I have been using the Rapira razor for some weeks now, and after shaving for 40 years, with Drug store razors that seem to get proportionately worse as the prices go up and up, I am delighted that BITOG prompted me to try traditional shaving
I'm very pleased with the razor, it's well made. And looks like it could last a lifetime.
At first I found the handle to be a little short and light (in comparison with the head) But I guess that was a matter of getting used to it.
I may still turn another handle from aluminium, at a later date, just to see how I like it.
But for now, the stock, plastic and steel handle is fine.
The blades that came with the razor were Rapira platinum lux, they are very sharp, and proberbly a little aggressive for a Fist Timmer like me. A VERY close shave, and a few nicks if you were not careful!
I have since bought a blade variety pack from the same Russian vender, and have recently been using LADAS
They seem perfect (I can even shave quite quickly, even when half asleep without nicking) but are only good for 3 to 4 shaves before they tend to drag.
Still, at about 3 cents per shave, I can live with that!
I'm still using Gillette Fusion Gel from a can, but have ordered some Arko sticks from Turkey (ordering from Canada or the U.S. would have been a pain) and a Best Badger shaving brush from the UK
It will be interesting to see what difference that will make.
I actually find I now enjoy shaving, I think for the first time EVER!
Thanks BITOG.