klinker
... seems to have LOTS of brushes
+1
Weekly Razor Review
- Thread starter Errol
- Start date
wiiiildbill
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OliWorks definitely make great razors
LesC
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Mark1966
Canberra dwelling Happy Clapping Bean Counter
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Grand Society
2016 Sabbatical Fail
2018 Charity Auction Winner
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LesC
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SpeedyPC
REALLY needs to posts SOTD pics ...
Grand Society
2017 Sabbatical Fail
2018 Charity Auction Winner
Errol
Razor Review Guru
Stando Mara Ti (Poland)
When Stando commenced production, I purchased every model as they were released. Great, then Stando advised that they had too many models and were going to change the position of the blade posts from the plate to the cap and cull the number of models they produced. Bull shit, they certainly switched the position of the blade posts but there was a mass introduction of new models; I couldn’t keep up with them and stopped buying Stando, till this Mara. Released in 2023, the Stando Mara has rounded ends to eliminate the sharp corners thus softening its visual impact while completely hiding the blade tabs. Blade clamping is achieved on wide flats at the outer extremities of the cap and corresponding flats on the top of the plate. There is no excess metal in the cap but there is a little more substance to the plate, even that is not excessive. Engraved into a relief in the back of the plate is the model’s name, serial number and a proudly displayed ‘Made in Poland’. There are a couple of grooves at the forward and rear section of the handle and spirals run down its working surface to provide the necessary grip. Stando present most of their razors in a satin finish and the Mara has not deviated from that finish, other than the top of the plate, there is not a machine mark to be seen.
When I first picked up the Mara, the handle length felt too long, however in use if felt balanced and was easy to control. It did not take long to establish the efficiency of the Mara to be around Karve CB Level D with a great big dollop of positive blade, but I was still not expecting to be sliced up while shaving. For the most part, the shave felt comfortable considering that amount of positive blade but then for no apparent reason, it would lash out like a mongrel dog and bite. A change of blade to the milder performing Muhle blade did not improve the situation. By the last shave with the Mara, I was very watchful of its unwanted characteristic of biting, and must have refined my technique, because I escaped the shave unscathed. This is not a razor that I rate highly and one that those new to wet shaving are advised to be very wary of.
Blades Used – Gillette Super Stainless and Muhle
Material – Gr 5 Titanium
Weight – 63.1g
Blade Tab - Covered
Head Width – 45.91mm
Handle Length – 94.67mm
Handle Diameter – 12.04mm
Availability – Stando
Final Word – Not pleasant
When Stando commenced production, I purchased every model as they were released. Great, then Stando advised that they had too many models and were going to change the position of the blade posts from the plate to the cap and cull the number of models they produced. Bull shit, they certainly switched the position of the blade posts but there was a mass introduction of new models; I couldn’t keep up with them and stopped buying Stando, till this Mara. Released in 2023, the Stando Mara has rounded ends to eliminate the sharp corners thus softening its visual impact while completely hiding the blade tabs. Blade clamping is achieved on wide flats at the outer extremities of the cap and corresponding flats on the top of the plate. There is no excess metal in the cap but there is a little more substance to the plate, even that is not excessive. Engraved into a relief in the back of the plate is the model’s name, serial number and a proudly displayed ‘Made in Poland’. There are a couple of grooves at the forward and rear section of the handle and spirals run down its working surface to provide the necessary grip. Stando present most of their razors in a satin finish and the Mara has not deviated from that finish, other than the top of the plate, there is not a machine mark to be seen.
When I first picked up the Mara, the handle length felt too long, however in use if felt balanced and was easy to control. It did not take long to establish the efficiency of the Mara to be around Karve CB Level D with a great big dollop of positive blade, but I was still not expecting to be sliced up while shaving. For the most part, the shave felt comfortable considering that amount of positive blade but then for no apparent reason, it would lash out like a mongrel dog and bite. A change of blade to the milder performing Muhle blade did not improve the situation. By the last shave with the Mara, I was very watchful of its unwanted characteristic of biting, and must have refined my technique, because I escaped the shave unscathed. This is not a razor that I rate highly and one that those new to wet shaving are advised to be very wary of.
