The Rockwell 6S safety razor is a notable stainless steel adjustable razor designed to provide six levels of blade gap, allowing users to achieve a tailored shave for various beard lengths and skin sensitivities.
The reviewer, Jason Jones, was particularly eager to test this razor due to its unique, non-standard double-edged design.
After extensive testing, the Rockwell 6S earned an overall rating of 8.3 out of 10. This review will explore its distinctive features, performance across settings, and overall value.
Brand Innovation and Core Design
The Rockwell brand, a relatively new company founded in 2014 and based in the USA, was initially crowdfunded by Kickstarter.
It has since gained global recognition within the adjustable safety razor market, with customers frequently praising the company’s reliability and responsiveness to problems.
The Rockwell 6S stands out due to its “interchangeable” design rather than a traditional dial-adjustable mechanism. It achieves its six settings by utilizing three interchangeable bottom safety bars/plates, each of which is reversible for two settings.
This means users change the physical plate to adjust the blade gap, unlike other adjustable razors that use a dial. The razor’s construction is a three-part unit where the handle screws off, detaching the head into two pieces for blade replacement.
Key design and material aspects include:
- Material and Finish: Manufactured in the USA from grade 316 stainless steel, which is described as tougher and longer-lasting than brass and other materials, justifying its higher price compared to Rockwell’s 6C model. It comes in a matte finish available in metal, black, blue, and red. The reviewer noted that the matte finish “does not look as attractive as chrome-type finishes” and can appear “dull,” potentially causing some drag during shaving.
- Handle: Features a traditional knurled handle design that provides “perfect” and “maximum non-slip grip”, earning a 10/10 rating for grip. Its length is standard.
- Closed Comb Design: The bottom section of the razor head has a straight-edged safety bar, which is generally considered safer and easier to use than open combs for most users.
- Dimensions & Weight: The razor has an overall length of 95 mm, a handle length of 88 mm, and a weight of 118 g. This provides “plenty of weight that gets behind the razor while shaving, which makes the experience easier”. It is not suitable for those who prefer lightweight razors.
- Warranty/Guarantee: Rockwell offers a 60-day money-back or replacement guarantee, followed by a lifetime warranty (subject to conditions).
- Blade Gaps: The specific blade gaps for each setting are: R1: 0.008″ (0.20 mm), R2: 0.014” (0.35 mm), R3: 0.019” (0.48 mm), R4: 0.024” (0.61 mm), R5: 0.027” (0.69 mm), R6: 0.031” (0.79 mm).
Mastering the Six Levels of Aggressiveness
The settings on the Rockwell 6S directly adjust the blade gap. A bigger blade gap results in a closer shave but also increases the possibility of nicks, cuts, or irritation. Rockwell provides a detailed informational card with guidance for each setting, which the reviewer found “quite accurate and informative”.
Here’s a breakdown of Rockwell’s recommended settings:
- R1 (Mildest): Ideal for sensitive skin, areas prone to nicks and cuts, shaving 5 o’clock shadow, new cartridge razor users, and body shaving sensitive areas.
- R2: For somewhat sensitive skin, heavier 5 o’clock shadow, shaving every 1-2 days, and general body shaving.
- R3 (Average): Suitable for average skin, short stubble, shaving every 1-3 days, and head shaving.
- R4: For hardier skin, prone to razor bumps/ingrown hairs, longer stubble, shaving every 3-5 days.
- R5: For hardy skin, coarse facial hair, prone to razor bumps/ingrown hairs, short beards, shaving every 5-7 days.
- R6 (Most Aggressive): Designed for hardy skin, coarse facial hair, prone to razor bumps/ingrown hairs, and long beards (7+ days of growth).
Generally, the more sensitive the skin and less beard growth, the lower the setting, while longer growth requires a higher setting. New wet shavers are advised to start with lower settings.
While this guidance is excellent, finding the best aggressiveness is unique to each individual and requires experimentation.
Some users may adjust the plate for each pass (e.g., higher for the first pass, lower for subsequent passes), though the reviewer found this “a lot of fiddling about”. A common approach is to start on the lowest setting and gradually move up.
Performance and Shaving Experience
The reviewer noted a learning curve with the Rockwell 6S, taking “more than a couple of weeks” to get comfortable and find the best blade levels.
Adjustable razors typically require more time to get accustomed to. The initial shaves with higher settings (R6-R4) resulted in a “very audible and a very close shave,” but also a few nicks on the neck.
For the reviewer, levels 1 and 2 were “too mild” for the face, requiring too many strokes for a good finish. The “sweet spot” was found using plate R3 for about 3 days of growth and also for shaving a bald head.
Some drawbacks experienced during shaving included:
- Matte Finish Drag: The reviewer felt some drag while shaving, attributing it to the matte finish being less smooth than chrome-finished razors, an issue not experienced even with aggressive chrome razors like the Mühle R41. This can be mitigated by keeping plenty of lather on the face.
- Blade Alignment: Requires “close attention to aligning the blade” when changing the blade or setting. This can be a “slight annoyance” when changing settings mid-shave.
- Bulky Head: The razor’s head is “quite large and slightly bulky” compared to standard double-edged razors, though it did not significantly affect shaving under the nose.
Build Quality, Aesthetics, and Ergonomics
The Rockwell 6S’s use of stainless steel ensures its durability, making it capable of lasting “a lifetime and more”. However, the matte appearance is considered less attractive than chrome-type finishes and can look “dull”.
The reviewer suggests the Rockwell 6C (which is not stainless steel) for those who prefer a chrome finish. The razor’s appearance blends a traditional handle with a more modern head.
The knurled handle provides “perfect” grip with “no slipping”. The razor’s weight (118g) provides “plenty of weight that gets behind the razor while shaving, which makes the experience easier”. It is also well-balanced, allowing the head and blade to lean easily on the face.
Value for Money and Consumer Feedback
The Rockwell 6S is a “very well-engineered steel safety razor with a unique design that deserves its price tag of $100”.
Its value for money (rated 9/10) is highest if the user regularly utilizes more than one or two blade settings. If a user primarily sticks to one setting, the value proposition becomes “questionable”.
Common consumer feedback includes:
- Users frequently settle on one preferred setting after getting comfortable, thus reducing the need to change plates, though they still appreciate having the additional options available.
- Many users consider the Rockwell 6S to be “the best razor they have used”.
- Consumers are generally “very happy with how the company Rockwell has dealt with any issues,” finding them reliable and helpful.
Who is the Rockwell 6S Best Suited For?
The Rockwell 6S is best suited for buyers who will genuinely “get the use out of more than one setting”.
This includes versatile shavers who might use a low setting (R1 or R2) for sensitive bodily areas (e.g., “shave your balls”), a higher setting (R4) for multi-day beard growth, and R3 for head shaving.
Even if a user eventually settles on one setting, the razor can still be considered “great” if they value its durability and other aspects.
The reviewer personally felt that the Rockwell 6S “did not perform as well as the Merkur Progress” and noted that the Rex Ambassador is an even better adjustable razor, though significantly pricier.
Final Thoughts
The Rockwell 6S is a robust, well-engineered, and highly durable stainless steel safety razor that offers a versatile shaving experience through its unique interchangeable plate system.
Its value is maximized by those who leverage its multi-setting capability across different shaving needs and appreciate its “lifetime and more” durability. Consider your shaving habits and skin/beard type to determine if the adjustable settings will be fully utilized.
If durability and versatility across various shaving scenarios are priorities, the Rockwell 6S is a strong contender. For further comparison, exploring the differences between the Rockwell 6C and 6S might be beneficial.
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