Paradigm Salient Test Drive

Interesting on the finish… it looks good. Mine has the satin type finish. I wonder why he switched to the polish?

Curious to hear how you all like the shaves!

Because it was poor. Plenty of pictures around that show poor QC on the finish

No issues with mine HOLYZEUS but I purchased mine from TRC. The finish is very good. I think shaveSymptomatic also has the satin finish. I’ve not seen issues with the finish in any customer pics but maybe you have seen issues.

Correct me if I'm being wrong ,but I think
this is the first "vice clamped blade"  type razor ,
from Paradigm.All the previous models
were of the "top cap tensioned /bend blade" type.

Interesting switch...
Seems that more and more razors of
the "vice clamp" type are being produced ,
since the year 2014 ,the year that the
LASSC BBS-1 was introduced (made
by an experienced aerospace machinist ) .

Personally ,I'm kinda glad seeing an old
and outdated type of DE razor being phased out,
being replaced by a far better (in more than a few aspects) ,
modern design.

The world had enough of suffering
during ATG passes ,from that
" fantastic" Merkur patent ,
which gave birth to all these
"blade benders".And for what reason ?
For merely changing the blade angle ,
so people could shave with their elbow
facing the floor ...

Made in China ,but $120 for such razor,
is a direct punch to the face of the emperors
( RR & PAA ) of the masses.
And it's not,DS ,Yaqi, Chakie or every other
3D scanner-scammer of a "razor maker"there ...
It's from Paradigm .Maybe a bit of downgrading
the brand  or just a clever move ,entering
a far more populated market ,than that of
those who have the ability to spend over $200
for a DE razor.

He might miss the "hardcore" ones ,but for
sure he 's gonna win far more  "peasants" ,
that previously could only dream of a Paradigm .

IKEA went the opposite route and is
going down year after year.

Imagine if Wolfman razors had made a $150
razor in China ,under the Wolfman standards.
Who WOULDN'T buy it ?
Only the "hardcore" ones ,being really
disappointed ,because suddenly ,
everyone else can own a Wolfman.
"There goes the magic" .
A Status Quo thing ,maybe ?

Update - I was told the razor shipped today. I’ll report back here when it arrives with pics.

The test list is forming, contact me to join.

Confirmed members to try it (in no order):

Dave in KY -KY
Marhos24  -MI
rocket  -CO
Dragonsbeard -NY
keto  -MO
Calm_Shaver - NY
jbreakfield -AL
Lesser -NY
dtownvino -PA

If you are missing from the list please contact me. If your state is wrong please let me know.

We have a good sample size here to give the razor a fair evaluation.  I would be willing to take on 1 more tester if you contact me today.

Interesting on the finish… it looks good. Mine has the satin type finish. I wonder why he switched to the polish?

Curious to hear how you all like the shaves!

Maybe because most people prefer polished? I have the satin one and it looks great! No issues with the finish at all.

After several shaves with the Salient, I am ready to review it.  

I paired the Salient with Gillette Platinum Blades which I know very well.  All blades were corked and palm stropped.  

Each shave was performed using Ethos Soap (which is my standard) and either a PAA Cube preshave or Ethos First Lather preshave.  I never skimped on prep.  

The Salient has a nice hand polish and I do like the balance point of the handle.  The head has a classic, low profile shape similar to the Diamondback.  I enjoy that a lot.  I was surprised how much I liked the razor’s design in my hand.  

My skin is sensitive, there are razors I cannot shave with consecutively that many of you can.  This razor falls into that category.  It is smooth, the WTG pass is just great.  It gets my cheeks perfectly.  Full disclosure - I have Folliculitis and Psoriasis, so most of you won’t have my challenges. 

If I was a one pass shaver, it would be ideal for me (WTG).  

Whereas, the ATG pass still feels smooth to me, but I end up with irritation.  Even if I change the shave angle towards riding the cap, it’s a bit much razor for me.   I could adjust my shave routine to adapt to the razor for daily one pass shaves, but I’m probably never going to do that for any razor.  

I have performed 2 pass (WTG & ATG) and WTG & XTG) with the latter providing me a very good DFS+ to BBS-.  The second combination is by far my preferred.

Final conclusion, it is close in efficiency to a WR1 .80 and BB Ti, it is really smooth, but my post shave comfort it just not where I would need it to be.  

Subjective Ratings out of 10 

Efficiency - 8
Smoothness - 7/8
Comfort - 5/6
Hours BBS lasted - 6-8 depending on the passes I chose 

For some of you this is going to be an excellent razor, I doubt anyone would say it wasn’t efficient enough… but if you have sensitive skin or want a truly mild razor it might not align to your preference.

Dave in KY it will be shipped to you shortly.

Good thoughts on those shaves with the Salient, Mike.
I can definitely see where your skin situation would really narrow down your razors of choice.  
 What razors are working out for you good as daily shavers?

Good thoughts on those shaves with the Salient, Mike.
I can definitely see where your skin situation would really narrow down your razors of choice.  
 What razors are working out for you good as daily shavers?

Hi Keith,

Lambda Athena, Chiseled Face Ti, BB Ti Lite, Karve Overlander, RS-10, Diamondback 2020, WR1 ,54, Rockwell 6S plate 5, Carbon CX -Ti + and ++ plates and a few others. 

I really think for some this will be a great razor - it’s just a little too much for my skin.

After several shaves with the Salient, I am ready to review it.  

I paired the Salient with Gillette Platinum Blades which I know very well.  All blades were corked and palm stropped.  

Each shave was performed using Ethos Soap (which is my standard) and either a PAA Cube preshave or Ethos First Lather preshave.  I never skimped on prep.  

The Salient has a nice hand polish and I do like the balance point of the handle.  The head has a classic, low profile shape similar to the Diamondback.  I enjoy that a lot.  I was surprised how much I liked the razor’s design in my hand.  

My skin is sensitive, there are razors I cannot shave with consecutively that many of you can.  This razor falls into that category.  It is smooth, the WTG pass is just great.  It gets my cheeks perfectly.  Full disclosure - I have Folliculitis and Psoriasis, so most of you won’t have my challenges. 

If I was a one pass shaver, it would be ideal for me (WTG).  

Whereas, the ATG pass still feels smooth to me, but I end up with irritation.  Even if I change the shave angle towards riding the cap, it’s a bit much razor for me.   I could adjust my shave routine to adapt to the razor for daily one pass shaves, but I’m probably never going to do that for any razor.  

I have performed 2 pass (WTG & ATG) and WTG & XTG) with the latter providing me a very good DFS+ to BBS-.  The second combination is by far my preferred.

Final conclusion, it is close in efficiency to a WR1 .80 and BB Ti, it is really smooth, but my post shave comfort it just not where I would need it to be.  

Subjective Ratings out of 10 

Efficiency - 8
Smoothness - 7/8
Comfort - 5/6
Hours BBS lasted - 6-8 depending on the passes I chose 

For some of you this is going to be an excellent razor, I doubt anyone would say it wasn’t efficient enough… but if you have sensitive skin or want a truly mild razor it might not align to your preference.

Dave in KY it will be shipped to you shortly.

I can’t wait to take it for a spin and no brag, just fact I’ve shaved with every Paradigm Razor Andrew’s made and I have to say this razor has some big shoes to fill but I’m excited to try it. Also can’t wait to hear what others think of it.

Nice write up dtownvino Mike.