Pass Around Vestige Gem passaround

[p.b]

Some machining marks visible so I’d presume this is the basic polish. If that’s the case I’d personally go for machined or save up longer for the full-on Wolfman treatment.
Three plates: no mark, + and ++. I’ll start with the + tomorrow and a fresh GEM blade.

 

[p.b]

PS sorry for the rubbish photos I’m using my iPhone 7 while I get a new battery fitted to my phone.

 

[p.b]

Slender and elegant. With the Vector it’s like having two super-models sitting on the cabinet.

 

[p.b]

PS. I added that unsightly washer- couldn’t stomach the idea of scratching up the base plates.

 

[Atelier Durdan]

I can confirm that this is a basic polish.

 

[Gian]

1. p.b
2. Holyzeus
3. Masamune
4. shave to the grave
5. slapo
6. @semajohn

E.U. Passaround
1. J349
2. @Ventastic
3. Gian

Yes please. Many thanks to @Holyzeus and Augustin.

 

[Holyzeus]

Looks like this wasn’t copied and pasted correctly previously.

1. p.b
2. Holyzeus
3. Masamune
4. shave to the grave
5. slapo
6. semajohn
7. @Crossan
8. @Jfett


E.U. Passaround
1. J349
2. Ventastic

 

[Holyzeus]

Stephen has dropped out


1. p.b
2. Holyzeus
3. Masamune
4. shave to the grave
5. slapo
6. @Crossan
7. @Jfett


E.U. Passaround
1. J349
2. Ventastic

 

[Shave to the grave]

@Holyzeus hope you're well bud. I'm going to be working away from mid August until feck knows when. Coming home weekends only which will make the pass around a bit tricky for me. I'd be grateful if you could amend the list accordingly.
Thanks

 

[Holyzeus]

1. p.b *Completed*
2. Holyzeus *With*
3. Masamune
4. slapo
5. @Crossan
6. @Jfett


E.U. Passaround
1. J349
2. Ventastic

 

[p.b]

Finally the write up.

This razor weighs 66g in stainless steel which is even more svelte than a BB Vector and it's just as well balanced - I like a neutral to handle heavy balance to razors and the Vestige is just perfect for me. The shape of the handle is great as well, the profile at the bottom avoids it being top heavy and makes it feel very secure during ATG strokes. I also found the 9mm diameter handle fine, I thought it would be too thin but it gives the razor a precision feel very much like I find the Vector.

I didn't bother with the std plate and started with the + plate before quickly swapping it out for the ++. I would rate the ++ plate as very similar to a Micromatic Clog-Pruf or a BB Sabre L1. My preference is for a MM Open Comb or a Sabre L2 so I found this a bit too mild, I could still get a great shave but it required 4 passes so I think I'd like a +++ plate. Other than wanting a more aggressive plate I can't think of anything I'd want to change, even the 'strange' looking handle and stand are very intuitive and easy to use, easier to insert than a normal parallel style handle.

I don't think I'd opt for the basic polish as there are still some machining marks visible but the machined finish should be equal to the finish of Blackland and so very attractive.

Once again thanks to @Atelier Durdan and @Holyzeus for running this.

 

[Masamune]

Can you compare to the WR3 prototype?

 

[p.b]

Can you compare to the WR3 prototype?

Prettier, lighter and very manoeuvrable unlike the awkward WR3, but far, far milder. I’d rather own the Vestige despite its mildness because I can do another pass whereas the WR3 felt unbalanced.

 

[Masamune]

Oh wow, maybe my ATT G1 will be a better comparison. Just as well we requested all the baseplates. I will compare to all my modern GEMs: Blackland, Wolfman, ATT when it arrives.

 

[Agravic]

I’m not in the passaround however wanted to share my thoughts.
I purchased Vestige directly from Atelier Durdan, and received my razors 2 weeks ago. I have the machined SS + and Brass ++.
These are the best modern Gem razors I’ve used. I prefer the ++ over the +. It’s modestly aggressive but smooth. The lightweight nature allows for nimble handling.
Well done, Augustin!

Ravi