I hadn't heard about it being discontinued so soon, I guess sales of such a (comparatively) expensive razor might be slow...
Thank goodness I didn't get the titanium, because, I knew the razor would be too light, glad I got the stainless steel and the weight is bloody perfect for level 2 & 3 shaves. If, you think about it when having a titanium razor, some shaves can cause your shaves skipping without any extra weight to prevent from skipping.(Wolfman) Guerrilla Ti 0.69mm OC (Canada)
There have been many less than flattering comments about the handle of the original Guerrilla over the last eight years of manufacture regarding its lack of grip and the aesthetics of having a straight shaft with no machining other than three narrow grooves at each end. Personally, I thought the handle suited the intended purpose, I have never had a grip issue and quite liked its presentation but that did not stop me from ordering this razor with the alternate Rebel handle. With a titanium Guerrilla on offer, its selection was never in doubt, in fact this razor would never have materialized had it not been titanium. Having previously been blown away by the performance of the 0.69mm plate, selection for the blade gap was simple; might as well try an open comb though. Also offered was a second plate so I grabbed a 0.84mm SB plate and that will be the review for next week. All the usual Guerrilla features are present including no excess material in the cap or the plate, blade clamping at the very edge, round blade posts on the cap that mate into blind holes in the plate, Guerrilla’s ever commendable thread engagement and the standard satin finish. Another feature I’d like to commend Guerrilla on is that each plate now has the blade gap engraved at the rear.
First shave completed and I’m caught off guard, so I scuttle out for my glasses to check that the plate really does have 0.69 engraved on it and my records of the SB 0.69; the Ti’s aggression was far more than I was expecting. Efficiency for the 0.69 plated OC Guerrilla was in excess of Karve CB Level #D and it had blade feel by the truck load; back to the old days of the OC version of a razor being more aggressive that the SB plated version. My approach to subsequent shaves was a lot more cautious. A close shave was never in doubt and some weepers on can testify to that; nothing major, just those small patches that close almost immediately. The teeth on the comb can be felt but they are rounded and smooth, so they just glide over the face and become a non-event after the first couple of shaves. Lately I’ve become critical of razor balance, especially on titanium razors, so it is pleasing to report that the Guerrilla’s balance is very good. It displays all the qualities of a top shelf razor, I have been a fan of the Guerrilla since its first inception and now with the blade posts relocated to the cap, a choice of efficiency levels and four different metals to choose from, I can’t speak highly enough of the Guerrilla. I appreciated my time with the 0.69mm OC plated Guerrilla but it demands respect.
Blades Used – Wizamet Polsilver and Royal II
Material – Gr5 Titanium
Weight – 55.9g
Blade Tab - Exposed
Head Width – 41.69mm
Handle Length – 89.98mm
Handle Diameter – 12.83mm
Availability – Guerrilla Razors
Final Word – SB Please
I have been scouring the boards and online ever since I got my Ti Diamondback for a stainless one... no joy. I keep looking at the rack - Ti, Cu, Salient and I keep looking fo SS and the ever elusive SE. I agree with your sentiment.SHIT!!!
I like to shave with GEMs. I have both the V1 and the V2 in stainless. I find V2 #2 perfect for everyday use, and #3 for cleaning up after using a straight (I am still learning, and I have a couple of spots with a cyclonic growth pattern and constrained access) when I am doing one for my wife. I now have the V2 on the counter loaded with #3 for touch-up work and the V1 (mild plate) in my regular rotation. It shaves like a #2. If someone had to have only one GEM, the V2 should probably be it.Blackland Sabre II Ti - #3 (USA)
Blackland’s email advising that their Sabre II was to be discontinued took me by surprise. The November Black Friday sales were still a way off and I’d been holding out to get one at a discounted price, caught out by my own frugality. By that time there would be none available, only one thing to do, lay down my hard earned and get one before they disappeared. Stainless steel? Titanium? both versions were available but being a titanium devotee, the selection of material was straight forward. I’ve been caught out previously by the less than desirable machined finishes on Blackland products, so the polished version was selected. What a stunning polished finish Blackland has presented on the Sabre II, every side of each piece has been meticulously done. Well, that is not quite true; the forward grip on the handle retains a machined finish, providing both contrast and positive grip. Highlighting the whole Sabre II package is that efficiency can be swapped by flipping over a removable safety bar section at the leading edge of the plate. Two bar sections are provided, thus giving the purchaser four different efficiency levels to choose from. For this review I have selected the #3 bar section, so I’ll see how that goes before trying to determine my next level to try or even if I need another selection. Taking its que from the original Sabre, the sides of the handle post have been machined off to permit it to protrude through the hole in the centre of the GEM blade to give the Sabre II a small head profile. With the desired bar section and blade fitted, the head is clamped down in a flat package.
