Paradigm 17-4 SS Razor

The finest wet shaving product imo of 2017/18...so far.

Second that!

Make that a third

Andy,
What is your process for designing a razor if you don't mind?  
Do you try all of the competitor's razors yourself and attempt to make some improvements?  
Do you have some people test prototypes and then make changes based on their recommendations?  

I've tried about all of the AC razors out there and there are things I like and dislike about each of them.  
I only ask because my favorite AC blade razors are the King Cobra and the ATT SE1 and I'm hoping that this new razor will be the combination of smooth and efficient that I find present in these razors, while making some additional improvements.

I do try competing razors, but my collection is small by some standards. I have about 50 safety razors and about 25 straights. I've got a good understanding of shave geometry, and a sense about the idealized razor. I shoot for that. There's a good bit of trial, error, and adjustment.

For handles, I surf the Internet for ideas. Patterns, various examples of industrial design. Yes, I am influenced by historical designs, but each Paradigm is an original. This too requires trial and error, but mostly with CAD and 3d printing. They have been a real pain in the ass to manufacture.

Also, enormous credit is due my machinist Ross, who is both a perfectionist like me, and very good at his trade. We were getting nowhere on 17-4 handle production. Everything looked like it went through a blender. He finally figured out a way to mill it rather than turning it. I could not succeed without him.

I really like the handle both aesthetically as well as functionally. I find it perfect. Wouldn't change a thing.

I really like the handle both aesthetically as well as functionally. I find it perfect. Wouldn't change a thing.

I feel the same way. Usually I switch to a ti handle but this one feels perfect as is.


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I do like the GEM PTFE blade and I really like the Sabre L2 as it's smooth and efficient. As far as AC razors the only two I like so far is the ATT which is smooth but not as efficient as the the Sabre L2 but the  ATT SE 2 OC is very efficient but is not a smooth shaver IMO and the Brass General is fairly efficient and smooth.  So I'm hoping that like the 17 4 Andy can do a SE AC razor that is both smooth and efficient and I find the best AC blade to be the Proline for my beard. I find Feathers harsh.

That razor better be efficient and smooth, or it gets remodeled until it is!

I do like the handle as well and with it finished the way it is it feels like a piece of fine jewelry in your hand.
Just beautiful in that regard, however I would have likely made it larger as it feels a bit small to me both in length and diameter.
It's by far the smallest handle I own. So for me that would have been a change I would have made.

Does anyone remember if Andrew gave a timeline for the GEM razor?

No timeline. It's as quickly as I can get it done, basically.

Also, I have been shaving a lot with GEM lately and have noticed a persistent roughness, irrespective of the razor. So I examined the blade microscopically against a Feather AC. The grind on the Feather is just so much smoother and more uniform. So looks like the SE will be AC, not GEM. Hope the GEM fans are not too disappointed....

I can’t wait until the se is available, especially if it’s ti. Hands down the 17-4 is the best de razor I’ve used.


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The finest wet shaving product imo of 2017/18...so far.

Second that!

Make that a third

...and a fourth!

This is my answer to the 17-4 handle.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=...pe=3&ifg=1

I'm a fan of the Paradigm 17-4 handle as is. It feels great in the hand with a non-slip grip and it is balanced oh so well. Visually it's got a classy modern take on a vintage design (that harlequin motif is pretty classic). It really is a clean and refined pairing with that head.