World Shave Off Showdown 2 Guidelines

There are many solid bar razors that are more efficient than OC razors. I just feel like the solid bar version of a razor will have an advantage in smoothness over its OC counterpart and the reverse when it comes to efficiency.

Good points and I can see that playing a part when I start using the scoring system. It's a very tough call. I mean for example an Ikon Tech is super efficient and is a SB and the 2011 R41 is also super efficient and it's an OC so there are hard decisions to make here before getting started.

I still have to post up the Scoring system in the guidelines but I have to take a break and get some dinner but I'll keep adding to it and all the input I get from members will be taken into consideration on any subject concerning the Shave Off thread.

There are many solid bar razors that are more efficient than OC razors. I just feel like the solid bar version of a razor will have an advantage in smoothness over its OC counterpart and the reverse when it comes to efficiency.

Good points and I can see that playing a part when I start using the scoring system. It's a very tough call. I mean for example an Ikon Tech is super efficient and is a SB and the 2011 R41 is also super efficient and it's an OC so there are hard decisions to make here before getting started.

I still have to post up the Scoring system in the guidelines but I have to take a break and get some dinner but I'll keep adding to it and all the input I get from members will be taken into consideration on any subject concerning the Shave Off thread.

I wouldn't worry about the R41 since it's only available in an OC variation. So that's fair play. As far as the rest, I understand you have to stick to what you already have and what's available.

May I suggest a 2019 Rocnel Elite A for the very efficient category? I have one that I'm willing to send you.

There are many solid bar razors that are more efficient than OC razors. I just feel like the solid bar version of a razor will have an advantage in smoothness over its OC counterpart and the reverse when it comes to efficiency.

I’m not sure about this. There are certainly some solid bars that are more efficient than some OCs but, in my experience, if a razor is available in both SB and OC, the OC is generally more efficient (e.g., Karve F plate, Charcoal Goods Level 3, etc.). If this is an efficiency focused shave-off, I’d go with OC whenever possible. Of course, some (e.g., the almighty Ikon Tech) don’t present an option.

May I suggest a 2019 Rocnel Elite A for the very efficient category? I have one that I'm willing to send you.

I agree this fine razor deserves a spot in the tournament, but it’s no longer available, is it? Another candidate, which I believe is available, is the Game Changer Jaws, which I would place in the efficient category. And the Tatara Nodachi.

May I suggest a 2019 Rocnel Elite A for the very efficient category? I have one that I'm willing to send you.

I agree this fine razor deserves a spot in the tournament, but it’s no longer available, is it? Another candidate, which I believe is available, is the Game Changer Jaws, which I would place in the efficient category. And the Tatara Nodachi.

Still available at bullgoose

I was also going to suggest the nodachi. That one cannot be ignored.

May I suggest a 2019 Rocnel Elite A for the very efficient category? I have one that I'm willing to send you.

I agree this fine razor deserves a spot in the tournament, but it’s no longer available, is it? Another candidate, which I believe is available, is the Game Changer Jaws, which I would place in the efficient category. And the Tatara Nodachi.

Still available at bullgoose

I was also going to suggest the nodachi. That one cannot be ignored.

I’m amazed that Rocnel is still available—one of my favorites! It should definitely be in the hunt. I’m sure Phil will run out after the first round...

I like this thread for what it is, subjective fun. The differences in categories are a necessary distraction depending on the judging criteria. If efficiency alone is the criteria, comparing a hyper efficient razor to an efficient razor should always result in the hyper efficient razor winning. When my daughter played competitive softball we early came to realize that winning “B” tournaments consistently meant that the team was an “A” team and not a “B” team. So it is with this, the winner of the efficient category is probably very efficient and the winner of the very efficient category is probably hyper efficient and the winner of the hyper efficient category is the efficiency champ.

For me it is the commentary. 8 hour BBS1 is a winner for me. I don’t need BBS3 for twice or three times as long. Next I qualitatively want to hear about the feel. No two faces are alike, but two different razors on the same face give an idea of what someone might expect to see on their face.

As far as blades go, I would suggest that the same blade be used in each razor and that the blade used be one that Frank is most comfortable with. Judging by past shave offs I predict a hand stropped Feather.

Many of us have purchased razors that did not win their categories because desirable characteristics were revealed.

Let’s just enjoy the journey through a variety of razors many of us will never see.

Thank you again for creating what may become the most read thread on this site. It will likely bring new members from the site that was so foolish that they lost track of what their members wanted.

I agree this fine razor deserves a spot in the tournament, but it’s no longer available, is it? Another candidate, which I believe is available, is the Game Changer Jaws, which I would place in the efficient category. And the Tatara Nodachi.

Still available at bullgoose

I was also going to suggest the nodachi. That one cannot be ignored.

I’m amazed that Rocnel is still available—one of my favorites! It should definitely be in the hunt. I’m sure Phil will run out after the first round...

I can't believe it either. That razor deserves a lot more attention than it gets. One of my all time favorites also.

I believe you should test the most efficient version of any of the razors, Open comb or Solid bar as you are looking for the most efficient razor in each category.