Thread: 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.