Shave review of Janus Adjustable razor and Shave Off vs Gillette F4 Toggle

Shave Off complete:


Wolfman WR2 Titanium vs Janus Adjustable razor on max setting #9  


Alright this one is in the books and what I thought would come out of this Shave Off was certainly not what i expected.  As I've stated in a few posts before I've wanted to compare the Janus to the razor that inspired the Janus,  the Vintage Gillette Toggle but based on some members requests to put it up against a very efficient razor and one that although it's also a hard to get razor it is available to the public and that's the Wolfman WR2 Titanium DC 1.25 OC/1.35 SB. So it's clear I only used the SB side of the 1.35 SB side of the razor for this Shave Off. Looking back at my first shave with the Janus it was set on #5 which is more of a medium setting so I couldn't wait to see what it was like when wide open. My experience with adjustables is some show a very significant difference in efficiency when set on max setting compared to medium settings and some just get a bit more efficient but not as noticeable as others. With the Janus it fell into the category of big difference!  

I won't mince words here the WR2 Ti 1.35 is the most efficient razor in my den up to this point and although I haven't put it up against a couple of other razors I haven't done side by sides with yet like the 2011 R41 and the Tradere the Wolfie took on a Ikon Tech which held that title with the 2011 R41 and the Tradere hasn't seen a side by side yet so I can only go by feel and I'd say it's at least a contender. Anyway back to this Shave Of and as you can see from the photos the heads on these two razors are about as different as can be.  The WR2 has a low profile head when compared to the large head of the Janus and one of the things I've always liked a lot about Wolfman heads as they get under my nose perfectly.  When comparing blade rigidity the WR2 holds the blade very rigid and as far as modern razors goes and I'd say 2nd only to a Timeless SS . The Janus holds the blade a little bit more rigid than a Fatboy as I just tested it but just by a little bit but to me very good for an adjustable.  The weight of these two razors when in hand is huge difference with the Ti WR2 coming in at 59 grams on my scale while the Janus is 122 grams and that's like half the weight but it was no issue with me as I've done a lot of Shave Offs where one razor out weights another and as I've stated before you just learn how to adapt and adjust to each razor after awhile.  Both razors use 316 ss and they both feel like quality in hand.  Both these razors are in the $600 + range so very comparable in price but completely different in appearance.  Each razor with its own unique DNA.  Speaking of Wolfman razors I'd like to point out that no more than a couple of years ago I remember reading a lot of things about Wolfman razors where people would say oh yeah they got a nice finish but their they aren't that good of a shaver! Back then I'd sometimes ask. Have you ever shaved with one? Some would say no but someone told me that! Yeah ok that kind of explanation never worked for me so when I got my first Wolfman and it was just a standard gap WR1 .61 and had a Shave with it I'm like this razor is great! Yes it has a small sweet spot but once found it was a delight to shave with so myself and some other members whom I won't mention went on a buy, shave and report spree and between the 3 of us we also shared the different gaps with each other. I was given the job to do Shave Offs with them and we all learned that Wolfman razors not only looked awesome but they gave a great shave especially when you get the right gap for your face and beard. So I'm happy I went on that journey and I feel very fortunate to have shaved with a lot of different gaps, handles and also two Titanium versions. So now I'm kind of in the same position here trying to give an honest review on how this new Janus razor shaves and hopefully my report gives all the readers a good idea of what it shaves like when set on setting #9

Ok so let's get started with the Shave Off.


I decided to do a 2 pass shave going WTG and ATG to keep it simple and I know what the WR 2 is capable in 2 passes so I wanted to see how the Janus compares doing the same.  I'll note to anyone whos not familiar with my Skin Stretch Short Stroke Technique which I abbreviate when writing it to SSSST and for me when using this technique I can get a closer shave in less passes than I can when using the more traditional 3 pass shave. It also has allowed me to use razors that are very or
I call extremely efficient razors without the worries of nick's, weepers or irritation. I just wanted to clear that up in case anyone was wondering. Also as normal I split my face into 4 sections giving each razor on section on each side since my right side of my face and neck is very different as the right side contains a nasty cowlick on my right side neck and some weird beard growth almost right next to it and I have also got some strange growth pattern on my lower jawline. My left side is like very normal growth going typical WTG going N to S and ATG going S to N so to make it fair to each razor they each get a difficult section on my right and an easy section on my left. You can see by the description on the my blank face drawings where each razor was used.  


