Paradigm 2020 Diamondback

As an update, Andrew from Paradigm reached out to me — I applaud his willingness to make his customers happy. That alone makes me happy. Thanks, Andrew!

As an update, Andrew from Paradigm reached out to me — I applaud his willingness to make his customers happy.  That alone makes me happy.  Thanks, Andrew!

That's always great to hear!

Darn right! 

I'll probably shoot for one that's more "locked down" and less aggressive ...

Nice.

I go on about that all the time, F = MA.

The fact is that in most important passes, XTG / ATG,  mass is an issue againt gravitational acceleration.

I appreciate some of the prior reviews with other more expensive or rarer razors (Wolfman WR2 145/155, Paradigm 17-4, Paradigm Ti1, Charcoal Goods, H&S, Carbon) and this 2020 Diamondback certainly competes with these high end and uber expensive if not rare razors. But how does it compare with some of the more readily available razors. I have been using some of these available razors and will document my "mini comparisons" shortly (within 48 hours). I have used the Diamondback in split face shaves versus offerings from Timeless, Karve, Yates Precision and GameChanger. As best I can these contenders have been stainless steel, polished (when available) and of similar blade gap. There may be some interesting results but I hope the opinions will be useful.

I rocked the DB tonight with a GSB on shave number two. GD Aion provided a slick track; I went WTG and AGT (as recommended), and you gents were right. I shaved at about 30 degrees (handle to face) on both passes and the DB was smooth and, more to the point, more efficient than in my previous two shaves. And that angle makes more sense given its narrower gap and slight blade advance. The steep shavers out there will want to back off a bit. The ATG pass was really smooth, as others have noted. I did need to buff a couple of my trouble spots, but I don’t fault the DB for that. Overall I was quite pleased with shave number three. Thanks to all you gents for the suggestions.

Methinks my den has room for this diamond.

I appreciate some of the prior reviews with other more expensive or rarer razors (Wolfman WR2 145/155, Paradigm 17-4, Paradigm Ti1, Charcoal Goods, H&S, Carbon) and this 2020 Diamondback certainly competes with these high end and uber expensive if not rare razors. But how does it compare with some of the more readily available razors. I have been using some of these available razors and will document my "mini comparisons" shortly (within 48 hours). I have used the Diamondback in split face shaves versus offerings from Timeless, Karve, Yates Precision and GameChanger. As best I can these contenders have been stainless steel, polished (when available) and of similar blade gap. There may be some interesting results but I hope the opinions will be useful.

I haven't done a side by side comparison, but I did use my ti 0.95 SB timeless yesterday. I found the timeless a tiny bit smoother but the DB was more efficient. Overall, I enjoyed shaving with the DB more. Keep in mind that the timeless is the 2nd smoothest razor I've ever used, second only to the RS-10.
I have a karve with E and F solid bar plates incoming. I can comment on those when they arrive, but judging from what I remember of the D plate, I suspect they're going to severely lag behind the DB in smoothness.

shaveSymptomatic No disagreement here as the discontinued RS-10 is most likely the smoothest razor I have used as well and yet it still packs reasonable efficiency. The differences from the other nearly as smooth razors including the 17-4, Timeless and offerings from Paradigm are, if you will excuse the pun, only a whisker. Regarding efficiency the iKon Tech which I have always found too harsh and Mule 41 (an open comb variant) may be the most extreme only matched by a fully shimmed WR2 (effective 1.75 gap) or several wide opened adjustables. The trick that these razor makers are just getting wise to is to balance smoothness and efficiency - some are succeeding better than others IMO.

When I evaluate a razor assuming one uses the same software (ie blade, soap, pre/post shave routine and brush) I am interested in smoothness and efficacy or how close it seems to shave my daily growth. These are the prime features that supersede all others for me. I also consider the razor's maneuverability which includes the size of the head and its balance and grip - a slippery razor is dangerous. Just below these features I consider the razor aesthetics which is an entirely subjective opinion regarding the artisan nature and the metal's finish. Of course the customer experience including availability and pricing is an important factor and is considered in my interpretations.

Since we all have different opinions that is what makes these boards and this hobby so interesting as no two people or 2 razors are exactly the same.

Shave on buddy

shaveSymptomatic No disagreement here as the discontinued RS-10 is most likely the smoothest razor I have used as well and yet it still packs reasonable efficiency. The differences from the other nearly as smooth razors including the 17-4, Timeless and offerings from Paradigm are, if you will excuse the pun, only a whisker. Regarding efficiency the iKon Tech which I have always found too harsh and Mule 41 (an open comb variant) may be the most extreme only matched by a fully shimmed WR2 (effective 1.75 gap) or several wide opened adjustables. The trick that these razor makers are just getting wise to is to balance smoothness and efficiency - some are succeeding better than others IMO.

When I evaluate a razor assuming one uses the same software (ie blade, soap, pre/post shave routine and brush) I am interested in smoothness and efficacy or how close it seems to shave my daily growth. These are the prime features that supersede all others for me. I also consider the razor's maneuverability which includes the size of the head and its balance and grip - a slippery razor is dangerous. Just below these features I consider the razor aesthetics which is an entirely subjective opinion regarding the artisan nature and the metal's finish. Of course the customer experience including availability and pricing is an important factor and is considered in my interpretations.

Since we all have different opinions that is what makes these boards and this hobby so interesting as no two people or 2 razors are exactly the same.

Shave on buddy

I agree AJ
All of these new razors are amazing. It's getting very difficult to rank one over the other. Any differences are usually pretty small.

Just got my Paradigm Diamondback in the mail today, man that is absolutely gorgeous. Can't wait to shave with it tonight.