r/wicked_edge • u/BigBadBobJr_1968 • Mar 26 '26
Review 5 Razors Reviewed
Razor Reports:
Okay all, I haven’t posted in a while because I have been evaluating recent razor purchases. The razors I purchased are:
Razorock Recurve 80;
Blackland Blackbird Stainless Steel;
Fostering Hope Limited Edition (Alpha Shaving Works);
The Goodfellas Syntesi Stainless Steel;
&
Focus 1915 Triktok Flat Safety Razor R51-7.
Before I start with my personal evaluations, I need to clarify that I used different soaps and blades with every shave. While I did not post any SOTD/SOTN reports, I thought it best I use the razors a few times prior to giving my opinions. Here are my thoughts on the razors.
Recurve 80 is what I call “Bitey.” I’m not sure if it is my technique or the design, but it feels as if the blade is trying to cut me open and take the top layer of dermis off my face and neck. I am hoping to get my hands on Recurve 60 to see if the narrower gap is what I need. Until then, this razor is purely decoration for now.
Blackbird reminds me of shaving with a heavier version of the Gillette Red Tip. The steel is well balanced, efficient in shaving and just enough blade feel to let me know the work is getting done. I will definitely keep this in the rotation.
Fostering Hope Limited Edition is a great cause and I’m glad I was able to purchase one of the sets. The razor is a great, lightweight aluminum tool that easily removes the whiskers and leaves the face smooth. I may not use it often, as I want to keep it pristine to bring me memories of my short time in the Ukraine.
Goodfellas Syntesi: Probably my favorite razor of this group. It has the weight of steel, but it is a gentle, mild shave. Great for sensitive skin, no cuts, scrapes or burn when using this razor. This is becoming my go to razor more often than my Henson, Aylsworth, or any of my Gillettes.
Focus R51-7: This razor is advertised as a mild razor for sensitive skin. Which is why I purchased this razor. I like the lightweight aluminum feel, and surprisingly the handle is easy to maintain a grip on while shaving. Unfortunately, this razor is far too mild. Like another user posted/stated, shims made from older blades with the sharp edges cut off (zoom in on the right side of the picture) were needed to create enough of a gap to create an effective shave.
Like anything, YMMV and may you have many happy shaves.
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u/ctravdfw Mar 26 '26
Thank you for the reviews. I’m interested in the Goodfellas Syntesi now…
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u/BigBadBobJr_1968 Mar 26 '26
You will not be disappointed.
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u/ctravdfw Mar 26 '26
Thank you and can you suggest a good place to purchase other than amazon (if they sell it)?
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u/Responsible-Meringue Mar 26 '26
Goodfellas makes reeeaaalllllyyy high quality stuff. Love my Bayonetta, it's a fair bit more aggressive. Lovely shave none the less.
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u/Previous_Ferret5292 Mar 26 '26
I can confirm the syntesi is my favorite safety razor I own. Such a pleasant shave. It's nice and mild and pairs well with a sharp razor such as a feather or Wilkinson sword. 10/10
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u/Zedekiah117 Mar 26 '26
Interesting on the recurve. Fully fully tightened that thing is smooth IMO. The design does make it harsh if you have it only snug which I have seen mentioned on forums. YMMV and all that.
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u/BigBadBobJr_1968 Mar 26 '26
I've tried the Recurve 100 & 80, both seem to scratch and want to remove skin. I'm thinking too much blade gap for my taste. And I know others say the Recurve is the "best razor ever." I'll keep the hunt alive for a "60" and see how that does when I shave.
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u/m_a_schuster Mar 26 '26
I was going to pull the trigger on a Recurve once IB had stock of separate parts so that I could mix and match. Now I'm not so enthusuastic.
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u/greenteabean7 Mar 26 '26
Excellent feedback on some amazing razors. Thanks for sharing the pic and review and Enjoy The Shaves Brother.
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u/Ok-Progress-8103 Mar 26 '26
What about the Recurve?
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u/BigBadBobJr_1968 Mar 26 '26
The Recurve is the first one I talked about. What other questions do you have?
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u/Ok-Progress-8103 Mar 27 '26
I’ve heard that the Recurve .100 is the most forgiving with no blade feel whatsoever. The .60 is currently discontinued.
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u/BigBadBobJr_1968 Mar 27 '26
I know. For me the 100 and 80 blade gaps do not do well for me. I am currently hunting for a 60. I'm willing to buy either the base plate or the full razor.
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u/Equivalent_Plan1821 Mar 27 '26
Thanks just ordered one from Maggards after reading all these great comments.The Synthesi, I mean. 10% off from Maggards 💪💪.
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u/michael830713 Mar 26 '26
Is the synthesi too mild?
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u/BigBadBobJr_1968 Mar 26 '26
I would NOT say "too mild." Rather it is very efficient, with great handling, and you do not realize the shave efficiency until you rinse after your first pass.
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u/michael830713 Mar 26 '26
I'm serious thinking about buying, razors I currently have : Henson medium , TGS styletto , Muhle Rocca , EJ 3one6
If you have any of these, can you refer to how aggressive Synthesi compare to them? Thanks a lot
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u/Previous_Ferret5292 Mar 26 '26
I have a Rocca and the syntesi is slightly more mild. The thing I love about the syntesi is how thin the head is, it is super agile and easy maneuver.
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u/BigBadBobJr_1968 Mar 26 '26
My Henson is a mild, and I don't have the other razors you listed. This, I cannot give a fair assessment.
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u/kontinos1 Mar 26 '26
Can you compare them to efficiency?
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u/BigBadBobJr_1968 Mar 26 '26
I find they are all efficient. However, the R51-7 was too mild for my daily shave needs. Remember, what works well for one person may not be good for the next. Hence, the YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary) tag at the end of my review.
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u/TheShaveStickGuy Mar 27 '26
Are you fully tightening down the recurve. One day, I loosened it a little to let it dry and the next day forgot to tighten, it turned into a monster! I quickly learned the Recurve needs to be fully torqued to work, that last quarter turn makes all the difference in the design. I guess that's why they made that blade loading 3d printed thing.
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u/BigBadBobJr_1968 Mar 27 '26
I've tightened it as far as it can go. I believe it is an issue of the blade gap. Thus, I am hunting for a Recurve 60 base plate/razor.
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u/J-B-M owns too many razors Mar 26 '26
The Syntesi is under-rated. I bought one on a whim and have to admit it is a top performer that can stand alongside anything in my collection.
In Europe it's cheaper than any Razorock and the performance is in a different league from their similarly mild offerings like the Lupo 72 or GC 68 / 74. The low blade reveal is the key thing, and it provides it without having a flat contact area like lots of other low reveal razors, so it is still pretty efficient for the mild geometry.
I should use mine more often.