RazorMax Review from Shaving Stuff.com
Not too long ago we posted an article about RazorMax, a system for prolonging the life of your razors. The good folks at RazorMax promptly sent us a sample to test out and review, and I've been using it now for a little over a month. Want the quick summary? The stuff works.
I've been using the RazorMax Classic Kit, which sells for $19.95, and comes with two bottles of RazorMax oil and a clear plastic trough which will easily hold two razors side by side, even if you're using razors as large as the Mach3 or Quattro. As you can see from the picture, you simply store your razors in the oil when not in use. Easy. Other than that you shave as you normally would. When you're done, dry off your razor as best as you can, run it over a towel to get any extra moisture off, and put it back in the trough. Pretty much idiot proof.
The RazorMax website claims you can get five times as many shaves from a single razor blade as you normally would get without their system. I easily went to 2.5 times as many shaves before I started experimenting and needed to change blades. For Mach3 users, RazorMax recommends removing the bottom microfin from the razor cartridge for a closer shave. I wrote them about this since it seemed strange - if you get a closer shave without the bottom microfin, why wouldn't Gillette design their razors without it in the first place? Turns out the RazorMax oil can make that microfin expand slightly, which raises the blades off the skin and give a slightly less close shave. For me this was only noticeable around the hollows of my cheeks, where there isn't any bone behind the skin. It meant I needed to pay a little more attention to shaving those areas, but ultimately wasn't a big deal.
I tried their suggestion - removing the microfin. See picture on right. This is no easy task. Marty of RazorMax suggested I remove the microfin after a couple of shaves, since the microfin doesn't swell up for the first few days. Removing a dry microfin with a swiss army knife was difficult enough. Removing an oily microfin with a swiss army knife was harrowing. I don't recommend it, and quite frankly I didn't enjoy the shave as much. It's certainly possible the shave is closer without the microfin, but it's definitely there for a reason. I could feel more drag against my face without the fin there. My recommendation - leave the microfin on and just pay closer attention to your cheeks.
The instruction sheet which comes with the RazorMax kit also recommends you start your shave without rinsing the oil off the razor. I tried this a couple times but didn't like it. The problem is that the razor is not hot, and any benefit you might get from the extra oil on the balde is outweighted by the coldness of the razor. A hot razor really shaves better. At least for me.
After prolonged use the soapy strip opposite the microfin gets a little crummy-looking. Initially this strip starts out colored, and when it turns white you're supposed to change razors. Of course with RazorMax the strip becomes white and you keep shaving. I don't believe that strip does much anyway. As long as you're using a quality shaving cream that strip doesn't much matter.
The only other difference in shaving I noticed was that the little bits of shaved whiskers which ended up in the sink were somehow stickier and harder to wash down the drain. Not a big deal, and certainly not a reason to stop using this product, but I just thought I'd mention it.
Bottom line - this stuff is worth it. For 20 bucks you will significantly increase the life of your razors without sacrificing your shave or your morning routine. Do the math. You're going to save money.
Buy RazorMax products at their online store at http://www.razormax.com/index_catalog.html.
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Posted by Russell Neufeld at May 30, 2005 11:57 AM
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