Frosted Chrome Crusader Adjustable Razor 

Thank you!:) I sincerely appreciate the kind words.:)

Thanks, Mike!:) I appreciate the view and kudos.:) I love this razor.:) Terrific!:) It's been hot but looks like we'll be having a cool down.:) Summer!:)

My pleasure! I really enjoy the long handle and the weight. As I mentioned in the video, that third pass is just wonderful!

Nice!:) These make excellent Christmas gifts.:) A wonderful way to introduce the traditional wet shave to a beginner and seasoned wet shavers will absolutely love it!:)

Not sure. I've found themto be quite different razors.

Yes, a nice addition.:) And the Frosted Chrome is gorgeous!:) Not to gleaming, not too matte. A really nice look.:)

Thanks, David.:)

Rodrigo, my pleasure.:) Great to hear you're making the move to the traditional wet shave and a safety razor.:)

@@MarkSzorady Hey Mark, i have another question, do you think it would be a good choice if i purchase the Crusadier as my first safety razor and set it to 2 or 3 and then when i get used to it and get the technique correct move to a higher level?

@@rodrigoclassicstyle That's not bad strategy. I've also read on forums, etc. where some guys have done this.:) However, you'll have to be disciplined in not turning it up too aggressive too soon. If ou can do that, then you'd have a razor that gives you all kinds of shacves (mild to aggressive).:) Or maybe this would work for you....Perhaps consider getting a Chieftain Jr. It's less than 20 bucks and a terrifically mild razor that's perfect for beginners. Once you have it down, then get a Crusader. (plus, then you'll have two good razors). Ultimately, up to you. You may very well start off just fine with a Crusader due to your skin, beard, etc. (If it were me as a beginner, I'd know I'd be tempted to try an aggressive setting far too soon). Jut know that, as a beginner, your skin and face need time to adapt to the wet shave. Several weeks to a month or two depending on your skin and beard. At least, this was my experience.:) Regardless of your approach, make sure to do the proper prep. Pre-shave oil, good shaving cream, etc.

@@MarkSzorady Thanks for replying so fast and for taking the time to explain. I think i will get the Crusadier and start from that one only because im not from the US and the shipping it's quite expensive. Again, thanks a lot for helping me out, i really appreciate it!!

@@rodrigoclassicstyle My pleasure.>) I understand the shipping costs. Enjoy the traditional wet shave adventure!

Thanks.:) I'ts now on my list.:)

Do it, its everything he says it is. One tip on it though I haven't tried their blades but I don't like astras in it at all but I really like it with personna platinums.

True, one of the vry best adjustables out there, especially looking at the price. Its a family biz of Australia producing it.

Use a light touch and let the weight of the razor do the work. Much like a golf club hitting a ball. Let the face of the club do all the work...just follow through with a nice even swing.:) Start at a mild setting. Also, do the proper prep and post shave routines. Pre-shave oil/cream, good shaving cream/soap, alum block, etc. Take the bead down in stages. Don't expect to get all the whiskers shaved down after only one pass. Do two or more. With the grain, across the grain, and if needed, against the grain. But if ATG is a bit much, then do WTG or ATG for the third pass. Give yourself a good month or two for your face and skin to adapt. Before you know it, you'l be having some really wonderful, smooth, close, comfortable shaves.:) HTH.:)

@@MarkSzorady thank you!

@@sheepdog819 My pleasure.:)

Yes. This razor (for me) is very mild in the lower register. On those days when I may need a milder shave, I can simply dial it in.:) Others times, I may have two days beard growth (rare for me, though) and this razor takes care of this too. The main attraction for me has been the dual head. I make use of it all the time. When I'm dialed in at level 6, I can get a nice pass on my cheeks and chin using the more aggressive sculpted bar. Simply flipping it over to the straight bar gives me a bit less aggression for the neck.:) (And I still switch off from aggressive to neutral to mild razors. But the Crusader adjustable gives me all those razors in one package.:)) However, doing the proper prep really helped my shave. I added two elements to my shaving routine and they made a big difference. A good pre-shave cream/oil and finishing up with an alum block. For instance, this morning, I was near the end of a blade's use that still happened to be in my Vikings Blade Chieftain Odin razor. But because I used a pre-shave and finished up with an alum block, the shave came out quite well. I even did three passes.:) No nicks, no cuts, no irritation.:) Also, try these blades: Astra, Persoanna Blue (made in Israel), Supermax Blue Diamond, Polsilver, Vikings Blade MILD razor blades, Derby Premium, Dorco Prime. I've found all of these to be quite agreeable with my shave in a variety of razors and adjustable razors. HTH.:)

@@MarkSzorady Awesome, thanks for the reply. I decided to pull the trigger on this razor, should be here in a couple of days. I'm looking forward to having a range of settings to choose from, will see how it goes on. I've tried a number of brands of blades including some of the ones you list. So far I think that Gillette Nacents have worked out the best for me. My facial hair is coarse and quite challenging to cut through, so I think the sharper blades tend to catch and dig in less. Also get where you're coming from on prep, I've been adding some Cremo original shave cream on as a pre step before I lather up, that stuff is slippery as wet ice and I think it helps. Haven't been using alum but I added a block to my order along with the razor. Again, really appreciate the great discussion of this handle. Thanks for putting all of this out there.