My selection of the #3 bar section was based on personal preference for efficiency just above mid-range, the #3 bar section fitted that criteria in theory. However, it did not take long to discover that I had chosen too high an efficiency level with the #3 bar section; efficiency was slightly on the high side Karve CB level #D which was not a problem in itself, but the abundance of positive blade feel was less than welcome. Naturally sharp GEM blades do a fantastic job of mowing down stubble but the Sabre II with its #3 bar section fitted was leaving behind patches of weepers. Less downward pressure reduced the number of weepers but that required concentration all the way, not my idea of a comfortable shave. Of course, the shave was close, but I have had many better shaves, time to go down a notch and give the #2 bar section a whirl; with the Sabre II already out of its packaging - next week.
Blades Used – Personna
Material – Titanium
Weight – 45.5g
Blade Tab – Covered
Head Width – 39.85mm
Handle Length – 88.08mm
Handle Diameter – 12.48mm
Availability – Out of Production (Temporarily)
Final Word – Bloody horrible
We could probably have a hundred reviews of modern GEM razors, and we would probably end up with a hundred different impressions. @Errol has given us a less than glowing review of the Sabre V1 L2, and now likewise for the V2 L3. For a while I had wondered if he just didn't get along with that blade format, but his impressions of the Vestige, and to an extent the WR3 belied that. (Page 88 of this thread: I can't see it in the index, which is mostly out of date now.)
I don't mind it, probably the best part of the razor. No, sorry, the packaging is the best part, it keeps the thing out of sight.The handle is fugly too.
Very thorough review, Errol. Thank-you.Blackland Sabre II Ti - #1 (USA)
Having identified last week that the Blackland Sabre II Ti with the #3 bar section fitted was not at all to my liking, this time around I have fitted the #2 bar section to check its ability to deliver a comfortable shave. As assumed, both the efficiency and positive blade feel were reduced; efficiency dropped to fractionally below Karve CB level #D but there remained a substantial amount of blade feel, more that I was comfortable with. After only one shave with the #2 bar section installed, it was an easy decision to flip the safety bar to use the #1 side in the search of a half decent shave from the Sabre II Ti. It’s a long time since I’ve resorted to the mildest option available in any razor with adjustability to obtain its optimal shave. This resulted in a much better shave, but it was a long way from great, between Karve CB Level #C and #D efficiency but with a usable amount of positive blade feel, a long way from smooth, but the shave was certainly close.
With positive blade feel approaching a usable level on the #1 setting, an observation of the Sabre II Ti was the quality of the handle design and the positive grip provided; last week I was in survival mode and did not appreciate the handle. I found little to wave the flag about when I reviewed the original Sabre and I have even less love for the revised Sabre II. Sure it might look pretty, but with Blackland resorting to gimmicks in the form of the Sabre II fiddly bar section adjustability, the whole show has backfired, and Blackland has delivered a dud razor. I’m thinking that other users have achieved similar results to mine and that is why the Sabre II is no longer available. Good riddance.
Blades Used – Personna
Material – Titanium
Weight – 45.5g
Blade Tab – Covered
Head Width – 39.85mm
Handle Length – 88.08mm
Handle Diameter – 12.48mm
Availability – Out of Production
Final Word – Still horrible
Errol,Schick - Qantas Emergency Razor
Temperatures during August in Nhulunbuy usually range around 23 to 31C and as I was flying to Melbourne where I knew that it would be bloody freezing for this thin blooded northerner, I packed my bag with a jacket in an easily accessible pocket so that as soon as I picked my bag up, I could slip it on before I ventured outside the airport terminal. ‘Sorry sir, your bag has been directed to Sydney, we’ll get it to you in the morning’. I’ve got the cloths I’m standing in, its bloody cold and I was so looking forward to a shave. ‘Here sir, take this. This emergency pack has your essential personal items and a pair of pyjamas’. ‘Thank you’, it wasn’t that poor bugger’s fault, he was doing all he could.