Blades Used – Gillette Super Stainless and Muhle
Material – Gr 5 Titanium
Weight – 63.1g
Blade Tab - Covered
Head Width – 45.91mm
Handle Length – 94.67mm
Handle Diameter – 12.04mm
Availability – Stando
Final Word – Not pleasant
klinker
... seems to have LOTS of brushes
Welcome home @Errol!Stando Mara Ti (Poland)
When Stando commenced production, I purchased every model as they were released. Great, then Stando advised that they had too many models and were going to change the position of the blade posts from the plate to the cap and cull the number of models they produced. Bull shit, they certainly switched the position of the blade posts but there was a mass introduction of new models; I couldn’t keep up with them and stopped buying Stando, till this Mara. Released in 2023, the Stando Mara has rounded ends to eliminate the sharp corners thus softening its visual impact while completely hiding the blade tabs. Blade clamping is achieved on wide flats at the outer extremities of the cap and corresponding flats on the top of the plate. There is no excess metal in the cap but there is a little more substance to the plate, even that is not excessive. Engraved into a relief in the back of the plate is the model’s name, serial number and a proudly displayed ‘Made in Poland’. There are a couple of grooves at the forward and rear section of the handle and spirals run down its working surface to provide the necessary grip. Stando present most of their razors in a satin finish and the Mara has not deviated from that finish, other than the top of the plate, there is not a machine mark to be seen.
When I first picked up the Mara, the handle length felt too long, however in use if felt balanced and was easy to control. It did not take long to establish the efficiency of the Mara to be around Karve CB Level D with a great big dollop of positive blade, but I was still not expecting to be sliced up while shaving. For the most part, the shave felt comfortable considering that amount of positive blade but then for no apparent reason, it would lash out like a mongrel dog and bite. A change of blade to the milder performing Muhle blade did not improve the situation. By the last shave with the Mara, I was very watchful of its unwanted characteristic of biting, and must have refined my technique, because I escaped the shave unscathed. This is not a razor that I rate highly and one that those new to wet shaving are advised to be very wary of.
Blades Used – Gillette Super Stainless and Muhle
Material – Gr 5 Titanium
Weight – 63.1g
Blade Tab - Covered
Head Width – 45.91mm
Handle Length – 94.67mm
Handle Diameter – 12.04mm
Availability – Stando
Final Word – Not pleasant
Errol
Razor Review Guru
Frank Shaving 316L Razor (China)
After reading their propaganda and studying the photos of the Frank Shaving 316L Razor, it struck me that for a budget razor it had more going for it than the price. I examined the design of the 316L and from what I can make out, its design is their own. I liked that the back of the plate had been machined out, the full width blade clamping and I’m sure there will be more when I can study it. When I went to buy, the polished versions had sold out so I had two choices; not buy any or take the satin finish. I’m not adverse to a satin finish so was content to accept the latter option, and I’m glad I did. All the external surfaces have a solid satin finish that will wear well and still look presentable in 20 years. On the top of the plate are some fine machine marks, but they are smooth and blend in well to the satin finish. There has been no attempt to finish the knurling on the handle, so it is sure to provide good grip. Finally, a Chinese company that can machine threads, positive engagement and smooth, I’m liking what I’m seeing.
Feather blades were included in the packaging so that was my first choice of blade. As I’ve often commented, Feather blades are my go to blade in mild performing razors, and they were in their element in the 316L. Efficiency of the Frank 316L was little more than Karve CB level #B performance and there was some positive blade feel; the shave was certainly smooth and comfortable but required buffing to get anything like a close shave. A change of blade to the Wilkinson Sword did not alter the performance of the 316L one little bit. Frank Shaving have produced a quality razor, however a more efficient plate is required to complement the standard item, no huge jump is necessary.
