Completed Complete: Barbaros Rocnel Adjustable Pass Around
- Thread starter sɐǝɹpu∀
- Start date
sɐǝɹpu∀
riverrun
Thanks, Avnish
- sɐǝɹpu∀ / riverrun (ATG/TSR)
- Dogsmro (ATG)
- Rowlers (ATG)
- Nishy (ATG)
- Bechet (TSR)
- Nico1970 (ATG)
- sɐǝɹpu∀ / riverrun (ATG/TSR)
Legend: Currently with, On the way to, Waiting, Completed
Dogsmro
Forum GOD!
@theunnamed any news regarding release date yet? I am really missing this razor
Any news on the pricing and stockist?@Dogsmro we are currently polishing the razors, we just started and will take a couple of weeks probably. You may see them at the end of the month maybe
The price will be announced by the stockists. For now BullGoose and Yourshaving will stock it.
sɐǝɹpu∀
riverrun
The razor 
is now with Carl. Guess what? The handle seems a bit short 
@Nico1970, could you please email your address to Carl (or PM him on TSR)? If you don't have his email and haven't moved, I can do it.
Legend: Currently with, On the way to, Waiting, Completed
is now with Carl. Guess what? The handle seems a bit short @Nico1970, could you please email your address to Carl (or PM him on TSR)? If you don't have his email and haven't moved, I can do it.
- sɐǝɹpu∀ / riverrun (ATG/TSR)
- Dogsmro (ATG)
- Rowlers (ATG)
- Nishy (ATG)
- Bechet (TSR)
- Nico1970 (ATG)
- sɐǝɹpu∀ / riverrun (ATG/TSR)
Legend: Currently with, On the way to, Waiting, Completed
Nico1970
Forum GOD!
Prologue
The B&R Model Adjustable 2016 arrived safe and well today! Thank you Carl
First Impressions
Straight out of the (not very sexy) sack cloth wrapping and cardboard box, the razor feels reassuringly solid and weighty in the hand. Knurling on the handle is excellent (shouldn't all knurling be like this!?), with no sharp edges or ‘roughness’ apparent, yet still with sufficient grip to give comfort insofar as it doesn’t feel as if it would slip out of the hand when wet.
The numbers around the top of the handle (as well as the indicator line on the base plate socket) although legible, really do need to stand out more. One minor (completely OCD) point to add here is that the numbers have not been engraved absolutely and completely in alignment around the top of the handle – it’s very minor but, to my eyes at least, noticeable enough to detract ever so slightly from the quality the razor is being pitched at.
The adjustable mechanism itself is a relatively straightforward affair – the ‘adjustment’ being taken care of by gradually increasing the compression of the top cap and middle plate against a fairly stiff spring. It does work, however, no attempt has been made in this model to maintain graduated control over the mechanism i.e. with a razor blade loaded, it can be overtightened past ‘1’ (assuming you’ve put the top cap and middle plate on correctly – if you haven’t, it tightens to ‘5’), and there is no click stop at each of the numbers. These aren’t deal breakers, of course, but it is worth noting nonetheless.
Another slightly negative observation is in respect of blade extension beyond the safe confines of the head. Again, not a deal breaker, but, for a razor that requires you to actually hold the head to tighten / adjust the handle, I would really like to see the longitudinal extremities of the blade within (or at least flush with) the head.
With a blade loaded and the adjustment set at ‘1’ – and hence the spring fully compressed - there is no play in the head at all, which is a good thing. It feels rigid and secure. At all other settings above ‘1’, however, the top cap can be made to move independently from the baseplate and handle (unlike, say, a Gillette ‘Fatboy’ whose rigidity is maintained at all adjustment levels). Don't get me wrong, the blade itself is still held firmly and securely between the top cap and the middle plate though so therefore, in practice, this shouldn’t materially affect the shave.
In looking at the head closely, it may be seen that it has picked up significant micro-scratches from normal usage and ‘wear and tear’. Clearly this is one of the occupational hazards of polished stainless steel - it is particularly susceptibility to micro-scratching and the polished head of the B&R is no different. Brushed stainless steel finishes, of course, are a lot more resilient in this regard.
