Thread: Paradigm Titanium Razor

Gentlemen,

The Paradigm titanium safety razor does not dazzle the eye like a sparkling jewel. No, not the way the Wolfman or the Timeless do. Those two razors sparkle as if shined by a royal silversmith.

A matt finish gives the razor a distinct look. I like it. I like it a lot. The matt finish and the chevron pattern on the handle also give the razor a rustic look. A warm feel like the approach of dusk. The feel of it in the hand conjures up an old friendship, as if you've been partners forever. The razor has a seasoned feel to it, like some of the great Gillettes of the bygone years.

Compared to the stainless steel razors, the Paradigm feels worlds lighter. You'd think it was an aluminum razor. But it is not. I find something tacky about most aluminum razors. The Paradigm, despite its relative light weight, feels well balanced in the hand. It feels solid. Nothing slippery about this handle, I might add, even though the chevrons are somewhat shallow.

The razor's design is lean and economical, like a Hemingway sentence. And I like the tapered handle, which is short enough and at the same time long enough. It's just right. What's more, the top cap hides the blade tabs. That's pure gold in my book.

This is an aggressive razor. Some will call it mid-aggressive. To me it is aggressive. No, nothing like the Muhle R41, or the Fatip; rather it sits on the lower end of aggressive razors. The Paradigm also has a prominent blade feel. I found this uncomfortable at first. By changing my angle so that the razor's handle is parallel to the face, I have reduced the blade feel considerably.

A little more than a week of shaving with the Paradigm, I feel I have found the razor's sweet spot. Despite it's aggressive characteristic, I have yet to have any nicks or weepers from this razor. Or any irritation. It is aggressive, yes, but it is also a smooth shaver. What's more, I have found the razor to be habit forming: no sooner have I finished with the shave that I want to start all over again.

I love the feel of the razor in my hand. I love the shave. I'm happy I have the razor, despite its heavy cost. Whether it's keeper or not is a little too early to tell. In the meantime I'm happy with the Paradigm titanium razor.

Thank you, Obie. That sounds lovely. I absolutely cannot stand the R41, but I liked the Fatip quite a lot. I also had (and sold) my ATT R1, I just couldn't cope with the aggressiveness of the razor... and I shave with a straight! Go figure! This sounds like it's not terribly aggressive, just very efficient. I like that, but for the time being, the cost is keeping me well away.

On a side note, the "marketing photos" I've seen so far make the chevrons look a lot deeper. Thank you for showing a more realistic image of the razor.

Originally Posted by Srdjan

Thank you, Obie. That sounds lovely. I absolutely cannot stand the R41, but I liked the Fatip quite a lot. I also had (and sold) my ATT R1, I just couldn't cope with the aggressiveness of the razor... and I shave with a straight! Go figure! This sounds like it's not terribly aggressive, just very efficient. I like that, but for the time being, the cost is keeping me well away.

On a side note, the "marketing photos" I've seen so far make the chevrons look a lot deeper. Thank you for showing a more realistic image of the razor.

Ah, my friend, the R41 is just a mean and nasty razor. I used it for a few shaves some years ago and got rid of it without ever looking back. You're right, the Fatip is a wee bit more tolerable. I had that, too, and passed it on, never looking back.

The Paradigm is quite an efficient razor. The best blades for it — for me — are Feather and Gillette "yellows." Indeed, it's an impressive razor. It does not replace my 0.68 Timeless scalloped or the Charcoal, though, as those are superb razors themselves. I am expecting the BBS-1 in the coming weeks, I hope, and will see how that shaves. Such great razors, all these.

It looks modern and vintage at the same time. I like it.

That is a beautiful razor indeed! I'm not sure I don't quite grasp what you mean by aggressive.

Originally Posted by Johntoad57

That is a beautiful razor indeed! I'm not sure I don't quite grasp what you mean by aggressive.

John,

What determines aggressiveness in the safety razor, generally, is the head design, blade gape and blade exposure. The Paradigm is aggressive in that respect. No, the Paradigm is not as aggressive as, say, the Muhle R41, or the Fatip. Actually, I think the R41 is just a mean razor, although quite efficient. The Paradigm is on the low rung of the aggressive razors.

What's ironic, for me, anyway, is that although I dislike aggressive razors, the Paradigm works well for me. It shaves me without irritation. I love it.

That is a beautiful razor and I'm glad you like it. I've been toying with the idea of of making some titanium scales.

I have to stick up for the R41. I love that razor.

Originally Posted by Obie

John,

What determines aggressiveness in the safety razor, generally, is the head design, blade gape and blade exposure. The Paradigm is aggressive in that respect. No, the Paradigm is not as aggressive as, say, the Muhle R41, or the Fatip. Actually, I think the R41 is just a mean razor, although quite efficient. The Paradigm is on the low rung of the aggressive razors.

What's ironic, for me, anyway, is that although I dislike aggressive razors, the Paradigm works well for me. It shaves me without irritation. I love it.

Thanks Obie! I wasn't quite sure but now understand. Again, just an outstanding razor!

Now be honest Obie. How many DEs and safety types have passed through your shave den in say the last 10 years?

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Now be honest Obie. How many DEs and safety types have passed through your shave den in say the last 10 years?

Good question, Spendur. I have lost track.