PAA Starling Gem Type Razor

Second shave (tired it out last night) using the yellow prototype bottom plate. Getting a very close two pass shave that equals any other razor I have used. No cuts, no irritation and finally absolutely no quality issues. Alignment is perfect and the logo on the top plate does not bother me what so ever. Think Feather, Detroit Shaving if you want logos.

Not sticking up for this razor, because I don't own one, but were all of you looking for a GEM razor that had the fit/tolerances of ATT/Timeless/Wolfman? I think for $40 you are getting what you paid for.

Ever heard of RazoRock and Colonial Razors? They provide gear at value pricing with products that rival those you mention in performance and quality. They might night be mirror finished to the point where you can see your pearly white teeth, but the quality and fitment from them are top notch. And some would even argue that they perform better than those $200 + razors you mentioned. On PAA I took a chance as it was value priced and I figured it would not be a big loss if it did not work out. It just seems that the razor I received from them perhaps fell through the cracks on quality control and that happens with everyone. I have bought razors from PAA before and this is the first time that a product was sub-par in my experience with them. But others have had success, and good for them. I’m looking to resolve my situation with PAA momentarily.

Not sticking up for this razor, because I don't own one, but were all of you looking for a GEM razor that had the fit/tolerances of ATT/Timeless/Wolfman?  I think for $40 you are getting what you paid for.

Ever heard of RazoRock and Colonial Razors? They provide gear at value pricing with products that rival those you mention in performance and quality. They might night be mirror finished to the point where you can see your pearly white teeth, but the quality and fitment from them are top notch. And some would even argue that they perform better than those $200 + razors you mentioned. On PAA I took a chance as it was value priced and I figured it would not be a big loss if it did not work out. It just seems that the razor I received from them perhaps fell through the cracks on quality control and that happens with everyone. I have bought razors from PAA before and this is the first time that a product was sub-par in my experience with them. But others have had success, and good for them. I’m looking to resolve my situation with PAA momentarily.

Let us know how it goes.

I ordered mine.


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IMHO I don't like this new one at all...

Switched this morning to the blue plate (A) and got another BBS shave. This plate has a little less blade feel and is perfect for me. I used the same Gem coated stainless blade and will continue with it until I have about ten shaves. So far so good and I am very pleased with this razor.

Used the Blue plate this afternoon and got an excellent shave out of the box. One of the easier to use modern GEMS out there right now. Will give it a go tomorrow to make sure it wasnt a fluke.

Needless to say, but that does not look good GlazedBoker . Once it is tightened down, can/does the blade move?

No. It stays put. But the blade is barely supported by neither the top cap or base plate, especially on the “A” plate. The cut out on the top cap where the spine resides in is not precise. The whole assembly actually is not precisely made as the razor assembled without a blade is still off ever so slightly. It’s just not precisely made, period.

All I know is PAA's customer service has always been outstanding, at least in my experiences. I have a DOC that is pretty much perfect in fit and finish, but the first one was not. I sent an email and received a reply from Fran that same day, which I believe was a Sunday. She pre-paid the return postage and sent me another razor. I've contacted them on a few occasions and they were a pleasure to deal with. I imagine you will receive the same level of service whether you choose to return or exchange the razor. Too bad you got a bad one though, it looks like a nice design.

Second shave with the razor was just as good as the first. I recognize YMMV but I would suggest those who have had some problems with the razor, connect with Frances. I know based on the thread some have, those who have not, give them a chance to either change up the razor or give them your feedback. I know she wanted mine. I will give it another 3-5 shaves and change up the plates before providing my feedback. Currently using the blue since it’s already giving me a BBS.

Yes I did pay for mine, no freebies here.

Hey all, OK well I Shaved with the Starling today. I have to say I had a Great Shave; With the Shim in the back of the Razor. It was with the Blue plate. I think my suspicions are correct. It's the Top plate that needs to have about a 1/6th of an inch or so of material added under the back of the Razor. I noticed with out the Shim in place when you tighten the handle the Top plate pivots on the Blade Spline witch tilts the top plate back leaving a space between the Bottom Plate-Blade-Top Plate out front. If you go back and look at some of the pic's you'll see what I mean.