Gear used:

Wolfman WR2 Ti DC 1.25 OC and 1.35 SB - only the SB was used in this Shave Off
Janus adjustable prototype SS on max setting #9
Brand new hand honed Feather blades in each razor
PannaCrema Verde shave soap
Homemade citrus blend AS splash
Paladin two band shave brush
Thayers lemon witch hazel AS Tonic ( not shown )
Thierry Mugler Cologne


1st pass WTG  


So I decided to start off with the Janus on my right side and began my N to S pass I gave my skin a good stretch above the razor head and sorry for the expression but it was a WOW moment for me. This razor stepped up in efficiency a lot but that wasn't the only reason for the WOW reaction! It was how this razor still stayed butter smooth with this much efficiency!  At first I'm like ok don't jump to conclusions here let's move along and finish this section which I did and as the pass continued so did my first impression start to become confirmed but to me what really tests a razor is how it behaves on the ATG pass so I'll hold off on the final judgement for now but an excellent 1st pass from the Janus.  So I finished that section and grabbed my WR2 and continued my way South. It's immediate that you notice the blade feel difference with the WR2 having a decent amount more than the Janus but still smooth.  The audible feedback on the WR2 was also louder than the Janus but both razors were definitely not singing a heavy metal song! What I also love about the Wolfman razors is the sound they make.  I know some of you may think I'm crazy but to me they have a unique sound to them when mowing down my stubble unlike any other razor I've shaved with.  Just thought I'd throw that in there and see if anyone else has noticed this besides myself. The Titanium makes this razor glide across my face and is so different than the SS version to me it's like they are different razors and if I ever order another Wolfman WR 2 head razor it will absolutely be Titanium. I have no problems with the SS WR1 but my curiosity gets the best of me and I'd love to see what a Ti WR1 in the same gap as my .84 would be like compared to the SS one I have.  Anyway going off topic so back to the Shave Off and the WR2's first pass. So as normal this razor has no problems slicing right through my growth and it basically pays no attention to my nasty cowlick or weird beard growth on my neck. Super Efficient and yet smooth for it's efficiency level. So I finished up my neck and the pass fairly quickly with the WR2 and kept in hand as I went over to the other side right under my sideburns to begin my journey South. This side of my face with only 2 days growth was literally no real challenge for the WR2 as I normally run the WR2 when I have 3 or 4 days growth so this pass was a breeze for the Wolfie. WIth the Titanium I also notice maneuverability is even better than with the SS models and they are very good as they are. I like the HR7 handle looks wise but my favorite handle for shaving is the HR2 so if given the chance my next Ti Wolfman will have that handle on it and they I can switch when I want. So excellent 1st pass! Grabbing the Janus I continued downward to finish up the last WTG pass and once again I'm really amazed at how smooth and efficient this razor is and just a note before I even shaved today I talked to Eric briefly and he said if I found it wasn't efficient enough he would make some adjustments to another prototype he's working on so I was like hold off please before you do until we see how this one does. Well on this pass it was similar to the WR2 in that it made short work of the 2 day stubble I had. So 4 excellent passes from 2 razors so far but the big test is coming up with the ATG at least for me it is. I Rinsed before relathering and gave my face a quick feel and there is very little stubble left anywhere. I expect that from the WR2 I'm surprised by the Janus.


2nd Pass ATG


So before I begin I'd like to say that the PannaCrema is one of my favorite Shave soaps and I like the Verde as well as the Nuavia and to me like MDC it's a simple formula but put together extremely well and it has some of the best post shave feel of any soap I've used along with a few others I like.  I really enjoy the citrus scent and it matches well with the fresh clean Mugler cologne. So I went to the base of my neck on the right side with the WR2 and using my skin stretch hand towel I gave my skin a really good stretch as I decided to go for the closest shave I could get in two passes with both these razors. Of course the Wolfie had taken down a lot of growth on the 1st pass so there wasn't much to clean up and it quickly sent whatever stubble that was showing done under my skins surface like they were afraid of this razor LOL I so another excellent pass from the WR2!  Picked up the Janus and continued upward with my focus totally on this razor as after all I'm not only testing it for you members and myself but for Eric as I'm sure he's waiting for the results. Going ATG was almost like I was going WTG as it took down my stubble with ease and it still was butter smooth. In fact at this point I know now that this razor has to be compared to either the Paradigm 17 4 or maybe better than that the RS 10 which to me is the smoothest modern razor I've shaved with up till now. This Janus is that smooth guys and I have no clue as to why other than I keep looking at the high polished SB which has a slight curve in it and I'm wondering if that's the reason. I've got to talk more to Eric about the head design and blade placement before I come to any conclusions. All  I know is what I'm experiencing right now with this hand honed Feather razor. Two words very efficient and very smooth!  At this point I can't help to wonder what this razor would be like in Titanium. It would certainly lighten it up and I'm not sure what the percentage is of how much lighter Ti is over Ss but it crossed my mind.  I also had no problem going ATG under my nose. Just moved the nose a bit to the left and done. Also I just tried something for the hell of it and I ran it down a bit on my lip to see if it would still be as smooth and yo and behold it was and I'll be honest I think you'd have to try pretty hard to cut yourself with this razor even on max setting. I've always considered the Gibbs and the Gillette Toggle as the 2 smoothest adjustables but this razor may have just passed them up and another good reason to do a Shave Off with the F 4 Toggle IMO. So another excellent pass with the Janus. With it in hand I went right over to the base of my neck on my left side and started heading N and since this side of my face is so predictable even though I have a fairly stiff and thick beard this pass was very easy for the Janus and btw the angle or sweet spot was very easy to find on the Janus in case anyone was wondering. This razor is not as commanding as the Wolfman and It feels like a big softie but don't let it's feel fool you it's a very efficient razor and I don't think my stubble knew what hit it as this razor also sent whatever stubble was left under my skins surface also.  Another excellent pass! The WR2 takes over from here on my northbound trip ATG and there is some blade feel when compared to the Janus on my face which I don't mind at all and it's still what I consider smooth for a such a super efficient razor. I went ATG on all my face, chin and lower jawline with the WR2 but under my nose it slightly tugged just a tad so not sure why maybe I was off angle right there and FYI I have gone ATG under my nose before every time I've shaved with it so this was a first and I'm sure it was my fault.  So finished up the pass and another excellent pass from the WR2.  So this Shave Off is also in the books.


