Yates Precision Manufacturing DFS pass around

I got in a couple of shaves with the Yates, and wanted to get a few thoughts down. Thanks to YatesPrecision for providing the razor, and to andrewjs18 for organizing the pass around.
Build quality of this razor is top notch; great tolerances, great fit. I like the design of the head, with the cutouts on the top cap. Others have mentioned that they didn’t like the look, but I like the functionality of it when removing the blade, and the fact that the blade tabs don’t hang over the edges. I prefer long handles, so this one is right up my alley. I wasn’t sure about the handle thickness, but it didn’t bother me at all.

Shave #1
Plate: M
Blade: Permasharp (3)
Brush: Elite Razor hybrid w/ Odin’s Beard knot
Soap: Ethos Succes
Post: GentlemanJon Alum block
Post: Ethos Replenish
Post: Ethos Skin Food Splash

I was excited to try out the Yates after reading so much about it. The balance is very nice, and the stone wash finish provides plenty of grip. First pass WTG took down 2 days of growth with ease. I was a little concerned about finding the right angle, considering how much the blade is flexed with this design, but I didn’t seem to have any trouble. The shape of the head helps with finding the angle, actually. Very smooth, and the efficiency is surprising considering the gap of the M plate. XTG then ATG, with a little cleanup, and it was a near-BBS result, with very little feedback from the alum.

I have the Masamune with Nodachi top cap, which has similar gap/exposure to the Yates M, but the Yates seems to be much more efficient due to the head design, while still maintaining the smoothness of the Masamune.


Shave #2
Plate: H
Blade: Permasharp (4)
Brush: Elite Razor hybrid w/ Odin’s Beard knot
Soap: Zingari Man Explorer
Post: GentlemanJon Alum block
Post: Ethos Replenish

Next up was the H plate. I probably should have stuck with a soap that I am more familiar with, but I got a sample of Zingari Man Explorer, and really wanted to give it a try. I think my lather wasn’t quite up to par with what is possible with this soap, but it was still pretty good. The H plate definitely has a bit more blade feel than the M plate, but I never felt like it was going to bite unless I really slipped up. Three passes and cleanup, and ended up with a close to BBS shave. A little bit of alum burn, but that was expected due to increased blade exposure and this being my first shave with it.
I’m definitely going to revisit the H plate, as after this first round, I didn’t feel like it was that much more efficient than the M plate. In the end, I got about the same shave, but the M was less harsh for me. It could have been the change in soap, so I’ll run the H plate with Ethos and compare again.

I’m planning on a few more shaves, and will update again later in the week.

andrewjs18, could I be added to the pass around list if it's still open? I'm in Michigan. Thanks!

Another Yates shave this morning:

Plate: H
Blade: Fresh Permasharp
Brush: Graydog w/ Maggard’s SHD
Soap: Ethos Succes
Post: GentlemanJon Alum block
Post: Ethos Replenish
Post: Ethos Succes Skin Food Splash

A fresh blade and a great Ethos lather made a difference… very nice shave. (I need to spend some time with the Zingari Man sample to get a better lather.) Three passes with some cleanup, and ended up with a DFS+, no weepers, and just mild alum feedback. My cheeks were BBS, but I rarely am able to get my neck to that level, especially without over-shaving and causing irritation. I’m thinking the H plate will be great for those who want more efficiency. I envy anyone who can do a two-pass shave, as I’ve not been able to do that thus far. I’ve tried with some higher efficiency razors, but haven’t been able to get there. Seems like I inevitably have lots of stubble after the second pass, no matter what. For me, I think the M plate would do, as it seemed almost as efficient as the H, but a good bit smoother and more comfortable. I should note that I seem to have somewhat sensitive skin, so the razors that I’ve tried with more blade feel can easily cause me irritation.

The Hybrid plate is up next.

Another Yates shave this morning:

Plate: H
Blade: Fresh Permasharp
Brush: Graydog w/ Maggard’s SHD
Soap: Ethos Succes
Post: GentlemanJon Alum block
Post: Ethos Replenish
Post: Ethos Succes Skin Food Splash

A fresh blade and a great Ethos lather made a difference… very nice shave. (I need to spend some time with the Zingari Man sample to get a better lather.) Three passes with some cleanup, and ended up with a DFS+, no weepers, and just mild alum feedback. My cheeks were BBS, but I rarely am able to get my neck to that level, especially without over-shaving and causing irritation. I’m thinking the H plate will be great for those who want more efficiency. I envy anyone who can do a two-pass shave, as I’ve not been able to do that thus far. I’ve tried with some higher efficiency razors, but haven’t been able to get there. Seems like I inevitably have lots of stubble after the second pass, no matter what. For me, I think the M plate would do, as it seemed almost as efficient as the H, but a good bit smoother and more comfortable. I should note that I seem to have somewhat sensitive skin, so the razors that I’ve tried with more blade feel can easily cause me irritation.

The Hybrid plate is up next.

You seem to have experiences similar to mine with regards to cheek and neck. I find, even with higher efficiency razors, I need that third pass to catch some of the hairs going in certain directions.

I also find the Hybrid to be just perfect. 3 passes, OC-SB-SB, leaves me BBS very comfortably and effortlessly. I need to take more care with the H and the shave lasts longer, but the Hybrid would be my desert island razor at this point.

You seem to have experiences similar to mine with regards to cheek and neck. I find, even with higher efficiency razors, I need that third pass to catch some of the hairs going in certain directions.

I also find the Hybrid to be just perfect. 3 passes, OC-SB-SB, leaves me BBS very comfortably and effortlessly. I need to take more care with the H and the shave lasts longer, but the Hybrid would be my desert island razor at this point.

This is exactly right, Tony. The hair on my neck almost grows parallel to the skin, and in all sorts of directions. I think the H may have lasted a little longer for me, but not sure that makes enough difference for me. I'm looking forward to the Hybrid; although I typically don't get along with OC, I have high hopes for the Yates. 

Possible to join this pass-around?  Too many folks have been liking this razor not to want to try it!  Fwiw, I’m in New York. Thank

andrewjs18, could I be added to the pass around list if it's still open? I'm in Michigan. Thanks!

added

Possible to join this pass-around?  Too many folks have been liking this razor not to want to try it!  Fwiw, I’m in New York. Thank

added

Pass Around List:
andrewjs18 (Pennsylvania)
ALI (Connecticut)
jbreakfield (Alabama)
DinoJD (Washington)
drdeemanda (Massachusetts)
Whisker_whacker (Texas)
MaineYooper (Maine) *removed at user's request*
Ketotrader (Virginia)
bobmsp (Minnesota) *removed at user's request*
gvw755 (Washington)
Captainjonny (Washington)
CzechCzar (California)
keto (Missouri)
jesseix (California)
Jimmyfn (Oklahoma)
dmshaver (Missouri)
Oasisdave (California)
Einar (Wisconsin)
wyze0ne (Michigan) *removed at user's request*
Lesser (New York)
andrewjs18 (Pennsylvania)

From you fellows that have used this razor. Is the blade held rigid and clamped toward the edge of the blade, or not so much?

From you fellows that have used this razor. Is the blade held rigid and clamped toward the edge of the blade, or not so much?

I don't have a Yates but can tell you from the pics that the design won't allow it to clamp it at or near the edge...