As has been noted before, the engraving (of the text) on the head and handle is pretty divisive - some folk don't like it, others don't really mind. The 'B&R' on the top cap is actually growing on me - and I'm not a particular fan of writing on razors (except when that writing says 'Feather'!) - however, by the same token, I don't think the 'B&R' towards the bottom of the handle works. To me, it 'cheapens' the razor a little bit. On the underside of the bottom plate, there is quite a lot of text although it is in fairly small font and, for me personally, I think it actually does work and indeed adds to the razor.
Overall then, a good start - bearing in mind this is a first run of this model. Yes, there are some minor issues which may irk some people but my overriding impression at the minute is that this is an honest no-nonsense solid piece of engineering.
So, there you have it, my first impressions - the real business shall start in anger tomorrow.
As always, many thanks to Andreas for facilitating and massive fair play to Hasan for putting the razor up for pass around.
The B&R Model Adjustable 2016 arrived safe and well today! Thank you Carl
First Impressions
Straight out of the (not very sexy) sack cloth wrapping and cardboard box, the razor feels reassuringly solid and weighty in the hand. Knurling on the handle is excellent (shouldn't all knurling be like this!?), with no sharp edges or ‘roughness’ apparent, yet still with sufficient grip to give comfort insofar as it doesn’t feel as if it would slip out of the hand when wet.
The numbers around the top of the handle (as well as the indicator line on the base plate socket) although legible, really do need to stand out more. One minor (completely OCD) point to add here is that the numbers have not been engraved absolutely and completely in alignment around the top of the handle – it’s very minor but, to my eyes at least, noticeable enough to detract ever so slightly from the quality the razor is being pitched at.
The adjustable mechanism itself is a relatively straightforward affair – the ‘adjustment’ being taken care of by gradually increasing the compression of the top cap and middle plate against a fairly stiff spring. It does work, however, no attempt has been made in this model to maintain graduated control over the mechanism i.e. with a razor blade loaded, it can be overtightened past ‘1’ (assuming you’ve put the top cap and middle plate on correctly – if you haven’t, it tightens to ‘5’), and there is no click stop at each of the numbers. These aren’t deal breakers, of course, but it is worth noting nonetheless.
Another slightly negative observation is in respect of blade extension beyond the safe confines of the head. Again, not a deal breaker, but, for a razor that requires you to actually hold the head to tighten / adjust the handle, I would really like to see the longitudinal extremities of the blade within (or at least flush with) the head.
With a blade loaded and the adjustment set at ‘1’ – and hence the spring fully compressed - there is no play in the head at all, which is a good thing. It feels rigid and secure. At all other settings above ‘1’, however, the top cap can be made to move independently from the baseplate and handle (unlike, say, a Gillette ‘Fatboy’ whose rigidity is maintained at all adjustment levels). Don't get me wrong, the blade itself is still held firmly and securely between the top cap and the middle plate though so therefore, in practice, this shouldn’t materially affect the shave.
In looking at the head closely, it may be seen that it has picked up significant micro-scratches from normal usage and ‘wear and tear’. Clearly this is one of the occupational hazards of polished stainless steel - it is particularly susceptibility to micro-scratching and the polished head of the B&R is no different. Brushed stainless steel finishes, of course, are a lot more resilient in this regard.
As has been noted before, the engraving (of the text) on the head and handle is pretty divisive - some folk don't like it, others don't really mind. The 'B&R' on the top cap is actually growing on me - and I'm not a particular fan of writing on razors (except when that writing says 'Feather'!) - however, by the same token, I don't think the 'B&R' towards the bottom of the handle works. To me, it 'cheapens' the razor a little bit. On the underside of the bottom plate, there is quite a lot of text although it is in fairly small font and, for me personally, I think it actually does work and indeed adds to the razor.
Overall then, a good start - bearing in mind this is a first run of this model. Yes, there are some minor issues which may irk some people but my overriding impression at the minute is that this is an honest no-nonsense solid piece of engineering.
So, there you have it, my first impressions - the real business shall start in anger tomorrow.
As always, many thanks to Andreas for facilitating and massive fair play to Hasan for putting the razor up for pass around.
sɐǝɹpu∀
riverrun
I liked the packaging. Sack cloth and cardboard box. Simple, understated, sustainable. None of that silly OneBlade handmade real leather bulky box nonsense. Your mileage and all that.