I’m looking and feeling feral and scratch as I might, the itch is driving me up the wall; bugger it, I’ll try that petite little Qantas special in the pack and go back to the days when similar examples were my razors of choice. There’s also a tube of Schick Shaving Cream in the pack; I’ve got nothing else so it’s back to the bad old days on the shave cream front too for this little boy. Try as I might, I couldn’t get a lather but there was lubricant on my face so no turning back now. After I worked out how to get the blade protector off, the little Schick done a commendable job as it clawed its way through the first pass. Second pass, and the tube of Shaving Cream had been squeezed dry. This really is getting back to the days when shaving every day was a requirement of the job and being too broke to afford shave cream, I’d dry shave. At least this time there was some shaving cream residue from the first pass, and I could use water. To be fair the Qantas Emergency Razor didn’t do a bad job, it was smooth with around Karve CB Level #C efficiency and there was enough positive blade to satisfactorily complete the shave and make me feel like someone owned me again. Even though it was forced onto me, it was good to experience again what was the normal not all that long ago. Truth is, I’m not about to give away my collection of razors to go back to the disposable razor, that’s for sure.
Qantas, as good as their word, got my bag to me around mid-morning the next day, but not before I had rushed out to buy myself another jumper, gee I’ll need that back home. One item in the pack that really performed well was the tooth brush. If I knew what brand it was or where to get them from, I would continue using them. That’s an experience I don’t want to repeat again in a hurry, but I lived to tell the tale.
Blades Used – Internal
Material – Genuine Landfill Plastic
Blade Tab – Covered
Availability – When Qantas misdirect your luggage
Final Word – Thanks for nothing Qantas
Errol,
You should be thanking Qantas (LOL). You must not have kept up with modern medical research that shows cold exposure is GOOD for you and improves many health markers. At least that's what I tell myself during Melbourne winters (while I dream of escaping to somewhere warmer).
In truth, Melbourne winters are much milder than when I grew up. Then, the morning walk to school was over crunchy, frost covered grass and iced over puddles. Thank-you global warming.
Great review @Errol definitely bought a smile to my face and made me think about the yellow bic disposables are used to leave up at the mining camp back in the old days (although they look a bit fancier than the bic’s) just in case I forgot to pack the old black handle Super speed when I returned to the camp.Schick - Qantas Emergency Razor
Temperatures during August in Nhulunbuy usually range around 23 to 31C and as I was flying to Melbourne where I knew that it would be bloody freezing for this thin blooded northerner, I packed my bag with a jacket in an easily accessible pocket so that as soon as I picked my bag up, I could slip it on before I ventured outside the airport terminal. ‘Sorry sir, your bag has been directed to Sydney, we’ll get it to you in the morning’. I’ve got the cloths I’m standing in, its bloody cold and I was so looking forward to a shave. ‘Here sir, take this. This emergency pack has your essential personal items and a pair of pyjamas’. ‘Thank you’, it wasn’t that poor bugger’s fault, he was doing all he could.
I’m looking and feeling feral and scratch as I might, the itch is driving me up the wall; bugger it, I’ll try that petite little Qantas special in the pack and go back to the days when similar examples were my razors of choice. There’s also a tube of Schick Shaving Cream in the pack; I’ve got nothing else so it’s back to the bad old days on the shave cream front too for this little boy. Try as I might, I couldn’t get a lather but there was lubricant on my face so no turning back now. After I worked out how to get the blade protector off, the little Schick done a commendable job as it clawed its way through the first pass. Second pass, and the tube of Shaving Cream had been squeezed dry. This really is getting back to the days when shaving every day was a requirement of the job and being too broke to afford shave cream, I’d dry shave. At least this time there was some shaving cream residue from the first pass, and I could use water. To be fair the Qantas Emergency Razor didn’t do a bad job, it was smooth with around Karve CB Level #C efficiency and there was enough positive blade to satisfactorily complete the shave and make me feel like someone owned me again. Even though it was forced onto me, it was good to experience again what was the normal not all that long ago. Truth is, I’m not about to give away my collection of razors to go back to the disposable razor, that’s for sure.