Post Shave

So I rinsed with warm then cold water and gave my face a splash of the Thayers lemon Witch hazel and let is dry as I cleaned up the gear and splashed on a little aftershave. After doing so before I put on my cologne I did a face feel and just to be sure I made a pad out of a cotton ball to do a proper cotton test and I'll post the results in the summary. Between the great shave I got with these two razors and the aroma that was in the room I had what you call a very nice total shave experience.




Summary

So to those of you who are as skeptical as I was when first introduced to the Janus razor online and in the threads I have to say I'm now a believer in this razor! The cotton results I expected from the WR2 as I've gotten what I refer to as Level 3 BBS shaves with it before and to be honest it's not that difficult with that razor. The thing that made me a believer in the Janus is I also got a Level 3 BBS with it and it did it in a very deceiving efficient way and yet so smooth! I have to say from pior Shave Offs I've had where lets say two razors got me to the exact same level 1 2 or 3 BBS and the only way to seperate them and know which one got you closer is to wait to see which areas start showing stubble first over time.  So with that said I'll wait and see and update the results but I have to say right after the Shave Off I was in shock at the Shave that the Janus gave me on setting # 9. I will say that no other adjustable razor has given me a Level 3 BBS shave in two passes. I've gotten one once with my Gibbs but that was 2 passes and a 3rd reverse Skin stretch pass added in. So as of right now I'm calling this the most efficient adjustable razor I've shaved with up to now.  The smoothness this razor exhibited in this shave just proved to me that what I felt in the first shave with the Janus all on it's own was no fluke.


NOTE: This razor is the real deal in my opinion and honestly after that shave I plan on getting one. As I just heard from Eric only 20 minutes ago and this razor will be released even if he doesn't meet his goal of 100 razors. which I hope he does as I'd rather pay $500 than $650. It just will take longer. I'll post details if he's ok with that after I talk to him tomorrow or Friday.  I will say this once again in case anyone missed this in the first shave I did with the Janus. I'm not getting paid for doing this Shave Off. I'm not getting a free razor or a discount that I know of if I get this razor down the road and I have no financial interest in his business. I'm doing this because I was a skeptical fan of the razor who had a chance to use and review a razor because of a friend who was in contact with Eric and who suggested I do the Shave Off with a Toggle and then after talking to him and mentioned I'd like to also compare it to other razors he agreed and we've had some good conversation and I'm looking forward to meeting up with him at the Maggards meet along with some other members and vendors. So I have no stakes in this game just to be clear.


I welcome any questions about this Shave Off and any suggestions for the next Shave Off which I can do in 2 days based on my fast beard growth.



Thanks Gentlemen and Great Shaves

So ... this has gotten interesting

IMHO serial numbers, multiple colors, fancy boxes, lifetime blade subscriptions, collectors edition metals and limited release amounts are all gimmicks if the razor fails to deliver or is not produced. You may also want to refer to basic economics and refresh yourselves on the Laws of Supply and Demand regarding the purchasing or collecting of whatever stuff you feel are important to you.

Ok "Fanboys" lets get on with these shave comparisons already

A guy makes one comment about a Ti1 and all of sudden he can't shave. You'd think I slandered an RS10 or something. Holy hell.

I must say tho, increasing gaps doesn't seem like a very smart way to compensate for poor technique. Especially when we are talking about gaps that will filet wandering minds. Sit tight tho, before it's over, I'll be told my issue is I don't skin stretch.

Frankie and I have a common friend who took my SS94 and used it daily...in a shower...with no soap. Look at the rookie.

