Walt's Corner

If you have followed this blog for a while, you probably know I’m a sucka for a nice razor. The CYGNUS razor from Phoenix Shaving is no exception. I’ve been using it for a week now and I can honestly say this is by far the easiest, closest shave I have ever experienced. Being made from a solid bar of copper and some FDA approved Acetal Copolymer here in the old U. S. of A., it does carry a higher-than-average price tag. My advice – if you can afford it, snatch it up now! Who knows how long it will stay in stock. As I’m writing this I’m told by someone in-the-know that only a few remain.

I won’t bore you with an in-depth look into the specs. Rather, I’ll just show what the website says. All accurate and pretty dang clear. No need to expound.

Let’s get into the experience. When you hold this razor in your hand, you know immediately that what you are holding on to is no ordinary razor. This is quality and precision. Machined down to a 6-sided half-inch rod, this will nicely nestle into a half-inch socket. Nice to know if you want to concoct some home-made stand to proudly display this expertly crafted safety razor. A diamond pattern cut up and down all sides provide an excellent grip. And you will need a grip. Trust me, you do not want this to fall onto your tile floor. You just may chip the floor.

CYGNUS falls into the standard 3-piece razor – handle, baseplate, and cap. The copper handle and cap are a matte finish. You can bet this will create a unique patina over time. I’m looking forward to seeing how mine develops. It comes neatly packaged including a couple packs of Phoenix Shaving’s own Strangelet branded blades. First time using these blades and they are impressive. I would put them up there at almost Feather quality, if you know Feather.

The copper transfers heat very well and when coupled with a hot scuttle, you get an amazing temperature experience to go along with a great shave. Speaking of the shave, this is hands-down my best. Two passes. With and against the grain. Done. No nicks or scrapes. BBS or DFS, whatever you want to call it. I usually need three passes to that BBS. So not only do I get a BBS, but I get it done in two thirds the time it usually takes. My time is particularly important to me in the mornings before work.

I had consistent results all week long. Five times with the same blade (turned over after the third time). Today I threw in an RK and had nearly the same results as the Strangelet. Nearly. Towards the end of the week I’ll swap that out with a Feather and see how that Stranglet stands up.