Weekly Razor Review

Errol said:
Five Pointed Star Benten - 202 Handle (Japan)



It has never bothered me before when I review a razor designed by a prominent wet shaver, so why worry about such small details with the Benten. This razor is the product of youtuber Kojak of Japan. Wide, uninterrupted blade clamping surfaces on the cap are set back from its edge leaving about 5mm of unsupported blade. At this time I’m going to use the Benton before making comment if the cap is going to be shave angle dictating, it looks like it could be. Thread engagement is first class, but the centre post is rather short, it will certainly do the job, but I’d like to see it at least another 3mm of thread. Its weight is considerably over the magical 100g, a 13mm diameter handle will certainly add weight, and the back of the plate is flat. A relief out of the back of the plate may have been enough to reduce the weight below that 100g mark and a hole in the handle would certainly have done the job. Its quality finish is the standout feature; the Benten has been machined with such precision that it does not require any further processing; typical Japanese quality that looks outstanding. One of the blade posts has a five pointed star etched on its end and the name ‘Five Pointed Star’ is etched onto the back of the plate for identification.

Well, it seems Mr Kojak might just know a thing or two about designing a razor. His Benten certainly landed in my sweet spot with the specification for this razor, a tad more than Karve CB level #D efficiency, and a pleasant amount of positive blade. My thoughts that the cap could be shave angle dictating were completely unfounded, that steepish angle was never an issue. While the weight of the razor was certainly there, it probably assisted in delivering a close shave. Believe me, it was a close shave and that baby smooth feel was so easily achieved. This is a razor that should appeal to many users but there are a couple of things I would like to see reviewed, its weight and the length of the centre post. A titanium version would be very welcome.

Blades Used – Gillette Minora and Merkur Super Platinum
Material – 316L stainless steel and 304 stainless steel for the handle
Weight – 107.08g
Blade Tab – Covered
Head Width – 43.05mm
Handle Length – 85.04mm
Handle Diameter – 13.02mm
Availability – Five Pointed Star
Final Word – Worth trying
Click to expand...
I have the Benten razor since three months and I am really positively surprised. I am very happy with it but my Benten has the long curved handle and its performance is perfect.
Thank you so much for the good review Errol.

 


Delta Echo Gillette Super Speed E2 (USA)



I’ve mentioned previously that I used my Army issue Gillette almost daily for over 40 years before it wore out and I simply threw it away. It was a tool, it done a reasonable job, I had no sentimental attachment to it, but I do not know what model it was. Probably the only details I remember for sure was that it was made by Gillette and was twist to open, I can’t even remember if the twist to open knob was cone shaped or parallel, I somehow think it might have been parallel, but I simply don’t know. Speaking with @Mark1966 a while back, he suggested that my old Army Gillette was more than likely a Super Speed and with his expertise, he is probably correct. Mark suggested that the British Gillette Flare Tip Rocket that I had with me that night was very close in specification to the Super Speed. I used the Flare Tip Rocket but wanted to check out a Super Speed to see if it sparked any memories. Delta Echo to the rescue with a revamped black and red Super Speed. It’s a pity that Delta Echo no longer ply their trade because their products were exceptional, different to the run of the mill replating services and their Cerakote finish will see another generation of wet shavers through their desire to own a Gillette. Everything on this Super Speed operates as it should and to my eye, looks spectacular in its black livery with one small red band under the twist to open knob.

My recollection of the shave using the old Army issue Gillette razor with a new Gillette Super Stainless red blade fitted was that it was ‘harsh’ and often resulted in weepers for the first few shaves. There was no such result with the Super Speed; straight off the bat it was as smooth as butter and so very comfortable, efficiency was above Karve CB level #C. Technique??????? This Gillette Super Speed delivered the type of shave that I could easily live with and continue to use daily. Was my old Army issue razor a Super Speed? From the results I achieved with the Super Speed, I still would not say for sure what model my old Army Gillette was.