Funny how passionate we can be about.... a razor. I don't get it. Makes no sense, mine are the best.

As to "fanboy"...guilty as charged.


Where is this shave off? The change of venue didn't speed Frankie up at all. Just made him grumpy.




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Shave Offs up it just took longer than I thought as I had some business calls. Sorry guys!

Wow, a surprising result. Nice write up as always.

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Thanks Scott!

*LOOT raise hand*

Mr Beard...if I understood the report correctly, it would seem that the Janus would be a perfect fit for those of us with poor technique? I had to read a little bit into the report and cobble pieces of info from a couple of different places but that was the impression I was left with. Is that close? I do like "hard to cut yourself" in a razor.

Also, oversimplifying I know, but.... it's 135 (or close) efficient and 17-4ish in it's smoothness and blade feel (deceptively efficient). Close? If that's accurate, you know I want a setting 10 or 11. So, if he is offering to jack it up a bit...do it! The head design can obviously handle the increased gap.

Right now, with my den, it doesn't sound like it offers anything I don't already have. I'd prefer to pay the $650 and get the "turbo" option with more gap. That's my initial thoughts...on your initial thoughts. *Eye roll*

I may have some more questions after I read i the report a couple more times. Good stuff Frankie.

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Very detailed and excellent review Frank. I look forward to trying this razor before it goes back to Eric. I suspected this review would stir up some controversy but you can only report what you are experiencing and you do that very well and fair. I would like to see it against the .94 Wolfman WR1 and the Charcoal Goods Level 3 with the Janus at 9. I will likely use it more in the 5-7 range as most of my shaves are daily, it sounds like a well designed razor.

The Janus has less blade feel ATG. Does that translate to none? Like lose the edge or is it still there, just muted?

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Very nice write up and shave report. As efficient or more so than a Gibbs is saying something. Good to know that if the prototype exhibits that kind of efficiency and smoothness it hopefully doesn’t get lost in the final production make up of the razor. I backed it from day 1. If it stays that way as an efficient and smooth operator, I’ll be a happy man. Good stuff Dragonsbeard.

*LOOT raise hand*

Mr Beard...if I understood the report correctly, it would seem that the Janus would be a perfect fit for those of us with poor technique? I had to read a little bit into the report and cobble pieces of info from a couple of different places but that was the impression I was left with. Is that close? I do like "hard to cut yourself" in a razor.

Also, oversimplifying I know, but.... it's 135 (or close) efficient and 17-4ish in it's smoothness and blade feel (deceptively efficient). Close? If that's accurate, you know I want a setting 10 or 11. So, if he is offering to jack it up a bit...do it! The head design can obviously handle the increased gap.

Right now, with my den, it doesn't sound like it offers anything I don't already have. I'd prefer to pay the $650 and get the "turbo" option with more gap. That's my initial thoughts...on your initial thoughts. *Eye roll*

I may have some more questions after I read i the report a couple more times. Good stuff Frankie.

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The Janus has less blade feel ATG. Does that translate to none? Like lose the edge or is it still there, just muted?

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James I never mentioned that the Janus was for people with poor technique nor did I mean it to be taken that way in any way shape or form. With that said now that you mention it I'd say I'd rather recommend the Janus to a person whos new at wet shaving but wants a high end razor rather than send him off to buy a razor like a CG Level 3 or a hard to find Mulue 2011 R41 for example where a guy could cut himself fairly easily being new to wet shaving.


I can't make the comment yet as far as absolute efficiency compared to the WR2 1.35 as it may turn out the the WR2 BBS lasts longer but for me to get a Level 3 BBS out of any razor in 2 passes is quite impressive to me. Not many razors in my den are capable of that. So yeah this razor is efficient and yes close at least to the 1.35 and as far as smoothness goes without doing a side by side I'm thinking it may be smoother than the 17 4 as I just did a Shave Off with that a few days ago so it's fresh in my mind but you know I don't like to speculate so that would probably be a good Shave Off to do purely based on smoothness as I know the Janus is more efficient. Well at least on my face. As far as blade feel it was definitely not a " None " but I'd call it consistent and at a mid to low level depending on which pass but you can always feel it and hear it. I'm not sure what it would be like with a milder blade in it.

I asked Eric to get me all the gaps at different settings if he can so I can post them up. I'm all for upping the gap on # 9 if it can maintain the smoothness it just displayed in this Shave Off. I mean imagine that! The efficiency of a Ikon Tech or Mulue 2011 R41 or some other razor with a ton of blade feel that is maybe even harsh like the Claymore was for me and yet butter smooth... maybe I'm wishing for to much out of one razor so if he were to increase blade gap I wonder would it change the whole dynamics of the razor I just shaved with. Eric also as some things to send me on the production model he would like me to post up. So when I get it I'll put it up.