Today, we'll take a look at a razor that isn't the cheapest, nor the absolute best, but it's a damned good razor, and offers a lot of craftsmanship for the price.
Welcome to my generations way to shave. It saves you a ton of money. Don’t waste your money on the crap they sell in stores. These are easy to clean, blades are cheap, and they just shave better. I’m 58 and have never stopped using this type of razor, and for good reason. -Stephen, Ohio
I'm using really old school traditional Japanese Damascus yanagiba to shave. Bigger is always better. And then I also got a boring shaving knife and an electrical which does a pretty good shave you can do while jogging,safely,but uncool. Maybe the middle aged school safety razor is the next thing that I'll add to my collection.
This channel is actually what got me into wet shaving. I had some Nick videos on in the background around Dec. and over heard him mention that it cuts down on post shave acne. I decided to give it try and it's actually become a hobby I love that I've spent more money in than I would like to admit.
Finally! Keep the reviews of DE Razors coming! I bought a Merkur 23c based on your reccomendation and I love it. So keep it up! Thanks and Best WIshes.
I am somewhat new to the double edge shaving tradition. I found the Razorock DE Gamechanger .84 about one year ago. For me, none of the others I have tried come close. Definitely a "game changer" for me. Another plus...no blade overhang on the sides.
@@God-mb8wi Because you have "no idea" as you yourself stated. If you were someone who was into this type of shaving you would know that every razor and the blades have many differences.
The Game Changer is a really good razor and fantastic value for the price. Solid, durable, dependable, and very satisfying. And all-stainless steel is always right up my alley. Of course, I love the Feather AS-D2 more, as I do my Rockwell 6S. Anyway, I have eight great razors, including this Razor Rock which is where I could easily have stopped wanting or buying any more. And then I got the Feather. 😀 The review was just as great as this razor. Much appreciated!
I learned something today. Been using a Merkur long handle for years and didn't realize the handle made a huge difference in the shave. I knew the blade did and I've tried a bunch but now I might have to pick up a new handle or two.
The razorock handles can be used on most 3 piece razors, and at $10 are a screaming deal. if it’s not in stock when you check sign up for the in-stock notifications of the handle(s) you prefer and it’s usually about a week or two and they’ll let you know.. (ItalianBarber)
Been using a merkur 34C for a long time, love the damn thing, highly recommend I think it does go to show that everyone's face is different as is their shaving style so one man's favourite razor is another man's face scraper
I started out with a Edwin Jagger DE-89, which I rarely use anymore. After (far too many) safety razor purchases wish I had started out with an adjustable razor, like a Parker Variant, Rockwell 6C, Merkur Progress, the inexpensive West Coast Shaving 'WCS Razor Head Set' (with the mild Lithe, Toothsome or more aggressive Brawny plates) or a vintage Gillette adjustable, since they can better adapt to ones beard growth and skin sensitivity more easily than the much recommended Edwin Jagger DE-89 or Merkur 34C.
Merkur 34c was my 1st razor. It did not really suit me. It's hard to get close shave. I use it for head shaving. I'm using feather asd2 now. Much much better for me. I have also ordered gamechanger OC .84. Cant wait to try that out.
Nick... Try the Gamechanger with a different brand blade. Your Feather is a VERY mild razor designed to be most efficient with Feather blades which are one of the sharpest in the industry. The razor/blade combination makes or breaks the shave.
Have exact razor,mine is 0.68. I think there are different blade gaps you can get, for milder or aggressive shaves. And I have different handle. Started out with de 89 and twist to open Parker. The razor rock is by far my favorite razor but have not tried the feather razor
I prefer Razorock's Barberpole handle, but it's rarely available. One of the interesting things about the Gamechanger is that it comes in multiple versions -- I have 4 of them (from most mild to most aggressive, .68 mm blade gap safety bar, .84 mm safety bar, .84 mm open comb, and .84 JAWS [also an open comb, but with fewer, more widely spaced teeth]). It looks like you got the .84 mm safety bar, but with feather blades, that'll be pretty efficient/aggressive. I use the JAWS (and other open comb razors), but I also typically use "less sharp" blades like Astra SPs or Shark Super Chromes. My experience is that I prefer aggressive razors, but with less aggressive (and less expensive) blades. Use whatever works best for you though; shaving is a very subjective activity. I know that you're more of a knife guy, but thanks for another razor review -- your "Why you should wet-shave with a double-edged safety razor" video is what prompted me to make the change from cartridge razors.
Oh, the irony... a man named "Nick" reviewing a DE razor. Try Above The Tie. They make GREAT razors, especially their Windsor line. It will make you wonder why you bought the Feather.
