The Pils Double Edge Razor
Ladies and gentlemen:
Do you own a Pils double edge razor? Do you use it? And what are your thoughts on it?
Yes, it's pricey.
I use a straight razor daily, of course, and rotate my modest collection of 25, including the Feather Artist Club. Every seventh shave, however, I devote to the double edge, and whenever I am short for time.
Why the seventh shave? I don't know. It sounds logical.
I am still fond of my double edge razors, even though the lineup is down to two: an Edwin Jagger "Chatsworth" barley and a Muhle-Pinsel, the R89. Both razors use the Muhle shave head, by the way.
My blades are Feather and Gillette 7 O'Clock "Sharp Edge" in the yellow wrapping — the yellow packs — after having tried scores of other brands.
Lately I have eyed the Pils, and have done considerable research on it, as I do on everything else before I buy it. I also have done a massive amount of research on the new Feather stainless steel and am still thinking about it.
Anyway, the questions for now centers on the Pils. Since I have the highest respect for your thoughts and opinion, I look forward to hearing from you. Many thanks.
Regards,
Obie
It's one of three double edge razors I own and use exclusively.
The other two are a Merkur Futur, my first, and a Feather All Stainless.
It is indeed pricy, the most expensive I own. If $250 bucks isn't that big a problem, I would recommend one, for sure.
I like the way it shaves very much. I also like the indestructible finish of the steel, there's no plating to damage. It's weight is very nice. I just don't have anything bad to say about mine.
As for the rust issue, a colleague of mine bought one used that had a little rust under the head cap. He brought it in so we could have a look at it with the microscope before deciding how to remove it. Another colleague with professional corrosion control experience also had a look. We agreed it was rust deposited by a rusting blade left in the razor. He wiped some of it off with a paper tissue. I cleaned the rest off with limescale remover and a toothbrush. This one, at least, was a case of poor maintenance by its owner. I've not had the slightest rust problem with mine.
Is it worth that price? That's what I keep coming back to. I'm not so sure it is. The Feather All Stainless is a hundred bucks cheaper, and performs as well, if a little less aggressive than the Pils.
My judgment is that it is a luxury razor that works very well indeed. The main decision to make is how much that luxury is worth to you.
The Pils Double Edge Razor
Hello, TheMetatron:
Thank you for that most useful information on the Pils Razor. It is an intriguing razor in appearance, and sings of quality craftsmanship. I have also eyed the Feather and am impressed by its clean lines and overall quality.
From what you and others have noted, the Feather is the less aggressive of the two razors. I generally prefer the less aggressive razors. That's why I abandoned the Merkurs for the Edwin Jaggers and the Muhle-Pinsels. As you well know, the EJ and Muhle use the same Muhle shave head.
The Pils and the Feather are expensive, yes, but I agree with you that the price poses the philosophical truth of the worth of something to the individual shaver. Whether I will buy one or the other, or both, will probably depend on the continuous discussions in my head and the dangling of coins in my pocket.
Regards,
Obie