AC/SE Razors- Tried them, Like/ Dislike your reasons ?

[vates]

AC-based razors work the best for me among various SE platforms.

I started with Hawk v.3 and although immediately liked it, I wasn't over-thrilled.
The shave quality was better in general and the lifespan was around x3 longer than with an average DE blade.

Everything changed dramatically with a mere Yaqi AC-razor, which thrived on the 'borrowed' idea of Blackland Vector.
This particular geometry changed the status of AC razors for me and skyrocketed them to the top of my preferences.
Needless to say, I've sold the Yaqi and bought a real Vector.
Now it's my go-to razor (of any type).

Now, my principal blades are Feather Pro's and Schick Prolines. Vector works better with Feathers (for me).
So yesterday I've ordered another Yaqi head, because these work much better with Schicks (for me).

 

[NeilJ]

I find SE Artist Club blades far more comfortable than DE blades. I use Schick Prolines in my Vector and Feather SS and DX and get between 10-12 shaves out of them whereas I get about 4 with a DE blade.

 

[Masamune]

Just started using Kai pinks in my SE1 and they are so comfortable and smooth. Maybe better than the Prolines. Now I'm tempted to try them with the SE2.

 

[N_Architect]

Used to be a big fan (AC type), not so much nowadays.

Pros:
# breadth of AC blade, removes stubble faster and thus more effectively
# blade is more rigid
# design of most razors out there is visually appealing
# AC blade straight shave (Feather SS/KAI folder or kamisori) is the epitomy of a wet shaving razor, leaves a traditional straight miles behind in effectiveness and convenience

Cons:
# Feather AC blades especially take a couple of shaves to break in
# rigid AC blade type gives a harsher shave (first couple of shaves only), and in the case of GEM SE blades the shave is even harsher which is a pity
# AC blades can take a number of shaves but I always lose count

In a nutshell: I really hope Henson Razors release an AC SE type someday.

 

[J349]

I’m growing to like more and more SE razors, I have constantly better results (effectiveness wise but also not getting irritation or ingrown hairs) with AC or GEM blades comparing with DE blades/safety razors. One curiosity is that I’ve never been into vintage DE but the world of vintage SE real appeals to me

 

[MPF9]

I’m growing to like more and more SE razors, I have constantly better results (effectiveness wise but also not getting irritation or ingrown hairs) with AC or GEM blades comparing with DE blades/safety razors. One curiosity is that I’ve never been into vintage DE but the world of vintage SE real appeals to me

Can look you out a decent ER 1912 at any time

 

[Masamune]

Cons:
# Feather AC blades especially take a couple of shaves to break in
# rigid AC blade type gives a harsher shave (first couple of shaves only), and in the case of GEM SE blades the shave is even harsher which is a pity
# AC blades can take a number of shaves but I always lose count

Depends on the AC blade you are using. To be honest the Kai pink took maybe half a pass to break in. Agree that Feather Pros take a while (not my favourite blade so far). I'm going to test them all in my SE1 and report back. I just palm strop a fresh GEM blade and don't have any issues.

 

[J349]

Can look you out a decent ER 1912 at any time

Thank you so much! I received one, British made, 3 or 4 days ago. Really liked it!!

 

[MrK1]

Bought and sold most of the different AC razors over the years. The King Cobra was a favourite for years. I'm a big fan of Blackland, but found the Vector slightly too mild.

I have a Hawk V2 which gets used occasionally, but mainly for tidying up the back of my neck after I have cut my hair.

The Hawk V3 A plate head on an Ikon OSS handle is the best AC head I have used. Hoping to pick up an OC plate at some point.

@N_Architect - Agree, the Feather Pro's take a couple of shaves to smooth out, but the Schick Prolines are pretty much smooth from the start and I find last a few shaves longer.

I love using the Feather Supers in my Kai non folding and folding razors.

 

[N_Architect]

Agree gents, the Schick Prolines are much smoother from the start...

 

[Holyzeus]

Prolines are all I use, just so good all round

 

[vates]

It's from the realm of YMMV. I find Prolines (either P- or B-series) a bit rougher on my skin than Feather Pros or Chinese Schicks respectively.

 

[MPF9]

It's from the realm of YMMV. I find Prolines (either P- or B-series) a bit rougher on my skin than Feather Pros or Chinese Schicks respectively.

I find that the performance of blades varies from one Razor to another.

 

[vates]

I find that the performance of blades varies from one Razor to another.

Absolutely.

 

[bartje-p]

Big fan of SE razors and blades (AC and injector, no experience with GEM razors). Own 1 RR Hawk black v2, and several Schick injector razors. Very comfortable and effortless shaves are (almost) always the outcome. The width of the Hawk took some time to get used to, coming from DE razors. I do like to rotate, so still have 3 DE razors as well.... ;-)