Thread: Wilkinson Empire shave

Expericenced Str8 user. I picked up a very nice condition Wilkinson Empire 7 day set because I think its cool. I looked at the blades and they looked so so with congealed oil on them. I decided to clean them up, ran them over the hones (they ARE sharp now) and got everything back together.

I decided to give it a try for shaving this morning. I got a DFS on my cheeks but not so good over the chin and under my jaw line. Cleaned up with a straight. Is this a technique thing, limitation of the "bulky mechanism, characteristic of it, or a combination of them? I am not planning on using it regularly but thought it would be a fun experience. If DFS is possible with it, I may be persuaded to work at it a bit more.

Love to see the set

I have a set and had pretty much the same result. I feel a lot is to do with technique, a strange angle and a really top-heavy contraption. I worked with the blade adjustment and got it to the most aggressive setting and it worked much better. I am working only with the Monday blade, but have procured a good strop with which to charge with CroOx. I know it is close, so I will give it a go again soon!

I had to Google it to see what it looked like and it appears to be of the same idea as a Rolls Razor or a Darwin Razor. That being the case and if the blades are sharp enough I would say it is just down to technique/getting used to it. Both my Rolls and Darwin can give close all over shaves if I do my part. Very interesting razor that Wilkinson.

Bob

I had one of these a while ago. It's a nice idea, but I didn't care for it. Like you, I got the blade sharp, but the shave left a bit to be desired.

That's gorgeous - did you win that one on E-Bay?

I was bidding on one like that and was out later than I thought and missed it...that is one spectacular piece of history...wow!

Phrank-

Yes I got it on fleabay. I watched one maybe not quite as nice go at auction for more than I was willing to pay. About a week later this one came up as a "buy it now" for less than half. I thought about it for a while but then snatched it up before someone like you saw it...Good shaver or not, its just too nice a piece of engineering and evolution.

Originally Posted by Splashone

Phrank-

Yes I got it on fleabay. I watched one maybe not quite as nice go at auction for more than I was willing to pay. About a week later this one came up as a "buy it now" for less than half. I thought about it for a while but then snatched it up before someone like you saw it...Good shaver or not, its just too nice a piece of engineering and evolution.

Thanks! That was the exact reason I was going to buy it - just looked like a darn fine piece of history to have, I like the whole concept, seven day set, and for that time, high tech style!

Cheers!

After a long time, today I used my Wilkinson Sword 7 Day Set Empire.

First step ... on the stones.

Then on my face ... in SOTD.