So now that the limited run 2020 Diamondback is sold out how does it perform compared to other razors that one can easily obtain. Several of you reviewed the Diamondback in comparison to expensive (Wolfman WR2 145/155, H& S or Carbon) or unavailable razors (Paradigm 17-4 or the uber rare Ti1). There was an excellent comparison with the similarly priced artistic Charcoal Goods earlier in this thread. I performed several “mini shave comparisons” to get a flavor of its performance compared to less rare razors. Be aware that I shave daily and prefer efficient 2-pass shaves with only limited touch ups. Usually I can get a good quality shave with just about any razor but I have an inherent bias for smooth razors with, at least, a mid aggressive and efficient shave. I also prefer my blade tabs covered and a 90 mm (3.5”) handle length.
With that in mind here are the contenders - all solid/straight bars:
TIMELESS 0.95 (polished) stainless steel (MRSP $180 – 225) – I optioned the longer (100 mm/4") Pineapple handle
KARVE (matt finish) 303 steel
D PLATE (MRSP $150) – using 3.5” handle : positive exposure of a 0.98 mm gap (I do not have a C plate with a 0.85 mm gap which is closer spec)
RazoRock (polished)
GAMECHANGER 0.84 (MRSP $55) : positive exposure 0.84 mm & super knurl handle
YATES PRECISION (stonewashed 316 steel) Razor with 921-H plate (MRSP $125 + $35) and the standard 101.6 mm (4”) narrow handle : positive exposure for its 1.02 mm (the mid plate gap is 0.64 mm and included in the base razor)
Remember the
DIAMONDBACK (MRSP $240) is 303 polished steel with a 0.8 mm gap
All these stainless steel razors have different weights which are affected by the type of handle used: Timeless (135.7 gm), Diamondback (114.6 gm), Karve (105.6 gm) and GameChanger (100 gm).
I loaded a new Personna Red blade in each razor for a 2-pass shave (WTG & ATG) with touch-ups as needed. Each side of my face was used by a different razor on each comparison. My prep, as usual, was my morning shower and I used the same silver-tip badger brush and shave soap for all the shaves. The matching aftershave was applied as a post shave routine.
CHALLENGE 1: TIMELESS 95 vs DIAMONDBACK
Timeless 95 is a heavy weight and has an excellent track record yielding smooth and efficient shaves and with its larger gap (0.95 vs 0.80) I had expected an easy victory. The excellent balance of the Diamondback along with its narrow head profile compared to the bulky head of the Timeless allows the more nimble Diamondback to get into all those tight corners under the nose. Although the Timeless excels as a smooth razor the near “phantom” feel of the Diamondback allows it to clean up better than the Timeless. The efficiency of the two was a near draw but 8 hours later there were slightly more areas of stubble noticeable on the Timeless side.
RESULTS 1: Diamondback was more nimble and (slightly) smoother than Timeless 95 and with a slight edge on efficiency. Timeless is known for excellent customer service and has constant stock available with multiple configurations at all times. These razors are the most similar in price and you can't go wrong with either razor.
CHALLENGE 2: KARVE D vs DIAMONDBACK
Karve has a number of configurations and (eventually) a polished version but has had production challenges and what appears to be “growing pains”. The Karve had noticeable blade feel but was not harsh yet it was the least smooth of all these razors. The Diamondback was easily both smoother, more comfortable to use, nimbler and more efficient immediately after the shave and 8 hours later.
RESULTS 2: Diamondback overall smoother and more efficient than a higher gaped Karve.
CHALLENGE 3: YATES PRECISION 921-H PLATE vs DIAMONDBACK
The relatively new artisan razor by Yates with its H-plate (1.0 mm gap) provided a nearly as efficient shave as the (0.8 mm) Diamondback but not as smooth. The Yates is not harsh and its minimal blade feel may be preferred by many – it is nevertheless a very comfortable shave. I used Yates standard (4’) handle as the planned shorter handles are not yet available. Both razors have low head profiles and covered tabs that can easily get under the nose and are extremely maneuverable tools. I would give the edge in efficiency to the Diamondback as 6 hours post shave the Yates side had more noticeable stubble.
RESULTS 3: The Diamondback is smoother and slightly more efficient than the Yates. Jake at Yates is a single man operation and returns all customer inquiries. He is doing his best in keeping stock available. He has plans to increase his offerings and as a new artisan seems to be executing his brand competently.
CHALLENGE 4: GAMECHANGER 84 vs DIAMONDBACK
The GameChanger is a smooth razor but it also feels milder (in comparison) in its 2-pass shave meaning extra touch ups were needed. The budget priced GameChanger is polished but not to the mirror quality of the Diamondback and, as previously noted, the Diamondback’s mirror polish is among the best and is comparable to the legendary finish of a Wolfman. Italian Barber has plenty of GameChangers and other razors/shave materials available at all times.
RESULTS 4: The Diamondback is smoother and definitely more efficient compared to the GameChanger.
SUMMARY: The Diamondback “out smooths” even standard smooth razors while still enabling an efficient shave. This 2020 Diamondback may represent the best iteration of Paradigm to date as it offers the near high efficiency of the original Ti1 which is similar to a WR2 135 (as per others opinions and my recollection) with the smoothness of the 17-4. It is at least as smooth as the Timeless 95 and may be more efficient yet it is more nimble due to its excellent balance. And its mirrored polish is second to none. Since it is similar in price ($240 vs $ 180-225) to a Timeless it may be priced adequately, for those who were fortunate enough to get one.
So what about those other razors ? The Karve ($150) and Yates ($125 + 35 extra plate) are in a similar price range but, in my hands, the Yates offers more value and may be a better tool. Furthermore the Yates brand, although small and relatively new, seems to be doing everything correctly. Having corresponded with Jake of Yates Precision and following his social media the future looks bright and exciting. Karve also has grand plans with a rapid expansion over the last 2 years but has had delivery delays and issues with customer service. Hopefully Karve will pivot in a way to better serve their fans – I am hopeful they can only improve over the short term. The relatively budget priced ($ 55) GameChanger offers a fine example of a smooth, efficient and attractive razor by an entrepreneur that tends to introduce new stuff on a regular basis. It is always interesting to see what is available at the Italian Barber and follow them on social media.
I hope my mini comparisons will help put the 2020 Diamondback into perspective within this crowded stainless steel razor market. Andy, this Diamondback may represent the DE razor you could keep in stock as a regular/base razor and develop future different razors to complement it. It seems to be the most well rounded razor offered by Paradigm to date and I cannot wait for a more aggressive version including any other Titaniums or other surprises.
GREAT JOB PARADIGM !
![[Image: iTHMYS1.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/iTHMYS1.jpg)
![[Image: tfhqVE7.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/tfhqVE7.jpg)