@@cugamer8862 My pleasure. You may also want otgive Vikings blade's Cayene hot blades a try. They are meant for coarse hair. Everyone raves aobut Polsilver blades. these are sharp and very smooth. Yes, quite pricey, but worth a try. Feather is always discussed as the sharpest blade out there. Even though it's a standalone shaving cream, Cremo is very good as a pre-shave. I've used it many times this way as well as Clubman Pinaud Classic Barber Shave Cream. There are a coupl eof different ways to us the alum block. Some wet the block, apply and leave it on. Others wet the face, apply the block, wait for about 30 seconds and then rinse it off. I mostly do the former method. If it tends ot dry the skin, then do the latter method for a while.:) HTH.:)

Hi, Andrew R. Great to hear!:) Pleas let us know how it works for you.:0

@@MarkSzorady Hi Mark, I just got this delivered today and the box says to adjust the the razor with the doors closed but when I do the razor gap doesn't change. If I open it and adjust the settings it then works. Just wondering on yours how the adjustments work.

@@andrewr9826 Here's what I do a recommended in instructions: With doors closed, turn the dial to max. Open doors, load blade, close doors, now simply adjust. If the razor isn't adjusting, then baseplate might be tilted. A simple reset is required. Not a big deal. See info here: vikingsblade.com/pages/reset-the-crusader-baseplate-knob?_pos=1&_sid=b8e838059&_ss=r

@@MarkSzorady thanks for the link to the site Mark... I should have checked around first but the wet shavers on RU-vid are honestly where I get all my information from lol.

@@andrewr9826 Not a problem.:) My pleasure.:)

It's a fantastic razor! I think you'll enjoy it.

Hi, 4incase.:) Both razors have the same razor head. The difference in handle size, diameter, and weight, for me, change up the shave a bit.:) I love them both. It comes down to whether you want heft and weight or a little less heft and a slimmer, slightly longer handle. For me, the shave has been smooth. Certainly use it to the milder settings until you get a feel for its efficiency and how it shaves.

:):):) I think my heirs will be fighting over this one and many others after I'm gone.:)

@@MarkSzorady prob no fighting im sure there is enough to go around

@@whippet6636 :):):)

Probably the best approach is to get a blade sampler and try a few different brands (coated and un-coated) and see which works for you. 70 FEATHER CRYSTAL 7 O'clock SHARK ASTRA SILVER BLUE DERBY SHARP 7 A.M. Double Edge Safety Razor Blade Sampler: amzn.to/2LJbMz0 Astra-Derby-Shark-Wilkinson-Personna 50 Quality Double Edge Razor Blades Sampler (9 different brands): amzn.to/2LI383Q Also, give the Vikings blade mild razor blades a try: amzn.to/30UxSSM Is your hair coarse? If so, then turn it up a bit with their Cayenne Hot: amzn.to/2Yn13fs Yes, Personna are a favorite and quite smooth for me. One of the first blades that gave me wonderful shaves: amzn.to/2ybGhFf Derby razor blades have multiple coatings that really smooth out the shave for me. Check out their Derby Premium blades: amzn.to/30Vthjh Derby regular blades are nice, too: amzn.to/2JSIs7g I've used the 7 O'clock blades and like them:) These are in sampler packs along with the Gillette Silver blue blades (another favorite) 100 7 O'clock Super Stainless Double Edge Safety Razor Blades: amzn.to/2SN7hEw As far as I know these are un-coated. (I'd need to double check) 100 Silver Blue Double Edge Razor Blades: amzn.to/2YkU9HU Platinum coated, I believe. Also, since you are beginning, it's imperative that you do the proper prep for the shave. Use a good shaving cream/soap and get a good pre-shave oil or cream. VIKINGS BLADE Pre Shave Oil, Black Forest (Sandalwood & Western Cedar): amzn.to/2SH5ZKU VIKINGS BLADE 'Black Forest' PRE-Shave Hair Softening Conditioner, Sandalwood & Western Red Cedar: amzn.to/2LIoBKe Proraso Shaving Soap (Green): amzn.to/2Yl0NxC Tabac Shaving soap: amzn.to/2yc0MBz Taylor of Old Bond Street: amzn.to/30YVYvQ The Art of Shaving, Shaving Cream, Bergamot & Neroli, 5 oz.: amzn.to/2LIenct You also may want to use a sensitive shaving cream and pre-shave along with a non-alcoholic after shave balm. Proraso has a very good sensitive shaving kit: Proraso Vintage Toccasana Tin Gift Set, Sensitive Skin Formula,1 Count,Pack of 1: amzn.to/2LJcRa2 Also, I recommend an alum block as part of your post shave routine. It has anti-septic qualities and really helps to knock down irritation. run the block under cold watr and smooth over your faxce afte the shave. Let dry. Leave on or, optionally, rinse off after 20-30 seconds (depending of if it dries the skin a bit, etc.). Bloc Osma Alum Block, 2.65 Ounce: amzn.to/2LtSxGi Osma Alum Block 2.65 Ounces - Pack of 2: amzn.to/2IQkSZG Bloc Osma Alum Stone 75g Block 3 Pack: amzn.to/2KWfwc1 SHASH Alum Block (100g) - All-Natural Shaving Bar Quickly Stops Bleeding with Antiseptic, Anti-Bacterial Mineral Salt - Soothes Razor Burn, Bumps and Redness - Safe and easy to use:.. Made in France: amzn.to/2yfiOCU Get a styptic pencil for those times you accidentally nick yourself. It happens...not because of the razor or blade but due to a slip-up in technique. Clubman Pinaud Styptic Pencil Travel Size .33 oz (Pack of 3): amzn.to/2JVowRb Lastly, take your time during the shave. Use light pressure when shaving with the safety razor. Let the weight of the razor do the work. Also, give your skin and face time to adapt to the wet shave. After a number weeks, it gets easier and becomes more enjoyable. Remember: Proper prep Light touch Slow down and give yourself time for the shave. Don't rush. Post shave routine (alum block, stay away from alcohol based after shaves until your face adapts). Give it time. Trust me, it gets better after several weeks to a month or so (depending on how often you shave (daily, three times a week, etc.). HTH.:)

