PAA Double Open Comb Razor

As with everything opinions will be different, but since you asked, I would say no. I gave my nickel DOC the boot along time ago because it was (at the time) too mild. I'm alittle wiser about shaving now and I would say your less likely to be bitten by the nickel plated DOC than any of the ATT, aluminum or otherwise. A side note about the ATT aluminum razors, they are awesome! Efficiency without the added weight. Would recommend them!

As with everything opinions will be different, but since you asked, I would say no.  I gave my nickel DOC the boot along time ago because it was (at the time) too mild.  I'm alittle wiser about shaving now and I would say your less likely to be bitten by the nickel plated DOC than any of the ATT, aluminum or otherwise.  A side note about the ATT aluminum razors, they are awesome!  Efficiency without the added weight.  Would recommend them!

I agree 100% with all of this.

As with everything opinions will be different, but since you asked, I would say no.  I gave my nickel DOC the boot along time ago because it was (at the time) too mild.  I'm alittle wiser about shaving now and I would say your less likely to be bitten by the nickel plated DOC than any of the ATT, aluminum or otherwise.  A side note about the ATT aluminum razors, they are awesome!  Efficiency without the added weight.  Would recommend them!

I agree 100% with all of this.

I also agree but for different reasons (and also I can't compare the nickel to the aluminum because I only have the nickel), however, while my experience with the nickel DOC was that its a pretty mild shaver I also concluded a few weeks back while shaving with the PAA DOC - this is an ok shaver for the money but I have much better shavers than this and given the harsh reality that we all have a finite number of shaves to enjoy, why am I shaving with a (relatively) inferior razor? I have better razors that I enjoy more and that do a better job. Sooo, away with the DOC, life is too short for mediocre shaves. Again I stress when I call the DOC inferior and mediocre I mean only compared to other razors I have and not in absolute terms. Its still a pretty good razor.

Interesting take. I kept my original and won't give it up because I always get great shaves from it.

I apologize for reviving a thread that has been dormant for a few months, but I thought I would give my thoughts and impressions on the DOC Evo razor from Phoenix Artisans Accoutrements. I would like to say first and foremost, this is for the Stainless Steel version, not the original DOC or the Aluminum version.

I've had this razor for roughly 3 1/2 weeks shaving anything from 24 hour stubble to a full 7 days growth. Just putting it through different hair growth stages so that I can paint a better picture on its performance and capabilities. I will cut to the chase and call it as I see it. It is one of the more aggressive razors I've used to date. Yet it still delivers an efficient, smooth and effortless shave in the hands of an experienced shaver. Was I successful from the moment I started my first shave? Well, about 2 shaves in and about 12-14 weepers later, it has been nothing but 2 pass no buffing or clean up BBS shaves. This razor prefers a shallower angle imo, just barely on the edge of riding the cap and where the blade is barely touching the face and cutting whiskers. LIGHT TOUCH, NO PRESSURE is key with this one. Let it fall and all you do is guide it down. It has plenty of weight , gap and blade exposure. It does not need any added pressure from the user. Balance is actually quite good and the knurling on the handle is good enough that it won't slip out of the hands, even with lather flowing down it. I have the 3.5" Bomb Tip handle and it's just about right in length for my hands. One thing of note; this razor is really nice on rinsing lather and hair off between passes. The dual open comb head allows water to flow through very easily. The top cap and base plate lock in precisely with the top cap having four pins on the underside that aligns the blade perfectly every time. It's a vault like clamp and lock and the blade is supported very rigidly. There is no flex on this one, trust me. Machining on this is very nice, not Timeless or BBS-1 like, but certainly above average.

I have a few aggressive de razors, a Parker Variant, Merkur Vision & Futur. All three from mild to wild. Plus an Asylum Rx and an Ikon El Jefe that is on loan to me from a member on another forum. All aggressive and will get the job done and then some. But the DOC Evo does it a bit differently with a more forward feel cutting blade, if that makes sense. Make no mistake, not everyone will like that feeling. This is not Grandpas or Great Grandpas Gillette OLD or NEW TYPE. But for those that do like myself, the DOC EVO has a great build and feel to it that is premium. And so is the shave. I have no regrets in spending the $175. Beginners need not apply but if your feeling lucky, go right ahead. For the well experienced shaver who likes some aggression and less passes the better shave attitude, this razor should be strongly considered.

Great review, Gus! Especially the advice on the shallow angle. I see many concerns about the "teeth" making for an unpleasant shave, but if one uses the shallow angle, the teeth are no issue and the shave is better. A truly great razor, as you know.

I have the DOC Aluminus. It is a two pass razor with maybe a few touch ups for a BBS shave. Nice review.

Great review, Gus! Especially the advice on the shallow angle. I see many concerns about the "teeth" making for an unpleasant shave, but if one uses the shallow angle, the teeth are no issue and the shave is better. A truly great razor, as you know.

I have the DOC Aluminus.  It is a two pass razor with maybe a few touch ups for a BBS shave.  Nice review.

Thanks Gents. If your careless, face + razor = meat grinder feel. And yes Scott, shallow angle is paramount. Then again, you would know. Enabler of the Highest Order!

...Make no mistake, not everyone will like that feeling. This is not Grandpas or Great Grandpas Gillette OLD or NEW TYPE...

I had the first DOC version by PAA that had the matte finish. Although aesthetically pleasing, I just did not like the face feel. The again, I am not an OC fan in the least. I sold it on Ebay for a profit in an auction.

The PAA Prismatic is another story however. It's the best DE design being made today IMO, albeit with a learning curve as it shaves like no other.

Thats a frightening amount of blade exposure on that razor