effective. Don’t ever do that with the EVO SS, a few layers of epidermis will be removed. So, in a sense it’s a bit opposite of what I usually do with a more substantial razor. But, it’s not a deal breaker.

It shaved very well. The 1/4 turn adjustment proclamation is perhaps more of a marketing ploy and to grab ones eye but, to be fair once I made that 1/4 turn adjustment it actually did give a bit more blade feel and efficiency while staying smooth.

Probably not a razor that will break into the rotation but, it looks like it can be a very good option as a travel razor.

PAA Ascension/Supermax BDT. Not as pleasant a journey as some -- you pretty much ride the guard --but efficiency is top notch. Setting is snug but not tight. The old, shorter PAA aluminum bomber handle is a better match than the one provided.

Yup. 316L SS is coming....

I received an alert from PAA on their new razor called the DOC Ascension Twist Adjustable which just happened to drop today and is available for sale on their online store. Basically an all aluminum designed (7075) CNC machined razor with a deep bottom and top plate curvature that, as explained by Mr. Smythe has a degree of adjustability to customize your shave and feel. Knowing myself, my curiosity was piqued and I ordered one. I am not a fan of light weight razors but, I figured for the $$$ might as well give it a shot and see how it goes. I own the original PAA DOC EVO in Stainless and that is a superstar in my den. Maybe it’s light weight sibling can actually shave close to it’s older and heavier brother or at least give a respectable shave. The adjustable feature is what actually drew me in so, we shall see how it stacks up in a few short days....

There is already a video in the “Video” section of this forum. My apologies for not searching before posting.......

https://damnfineshave.com/thread-the-asc...ix-shaving

I have the older DOC nickel plated and absolutely love using it. I still prefer my AS-D2 but the DOC is the best clean-up razor I have ever used and it's easily my second favorite razor right behind the AS-D2. The secret to the DOC is to not overly tighten the handle as Douglas explains clearly in the product description. I find that I can dial in the perfect level of aggressiveness or mildness by slightly tightening or loosening the handle. The Ascension is meant to be adjustable, thus I suspect it may be an even better razor than the original DOC. The only downside I can see for me personally is the weight. The Ascension is listed as 33g and the DOC nickel plated is listed at 56g, therefore it's safe to assume the Ascension will feel very light in the hand. I can't imagine going any lighter than the original DOC but then again it may feel fine.

Now in stainless......

https://phoenixartisanaccoutrements.com/...less-steel

I cannot resist inexpensive SS razors...

I cannot resist inexpensive SS razors...

I told myself yesterday if it was under $100 I would pick one up. I also picked up a set of Atomic Bay Rum while I was at it.

Curious to hear what you all think about the new one.

Curious to hear what you all think about the new one.

It really shouldn't be much different at all from the Aluminum version. Just the weight for in my case I would prefer the SS over the Aluminum. I think both versions are going to be very similar. The Aluminum is good and the SS should be as good if not better.

PAA Ascension/Supermax BDT. Not as pleasant a journey as some -- you pretty much ride the guard --but efficiency is top notch. Setting is snug but not tight. The old, shorter PAA aluminum bomber handle is a better match than the one provided.

What do you mean “ride the Guard”?


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