Mark Szorady thanks for the fast reply!

@@coolstory6193 My pleasure!:) Enjoy the Traditional Wet Shaving adventure!:)

No. You can adjust with the doors closed. A viewer suggested to me that the doors needed to be opened when adjusting. I recalll Vikings Blade saying that this is not the case. Until I heard from Vikings Blade, I was opening the doors a bit when I adjusted. But again, not necessary. And, I no longer open the doors when adjusting. I simply adjust.:)

Mark Szorady thank you Mark, I was confused about this because of Matt’s review (razor emporium) where his model had a loose adjustment wheel, I saw your response for re-calibration of the razor where you click the top cap. I’m not sure what happened there what caused the loose adjustment wheel? Thank you again Mark.

@@Shaverboy516 My pleasure. I'l try and dig up the coments form the Vikings Blade rep regarding this. Cannot remember if I saw it on my channel or someone else's. Ou can also email VB directly. Very responsive and helpful.:)

Yes. Shark blades are not coated Shark Double Edge Razor Blades, Super Stainless, 20 X 5 Count (100 blades): amzn.to/30URzK5 I believe that Shaverboy blades are also uncoated. shaverboy.com/products/original-shaverboy-blade

Mark Szorady Yes I believe both the super stainless Shark and Super Chrome are not Teflon coated. I think most of the Gillette blades are also just platinum coated. I know the feathers are platinum coated.

@@IndianaDiy From what I've read, most Stainless Steel blades are not coated in the same sense as coated blades (Astra, Derby, Persona, etc.). But my understanding is, Stainless blades do have a slight anti-friction type of coating of sorts (perhaps PTFE?). Whereas other blades that are coated have multiple layers of coating ala Derby (chromium, ceramic, tungsten, etc.). As with any blade, YMMV.:):)

Try van der Hagen they aren't coated.

@@tatsuhirosatou5513 Thank you.:)

YMMV.:)

@@MarkSzorady Exactly! These razors are equivalent to the old Gillette Blue Tip; and for people with my hair they made the Red Tip...... These razors on 9 with she sharpest blade still left me with stubble! But that's why there is such a great variety.... but hairy dudes should not waste their hard earned $$$

Oh my gosh!:) He did the shaving cream song! I never knew his name! But, boy do I remember that song! Listened to it when I was a kid. Local radio stations played that song all the time.:) Good memories.:) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-l4bD-hvy9mQ.html

@@MarkSzorady Ssshhhaving cream, be nice and clean. Shave every day and you'll always look keen. ;)

LOL!:) :):):)

Hi, Madison Lee. I would encourage you to contact Vikings Blade direcelty via their web site vikingsblade.com. I'm certain they will be able to help you.

@@MarkSzorady yes., I was in correspondence with "Grumpy Old Robert". I suppose companies such as Muhle, Edwin Jagger, and Merkur, have spoiled me. I am not accustomed to unsightly physical flaws on a newly purchased razor. I will perhaps contact Vikings Blade, but, in the next lifetime.

@@asianhobbitshaving3050Your experience with Vikings Blade has has not been my experience. Nor has it been the experience of many other Vikings Blade customers. Since you no longer wish to correspond with them, there's nothing more I can do to help. I wish you all the best. Stay safe and be well.:)

Thank you, and no, there is nothing anyone can do to persuade me to gamble with Vikings Blade again. My wallet and I are headed for Rockwell Razors. Thank y’all for the refund, and correspondence. It’s been surreal.

its actually a feature. do some research on the bend.

It's a very nice razor.:)