Paradigm 17-4 SS Razor

It’s not surprising that so many of us have different preferences regarding what we like/dislike in a Razor. For me personally I was not interested in the Paradigm 17-4 based on the Handle, I liked the looks of it but I thought it would be too skinny for my preferences and that it wouldn’t have enough grip. Based on the recommendations of several members from this forum who’s opinions I respect I ended up purchasing the Razor anyway. After using the Razor my opinions have definitely changed. The balance and the maneuverability of this Razor is outstanding for me, and I’ve had no issues gripping the Razor. The Paradigm 17-4 has proven to be a well thought out and designed Razor. I also felt the same way with the Blackland Blackbird, now one of my favorite Razors. I didn’t think the Blackbirds Handle could possibly have enough grip, but in use it has become one of my very favorite handles.

For me personally I don’t like to mix and match different handles with my Razors, I prefer to use them as designed, and I like the materials and finishes to match. I know that lots of people enjoy mixing and matching and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. I think the Paradigms handle design lends itself to the great balance and maneuverability of this Razor. I actually held off on purchasing a Timeless Razor as well as the Blackland Blackbird despite all the great reviews because of the length of their handles. 100mm is just too long and unwieldy for me, and from an aesthetic standpoint I don’t think they look as nice as a shorter handle does. My preference is for an 80-85mm Handle. When Timeless and Blackland started offering their handles in 85mm I purchased both of them and absolutely love them. I also personally like the fact that the Paradigm 17-4’s threads are so tight, this is something that I would expect from a Razor in this price range. I want everything to be as precise as possible. The only other Razors that I’ve used where the threads feel as precise as the 17-4’s are those made by Wolfman. None of my other Razors feel as smooth as these two do when putting them together. I know this has nothing to do with the outcome of the Shave, but for me at this price point this is the level of fit and finish that I expect.

The texture and length (80mm) for me is perfect. I always felt (in use) the Bulldog type handles were overkill and textured too much.

The 17-4 material male/female threads spiral down beautifully. Not so much with different metals I’ve tried.

The razor costs more than a flight home to Ireland these days. I’m not mixing metals with any chance to imperil the threading.

And don’t forget to use quality sewing machine oil on those threads.

I wanted to do something that was aesthetically more pleasing than the standard knurling which would still be functional. For me, knurling is effective, but it's kind of overexposed.

As a side note, knurling is not that easily accomplished. In general, a tool is used to press the pattern into the steel, which results in an occasionally "smeary" appearance. We first tried a custom cut knurling tool, which chewed the steel up. It looked terrible. It can be cut directly in with a lathe, but that's not so simple either; a manual lathe actually works better than an automated one for knurling. Finally, we ended up milling the pattern in. Royal pain.

Great description Andrew. I saw the initial handle against your final one on Instagram. I could tell it wasn’t easy.

Guys can see it on Instagram which may result in more paradigm_shaveware followers which may result in Andrew taking more pictures.

The texture and length (80mm) for me is perfect. I always felt (in use) the Bulldog type handles were overkill and textured too much.

The 17-4 material male/female threads spiral down beautifully. Not so much with different metals I’ve tried.

The razor costs more than a flight home to Ireland these days. I’m not mixing metals with any chance to imperil the threading.

And don’t forget to use quality sewing machine oil on those threads.

I wanted to do something that was aesthetically more pleasing than the standard knurling which would still be functional. For me, knurling is effective, but it's kind of overexposed.

As a side note, knurling is not that easily accomplished. In general, a tool is used to press the pattern into the steel, which results in an occasionally "smeary" appearance. We first tried a custom cut knurling tool, which chewed the steel up. It looked terrible. It can be cut directly in with a lathe, but that's not so simple either; a manual lathe actually works better than an automated one for knurling. Finally, we ended up milling the pattern in. Royal pain.

I for one am very glad you picked the pattern you did as it is very different from anything I own. On a side note I became a first time Grandpa this weekend

Congrats, gramps!!

Great description Andrew. I saw the initial handle against your final one on Instagram. I could tell it wasn’t easy.

Guys can see it on Instagram which may result in more paradigm_shaveware followers which may result in Andrew taking more pictures.

I am social media impaired. Getting the hang of the forums at least.

Congrats, gramps!!

Thank You! Mom and baby are home and doing well. I was able to get your original Ti razor this weekend hopefully I will receive it in a few weeks. I will give a comparison to the 17-4 when I get it.

Congrats, gramps!!

Thank You!  Mom and baby are home and doing well. I was able to get your original Ti razor this weekend hopefully I will receive it in a few weeks. I will give a comparison to the 17-4 when I get it.

The original Ti is an outstanding razor. Like the 17-4 it is well balanced. The fit and finish are perfect. It has more blade feel than the 17-4 but is still smooth. It us a bit more efficient than the 17-4.

On a side note I became a first time Grandpa this weekend

Congratulations.

On a side note I became a first time Grandpa this weekend

Congratulations!