Here is the setting. I am on vacation when I realize that my supposed-to-be-nice vacation razor is not cutting it anymore (or in my case cutting it too much). I saw the Legacy razor while ordering soaps a few weeks ago and thought, “I’d like to have that someday,” but because I needed a new vacation razor, I thought to replace said razor with my 12 year old tried-and-true Merkur and buy this razor for my daily shaver. I ordered it while still out of town and it arrived back home the same day I did. Having done a hasty “shave” with an electric razor before my plane ride home, my face was shot and my shave only good enough to keep my family from embarrassment while traveling. When I got home from the airport, I unwrapped the Legacy and simply could not wait to use it. Normally, two shaves in one day (especially when the first shave is with an electric razor) will make my face look like I have the worst case of acne you’ve ever seen. It just is too sensitive and gets torn up unless I give it a 24 hour rest. But, excitement got the best of me. I lathered up with some Guy Noire (which is a great Chiseled Face scent by the way) and picked up the razor armed with a brand new Astra blade. After the first stroke, my mind was blown. I have been shaving all these years and getting what I thought was the best shave possible for me. Between using that vacation razor (the worst), my Merkur (the gold standard) and having has several proper wet shaves at the barber (supposedly the best), I thought irritation was just something I’d have to live with as it happened no matter what I used or who was using it. Two passes with the Legacy and some semi-vigorous blade buffing later, there was only very minor burning (again, because I shaved twice in one day and also have had no experience with this razor) and the smoothest shave I’ve ever had. The blade was very aggressive yet extremely mild. I don’t know how they designed a razor that could look like it would cut you up but feel like you were shaving with a stick of butter but they did.
Two things stand out. First, this razor is feather light. I always thought a heavy handle would allow for a closer shave but I was very wrong. This thing glides so smoothly, I almost couldn’t feel it on my face. Second, the Astra blades that I have been using for ten plus years felt nothing like the Astra blades that I have been using for ten plus years. I actually felt the blade glide instead of dig in. Normally, the noise of the blade cutting is something that I also feel. Not with this razor. It is almost like driving a Tesla where you are used to hearing engine noise but hear silence instead only with tactile instead of auditory feedback. While I have yet to shave after a few days growth, I can see how so many reviews called this razor aggressive yet mild. The only learning curve for me (as I was taught to shave “riding the cap”) was the under the nose area. This is slightly more tricky but I am sure it is a matter of time before it becomes muscle memory.
I can honestly say that had this razor cost double what I paid for it, I would have purchased it easily if I had known it was going to be anything like it turned out to be. The price may hold you back (and don’t go into debt for a razor) but don’t let it. This thing is worth every penny and then some.
As a side note, not that I shave my legs but I bet this would give a woman the most silky smooth shave she’s ever had in her life.
