Paradigm 17-4 SS Razor

Had to revive this thread. Several of my favorite razors are out on loan, so I went back to my 17-4 this morning, after a month or two of inaction. I was reminded that this is the only "mild" (i.e., non-blade-forward) razor that delivers a truly close, long-lasting shave that rivals or exceeds my "aggressive" (i.e., blade-forward) razors, which include the usual Gillette suspects (various Olds, various News, Red Tip, Slim set at 9, none of which can deliver a close shave for me), modern DEs (Ikon Shavecraft Tech, R41 2011, PAA DOC Evolution, ATT H2, Blackbird open comb, Rex Ambassador set at 6.5, Karve/F, Dart, etc.), Gems (MMOC, Sabre 2, etc.), ACs (Asylum RX, ATT SE2, etc.), and others.

I continue to be really impressed at how this 17-4, in my hand, can deliver an effortless, magnificent shave every time, without tugging, concern about angle, effective preparation, etc. I generally enjoy blade-forwardness that this razor doesn't provide but, boy howdy, this one delivers a tremendous shave, every time.

I wish I could have gotten the same results with mine, I never could and ended up selling it. The results that many are able to get with it make it sound like the perfect Razor to me. I’m sure it was just my poor technique, but I probably shaved with the 17-4 at least twenty times and could never get a good shave out of it. People also rave about the WR2, but I’m still struggling with that one as well. I’m glad I’ve got my trusty Blackbird to fall back on.

Gave my 17-4 a run today and it was all good. Two easy passes for an excellent finish. It's one of the greats.

Had to revive this thread. Several of my favorite razors are out on loan, so I went back to my 17-4 this morning, after a month or two of inaction. I was reminded that this is the only "mild" (i.e., non-blade-forward) razor that delivers a truly close, long-lasting shave that rivals or exceeds my "aggressive" (i.e., blade-forward) razors, which include the usual Gillette suspects (various Olds, various News, Red Tip, Slim set at 9, none of which can deliver a close shave for me), modern DEs (Ikon Shavecraft Tech, R41 2011, PAA DOC Evolution, ATT H2, Blackbird open comb, Rex Ambassador set at 6.5, Karve/F, Dart, etc.), Gems (MMOC, Sabre 2, etc.), ACs (Asylum RX, ATT SE2, etc.), and others.

I continue to be really impressed at how this 17-4, in my hand, can deliver an effortless, magnificent shave every time, without tugging, concern about angle, effective preparation, etc. I generally enjoy blade-forwardness that this razor doesn't provide but, boy howdy, this one delivers a tremendous shave, every time.

I wish I could have gotten the same results with mine, I never could and ended up selling it. The results that many are able to get with it make it sound like the perfect Razor to me. I’m sure it was just my poor technique, but I probably shaved with the 17-4 at least twenty times and could never get a good shave out of it. People also rave about the WR2, but I’m still struggling with that one as well. I’m glad I’ve got my trusty Blackbird to fall back on.

I feel your pain, Hunter, though in my case it was the Wolfman WR1 .74. At the time I bought it, it seemed the perfect razor. In fact, it's been sitting in a drawer in my office for a long time, waiting for me to get off my butt to swap it for something that works for me...

I’m looking forward to their next stainless offering apparently in the works.

I’m looking forward to their next stainless offering apparently in the works.

Maybe I’ll give it another try if I can get my hands on one, too many people getting great results.

I’m looking forward to their next stainless offering apparently in the works.

Maybe I’ll give it another try if I can get my hands on one, too many people getting great results.

Might be worth it, but don't bang your head against the wall! The more I read the experiences of the good folks on this forum, the more I respect how different we all are...

People also rave about the WR2, but I’m still struggling with that one as well.

what gap do you have...can you elaborate on the problem?

Just to sum up the paradigm fam for me...

Are the 17-4 and Titanium 1 in the more efficient category (about the same?)...with the Titanium 2 being the milder one?

People also rave about the WR2, but I’m still struggling with that one as well.

what gap do you have...can you elaborate on the problem?

I have the WR2 SB in 1.15 Gap, and the problem is I’m not getting good shaves with it. Going to try using it exclusively for a few weeks to see if I can get better results.

Just to sum up the paradigm fam for me...

Are the 17-4 and Titanium 1 in the more efficient category (about the same?)...with the Titanium 2 being the milder one?

The Titanium Paradigm 1 was the first one released it is more on the aggressive side, comparable to a Wolfman WR1 .94. The 17-4 was the next release and it is a smooth, very little blade feel, but efficient razor. The next release was a new Titanium that has the same head geometry of the 17-4 but the same handle as the original Titanium, most people label this as Titanium 2 version 1. Andy then released 2 batches of the Titanium 2 version2 ( still the same head geometry of the 17-4) but he put a new handle on it that had deeper knurling and the handle does not taper like the previous Titanium 2. The Titanium 1 is not highly polished the Titanium 2. Erosion 1&2 are highly polished. As far as aggression goes I would rank it from most to least
Titanium 1
17-4
Titanium 2
I have found in talking to a few people who had trouble with the 17-4 that because there was such little blade feel they were using too much pressure. Just my opinion as I find it to be a very mild, smooth and efficient razor. The Titanium 1 definitely has blade feel but is still very smooth. Hope this helps.