review of The Rockwell Model err????I forgot.

Well, after over two years of waiting (I wonder how many folks died who ordered one) I finally took possession of the Model T.

Basically it's a new iteration of the Gillette fatboy. I'll post some pics in the next day or so as I use the thing.

My initial shave was with their branded blades which are Chinese Made of "Swedish Steel". I'm used to feathers so to me they were not as sharp but I'm getting ahead of myself here. Incidentally from the initial funding site offering you got a years supply of blades thrown in.

From the beginning, for a $100 razor it had really impressive packaging and the razor which is considerably larger than the Fatboy had nice heft and great balance to it. The adjustments are 1-6. No click stops just continuous. The hangar doors are stiff and there is a good amount of play meaning you turn a lot before the doors move but once closed they are totally secure. You can use any blade you desire. I got the one with the gunmetal finish. At first glance the finish looks good but close inspection reveals minor finish flaws throughout. However for the price it's probably a get what you pay for deal. The razor is made in China and is made of brass.

So, as I was saying the first shave was with their blades at setting 4. I could really feel the blade working on my whiskers. Not uncomfortable mind you but you get this strange tinny sort of sound. Definitely not as sharp as feathers but sharp enough. The result was BBS and compared to my regular use DE the Timeless it was the same. Next shave was with the feather and setting 4 was too aggressive for the feather. It felt like the blade was right on my face. No comfort issues but it kind of reminded me of the R-41. They recommend 4-6 more for trimming and long whiskers. Though the feather cut through the whiskers with ease I still got that strange tinny sound probably because of the way the blade presents itself to your face.


Next shave on monday will be on setting 3 with the feather so I'll be able to tell better.

Mind you the razor feels very good in the hand and inspires confidence. My Timeless however exudes quality. There is no adjustment however it gives a perfect shave with no sounds, muss or fuss and perfect comfort and is just solid. Of course it costs over twice as much and is all stainless.

So I'll report back on this on monday and get some pics posted by then.

So two additional things before I forget them. The head of the razor is so big the blade fits into a well that totally covers the ends making removal a bit dicey. The other is you need a good cream or soap with plenty of lube because the metal of the frame on the guide can actually stick to your face. If you like to do a water pass forget it. Its like you put crazy glue on it. it really sticks and doesn't want to move. I don't know if it's just the gunmetal finish I have or they are all like that.

So, I'll wrap things up after a few shaves.

For me setting 3 with a feather is about right. The shave quality is as good as any other DE I've used which is almost the equal of a straight. The one thing I don't like about it is that sensation and sound while shaving like the blade was right on your face and you can hear it working. I think I'll stick with my timeless razor. Of course it costs more but it gives just a better experience for the same shave quality.

Next up will be the Janus Razor expected some time next month. I expect that to be special. Stand by.

So now that I've played with this for a while I'll wrap this up.

This razor though a knockoff of the Fatboy is really nothing like it. It shaves different and feels different. I would characterize the Rockwell as an aggressive shaver. You can tone it down by using a tamer blade and lower settings but even at setting 2 which is best for me, it's still on the aggressive side. I've used their blades and feathers and it doesn't make much difference. At setting 4 it reminded me of my R 41.

I will also say it gives the best shave of any DE I have ever used. I didn't think you could get closer than my Timeless but this sucker gives a shave (that for me) is absolutely the equal of a straight. The price you pay is the degree of aggressiveness, limiting the number of passes and needing a really good soap or cream.