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ConstantineC
6
Aug 1, 2017
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I have the stainless Feather and the Closed comb stainless Blackbird. Both are outstanding. Both need different techniques. The Blackbird needs a tiny bit more care and needs more frequent blade changes and is more sensitive to the shaving cream. Since I started using Cremo menthol it gives closer shaves than the Feather. It also has a heavier head so you can let its weight literally do the shaving for you, it looks very cool and is more enjoyable to use. The Feather is less sensitive to other parameters so its the easiest to use, but I prefer the Blackbird and will be putting the Feather up for sale. I am interested to see how the slant bar Ikon X3 shaves. It has outstanding reviews and comes out better than the Above the Tie Slant. My only worries are :1. The aluminium head which will be light so perhaps I will miss the weight of stainless steel -others have noted this- and 2. Aluminium is a toxic metal and shaving with it right on raw skin may not be the best idea.
repete66219
106
Aug 3, 2017
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ConstantineCI've used the ATT S1 and the X3. The iKon is milder & easier to use. It's difficult to cut yourself with it. It's also not as efficient as the S1. Also, the head is aluminum so it won't rust. My ATT (and Wolfman) developed rust, despite being stainless steel. In summary, the X3 is very smooth, but might not be as effective as you want. The ATT is nicer to look at and better equipped at removing coarse whiskers, but is more expensive and might rust.
Regarding your questions: 1.) The aluminum head isn't that much lighter. As with any razor, you learn to adjust your technique to the demands at hand. 2.) I wouldn't be concerned with aluminum leaching into your skin. Contact between the razor head and your face is brief and minimal.
Regarding your questions: 1.) The aluminum head isn't that much lighter. As with any razor, you learn to adjust your technique to the demands at hand. 2.) I wouldn't be concerned with aluminum leaching into your skin. Contact between the razor head and your face is brief and minimal.
ConstantineC
6
Aug 3, 2017
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ConstantineCThank you. That is helpful. Sean at Blackbird told me to always unscrew the head a country let of turns after shaving as it's the blade that rusts and transfers rust to the razor head. I have always done this hence no rust. It sounds as if I may need a more efficient slant but I am interested to see how this goes. The reviews on the steel head iKON are similar to the Al head. Have you heard anything yourself about this?
So far the two best shaving creams for me have been Cremo and Edwin jagger Triple Cushion. Any suggestions welcome.
repete66219
106
Aug 3, 2017
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ConstantineCThe razor is what rusts, not the blade. That said, it rusts because there's standing water. Unscrewing the cap a turn might do well to air out that water, so that's good advice.
I haven't heard much about the steel vs. aluminum iKons. Full disclosure, the owner has exhibited some not so great behavior in the past, so I've tended to steer clear of his products. I wanted to try a torque head and found a good price on the used market, so I made an exception for the X3.
The best creams I've used are CADE rich cream (tub) and Castle Forbes. That said, there are far more great soaps than great creams. Soaps are also far less expensive both by weight and when measured by number of shaves per tub. Barrister & Mann, L&L Grooming, Phoenix & Beau, Bufflehead & Eufros are my top 5 soaps.
I haven't heard much about the steel vs. aluminum iKons. Full disclosure, the owner has exhibited some not so great behavior in the past, so I've tended to steer clear of his products. I wanted to try a torque head and found a good price on the used market, so I made an exception for the X3.
The best creams I've used are CADE rich cream (tub) and Castle Forbes. That said, there are far more great soaps than great creams. Soaps are also far less expensive both by weight and when measured by number of shaves per tub. Barrister & Mann, L&L Grooming, Phoenix & Beau, Bufflehead & Eufros are my top 5 soaps.
ConstantineC
6
Aug 3, 2017
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repete66219You are clearly a master shaver. I just started. Here in London the Castle Forbes soap is more expensive than other creams. The Cade comes in a tube, a super rich in a tub and soap. I am going to give the tub a go next as you specifically recommended it.
repete66219
106
Aug 3, 2017
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ConstantineCI assure you I'm no master. Experienced perhaps, but not necessarily good at it. :)
Castle Forbes lime is the only cream I currently own. I can't remember what I paid, but I'm pretty sure it's the most expensive tub in my den. Eufros Rosa Bourbon is close, but I can't remember.
I haven't tried the Cade in a tube, but rumor has it that version is inferior to the tub. Speaking of expensive, the Cade was probably the third most expensive tub in my den when I owned it. But it's really, really good. There was a rumor months ago it was being pulled from production and I took advantage of the perceived scarcity by selling my tub. But I see it's still available so maybe they didn't pull it from production. If you do buy it, be sure to get the cream. IMO the soap isn't nearly as good, it being a veggie soap & quite drying.
