The razor shown is the Baili BD179, which I purchased from Italian Barber, where it is called RazoRock Quick-Change DE Safety Razor and sells for $10. It’s a hefty little guy. I thought at first it was stainless steel and could not figure how it could be priced so low, but it is an electroplated alloy (of what, it’s not said). The action is smooth, and the workmanship (fit and finish) are extremely good. Gillette TTO owners will be interested to know that there are no endcaps to come off and be lost. (Some Gillette TTOs also omit endcaps, but you see them on the Super Speeds and the Fat Boy and Slim Handle and Super Adjustable.)
So, how does it shave?
I used my Van Yulay After Dark shaving soap and the marvelous Omega 21762 boar brush, easily getting a very nice and very slick lather. The soap’s ingredients:
Stearic Acid, Aloe Vera, Coconut Fatty Acid, Castor, Glycerin, Potassium Hydroxide, Coconut-Emu-Babassu-Olive-Argan-Jojoba-Oils, Calendula, Extracts, Poly Quats, Sodium Lactate, Allantoin, Silica, Liquid Silk, Bentonite Clay, Essential Oil, and EO’s and Fragrance.
Not vegan because of the emu oil, but a very nice soap indeed.
With prep complete, I set to work with the razor. It came with a pack of Derby Extra blades, but I went with Personna Lab Blue. The razor is very comfortable and also efficient (though not so efficient as some). It did a fine job, and I think this would be an excellent razor for a novice who wants a TTO razor.
I am still surprised by the heft, fit, and finish. Definitely worth $10.
A splash of After Dark aftershave splash, and I’m ready for the day.
Filed under: Shaving
