My Asylum RX shave reports:
Thanks to
@Paul from Connaught and to ATG for this opportunity to trial the Asylum RX.
The very first time I saw the RX I was both intrigued by it's appearance and curious as to how it would perform compared to my aggressive but much loved King Cobra.
I currently own five SE/AC type razors which are used in regular rotation. I therefore consider myself an experienced user. I also shave daily.
Initial impressions.
The weight and balance of the RX feels good. The finish was pretty good and the handle length somehow felt right. To my eyes the appearance of the Asylum is pretty neat but I'm mindful that appearance and design are not necessarily the same thing. (more of that later)
Regarding my shaving technique: I never shave ATG, I shave down on the face and up on the neck. I tend to have tough whiskers but sensitive skin so I never go chasing that BBS feel. If it comes naturally using my usual light touch then great but too many passes and too much pressure usually leads to redness and tenderness. When trialling a new razor I always use my tried and tested 1912 unscented soap. My face is prepared using a rich glycerine based Neutrogena facial cleansing bar.
Shave One
Growth: 27 hrs of medium dense stubble
Blade: Kai Captain Mild (No Guard)
Soap: Wickham's 1912 Unscented
First shave ever using the Kai Mild from the supplied sample pack
Even using the lightest touch I immediately knew this razor was aggressive but worse it also felt quite harsh. I stopped the shave after the first pass and lightly corked the blade. On to the second pass some of the harshness was calmed but it still felt aggressive. Manoeuvring around the face was relatively simple due to the short handle but the shave felt uncomfortable.
Third and final pass was using the lightest possible touch. It took a substantial amount of gentle dexterity to avoid nicks and weepers so although harsh the first shave was blood free.
Following a cool water rinse my face was red and tender. So much so that I didn't shave the next day. What amazed me the most was my skin felt BBS several hours after shaving.
Rather than blame the razor, I decided to put this disappointing result down to an unsuitable blade choice.
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Shave Two (Xmas Eve)
Growth: 48 hrs of medium dense stubble
Blade: KAI Captain Protouch MG
Soap: Wickham's 1912 Unscented
I'm fully familiar with the KAI Captain Protouch MG as this is my chosen blade when using my aggressive King Cobra.
Again, using a gentle touch off I went to mow down two days growth. The MG blade felt so much better than the previous blade. The RX coped admirably but again the shave didn't feel as comfortable as my KC or any of my other AC razors.
After two passes and one clean up pass, it was beginning to dawn on me that the RX wasn't going to be the razor I fall in love with.
Cool water rinse and I kid you not my poor face was red as Santa's sack! No rash, cuts or weepers just red and tender.
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Shave three (Final shave)
Growth: 24 hrs of medium dense stubble
Blade: Feather Soft Guard (from sample pack)
Soap: Wickham's 1912 Unscented
Following two disappointing shaves I was on the hunt for comfort. I can achieve comfort with my other AC razors so why can't I achieve this with the Asylum RX?
Time to load a previously untested Feather Soft Guard from the sample pack. According to the manufacturer these blades are specifically designed for sensitive skin.
This blade although gentle just didn't cut smoothly. Rather than slicing through the whiskers it tugged. Hang on a mo, I only have one days growth so why the tugging?
No way was I going to achieve a three pass shave using this blade so out it came and back in went the MG Protouch. Finishing off with the MG blade was the best yet but still not good enough compared to my other AC razors.
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Final thoughts:
I was fully aware this razor had received mixed reviews so it was welcomed into my den with guarded caution.
I have no idea if the Asylum is better suited to infrequent shavers but even using the mildest blade, never in a million years could I consider the RX being suitable as a daily driver. For my personal taste it's not only overly aggressive but also harsh and uncomfortable.
Also when empty the top plate has a distinct rattle. Not something you expect from a modern high end razor.
My usual blade choice would be the Feather Pro standard. The only time I use a Kai MG Proguard is when using my aggressive King Cobra. Handled correctly the KC dances beautifully without leaving post shave redness or tenderness. Something I failed to achieve with the Asylum RX.
I'm grateful for this opportunity but the RX isn't for me. I have several other AC razors which do a better job and for a lot less money.
I'm still of the opinion the most comfortable, smoothest shave I've ever experienced from any AC razor has to be the
Colonial General. It remains my No 1.
