Your thoughts on OneBlade

TSEvangelist you bring up real hesitations anyone might have about the razor, for sure. And I've said before I'm not a fan of their particular marketing tone ("hey BROS, are you gonna KILL IT at that IMPORTANT MEETING TOMORROW? Shave with this EPIC RAZOR and leave your HEGEMONIC MASCULINITY unquestioned!!" is sort of how I take it), though oddly enough, granting the caveat that it's always subjective, I think the OneBlade makes a strong case for being the best razor as far as getting the job done efficiently and safely. It's may not be the best in terms of fun, or in terms of outright efficiency (trade off there is possible bloodletting), or romantic traditionalism, but I do think its design accounts for most of the issues we exhort new safety razor shavers to be mindful of.

The Feather FHS blades can be found elsewhere online for less than the OneBlade store's price, and they're even cheaper in bulk. The blades at a minimum last two shaves (I don't think I've seen anyone say they can only get one shave out of them), and many are getting better longevity than two shaves. So the blade cost is a real savings over cartridges, yes. (Plus, those "in the know" may discover and prefer de-spined GEM blades.)

The upfront cost of the razor at $300 is, I think, the most substantial objection. Not because it's an unfair price for what the product is, but because that's out of range for many people. The whole thing is meant to be a premium experience, both in materials and performance, and I'd say it really is. But just as not all of us can afford (nor would want) a high-end car, not everyone needs to get a OneBlade. But within its category, it is the real deal.

TSEvangelist you bring up real hesitations anyone might have about the razor, for sure. And I've said before I'm not a fan of their particular marketing tone ("hey BROS, are you gonna KILL IT at that IMPORTANT MEETING TOMORROW? Shave with this EPIC RAZOR and leave your HEGEMONIC MASCULINITY unquestioned!!" is sort of how I take it), though oddly enough, granting the caveat that it's always subjective, I think the OneBlade makes a strong case for being the best razor as far as getting the job done efficiently and safely. It's may not be the best in terms of fun, or in terms of outright efficiency (trade off there is possible bloodletting), or romantic traditionalism, but I do think its design accounts for most of the issues we exhort new safety razor shavers to be mindful of.

The Feather FHS blades can be found elsewhere online for less than the OneBlade store's price, and they're even cheaper in bulk. The blades at a minimum last two shaves (I don't think I've seen anyone say they can only get one shave out of them), and many are getting better longevity than two shaves. So the blade cost is a real savings over cartridges, yes. (Plus, those "in the know" may discover and prefer de-spined GEM blades.)

The upfront cost of the razor at $300 is, I think, the most substantial objection. Not because it's an unfair price for what the product is, but because that's out of range for many people. The whole thing is meant to be a premium experience, both in materials and performance, and I'd say it really is. But just as not all of us can afford (nor would want) a high-end car, not everyone needs to get a OneBlade. But within its category, it is the real deal.

Thanks. I don't balk too much at the price of the razor itself, although it is high. Many people including myself paid close to that much for the Pils. The proprietary blades is the deal stopper for me. It's not that there's anything wrong with it, I just don't want to stock another blade type


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First off I'd like to address the "proprietary" blade issue. While it is true that the OneBlade was designed for use with one specific razor blade, these blades are most assuredly not proprietary to OneBlade. They've been around for long before OneBlade was ever designed and will continue to be around as from what I've read there are many razors in the Japanese market that use these blades.

Even though it was designed for use with the Feather Hi-Stainless blade, I did the same trick with a GEM blade that many people have done for years to use their old Valet AutoStrop razors; they removed the spine. I did this in the past with my own Valet AutoStrop and quickly noticed better shaves with the GEM blade over the Feather. So, when the OneBlade arrived it was only a matter of time before I checked to see if the de-spined GEM would work. I'm very thankful that it did as I don't think I would have kept the OneBlade and definitely wouldn't be using it as a daily shaver if I could only use the FHS blades.

even the blade cost is really not horrendous if you buy in bulk, downright cheap in fact if you use the GEM blades as I likely will. I like the razor a lot and for me it really may be the best I have owned and I have owned quite a few.

First off I'd like to address the "proprietary" blade issue. While it is true that the OneBlade was designed for use with one specific razor blade, these blades are most assuredly not proprietary to OneBlade. They've been around for long before OneBlade was ever designed and will continue to be around as from what I've read there are many razors in the Japanese market that use these blades.

Even though it was designed for use with the Feather Hi-Stainless blade, I did the same trick with a GEM blade that many people have done for years to use their old Valet AutoStrop razors; they removed the spine. I did this in the past with my own Valet AutoStrop and quickly noticed better shaves with the GEM blade over the Feather. So, when the OneBlade arrived it was only a matter of time before I checked to see if the de-spined GEM would work. I'm very thankful that it did as I don't think I would have kept the OneBlade and definitely wouldn't be using it as a daily shaver if I could only use the FHS blades.

Good information.


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Con's
1.  The claim that it's 'the best razor on earth, period'.   Shaving just isn't a one size fits all thing and no single product is really the best for everyone.  
2.  Blade Cost.  This razor seems to be geared for cart shavers as blade cost is similar.  They recommend only using a blade for 1 shave and the subscription fee for 30 blades is 27.95 a month.  For  price I can buy 300 Astra SP blades and shave 900 times.  900 shaves vs 30 shaves, this is significant.  
3.  While looking at their website I noticed they had a Castle Forbes Travel kit for $99.95.  This includes 50ml preshave, 50ml cream & 50ml Balm.  This is way overpriced IMO.

