OK, so first impressions of the Yates.
I really like the bead-blasted finish and if I was to buy one that's likely the one I'd go for. I'd prefer not to have the logo on the top cap but as it's engraved it's not in your face, nevertheless logos on tops caps are not a thing that I like. Except for old Gillettes, I know, double standard.
This is purely a preference thing though and not a deal-breaker. I do like the way they've designed the top cap so that the blade tabs are protected but still accessible for those who struggle to remove the blades otherwise, it's a good way to please both groups.
The short handle just feels wrong. If it was a bit slimmer it would be OK but being as short and fat as it is I really don't like it. The 100mm one is too long but feels like the least-bad option of the two. Speaking of the handles, because Yates have decided to use some weird thread size you can't use your own handle because it won't screw on, and even if it did the recess on the bottom of the plate is really narrow so most of my handles wouldn't fit into it anyway. See photo below with an iKon bulldog.
Never since the PILS has a manufacturer tried so hard to ensure that you use their handle, and the decision to do so is baffling especially considering that the DE razor market is a niche one and swapping handles is something a lot of us do. It's even more confusing when the only two available handles are both at the extremes in terms of length and girth (stop sniggering at the back!) with no middle-ground option available. I know that the manufacturer is aware of this and more handle options are planned but as it stands I think the handle issue alone would be enough to prevent me buying a Yates unless they do come out with a middle-ground and ideally knurled handle. I'm not anticipating grip to be a problem, but I like knurling and as they've gone out of their way to stop me using one of my own handles I can only hope that they release one.
In terms of packaging the razor is nicely presented. I'm a bit of a contrarian here however in that my ideal razor packaging is a sturdy cardboard box, something that will protect the razor but that I don't feel obliged to keep and then have to find a home for even though it probably doesn't have another use. The Yates however is in a tin with foam inserts that I expect would be removable leaving you with a tin that could be repurposed or recycled. Again I think this is a nice way to please both the box-fondlers and those of us who just want to receive the razor undamaged.
Generally my impressions of the razor are very positive apart from the handles.
Will post back later on when I've actually shaved with it.
