The Razorine Double Edge Shavette is a unique shaving tool made in Italy that requires an acquired skill to get a good shave. It stands out with an overall rating of 6.9 out of 10. This review will delve into its design, performance, ease of use, and suitability for different users.
Design and Features
Unlike most shavettes that mimic traditional straight razors, the Razorine features a design more akin to a safety razor on a stick, which makes it quite eye-catching.
Key features include:
- Material and Finish: It comes with either a Chrome Finish or a Brass Finish.
- Handle Options: Multiple handle options are available, including rubber-dipped, smooth metal, or textured metal. The reviewer opted for the rubber-dipped handle due to personal preference.
- Double-Edged: The Razorine has a double-edged razor head, allowing users to shave with either side of the blade. This also means it uses a double-edged razor blade.
- Three Parts: It consists of three main parts: the handle connected to the razor base, a cap for the top of the head, and a small screw nut to hold everything together.
- Blade Replacement: Changing the blade is straightforward: take it apart, place a new blade between the handle and head piece, and screw the nut back on.
- Dimensions: It weighs 1.8 oz and is 5.1 inches in length.
- Aggressiveness: The aggressiveness is described as moderate to heavy, and the shaving angle can be changed based on how you hold the blade.
The Razorine’s look is sleek and simple, with an intuitive design that makes it easy to figure out how to shave, replace blades, and clean. It is distributed in the US by Shavenation and other online stores. The product may also come with a red velvet pouch for travel.
Pros and Cons
The Razorine Double Edge Shavette has several advantages and disadvantages:
- Pros:
- Innovative Look
- Nice Aesthetics
- Comfortable Grip
- Relatively Inexpensive
- Cons:
- Tarnishes Easily: The brass finish showed tarnish after just one shave, and green corrosion was observed on the disposable razor after two shaves.
- Acquired Skill: Mastering its use requires practice.
- Rough on Sensitive Skin: It has a tendency to catch on bumps and cause small cuts, making it potentially unsuitable for those with sensitive skin.
Performance and Shave Quality
The reviewer performed four shaves, each with two to three days of growth, using Astra Platinum and Parker Double Edge Razor Blades. Each session involved three passes: with, across, and against the grain, using pre-shave oil or cream.
- Smooth Glide, Jawline Challenge: The blade glides smoothly over the face, but the long handle can feel awkward when navigating sharper contours like the jawline, especially when shaving against or across the grain.
- Missed Spots: It may be difficult to reach every “nook and cranny,” potentially missing spots around the chin or sideburns, requiring touch-ups with a smaller tool.
- Close Shave: Despite these challenges, when taking it slow and using smaller strokes, the Razorine provides one of the closest shaves and leaves the skin feeling nice and smooth.
- Cuts on Sensitive Skin: For individuals with sensitive skin and acne scars, the blade has a tendency to catch and cause small cuts. While pre-shave products help, cuts may still occur.
Ease of Use and Learning Curve
The ease of use can be considered on two levels: maintenance and actual shaving.
- Blade Replacement and Cleaning:
- Changing blades is simple and intuitive, similar to a standard safety razor. However, the small screw cap is easy to drop, so caution is advised when unscrewing it.
- Regular cleaning is important; every few uses, the razor should be taken apart to clean out old shaving cream or hair, which helps maintain its appearance and function.
- Shaving Technique:
- Learning to shave with the Razorine is definitely an acquired skill.
- Counterintuitive Grip: Unlike regular razors, you need to grip it towards the bottom part of the handle for better control, rather than closer to the blade.
- Slow, Short Strokes: It requires slow and short strokes with a light touch and significant control, unlike most cartridge and safety razors.
- Learning Hurdle: This skill is not immediate and requires practice. It is advised not to rush. The reviewer started picking up the skill around the third or fourth shave.
Consumer Complaints and Overall Reviews
The Razorine generally receives very positive reviews from other customers, with most giving 4 to 5 stars. It is a popular product and frequently sold out. Many customer comments echo the reviewer’s experience, noting the awkwardness of the handle and the learning curve, with some initially cutting themselves due to lack of expertise or rushing.
Some lower-star reviews exist, mainly concerning manufacturing flaws such as burs on the metal, uneven machining, or incomplete plating. However, Shave Nation, a distributor, is noted for having good customer service and return policies for such incidents.
Final Thoughts – Who is the Razorine Shavette Best Suited For?
The reviewer plans to continue using the Razorine, finding it effective, aesthetically pleasing, and capable of providing a great shave, despite requiring more time per session.
- Not for Quick Shaves: If you prioritize a quick shave, a regular safety razor might be a better choice.
- For Enthusiasts and Experimenters: The Razorine is highly recommended for shaving enthusiasts or those who already use safety razors but want to experiment with a straight razor or shavette. It allows them to use their existing double-edged blades while getting accustomed to the skill level required for a straight razor.
- Excellent Gift Idea: It makes an excellent gift for someone interested in trying new things in their shaving routine.
