Thoughts on the Mongoose

Gentlemen,

The Mongoose ignites a cluster of worn out phrases and adjectives in praising its status as a new stainless steel single edge safety razor. The Mongoose as a "game-changer" is especially tossed around like spitballs. What does "game-changer" exactly mean? That the razor will change the way men view safety razors? Or does it mean the Mongoose will change the way men shave?

Single edge shavers such as the Gem have reigned comfortably alongside the double edge safety razors for decades. Each has its place in traditional shaving. I doubt that will change anytime soon, if ever.

What I find in the Mongoose is an efficient, comfortable and safe shaver that is an alternative to the double edge safety razor. I love the razor. That's why in the photograph it has the privilege of sharing the space with my beloved lighter.

Will the Mongoose knock the Wolfman double edge razor off the mantle of remarkable shavers? Heavens no. In my opinion, it will take a Herculean force to top the Wolfman. Yet the Mongoose holds its own as an alternative shaver in my humble collection of stainless steel safety razors: now Wolfman, Mongoose, Above the Tie and Weber.

Since the blade in the single edge Mongoose does not have the same flex as the blade in the double edge razor, the shave is different. So is the feel of the razors on the face. I like one as much as the other.

Some shavers put the Mongoose in the same class as the Feather Artist Club. Absolutely not. Although the two razors use the same type of blade, they are from two different worlds: one a straight razor with replaceable blades and the other a single edge safety razor. No comparison, not even in the shave.

My Mongoose razor has the satin finish atop the Dr. Bombay handle. The razor is heavy, and big, but it is so well balanced that it tucks comfortably even in my small hands. Fit and finish are impeccable. The blade sits firmly in the shave head, and it is easy to replace.

I change blades with each shave in the double edge razor. The Mongoose gives me four comfortable shaves with the same blade.

The Mongoose is well worth the expense and the experience. For me, it is a keeper.

Obie,
Where did you purchase it? Trying to find their website.

They have no website, Scarface, but you can reach them on Facebook and place your order with Matt Glass:

Thanks.
I hate Facebook. They should think about a real website.
But, I'll have my wife do the looking and buying.

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Originally Posted by Scareface

Thanks.
I hate Facebook. They should think about a real website.
But, I'll have my wife do the looking and buying.

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Or have her Goggle Mongoose razors and see where that leads.

I've had three shaves so far and am still adjusting to it.

I can't add much to Obie's excellent comments. I'm still on the original blade (feather super pro) and the shaves have not deteriorated at all. With DE's 3 is the limit.

The only thing I have noticed, while shaving the head of the razor almost seems to stick to the skin after the pass and the lather is removed by the razor. Just a strange sensation.

I still think it's bests the R41 in all departments with the added benefit you can shave faster without worry of mishaps unlike the R-41 where you really have to take your time.

I don't have the Wolfman so I can't compare it to that one and I don't know about the hype the manufacturer is peddling however it's just a superior razor in my book.

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I've had three shaves so far and am still adjusting to it.

I can't add much to Obie's excellent comments. I'm still on the original blade (feather super pro) and the shaves have not deteriorated at all. With DE's 3 is the limit.

The only thing I have noticed, while shaving the head of the razor almost seems to stick to the skin after the pass and the lather is removed by the razor. Just a strange sensation.

I still think it's bests the R41 in all departments with the added benefit you can shave faster without worry of mishaps unlike the R-41 where you really have to take your time.

I don't have the Wolfman so I can't compare it to that one and I don't know about the hype the manufacturer is peddling however it's just a superior razor in my book.

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Spendur, I agree with you completely. I have noticed the shave head sticking to the skin, too, and can't figure out why. It does not detract from the shave, but you're right, it is a strange sensation.
Oh, you can have the Muhle R41. That is just a mean razor. The Mongoose is aggressive, yes, but it is comfortable and quite safe. I think it feels as safe as the feather despite the aggressive characteristic. I love the razor.

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Originally Posted by Scareface

Thanks.
I hate Facebook. They should think about a real website.
But, I'll have my wife do the looking and buying.

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They make the razor as a hobby on the side of their day time jobs. It is a great razor IMO.

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Originally Posted by Obie

Spendur, I agree with you completely. I have noticed the shave head sticking to the skin, too, and can't figure out why. It does not detract from the shave, but you're right, it is a strange sensation.
.

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I wonder if some texturing to the large flat surface would stop the sticking?

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Originally Posted by 32t

I wonder if some texturing to the large flat surface would stop the sticking?

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I have the polished head version, and it does not stick for me. Could be the angle I am using it at.

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Originally Posted by mainaman

I have the polished head version, and it does not stick for me. Could be the angle I am using it at.

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The angle could be the difference. I bought one of these knifes to try out the raindrop pattern. It really works well on stuff like cheese. This is what I was thinking of.

Ken Onion Rain Chef's Knife | Williams-Sonoma

OK, Obie - you've convinced me. I've been on their mailing list for a while and just received my ordering instructions. I'm getting the satin finish. I just made the payment, so we'll see how long their cycle is.

Looking forward to trying it!

Thanks,
Tim

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Originally Posted by shammer

OK, Obie - you've convinced me. I've been on their mailing list for a while and just received my ordering instructions. I'm getting the satin finish. I just made the payment, so we'll see how long their cycle is.

Looking forward to trying it!

Thanks,
Tim

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I think you'll like the Mongoose, Tim. It's something different. After about a week of shaving with the razor, I am slowly grasping its personality and adapting to its distinct characteristics. I find the Mongoose comfortable and safe in many respects despite being a relatively aggressive razor.

All my safety razors are stainless steel — Wolfman, Above the Tie and Weber — except for the sweet and mild iKon Shavecraft 101, which has an aluminum shave head and stainless steel handle, and the old Gillettes. The Mongoose will not replace them, but serve as a pleasant alternative, a change of pace.

No safety razor has given me as close and smooth a shave as my straight bar and open comb Wolfman. And the Wolfman is also pure silk. The Muhle R41 also gave me a close shave, but that's the devil's razor. Perhaps when I master the Mongoose, it will sit next to the Wolfman. Until then, I am enjoying school with the razor.