Firstly, I'd like to thank DanLaw for organizing this pass-around and for giving me the opportunity to try this razor.
My first impression of the razor is that it is very well made. The razor was easy to assemble and came together very precisely. I noticed how the tapering of the handle shaft is used to center the top cap and baseplate--very nice touch! The fit and finish meets my expectation for a razor in this price range.
I started off with the SB plate using a fresh Gillette Silver Blue blade. The technique to use this razor is intuitive. I found the appropriate shaving angle immediately and was rewarded with a fantastic shave. It was remarkably smooth and without a hint of irritation. I followed up with shaves the next two subsequent days using the same blade. All of the shaves were excellent.
After 3 shaves with the SB plate, I picked up a new GSB blade and tried the OC plate. I found the shaves with the OC plate to be good, but perhaps just a touch less smooth than the SB plate. On one shave, I did get just a hint of irritation near the corner of my mouth, probably due to trying to buff a tricky spot for me.
If I had to pick just a single baseplate, I would definitely go with the SB (which is consistent since all of my favorite razors have been SB). I don't usually use a razor stand, but using the one that came with the razor was enjoyable and I would probably add it to my order if I were to purchase this razor.
I really was wowed after my first shave and was thinking of purchasing this razor during the remainder of the day. However, after a few more shaves, I realized that, although the razor is excellent, it doesn't offer me a shave that I don't already get from another razor. I get an equally comfortable and close shave with my PILs razor or several others in my collection. I've tried out dozens of high end razors over the years, so I'm reaching a point where it is getting to be very difficult to topple my current favorite razors in my collection. In the end, I'm not sure that I can justify the relatively high price for this razor.
I would definitely recommend the Tatara razor to anyone looking for a smooth, comfortable shave. Despite the smoothness, the razor has good efficiency and results in very good shave closeness. Due to sensitive skin, I'm not one to chase a BBS shave. However, I was still impressed with the shave quality that I was able to achieve immediately using this razor.
My first impression of the razor is that it is very well made. The razor was easy to assemble and came together very precisely. I noticed how the tapering of the handle shaft is used to center the top cap and baseplate--very nice touch! The fit and finish meets my expectation for a razor in this price range.
I started off with the SB plate using a fresh Gillette Silver Blue blade. The technique to use this razor is intuitive. I found the appropriate shaving angle immediately and was rewarded with a fantastic shave. It was remarkably smooth and without a hint of irritation. I followed up with shaves the next two subsequent days using the same blade. All of the shaves were excellent.
After 3 shaves with the SB plate, I picked up a new GSB blade and tried the OC plate. I found the shaves with the OC plate to be good, but perhaps just a touch less smooth than the SB plate. On one shave, I did get just a hint of irritation near the corner of my mouth, probably due to trying to buff a tricky spot for me.
If I had to pick just a single baseplate, I would definitely go with the SB (which is consistent since all of my favorite razors have been SB). I don't usually use a razor stand, but using the one that came with the razor was enjoyable and I would probably add it to my order if I were to purchase this razor.
I really was wowed after my first shave and was thinking of purchasing this razor during the remainder of the day. However, after a few more shaves, I realized that, although the razor is excellent, it doesn't offer me a shave that I don't already get from another razor. I get an equally comfortable and close shave with my PILs razor or several others in my collection. I've tried out dozens of high end razors over the years, so I'm reaching a point where it is getting to be very difficult to topple my current favorite razors in my collection. In the end, I'm not sure that I can justify the relatively high price for this razor.
I would definitely recommend the Tatara razor to anyone looking for a smooth, comfortable shave. Despite the smoothness, the razor has good efficiency and results in very good shave closeness. Due to sensitive skin, I'm not one to chase a BBS shave. However, I was still impressed with the shave quality that I was able to achieve immediately using this razor.