If you're in London hunt down some Phoenix & Beau. Their Spitfire soap is one of my favorites. (Great label too!) Don't let the description deter you. It's brilliant.
Castle Forbes lime is the only cream I currently own. I can't remember what I paid, but I'm pretty sure it's the most expensive tub in my den. Eufros Rosa Bourbon is close, but I can't remember.
I haven't tried the Cade in a tube, but rumor has it that version is inferior to the tub. Speaking of expensive, the Cade was probably the third most expensive tub in my den when I owned it. But it's really, really good. There was a rumor months ago it was being pulled from production and I took advantage of the perceived scarcity by selling my tub. But I see it's still available so maybe they didn't pull it from production. If you do buy it, be sure to get the cream. IMO the soap isn't nearly as good, it being a veggie soap & quite drying.
If you're in London hunt down some Phoenix & Beau. Their Spitfire soap is one of my favorites. (Great label too!) Don't let the description deter you. It's brilliant.
ConstantineC
6
Aug 3, 2017
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repete66219Done! The English Shaving Company has its in stock, it is sold out elsewhere so bought one! Thanks again.
repete66219
106
Aug 3, 2017
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ConstantineCLooking on that website I see quote a few brands worth trying. Meissner Tremonia is quite good & Haslinger Schafmilch is probably the best performance:cost soap I've ever used. Although I've never tried them, I've heard great things about Tcheon Fung Sing and Obsessive Soap Perfectionist, so if you have too much money laying around... :-)
You're in London. Get thee to Jermyn Street and have a shave. I had one in the TOBS store a couple of years ago. My wife & I went to the Harp after & I was floating on air the rest of the day. Yours is a great city but I'm glad I don't live there. I'd spend all my spare time drooling over shoes on Jermyn Street.
You're in London. Get thee to Jermyn Street and have a shave. I had one in the TOBS store a couple of years ago. My wife & I went to the Harp after & I was floating on air the rest of the day. Yours is a great city but I'm glad I don't live there. I'd spend all my spare time drooling over shoes on Jermyn Street.
ConstantineC
6
Aug 3, 2017
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repete66219And Berlutti in Mayfair and Knightsbridge although they are useless in the rain! Thanks again for the advice let me know if you need me to search anything out locally for you
repete66219
106
Aug 3, 2017
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ConstantineCHaha, I appreciate it. If you see Crockett & Jones, Tricker's, etc. throwing out any size 9.5, please do let me know. :-) Meanwhile, enjoy that Spitfire. Cheers!
ConstantineC
6
Sep 3, 2017
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repete66219Hi, how are you? What do think of the razor? I find it marginally less comfortable and efficient than the Blackbird although it manages the corners of my chin better than the Blackbird. I really liked Cade and Castle Forbes shave creams but found the phoenix too much hassle for straight face application. It needs a brush. Smells great though. Have you experienced the Cade cologne? I can't find samples in the uk
repete66219
106
Sep 3, 2017
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ConstantineCI thought you had a brush? Even creams benefit for using one. Do yourself a favor & pick up a synthetic one. They're relatively inexpensive & really improve the shaving experIence.
The X3 is the mildest razor I've ever used. its not especially efficient, which is why I hardly ever use it. I've yet to try the Blackbird, but I've hewed good things about it.
The X3 is the mildest razor I've ever used. its not especially efficient, which is why I hardly ever use it. I've yet to try the Blackbird, but I've hewed good things about it.
ConstantineC
6
Sep 3, 2017
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repete66219The Blackbird used properly is better than the Feather ASD2 . More efficient and less cuts although cuts with the Feather are rare in any case. Blackbird are bringing out a slant later this year. I am going to be using the iKON as my travel razor. I will try out the brush. Any experience with Cade cologne?
repete66219
106
Sep 3, 2017
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ConstantineCNo experience with the cologne except sampling in-store but I remember a guy from one of the online groups that loved all things Cade. If you like the scent of the cream you'll probably enjoy the cologne too.
ConstantineC
6
Sep 3, 2017
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repete66219Thank you! Too unisex for me, but it's all a sign of ridiculous political correctness where it's increasingly difficult to find masculine smelling one. What do you expect in a society which removed Robert E Lee's statue and wants to do the same to Nelson's column?
repete66219
106
Sep 3, 2017
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ConstantineCI reckon it's less politics than marketing to both genders doubles the size of your market.
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