Good review nick. The Game Changer is well loved in the wet shave community, and touted as the best bang for buck DE razor (CNC 316 stainless, made in Canada). I have pricier razors but my game changer consistently provides comparable shaves. There’s something to be said about regular use, getting used to something as second nature in relation to consistency. Technique and consistency can be lacking when trying new razors vs being familiar with a razor and rotating it. I always have to give a razor time for me to dial it in develop muscle memory for that razor’s preferred angle sweet spot before discerning if it’s for me. The lather and blades can also play a part, if the lather hydration is off, and blades if you’re trying a new brand. In this case you’re familiar with both razors and use feathers in both, perhaps there were other factors that brought about the wonkiness. Thanks for checking out the GC .84, and ASD2, appreciate both reviews. 🖖
Do NOT get into to razors! 😉 For the Razo Rock Game Changer, you may want to get a “milder blade” like Astra Platinum (green pack). My personal favorite is a Mühle R89 head on a Weber Wave handle w/ Astra Green. Cheers Nick. PS The heavy the razor the more likely you are to let the weight of the razor to do the cutting. Try the Razo Rock HD handle, when it comes back in stock.
Nice review. While the stainless steel RazoRock GameChanger 0.84-P is a good value, the efficiency and comfort of the $19.95 West Coast Shaving 'WCS Razor Head Set' (designed by Charcoal Goods) might be a better overall value. It is a four-piece razor head set with three base plates of varying aggressions, plus a shared angled top cap (with a longer stem) that helps new (and seasoned) wet-shavers shave at the right angle. One can buy individual base plates separately, if one prefers a mild or aggressive shave (at an even cheaper cost). The only fault I find with the WCS 'Brawny' razor head (which I like much more than the Game Changer 0.84-P -- in design, efficiency and comfort) is that it isn't stainless steel. Any (or all) of these razor heads are well worth the small cost. RazoRock's 'Super Knurl' handle is seemingly copied from Stork Razors' 'Hedgehog' handle (made in Belarus).
Anthony Vincent it’s not a very good shaver. Efficiency is very low but it’s also not smooth at all. The worst of both worlds. The Razorock Lupo in Stainless is the way to go if you can’t get a Wolfman.
Wow... The great Nick Shabazz in my domain of wet shaving. I feel exactly the opposite of you on this. The feather is far too mild for me and I didn't care for it but I love the gamechanger.
I was waiting for this review! It’s definitely a piece of gear I can only describe as Shabazzesque. On the topic of Razorocks do check out their Teck II/DE1 when you get the chance (same head diff handle, it’s actually a rebrand of a chinese razor, the Baili 176). For less than $10 you get a mild blade exposure coupled with a cap that holds the blade extremely rigid making for a comfortable yet baffingly efficient shave. It’s sort of the F-91W of razors if you will, and might be something you end up enjoying. Cheers!
The Game Changer is CNC machined from a block of steel to tolerances of 0.002". The AS D2 head is metal injection molded (MIM). The only thing higher end about the AS D2 is the price. In terms of metal quality and tolerances, the Game Changer is superior.
@@NickShabazz Sure, what shaves better for an individual is a preference - an opinion. Someone may prefer a $30 Merkur (zinc alloy) to a $1000 Wolfman CNC machined DE razor because of the way it shaves for them. But CNC machined netting tighter tolerances than MIM is a measurable fact. Its "higher end" superiority in tolerances is not an opinion.
Hi Nick,i suggest to try the Fatip safety razor,italian made and you can find it in two sizes(small and big). Very well made razor,quite aggressive but super nice
Technical question: can you buy any game changer razor and insert any game changer head. Example: i have a game changer .68p, can i buy a .84p head and interchange it or the top heads are different and dose t allow it. I know this can sound obvious but am new to DE razor.
Nick...I'm a little late to the party. Story of my life. However, I believe the Razorock "Gamechanger" 68-P is at the perfect "point of diminishing returns" juncture for me. Price/performance have hit the "sweetspot". I only wish I'd discovered Razorock sooner. Regardless, I've ordered GC 68-P head with the same handle as your test article. I'm currently using a Merkur 23C which for my course beard and sensitive skin is darn near perfect, but I wanted a S.S. razor. I've already experienced a chrome plated razor disintegrating in my hand. I'm not a big fan of plated Pot metal. I anticipate retiring the 23C when the GC 68 arrives, or maybe give it to one of the kids?
I love Feather blades. I bought a bulk load a few years ago to get free delivery, and am still using them! I like adjustable razors, but then, just l my knives, I like traditionals so it’s hard to beat a Fat Boy or a slim. That being said, though I have a couple of dozen de razors, my 1950s and 1960’s are the ones I like best.
great review, as usual. i think i have razors from just about every manufacturer, and surprisingly, the aluminum handled "lord" for around 10 bucks (maybe less) is as good ( and better) than most. with several days of growth, i hit the long stuff with a double edge, and usually finish up with a multiblade cartridge to get closer, relathering several times...not a fan of heavy razors--kinda like walking in soft sand--more effort required.
Hmmmmm... Maybe razor companies are learning something from the knife market and going for the Civivi level of value? I’m also totally out of touch with these products as I use the safety razor my brother left behind in the ‘80’s.
Hey Nick! Do you have any thoughts on Rockwell 6S adjustable DE razor system? Be alive and safe and most importantly - have an absolutely wonderful rest of your day.
They’re good razors but the heads are a bit bulky. The model T overvalued for not being stainless, and the shave suffers on the 6s (blasted finish creates drag).