Blades Used – Feather and Wilkinson Sword
Material – 316L Stainless Steel
Weight – 103.2g
Blade Tab - Covered
Head Width – 43.1mm
Handle Length – 90.14mm
Handle Diameter – 12.17mm
Availability – Frank Shaving
Final Word – More oomph please
After reading their propaganda and studying the photos of the Frank Shaving 316L Razor, it struck me that for a budget razor it had more going for it than the price. I examined the design of the 316L and from what I can make out, its design is their own. I liked that the back of the plate had been machined out, the full width blade clamping and I’m sure there will be more when I can study it. When I went to buy, the polished versions had sold out so I had two choices; not buy any or take the satin finish. I’m not adverse to a satin finish so was content to accept the latter option, and I’m glad I did. All the external surfaces have a solid satin finish that will wear well and still look presentable in 20 years. On the top of the plate are some fine machine marks, but they are smooth and blend in well to the satin finish. There has been no attempt to finish the knurling on the handle, so it is sure to provide good grip. Finally, a Chinese company that can machine threads, positive engagement and smooth, I’m liking what I’m seeing.
Feather blades were included in the packaging so that was my first choice of blade. As I’ve often commented, Feather blades are my go to blade in mild performing razors, and they were in their element in the 316L. Efficiency of the Frank 316L was little more than Karve CB level #B performance and there was some positive blade feel; the shave was certainly smooth and comfortable but required buffing to get anything like a close shave. A change of blade to the Wilkinson Sword did not alter the performance of the 316L one little bit. Frank Shaving have produced a quality razor, however a more efficient plate is required to complement the standard item, no huge jump is necessary.
Blades Used – Feather and Wilkinson Sword
Material – 316L Stainless Steel
Weight – 103.2g
Blade Tab - Covered
Head Width – 43.1mm
Handle Length – 90.14mm
Handle Diameter – 12.17mm
Availability – Frank Shaving
Final Word – More oomph please
Errol
Razor Review Guru
Maxwell June Double Edge EX - Errolized (USA)
Put simply, the Maxwell June Double Edge with the standard cap that I tested late last year was an exceptionally capable shaver, however, it was sadly let down by excessive weight and the machine finish it was presented in. When queried about the possibilities of its losing weight and a premium version, Rob from Maxwell June replied that a polished version may happen in 2026 and that they were looking at a longer handle with a hollow section, a titanium handle was not on their radar as it was difficult to machine. May be/ may be not, isn’t encouraging enough for me; bugger it, I’ll build my own. The MJ worked so well it deserves some love and attention. If you’ve been looking to buy a titanium handle in recent times, you’ll know they are thin on the ground. For a short while I thought about the Alpha/ UHF titanium handle, but they have a big girth and are solid, pass, but it would certainly look good. Etsy, ebay, Amazon – not a lot, but Etsy did advertise the Windrose K2 Titanium handle, and it turned out to be the most suitable handle that I identified, I’ve used one previously, it was good, and I’ll use one again for this project. No I won’t. In discussions with @TroyTools we hit on the idea of a stainless steel chassis with a buffalo horn sleeve handle, that should be unique enough for this project. Troy was coerced into building the handle, I hope he enjoyed the challenge, thanks Troy.
From me:
To this, maybe it should be titled Troyized.
Both the standard and EX caps were purchased and the EX cap given a hand polish finish in readiness for this review. It would never be expected for a manufacturer to put the effort into the detail of a razor that was put into this Maxwell June. However, had Maxwell June done some finishing to their razor and lightened their handle, it is more than possible that it would have been my Razor of The Year for 2025. That probably explains why I’ve put so much effort into this razor, it’s crying out for attention, and it deserves it. Now almost 40g lighter than the standard razor and far better balanced, I held big expectations.