Qantas, as good as their word, got my bag to me around mid-morning the next day, but not before I had rushed out to buy myself another jumper, gee I’ll need that back home. One item in the pack that really performed well was the tooth brush. If I knew what brand it was or where to get them from, I would continue using them. That’s an experience I don’t want to repeat again in a hurry, but I lived to tell the tale.
Blades Used – Internal
Material – Genuine Landfill Plastic
Blade Tab – Covered
Availability – When Qantas misdirect your luggage
Final Word – Thanks for nothing Qantas
I had to laugh. I live in Florida, but my job required me to travel frequently. I have a closet full of coats purchased because someone wasn't thinking about the weather in the rest of the world when he packed or headed for the plane.... I distinctly remember a trip to Rimouski, Quebec....Schick - Qantas Emergency Razor
Temperatures during August in Nhulunbuy usually range around 23 to 31C and as I was flying to Melbourne where I knew that it would be bloody freezing for this thin blooded northerner, I packed my bag with a jacket in an easily accessible pocket so that as soon as I picked my bag up, I could slip it on before I ventured outside the airport terminal. ‘Sorry sir, your bag has been directed to Sydney, we’ll get it to you in the morning’. I’ve got the cloths I’m standing in, its bloody cold and I was so looking forward to a shave. ‘Here sir, take this. This emergency pack has your essential personal items and a pair of pyjamas’. ‘Thank you’, it wasn’t that poor bugger’s fault, he was doing all he could.
I’m looking and feeling feral and scratch as I might, the itch is driving me up the wall; bugger it, I’ll try that petite little Qantas special in the pack and go back to the days when similar examples were my razors of choice. There’s also a tube of Schick Shaving Cream in the pack; I’ve got nothing else so it’s back to the bad old days on the shave cream front too for this little boy. Try as I might, I couldn’t get a lather but there was lubricant on my face so no turning back now. After I worked out how to get the blade protector off, the little Schick done a commendable job as it clawed its way through the first pass. Second pass, and the tube of Shaving Cream had been squeezed dry. This really is getting back to the days when shaving every day was a requirement of the job and being too broke to afford shave cream, I’d dry shave. At least this time there was some shaving cream residue from the first pass, and I could use water. To be fair the Qantas Emergency Razor didn’t do a bad job, it was smooth with around Karve CB Level #C efficiency and there was enough positive blade to satisfactorily complete the shave and make me feel like someone owned me again. Even though it was forced onto me, it was good to experience again what was the normal not all that long ago. Truth is, I’m not about to give away my collection of razors to go back to the disposable razor, that’s for sure.
Qantas, as good as their word, got my bag to me around mid-morning the next day, but not before I had rushed out to buy myself another jumper, gee I’ll need that back home. One item in the pack that really performed well was the tooth brush. If I knew what brand it was or where to get them from, I would continue using them. That’s an experience I don’t want to repeat again in a hurry, but I lived to tell the tale.
Blades Used – Internal
Material – Genuine Landfill Plastic
Blade Tab – Covered
Availability – When Qantas misdirect your luggage
Final Word – Thanks for nothing Qantas
@Gargravarr Good question. Firstly, I’d like to clear up one of your statements. Doing these reviews is not for ‘our’ benefit, it is for my benefit. It’s just that I’m prepared to share those thoughts on the forum and add a bit of spice while I’m doing it. I’m an inquisitive bastard with a sizeable collection of razors who wants to know how each of them performs. Yes, there are razors that I’d like to revisit and others that I’d be happy to never see again. For example, I’d love to revisit the BBS-1 and some of the early Charcoal Goods razors that are real works of art. Without thinking too much about it, if I never heard the name Rocca again, it would be too soon but I do have 2 x renditions of the Rocca I’ve not used. I’ve got razors pencilled in to the end of next year but don’t be to surprised if I add a revisit here and there.@Errol, I've been wondering for ages, do you ever find time to revisit razors you've reviewed earlier, or are you condemned to wander for all eternity reviewing new or unexplored razors for our benefit?
I should mention that we all really appreciate what you're doing here (I'm sure there are many lurkers who will also agree), but I do hope you find time for yourself in the course of this project.