Another mileage thing. I don't mind this at all. I actually find that razors with the blade tabs exposed are generally more manoeuvrable when shaving near my nose. Here is what King Camp Gillette had to say in his
1904 razor patent: King Camp Gillette said:
Bear in mind that this is not the first run, it's a prototype. I can't wait to read your shave reports and then try it again myself
Nico1970
Forum GOD!
Shave #1
Preparation – hot water face wash and scrub with Dr. Squatch Pine Tar Soap
Soap – Jabonman Citricos
Blade – Sputnik Teflon Coated
With the B&R Adjustable disassembled, loading the blade is pretty easy with the prominent location pins in the top cap.
I tighten up the handle and the adjustment reads ‘5’. A quick untighten, then 180 degree spin of the head, and we are good to go again. This time, it goes somewhat past ‘1’ - not by much, but just enough to set the spider senses tingling. Like the second hand of a good quality watch aligning exactly with the number every time, some things just make all the difference.
In anticipation of using the B&R, I saved up two days of growth so I decide to start with the adjustment set at ‘8’. Immediately, the razor feels comfortable, weighty and secure in the hand. It easily removes the stubble with good aural feedback. You just know the razor is mowing straight through the stubble with supreme efficiency and relative ease.
First pass (WTG) complete, making sure not to nick the underside of the ears with the (slightly) protruding razor – never mind what KCG says! A quick rinse of the face and it is clear that the razor has done a fantastic job even with only one pass.
Lathering up again, I adjust the razor to ‘4’ for the second pass (ATG). No weepers or nicks and, again, the razor simply glides over the face removing the remainder of the stubble. There is no need for a third pass and all I have to do is touch up a couple of areas on the neck at the ‘2’ setting – the ‘1’ setting understandably didn’t have enough bite to touch this last part after the significant removal of stubble from the first two passes. Mental note made the range of adjustment is vast.
A good cold rinse of the face and it easily feels BBS with not a hint of any residual stubble. The B&R has done an excellent job paired with the Sputnik – no question about it. There is no irritation, no weepers nor any nicks - an excellent result for a first use.
As a razor taken on its own merits the B&R Adjustable is superb. As a prototype, Barbaros and Rocnel’s achievement is incredible! This could just be THE razor of 2017…
Preparation – hot water face wash and scrub with Dr. Squatch Pine Tar Soap
Soap – Jabonman Citricos
Blade – Sputnik Teflon Coated
With the B&R Adjustable disassembled, loading the blade is pretty easy with the prominent location pins in the top cap.
I tighten up the handle and the adjustment reads ‘5’. A quick untighten, then 180 degree spin of the head, and we are good to go again. This time, it goes somewhat past ‘1’ - not by much, but just enough to set the spider senses tingling. Like the second hand of a good quality watch aligning exactly with the number every time, some things just make all the difference.
In anticipation of using the B&R, I saved up two days of growth so I decide to start with the adjustment set at ‘8’. Immediately, the razor feels comfortable, weighty and secure in the hand. It easily removes the stubble with good aural feedback. You just know the razor is mowing straight through the stubble with supreme efficiency and relative ease.
First pass (WTG) complete, making sure not to nick the underside of the ears with the (slightly) protruding razor – never mind what KCG says! A quick rinse of the face and it is clear that the razor has done a fantastic job even with only one pass.
Lathering up again, I adjust the razor to ‘4’ for the second pass (ATG). No weepers or nicks and, again, the razor simply glides over the face removing the remainder of the stubble. There is no need for a third pass and all I have to do is touch up a couple of areas on the neck at the ‘2’ setting – the ‘1’ setting understandably didn’t have enough bite to touch this last part after the significant removal of stubble from the first two passes. Mental note made the range of adjustment is vast.
A good cold rinse of the face and it easily feels BBS with not a hint of any residual stubble. The B&R has done an excellent job paired with the Sputnik – no question about it. There is no irritation, no weepers nor any nicks - an excellent result for a first use.
As a razor taken on its own merits the B&R Adjustable is superb. As a prototype, Barbaros and Rocnel’s achievement is incredible! This could just be THE razor of 2017…