Rockwell 6s

The new and improved Rockwell 6s has arrived and although I only have a handful of shaves in with it, using the #3 plate, it is pretty straightforward.

The razor itself arrived well packed, in a tin with foam cut outs to secure the razor and plates. The handle itself rested slightly on the two plates so there was some slight scuffing but nothing major or that would impact use. I do think they should likely revisit that and place something or otherwise adjust as it could be easily avoided.

Finish is solid if not quite perfect. The edge of one side of the cap has some striations [see 3rd pic] and the plates also exhibit some slight imperfections but the handle appears 100%. The imperfections don't bother me, whereas normally things like that would but it seems from the molding process itself.

The razor itself is Heavy. Yes, that's a capital H. I very much like the heft and the knurling on the handle has a very pleasant feel. Seems balanced quite well as I loaded a blade and flipped the plate. Note: the number showing is the corresponding blade gap; 1 being mildest, 6 being most aggressive. I split the middle with the #3 as mentioned and the blade loaded evenly without the slightest trouble.

Blade angle was intuitive and easy to find on shaving and I found the #3 to be quite efficient, even on trouble areas such as the neck. There seemed to be some very mild chatter but not enough to seriously impact the shave in any way and I reserve further comment on this until I have used it more and also try out some of my go to blades [I grabbed a Crystal as I have not used one in ages].

Things I would change:

I like lather channels on the SB and the Rockwell doesn't have; it likely may be tough or impossible based on the reversible plate but it would be nice to have

Other than the previously mentioned packing, that's it.

Customer service experience was to notch. General status questions on shipment etc. were replied to very promptly and on arrival the razor included some Rockwell blades to try as well. I never expect this type of thing but it is always a great surprise when an artisan or vendor throws something else in the box.

Overall: at $79 this iteration is a great way to pick up a SS razor. The quality is solid and the shaves very efficient. Add the flexibility of the various plates and you have a very nice razor on your hands at a killer price point.

If it was shipped to you in the tin box like the kickstarter edition was, that is their older packaging- I have heard from Rockwell that they have new packaging in the works but I'm not sure when they plan to ship those boxes out.

The older one had a "Soviet Union" look to it. These are much nicer looking too. Can't wait to receive mine. No one mentions, we end up with two really nice handles in the end. Want to say 'thank you' on that one.


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If it was shipped to you in the tin box like the kickstarter edition was, that is their older packaging- I have heard from Rockwell that they have new packaging in the works but I'm not sure when they plan to ship those boxes out.

It was in fact Gareth and good to know. The razor is a pleasure to use as mentioned- next rotation I plan on using one of the more aggressive base plates along with one of my more "standby" blades.

The older one had a "Soviet Union" look to it.  These are much nicer looking too.  Can't wait to receive mine.  No one mentions, we end up with two really nice handles in the end.  Want to say 'thank you' on that one.


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Love the "Soviet Union" reference Could you still see the grease and paint from the old tractor parts it was obviously made out of? The Lada of razors.

I read Leisure Guy's assessment of the latest rendition on his blog and he quite likes it. I just don't think I can add another razor at this time let alone a razor "system".
Mark

The older one had a "Soviet Union" look to it.  These are much nicer looking too.  Can't wait to receive mine.  No one mentions, we end up with two really nice handles in the end.  Want to say 'thank you' on that one.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Love the "Soviet Union" reference Could you still see the grease and paint from the old tractor parts it was obviously made out of?  The Lada of razors.  

I read Leisure Guy's assessment of the latest rendition on his blog and he quite likes it.  I just don't think I can add another razor at this time let alone a razor "system".
Mark

It's a solid shaver. I was just rubbing my chin as I contemplated what else I could possibly buy in the shaving world and it is clean as a whistle. 3 pass and done and my chin is a trouble area. The blade I have loaded is really past its prime too but I didn't change it this morning as I was pressed for time. Winner, winner chicken dinner.

I also think the CCCP reference is a good one. This razor is a SS tool. The matte finish, which I have always liked regardless of razors, and MIM process lends it more a tool-like appearance and it gets the job done.

Mine is supposedly out for delivery today

Mine is supposedly out for delivery today

Look forward to what you think darkbulb

Received my "replacement Rockwell 6s" this week.
They even threw in a free 5-pack of their Rockwell razor blades which was a nice touch.

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The one I received was in the same packaging (tin box) as the old one came in but I understand that they are looking into other packaging options

"New" Rockwell on the left - "Old" on the right:
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The knurling on the handle on the "New" is much less pronounced than on the older one:
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The top cap is hugely improved:
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The baseplates are completely re-designed so it will be very interesting to see how the shave itself compares
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Overall it feels - and looks - like a completely different razor and in every way an improvement over the first version.
I'm really happy to see the changes and am looking forward to trying it out!

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The matte finish, which I have always liked regardless of razors,  and MIM process lends it more a tool-like appearance and it gets the job done.

Matte finish is nice and I'm fond of it on stainless steel razors. Very businesslike on my Feather AS-D2 (which is shaving like a champ for me), but you have to admit the glitz of polished SS is something to behold. Look at this new picture from James' Wolfman site and tell me putting that to your face wouldn't be exciting.

Rockwell tank v. Wolfman sports car - interesting comparison of two tools to get the same job done!

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