I'm sorry and I know I'm new here so my credibility might be nil. But I just bought one of these a month or so ago and there are a LOT more cons and I would like to address them. First, it aint real without a picture so:



Now the cons. I did a LOT of research on this. I read and read and read. I do not have extensive experience with safety razors, last time I used a safety razor I was probably a kid. I don't remember. This is not a hobby to me. Shaving was a mundane chore. Do it and be done with it. I don't collect these tools, etc. I don't have 30 brushes or 100 tubs of soap. I just want to shave, be happy doing it, and move on. So here are the Cons I discovered and my rebuttal to them. I don't mean to make light of issues others have, but I find some of the issues strange. And I apologize if my opinions come across to strongly. They are just, that, opinions.

1. The owner is a (you can fill in the blank)

To those, I submit find a single major corporation where that corporation has not paid a civil fine to a government. Whether it be any car maker (I tend to use car analogies because most everyone owns or drives cars) or even the computer you are typing on. Even Intel has paid civil fines to the EU. So I find those kind of arguments as a reason to not buy this hypocritical. Consumers might not know that P&G or General Motors has paid fines but nevertheless, they do.

2. Only one blade is designed for it

True. So what? What is the probability of Feather, who has been around since 1932, going under or discontinuing the blade? Does it work? No? Then the consumer bought the wrong tool. If Feather discontinues the blade or goes out of business then it won't be the first time something I bought went out of business and it won't be the last. Such is life.    Such is life. Stuff happens.

3. The blades cost too much.

They cost 54 cents in bulk, if that is to much for a consumer, I can't argue that. Don't buy it. You are not the target demographic and I think they even say that in their marketing.

4. They recommend you use the blade only once

"They" recommend you check your oil and tire pressure every time you get gas. Do you? I find that totally meaningless. Everyone is different.

5. $300 is far to expensive

I can't argue the cost. We all buy what we can afford. However, did anyone actually pay that much. They constantly have sales and discounts. I didn't pay that much. Just wait for a sale. Still, its not cheap. No argument there.

Quality is never cheap. Since its warranted for life or something like that, I don't expect to ever buy another. In the end, its actually cheap. This is something consumers who constantly replace cheaper items don't always get. Replacing a cheaper quality item year after year is, in the long run, more expensive.

6. The pivoting head is sacrilege

Nonsense. (to be blunt). You lose the challenge ...

OK, I somewhat understand that and somewhat don't so the best analogy I can give is a car analogy.

Some drivers WANT to buy a manual transmission car. Driving a manual lets them be involved. You use the clutch, you shift, you decide when to shift, etc. Some people view cars as appliances and want to drive an automatic. Meanwhile the manual lovers thinks the automatics are video games. I can understand that - the involvement is part of driving -so the pivoting head takes away some of the involvement. So here is the other side of that argument.

30 years ago, few cars had anti locking brakes. You started to skid, and you better know how to pump the brakes to stop the quickest, or you are going to hit that tree. Today, anti lock brakes are a federal mandate, a safety item. They have existing so long, most people have no clue they are in even there, until the panic stop and feel the brake being pumped for them by the car.

This is no different. New users won't care one bit. If it stops them from hitting a tree (i.e., bleeding), so what? Buy a 30 year old car without antilock brakes and have fun. Or buy a razor without a pivoting head. Your choice. But don't criticize those who choose it. In 30 years, you might not find a razor without that feature.

7. This tool is too good. There is no challenge

OK, don't buy it. Thats cool. No one is stopping people from buying manual transmission cars either. Have fun.

8. The price of the "collectibles" is outrageous

So don't buy them. What do you care what others buy?

Actually, since they throw in the brush, the retail price came within a couple hundred of the full price. That is the true cost of buying the "collectible".  So just don't buy it. It's not for you (Or me). Why would anyone care?

Many companies sell "collectibles". Even cars have "collectible" editions. Why would razors be any different?

And now your Con about the cost of blades and consumables on their website. Why would you buy anything from them at those prices? I like to wait until a Black Friday sale and get what I want at 25% off at reseller that has reasonable prices. Nobody is forcing anyone to buy at those prices.

If you have questions, I'll be glad to answer them. I cannot compare it against other tools (i.e., razors). I don't own them. I do have a theory though that the prices there are geared toward a demographic that is not representative of shaving forums. For those in a demographic that want to buy $10 soaps and $20 brushes, then this is probably not the tools for that demographic when the Shaving Brush sells for $400. Does anyone actually buy that? I never see anyone talking about that but they do seemed concerned about the retail price of $300 for the razor. I would think $400 for a brush just a bit much.

I don't mean to come across to harsh for the critics of this tool, and for me, it's a tool. If it doesn't serve the purpose I need it for, I'll just get the next best thing. But for now, it works and works very well. In fact it works TOO well. Sometimes I think "Hmm, nothing is cutting. What is going on?" And then when I'm done and feel my face ...

Have a good day

Grim--GREAT post and welcome to the board

Hmmm, this razor is causing a bit of a stir.

Probably because we all balked at it when first announced, and now a bunch of us are believers. It really is a fantastic razor.

Hmmm, this razor is causing a bit of a stir.  

Very polarizing my friend. I was skeptical when it was announced, particularly at the price point. Reviews started hitting that were positive but still seemed likely a honeymoon phase. Then just prior to the holidays they offered that 30% discount. I couldn't resist.

Razor arrived, incredible presentation. Great quality. Loaded a blade and took it for a run. It's a remarkably efficient shaver, even if non-traditional. Shaving every day, I was able to just stretch a blade to a full week but it was definitely on its last legs. I would imagine should you pick one up that you would enjoy it!

Nonetheless, it's a solid piece of kit. And they have done a remarkable job of marketing it [actually, The Wellington Group did a remarkable job marketing but still ]!