I knew I was using the most efficient cap in the Maxwell June inventory, but I did not expect its terrorist tactics. At the end of the first shave I went to loosen the handle and the end of the handle came loose; I had specifically asked Troy not to use any thread locker. By grasping the forward section of the handle, I was able to unscrew it from the head. I then reassembled the razor to identify what was happening. It was then I discovered that when tightened there was still movement between the cap and plate, not what you want to see. Bloody hell, what to do! Both ends of the handle were screwed down as tight as I could by hand and with a nylon washer between the handle and plate, the handle now clamped tight, there was no gap between the cap and plate therefore the blade should be firmly held. Forget the first attempt, start again. With blade gap now at design parameters it was a completely different razor. Efficiency was slightly under Karve CB Level #D and the positive blade feel was present but very usable. When describing the MJ standard cap I mentioned that the whiskers were simply wiped away; with the EX cap fitted I achieved a similar result. If pressured to choose between the standard and EX caps, I would lean slightly towards the standard cap, they are both fantastic, smooth and comfortable. Maxwell June, you have designed a wonderful razor, now complete the job by providing a lighter handle and doing something with the finish. No pressure, but I look forward to your premium razor.
Blades Used – Gillette Minora and Royal II
Material – 316 Stainless Steel & 316 Stainless steel/ buffalo handle
Weight – 67.1g
Blade Tab - Covered
Head Width – 43.64mm
Handle Length – 86.32mm
Handle Diameter – 15.27mm
Availability – Maxwell June
Final Word – Stellar performance
Put simply, the Maxwell June Double Edge with the standard cap that I tested late last year was an exceptionally capable shaver, however, it was sadly let down by excessive weight and the machine finish it was presented in. When queried about the possibilities of its losing weight and a premium version, Rob from Maxwell June replied that a polished version may happen in 2026 and that they were looking at a longer handle with a hollow section, a titanium handle was not on their radar as it was difficult to machine. May be/ may be not, isn’t encouraging enough for me; bugger it, I’ll build my own. The MJ worked so well it deserves some love and attention. If you’ve been looking to buy a titanium handle in recent times, you’ll know they are thin on the ground. For a short while I thought about the Alpha/ UHF titanium handle, but they have a big girth and are solid, pass, but it would certainly look good. Etsy, ebay, Amazon – not a lot, but Etsy did advertise the Windrose K2 Titanium handle, and it turned out to be the most suitable handle that I identified, I’ve used one previously, it was good, and I’ll use one again for this project. No I won’t. In discussions with @TroyTools we hit on the idea of a stainless steel chassis with a buffalo horn sleeve handle, that should be unique enough for this project. Troy was coerced into building the handle, I hope he enjoyed the challenge, thanks Troy.
From me:
To this, maybe it should be titled Troyized.
Both the standard and EX caps were purchased and the EX cap given a hand polish finish in readiness for this review. It would never be expected for a manufacturer to put the effort into the detail of a razor that was put into this Maxwell June. However, had Maxwell June done some finishing to their razor and lightened their handle, it is more than possible that it would have been my Razor of The Year for 2025. That probably explains why I’ve put so much effort into this razor, it’s crying out for attention, and it deserves it. Now almost 40g lighter than the standard razor and far better balanced, I held big expectations.
I knew I was using the most efficient cap in the Maxwell June inventory, but I did not expect its terrorist tactics. At the end of the first shave I went to loosen the handle and the end of the handle came loose; I had specifically asked Troy not to use any thread locker. By grasping the forward section of the handle, I was able to unscrew it from the head. I then reassembled the razor to identify what was happening. It was then I discovered that when tightened there was still movement between the cap and plate, not what you want to see. Bloody hell, what to do! Both ends of the handle were screwed down as tight as I could by hand and with a nylon washer between the handle and plate, the handle now clamped tight, there was no gap between the cap and plate therefore the blade should be firmly held. Forget the first attempt, start again. With blade gap now at design parameters it was a completely different razor. Efficiency was slightly under Karve CB Level #D and the positive blade feel was present but very usable. When describing the MJ standard cap I mentioned that the whiskers were simply wiped away; with the EX cap fitted I achieved a similar result. If pressured to choose between the standard and EX caps, I would lean slightly towards the standard cap, they are both fantastic, smooth and comfortable. Maxwell June, you have designed a wonderful razor, now complete the job by providing a lighter handle and doing something with the finish. No pressure, but I look forward to your premium razor.
