Paradigm Diamondback Titanium Pass Around

Looks pretty rough at this point in it's journey, like it wasn't  cared for carefully. 
   I do like how the picture of the base plate shows just a tad bit of Machining lines on the base plate. To me this is nice and means no geometry changes during the polishing.

Additional Initial Impressions – I forgot to add – I really like the use of bars on the top cap to secure the razor alignment vs. posts. I have had movement in blades on razors with posts and when moving that same blade to another razor with bars, there was considerably less movement. Besides the unique way the WR2 holds a blade (which is also exceptional), this is my preferred method.

Shave 1 – my goal of his is to not push the limits of this razor right off the bat.  When testing razors, I wait 2 days between shaves, use a fresh blade, and go wtg, atg, atg (for any cleanup).  This was not always the case, but once I found that I could go atg with the Overlander, what’s the point of not trying to get to at least that point. I’ve only found two razors that I can comfortably go ATG with so this is not to say this is not a big “test,” but I am not nitpicking nuances with this shave.

First Pass - WTG was wonderful. No blade feel at all. I was actually surprised. If I remember correctly, some people seem to think this is mid-aggressive and others think it is mild. All I can say is that the aggression that I felt was similar to some of the milder razors I have used. This was a big plus for me.

Second pass – ATG – The rubber hits the road here and I am shocked to say, it was amazing. The razor went right through with no tugging or over-aggression (this includes my trouble spots). I don’t remember feeling any blade feel – or it was there it wasn’t uncomfortable. I think I had two weepers that I didn’t feel (I have had this sometimes with the Overlander as well).

Third Pass – ATG Cleanup – same as the second pass. This is one smooooooth razor. I achieved what I would call bbs without pressure – you rub your hands lightly on the face and its bbs. BBS with pressure is if you press into your face, you don’t feel anything. As I mentioned, I didn’t push it so this was an exceptional result. I had the “just-shaved” feeling for about an hour after the shave – which is an ever so slight burn or sting – I have also felt this with the Overlander at times.

Summary - I really need to compare it to the Overlander side-by-side. This is an amazing razor. I actually was hoping for it to not be to make my life easier. I don’t always get 100% perfect shaves with the Overlander so there is always room for improvement. The Diamondback is the closest any razor has come to dethroning it. WOW.

If you have tried the Overlander, how do you think it compares?

If you have tried the Overlander, how do you think it compares?

I have the Overlander in three metals.  I found the Diamondback to be much more efficient than the Overlander and only a bit more aggressive.

If you have tried the Overlander, how do you think it compares?

I think vtmax said it best in another thread about this razor:

The Ti Paradigm is what I always wanted the Karve Overlander to be, comfortable and genuinely efficient.

I wanted to like the Overlander based on all the hype it receives. I bought it in aluminum and was disappointed in the efficiency. I thought I must be missing something, so I sold the aluminum one and bought a brass one thinking the added weight would help. It didn't really, so I sold that one too. YMMV, but I get better results from the Ti Diamondback than I did with the Overlanders.

If you have tried the Overlander, how do you think it compares?

I think vtmax said it best in another thread about this razor:

The Ti Paradigm is what I always wanted the Karve Overlander to be, comfortable and genuinely efficient.

I agree with vtmax that it is more comfortable and more efficient than the Overlander for me Too.

I've had many shaves with both razors.

The diamondback in Ti is much more efficient for me, the shave will last longer and not need the buffing of the Overlander.  The Dback Ti glides so much better than any metal of the Overlander for me and it's not a soap issue, I use Ethos and MacDuff's for all shaves.

Anyhow, this will be good for you to explore and report back!

EDIT - every 24-48 hours depending on the razor usually 2 passes and jaw line buffing.  

As far as the Diamondback - I’ve owned every one (2019, 2020, and Ti) and have 100+ shaves in with them.  

Overlander - SS and Aluminum, I have owned 3-4. 

There is no comparison, the overlander is a good shave but not efficient enough.  With the diamondback I can go way deeper into the day without needing to shave and I don’t need to buff over and over like I do with the Overlander.

Wow - these were some intense responses and all seem to indicate "much more efficient." Fascinating, as I didn't pick up on that but I also wasn't paying attention that closely as most razors for me don't pass this phase. 

Ok - I need some more info.

spacemonkey42
Stickshift
Dave in KY
dtownvino 

May I ask what your shave routines are? Shaving every day, every other day, how many passes, are you going atg, etc.?

Wow - these were some intense responses and all seem to indicate "much more efficient." Fascinating, as I didn't pick up on that but I also wasn't paying attention that closely as most razors for me don't pass this phase. 

Ok - I need some more info.

spacemonkey42
Stickshift
Dave in KY
dtownvino 

May I ask what your shave routines are? Shaving every day, every other day, how many passes, are you going atg, etc.?

Every day shaver, actually going on almost 6 years without missing a day documented. 3 passes including atg.

Daily shaver, full 3-pass shave with ATG pass.

Fridays with Frank

Friday August 30, 2024
Razor: Paradigm Ti Diamondback
Blade: Wizamet
Brush: Long Shaving Bone Beehive Reserve II Badger
Soap: Ethos Kailua
AS : Witch Hazel + Ethos Kailua
Consecutive Daily Shaves - # 2,123