The RazoRock Mission 3-Piece Double Edge Safety Razor has an extremely attractive appearance. The Chroming is simply lovely and top-notch. It has good weight, heft, and balance. Overall, the razor looks much more expensive than the price listed.

However, I immediately noticed two things during my first use.

One, although blade alignment was pretty accurate, I did need to give it a bit of a nudge just to make sure. It’s not wildly out of alignment. It’s just that, with this razor head, the blade ends protrude a bit. This gives you the opportunity to check things out. A good practice, just to be on the safe side.

And two, the blade exposure was a lot more than I’ve seen with other razors. This resulted in a shave that was close, but just a tad more harsh than smooth for me. YMMV. This may very well be an agreeably good razor for many wet shavers. It certainly depends on your skin type.

I’ve learned that my skin is a bit on the sensitive side. I prefer a more mild razor. On the upside, I used Italian Barber’s Fresco Verde Shaving Soap For Sensitive Skin. I think this gave me some added protection when using this razor.

Truthfully, I would not buy this as a starter razor for someone just learning how to wet shave. It’s a bit like jumping in the deep end. Too much, too soon.

This razor would be, however, a good second razor/gift for the person who’s learned the proper technique, etc. with a more mild razor over a period of a year or two.

A much better option for any wet shaver (beginner or seasoned veteran) is The Godfather razor by Vikings Blade.   The blade exposure is perfect!  The razor is very forgiving which results in a smooth and close shave.
Shop Amazon Gift Cards. Any Occasion. No Expiration.

I ventured into looking at bargain razors.  These are razors that ocst under 15 to 20 dollars.  Are they worth it?  Well, yes and no.  In the above video, I look review the Classic Samurai razor (Model Number CS-202).

The photo of the CS-202 Classic Samurai on amazon.com is a bit deceptive. From the photo, I thought the handle would be much thicker. It’s not. In fact, it’s quite thin. The diameter of the handle is similar to that of the classic Gillette butterfly razor and about the same length. Still, the grip is very good and it is nicely balanced. A thinner handle can sometimes be a welcome change.:) And it feels quite dense. There is a heft and weight that, again, is deceptive. At first glance, it is more than one expects.

The box information however, describes a completely different razor than the one contained inside. It details a long-handled razor when the CS-202 is a short-handled razor.

The CS-202 comes with five Astra blades. This is a plus, because many wet shavers consider Astra to be a very good blade. Certainly above Derby blades which usually are the blade offered at this price point.

The razor cap and base plate exhibit some slippage and play. Because of this, you really need to make sure the blade is properly aligned before proceeding with a shave. This is not a major concern, but please, be aware. And, it appears to be the norm with most sub 20-dollar razors. They lack precision. Although, I will say, the blade aligns evenly on both sides of the razor head. Some of these bargain razors have lousy blade alignment whereby the blade sits lopsided in the razor cap. (One side of the blade is much more exposed than the other). Not so with the CS-202.

Using the three-pass method of wet shaving, the shave with the CS-202 is close and comfortable. Although, I did catch a slight nick on my chin. But not a major nick. It closed up with a final cold water rinse. The blade exposure is considerable and you’d think this would be a very aggressive shave. Yet, the shave is surprisingly more mild than anticipated.

The razor is not at all bad for 15 bucks! I get the impression that this little guy will last for years.

However, if you’d rather not have to constantly check blade alignment (when loading a new blade) and require a handle that is thicker in diameter, then there are alternatives. My personal favorite, and “goto” razor, is The Godfather by Vikings Blade.  Believe me, The Godfather is a razor you’ll want to use every single day!  And it’s worth every penny!  So, spending an extra 15 to 20 dollars (and up) assures you a shaving instrument with much more precision. And The Godfather gives you just that.

But for those on a budget, the CS-202 is a nice little razor. If you travel, it’ll do the job and you won’t stress-out if it gets lost.  Losing a 15 dollar razor is not as bad as losing your 40 or 50 dollar razor!

For other great razors and wet shaving gear, check out The Shave Stop!

The Amazon Echo, is hands down, the BEST Christmas gift anyone can receive!

How do I know? Because, last year, I received an Amazon Echo (the Echo you see in the above video) as a Christmas gift!  (Since then, I’ve added two more Echo Dots!)

Over the past year, it has been indispensable! I use it for shopping, news, music, directions, information, games, cooking, programs (podcasts) and much much more!

If you’re in need of a last minute gift, Give an Amazon Echo!

On a budget?  Then the Amazon Echo Dot is affordable but still contains the same high tech goodness!

Hurry, they’re both still on sale!

The Echo Dot is probably the one of the biggest Christmas gifts this season!

The Dot is affordable (less than 50 bucks!) and does so much!

It plays music and news, can be used as an alarm or timer, answers general knowledge questions, helps with converting units of measure, etc.  The Dot also allows you to to control your home appliances (lights, thermostats, etc.) simply by using voice commands!

In this video I show how easy it is to pair a bluetooth speaker, especially if you have more than one Dot.

Need a last minute gift?  Give an Amazon Echo Dot!  Feeling really generous?  Give the large Amazon Echo!

When you first open the container of Black Ocean Shaving Cream, you’re transported to a warm summer’s day. A cool ocean breeze washes over you. THAT’S the heart of the fragrance! The product is perfectly named. The scent is fresh and clean, but not at all overpowering. Crack it open, stand beside the ocean’s door, and breath in deeply. Fresh!

The cream is thick in the container and whips up quickly into a nice, light lather. However, like their previous product, the shaving cream goes on thick at first, becomes super-lubricating, and just a bit frothy on the skin.

Two things happen:

1.) The beard whiskers are actually pulled up allowing for a close, clean shave.
2.) The skin is not only protected but there is a level of lubrication which is second to none. You’ll notice this, if you do a traditional wet shave, on the first rinse after your first shaving pass. The slickness is quite noticeable and stays until the end of the shave.

It is a bit deceptive. The cream paints on well, but you get a glimmer of the whisker. Although your face is covered in a light lather, you can still see the “path of attack.” (An advantage for beginning wet shavers.) It absorbs into the skin resulting in a super-slickness. Many times when using Vikings Blade’s Sandalwood and Cedar shaving cream, I’ve had to catch myself, almost forgetting to use an aftershave balm. The shave was that comfortable. Black Ocean is no different. Plus, there is no thick residue left on your razor. It, too, comes away clean.

I recall, as a very young child, my father using a similar type of product. The lather on his face was never a full “Santa beard.” Rather, it was similar to Black Ocean. A nice frothy lather that gave a slick, close shave. He always came away without any nicks or cuts.

Unlike other shaving creams, the trick is to not add a lot of water when building a lather. Less is more. Start as dry as possible and build from that point forward.

I give Black Ocean top marks for its lubricating and protective action. Simply outstanding! However, the frothiness and lightness is a different approach and may take some adjustment.

I’d imagine that men, getting ready for a big date or event, will pull this from the cabinet (rather than other soaps and creams) due to its ability to deliver a close, protective shave. And the fresh ocean scent is a wonderful bonus.

Pair this with my favorite razor, the Vikings Blade Godfather, and you’ll look forward to having a wonderful, close and comfortable shave each and every time you use it.