Yan Doroshenko I used both a 6s and model T, but in the end wound up just using R5 or setting 4 on the T. All the adjustability was unfortunately moot.
@@neokuji I'm thinking about getting the 6S and maybe doing some work to polish off the blasted finish where it matters - would be a cool way to get something cool and custom for cheap.
I can remember the Gillette adjustable razors (60s/70s) and a leetle before. I have several razors that I use intermittently from the 70s Trac II, Excel, Atra, etc. Like'em all. The brand new ones with 5 blades, not so much--they are good though. I like the newest Gillette pretty well now--Skinguard. The older ones I recall as causing nicks (no pun intended) too easliy. Sensor 3 disposable is good. Anyhoo, I know it's a personal thing, so....
You'll have to look elsewhere. If money is no object, have a look at this video (with minimal details) - /watch?v=6qdi65K03DU Ruds Shaves has a variety of brush videos (you could email him for suggestions) -- /user/dendj55/videos
These razors used to the only way to shave other than straight razors for those too young to know. Then Gillette started those safety razors. I used them for years and would still be using them until last year Gillette chose to insult us with that commercial. Blades are so cheap, and the razor is so attractive. I use a Parker 99R, and I love it. One caution though: take your time until you get used to the double edge again. It is easy to cut yourself if you are used to safety razors until you get used to them. Never going back to Gillette. They even sent me a nice razor in the mail, which I threw in the trash.
The stainless steel Feather AS-D2, which costs $175 (and up). It is considered a very mild and efficient razor (if you use Feather blades, that many consider as the sharpest blades available). I'd like to try it, but I usually go for super aggressive razors (Ikon Tech, which is the polar opposite of the Feather AS-D2). Some videos that may help you with your decision (though look for more) -- /watch?v=y05JJatNCsk /watch?v=dSI_Myq5Flc /watch?v=WLeEEvPhKnM /watch?v=qYP9x-OGAOw /watch?v=wT563RZKQ9M /watch?v=Fz45THdBl2U /watch?v=TpKlNz6GsT8 For new wet-shavers I'd recommend an adjustable razor like the Parker Variant or Rockwell 6C -- instead of the Feather AS-D2 or the RazoRock Game Changer. A cheaper option would be the West Coast Shaving 'WCS Razor Head Set' (with three base plates and a shared top cap) for $19.95. This seems sold out, but you can piece together the same set with a full Lithe razor head (with top cap) and Brawny and Toothsome base plates. The set is efficient and comfortable, though you'd also need a handle. Unfortunately, West Coast Shaving doesn't offer the handles I'd recommend -- the RazoRock 'Super Knurl' ($14.99) or the Maggard Razors MR-18 ($14), which is a little thinner and longer.
Fendrihan has a variety of handles for the Gillette Fusion (including the 'Bolin Webb X1 Prestige Carbon Razor' that uses Gillette Fusion blades that goes for $480(!)), as does Etsy, though I've also seen a 'Yunchi Razor Handle' on AliExpress that only costs $11. Search your favorite vendors.
It's the 0.84-P Game Changer (after looking at a few frames at 1080p HD). If you're considering this stainless steel razor, I'd suggest you also look into the more affordable 'Lithe', 'Toothsome' and 'Brawny' 'WCS Safety Razor Heads (designed by Charcoal Goods)' by West Coast Shaving. Despite not being stainless steel, I find the design, efficiency and comfort of these razor heads preferable to the RazoRock 0.84-P Game Changer, though you'll need a handle. The RazoRock 'Super Knurl' and Maggard MR-18 handles are two great options, both around $15.
Nick, Do you normally try only one blade that’s most often too sharp for medium aggressive razors than give a review? I have the same razor, I too put a Feather in it and hacked myself up, but I didn’t blame the razor. The next shave I used a Nacet, had a great shave, then I tried an Astra Superior Stainless to confirm I didn’t need to go any milder, and I didn’t. The difference between you and I is, I actually found my blade. To assume a Feather is gonna rock in everything you put it in is 100% absurd. You have a perfectly good (actually excellent) razor that just needs a different blade, I can’t believe you did a review without trying that. This doesn’t help the shave community or anyone, please thoroughly test the products before reviewing them.
I had the exact same feelings with my GameChanger. Some days I'd get a great shave and other days I'd be left with stubble or nicks. I had the .86 cap and found it very aggressive around the mouth, even more so than my R41. It's well built, a good price but in the end I sold it having bought a Rockwell 6S. That's a keeper.
@@neokuji Hi normally the 4 but sometimes the 5 and sometimes the 3. The advantage of the 4 is it combined with the 2 for milder XTG after the first two passes on 4. Just switch it over. The 5 is the milder side of the 6 so to go milder you need to swap plates. The 3 is the other side of 1 which is virtually unusable. Rockwell should have gone 1/2 3/4 5/6 not 1/3 2/4 5/6.
@@davidwatson3035 ..I completely agree about the numbering combinations on the plates of the Rockwell 6S. It is needlessly and annoyingly out of whack. It should have been like you said it here.