Blades Used – Gillette Minora and Royal II
Material – 316 Stainless Steel & 316 Stainless steel/ buffalo handle
Weight – 67.1g
Blade Tab - Covered
Head Width – 43.64mm
Handle Length – 86.32mm
Handle Diameter – 15.27mm
Availability – Maxwell June
Final Word – Stellar performance
klinker
... seems to have LOTS of brushes
Great work @Errol! May I send you my Maxwell June standard head fof hand polishing?Maxwell June Double Edge EX - Errolized (USA)
Put simply, the Maxwell June Double Edge with the standard cap that I tested late last year was an exceptionally capable shaver, however, it was sadly let down by excessive weight and the machine finish it was presented in. When queried about the possibilities of its losing weight and a premium version, Rob from Maxwell June replied that a polished version may happen in 2026 and that they were looking at a longer handle with a hollow section, a titanium handle was not on their radar as it was difficult to machine. May be/ may be not, isn’t encouraging enough for me; bugger it, I’ll build my own. The MJ worked so well it deserves some love and attention. If you’ve been looking to buy a titanium handle in recent times, you’ll know they are thin on the ground. For a short while I thought about the Alpha/ UHF titanium handle, but they have a big girth and are solid, pass, but it would certainly look good. Etsy, ebay, Amazon – not a lot, but Etsy did advertise the Windrose K2 Titanium handle, and it turned out to be the most suitable handle that I identified, I’ve used one previously, it was good, and I’ll use one again for this project. No I won’t. In discussions with @TroyTools we hit on the idea of a stainless steel chassis with a buffalo horn sleeve handle, that should be unique enough for this project. Troy was coerced into building the handle, I hope he enjoyed the challenge, thanks Troy.
From me:
To this, maybe it should be titled Troyized.
Both the standard and EX caps were purchased and the EX cap given a hand polish finish in readiness for this review. It would never be expected for a manufacturer to put the effort into the detail of a razor that was put into this Maxwell June. However, had Maxwell June done some finishing to their razor and lightened their handle, it is more than possible that it would have been my Razor of The Year for 2025. That probably explains why I’ve put so much effort into this razor, it’s crying out for attention, and it deserves it. Now almost 40g lighter than the standard razor and far better balanced, I held big expectations.
I knew I was using the most efficient cap in the Maxwell June inventory, but I did not expect its terrorist tactics. At the end of the first shave I went to loosen the handle and the end of the handle came loose; I had specifically asked Troy not to use any thread locker. By grasping the forward section of the handle, I was able to unscrew it from the head. I then reassembled the razor to identify what was happening. It was then I discovered that when tightened there was still movement between the cap and plate, not what you want to see. Bloody hell, what to do! Both ends of the handle were screwed down as tight as I could by hand and with a nylon washer between the handle and plate, the handle now clamped tight, there was no gap between the cap and plate therefore the blade should be firmly held. Forget the first attempt, start again. With blade gap now at design parameters it was a completely different razor. Efficiency was slightly under Karve CB Level #D and the positive blade feel was present but very usable. When describing the MJ standard cap I mentioned that the whiskers were simply wiped away; with the EX cap fitted I achieved a similar result. If pressured to choose between the standard and EX caps, I would lean slightly towards the standard cap, they are both fantastic, smooth and comfortable. Maxwell June, you have designed a wonderful razor, now complete the job by providing a lighter handle and doing something with the finish. No pressure, but I look forward to your premium razor.
Blades Used – Gillette Minora and Royal II
Material – 316 Stainless Steel & 316 Stainless steel/ buffalo handle
Weight – 67.1g
Blade Tab - Covered
Head Width – 43.64mm
Handle Length – 86.32mm
Handle Diameter – 15.27mm
Availability – Maxwell June
Final Word – Stellar performance
LesC
Member
Great review (as always) and effort to “customise” what is obviously a razor you really like. Seems whatever @TroyTools puts his mind to is achievable, bloody great looking handle, well done the pair of you. Appreciated gents, Les
Seems whatever @TroyTools puts his mind to is achievable, bloody great looking handle, well done the pair of you. Appreciated gents, Les