There are actually more similarities between the Heritage Gibbs Replica & the Yaqi TFC adjustables than I thought. I brought both of these out for today’s shave just to see how both would fair and on how close they shave relative to one another. I can’t tell you precisely how they each feel against the OG Gibbs as it has been a while since I’ve shaved with one but, I‘ve contacted a shave bro-ham of mine to see if I can borrow one of his Gibbs to do a full on comparison.
Tale of the tape.
Heritage Gibbs Replica.
Weight of the Heritage Gibbs: 77 grams-2.7 oz. (+/- 3 grams)
Overall closed length of the Heritage Gibbs: Approximately 3 5/16” or 84mm
TFC Top, Heritage Bottom.
Yaqi The Final Cut. (TFC)
Weight of the Yaqi TFC: 83 grams-2.7ish oz. (+/- 3 grams)
Overall closed length of the TFC: Approximately 3 1/2” or 88.9mm
TFC Top, Heritage Bottom.
Physically they are remarkably similar in both weight and length. The Heritage has to my eye a closer resemblance to the Original Gibbs with its handle style and overall looks. Balance and feel are just about neck and neck and it can go either way. Just depends on what one likes aesthetically better and what actually feels better in hand. They both offer very good tactile feel with the TFC getting just the slight edge with its decent knurling over the vertical lines on the Heritage. Like i said, its minor and it can go either way. The numbering and markings are much easier to identify on the Heritage model and is much easier on the eyes when dialing in and attaining your desired number setting. Both move with ease and stay put pretty much throughout the whole shave. Can one inadvertently move the dial during the shave? Yes, it can happen without one realizing it but, if your conscientious of it I don’t see that being much of an issue unless one has to have their fingers precisely on the dial while shaving.
Both shaved very similar getting me a BBS finish in 2.5 passes on each side. Blade feel was almost equal though I did perceive a tiny bit more of blade feel from the TFC. It wasn’t much but, it was perceptible on my skin. However, the Heritage felt slightly smoother while still exhibiting really nice cutting prowess and efficiency that was equal to the TFC. Both felt really great on WTG, ATG, & XTG passes with ease of use especially around the corners of the stache, Adam’s Apple & buff work on the chin.
Upon final rinse, alum pass (no irritation, discomfort or heat to speak of) and a quick aftershave splash, just a first class BBS finish. They both worked tremendously well for the overall cost of each, $42 including shipping for the TFC & $55 shipping included for the Heritage Gibbs. Outstanding value for what these both bring to the table.
I can’t and won’t say which of the two I prefer because I actually like them both equally. If I were to pick which of the two razors seems closer to the Legendary Gibbs Reglable, I’d lean more towards the Heritage model. Again, once I receive an Original Gibbs I can say with more clarity and be more definitive on comparing all 3 models. More shaves to follow.
Today was an excellent shave, period. Great shaves to all….