Blades Used – Gillette Super Stainless red and Gillette Minora
Material – – Brass – Cerakote black and red
Weight – 56g
Blade Tab – Exposed
Head Width – 43.52mm
Handle Length – 75.89mm
Handle Diameter – 10.21mm
Availability – Out of production
Final Word – Pleasant enough
 
Errol said:


Delta Echo Gillette Super Speed E2 (USA)



I’ve mentioned previously that I used my Army issue Gillette almost daily for over 40 years before it wore out and I simply threw it away. It was a tool, it done a reasonable job, I had no sentimental attachment to it, but I do not know what model it was. Probably the only details I remember for sure was that it was made by Gillette and was twist to open, I can’t even remember if the twist to open knob was cone shaped or parallel, I somehow think it might have been parallel, but I simply don’t know. Speaking with @Mark1966 a while back, he suggested that my old Army Gillette was more than likely a Super Speed and with his expertise, he is probably correct. Mark suggested that the British Gillette Flare Tip Rocket that I had with me that night was very close in specification to the Super Speed. I used the Flare Tip Rocket but wanted to check out a Super Speed to see if it sparked any memories. Delta Echo to the rescue with a revamped black and red Super Speed. It’s a pity that Delta Echo no longer ply their trade because their products were exceptional, different to the run of the mill replating services and their Cerakote finish will see another generation of wet shavers through their desire to own a Gillette. Everything on this Super Speed operates as it should and to my eye, looks spectacular in its black livery with one small red band under the twist to open knob.

My recollection of the shave using the old Army issue Gillette razor with a new Gillette Super Stainless red blade fitted was that it was ‘harsh’ and often resulted in weepers for the first few shaves. There was no such result with the Super Speed; straight off the bat it was as smooth as butter and so very comfortable, efficiency was above Karve CB level #C. Technique??????? This Gillette Super Speed delivered the type of shave that I could easily live with and continue to use daily. Was my old Army issue razor a Super Speed? From the results I achieved with the Super Speed, I still would not say for sure what model my old Army Gillette was.

Blades Used – Gillette Super Stainless red and Gillette Minora
Material – – Brass – Cerakote black and red
Weight – 56g
Blade Tab – Exposed
Head Width – 43.52mm
Handle Length – 75.89mm
Handle Diameter – 10.21mm
Availability – Out of production
Final Word – Pleasant enough
Click to expand...
Wow, 1st the Delta Echo Slim snd now this, it’s “pissing” me off I never got my Fat Boy done in DE’s Cohiba even more now :) :)
 
Errol said:


Delta Echo Gillette Super Speed E2 (USA)



I’ve mentioned previously that I used my Army issue Gillette almost daily for over 40 years before it wore out and I simply threw it away. It was a tool, it done a reasonable job, I had no sentimental attachment to it, but I do not know what model it was. Probably the only details I remember for sure was that it was made by Gillette and was twist to open, I can’t even remember if the twist to open knob was cone shaped or parallel, I somehow think it might have been parallel, but I simply don’t know. Speaking with @Mark1966 a while back, he suggested that my old Army Gillette was more than likely a Super Speed and with his expertise, he is probably correct. Mark suggested that the British Gillette Flare Tip Rocket that I had with me that night was very close in specification to the Super Speed. I used the Flare Tip Rocket but wanted to check out a Super Speed to see if it sparked any memories. Delta Echo to the rescue with a revamped black and red Super Speed. It’s a pity that Delta Echo no longer ply their trade because their products were exceptional, different to the run of the mill replating services and their Cerakote finish will see another generation of wet shavers through their desire to own a Gillette. Everything on this Super Speed operates as it should and to my eye, looks spectacular in its black livery with one small red band under the twist to open knob.

My recollection of the shave using the old Army issue Gillette razor with a new Gillette Super Stainless red blade fitted was that it was ‘harsh’ and often resulted in weepers for the first few shaves. There was no such result with the Super Speed; straight off the bat it was as smooth as butter and so very comfortable, efficiency was above Karve CB level #C. Technique??????? This Gillette Super Speed delivered the type of shave that I could easily live with and continue to use daily. Was my old Army issue razor a Super Speed? From the results I achieved with the Super Speed, I still would not say for sure what model my old Army Gillette was.

Blades Used – Gillette Super Stainless red and Gillette Minora
Material – – Brass – Cerakote black and red
Weight – 56g
Blade Tab – Exposed
Head Width – 43.52mm
Handle Length – 75.89mm
Handle Diameter – 10.21mm
Availability – Out of production
Final Word – Pleasant enough
Click to expand...

Great review on a great razor.

Armies generally issued the three piece Tech, I have one issued to a US vet in Vietnam for instance and there is one in the AWM collection you can see here. When @Errol indicated his was a TTO that ruled out the Tech, in which case the flare-tipped Super Speed was almost certainly the razor in question. They were produced in the millions and the 'everyman' razor of the era. Whether the Australian Army issued US made Super Speeds or the British made Flare Tip Rocket I cannot ascertain with any precision.

BTW, does this review make you interested, there is a Vintage Gillette Twist Razor Code A4 Black coated, Refurbished By Delta Echo on eBay.
 
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