The Twig is a great razor. Love that Prism finish. I have the matching stand (rose gold for me). I like the Leaf blades too. And I like using other DE blades snapped in half. You can snap the DE blades in the wrapper. And the design of the Twig covers the ends of the blade and flattens them, which is good as sometimes after you snap them they “flare up.” And yes to expanding the amount of safety razor users!!!
Agree with everything you said, Greg! The only thing I would add is that even after DE shaving for a decade, the Thorn (and Twig) feel so natural that I have to force myself to SLOW DOWN and be more deliberate with my shaving. Feels like you could shave your face in one pass with the right blade and get a close enough for work result in 20 seconds.
Thanks so much for sharing. Yeah, I am currently trying to find the right blade for the thorn at this point. I agree with everything you say as well :)
I've been using regular double edge safety razors for years. (I'm 77 years old) Merkur 34c, Merkur slant and had a Rockwell. For the last year I've just used the Twig. My favorite razor.Two main reasons...one, the angle of the head is perfect. No need to find the correct angle. Two, how easy it is to shave under the nose because of the slim profile. If you break your blades in half like I do, you'll notice two slightly curled up ends opposite the edge. I just make sure those are pointed down so when I close the razor they're not sticking up and interfering with the top cap.
Thanks for the tip Alan with the blades. Yeah I’m really impressed with the Twig for sure. Do you have a blade you prefer in that razor? Have a great day!
@@GregTardif I tried a sampler from Shave Nation of pre-cut blades so I wouldn't have to break blades. It included 7AM Derby, Lord, Perma Sharp, Shark, and Sharp. I didn't like any of them. So I've been breaking Astra's in half for the last 6 months or so. But boy do they gum up the razor with the amount of was on them. Just ordered a 10 pack of Feathers to try in it. Also, I agree that the Leaf precut blades are not bad. I could live with them if I had to.
Update here. Used the Feathers for the last month in the Twig and for me it's a perfect match. The Feather is far less aggressive in the Twig that in other razors but still got that famous Feather sharpness.
I ve been wet shaving for the last 2 years and I’ve had a great experience using my Edwin jagger, Rockwell and so on that I honestly don’t feel like shaving with the leaf or twig razors. But who knows, I might try those in the future. Great review Mr. Tardif!
Thanks Luis. I’m on year 7(?) I think. I try a lot of razors for UA-cam but I’m not sure everyone needs everything. The first 5 years I used one razor. But, if you wanted a good “mindless” shave. This is it
I have both the thorn and the twig. One time I didn’t load it correctly and the blade cut my face. Both razors are great with the thorn being a bit more efficient. I’ve had good success with the leaf blades and the nacet blades.
Thanks for the review Greg. Like you I’ve also been pondering over whether or not to buy the Leaf Twig for the past two years. Price point is decent so there’s no complaining about that. You’re right to say it’s marketed more towards people moving away from cartridge razors and I’ve also suggested it to my sons. Hopefully I’ll get one soon as well but it won’t be the prism colour. Silver or grey for me. Thanks for the blades guide too.
Thanks for the remarks. Yeah. A lot of times it’s hard for me to justify getting into to wetshaving gear. But this gives seriously great shaves for the money
I just used my new Leaf Twig. I used a blade that came with this razor and it was totally unusable and tugged even with the Proraso pre-shave and the Proaso white for sensitive skin . I thought it was the razor geometry or blade exposure. So I switched blades to a Persona and it was a totally different shave. I enjoyed this razor, the ergonomics, and feel of it.
I love my Twig. I ordered the Thorn today and looking forward to it. I shave my head and face with it, so I heard the Thorn is a bit more aggressive which would be better for my head.
@GregTardif, nice review video :). May I ask for your opinion on whether this would be good for head shaving rather than face shaving, I'm scared of cutting my head with trying a De safety razor so want a alternative. Many thanks James
Fantasic razor! My daily driver. Smooth shaves every time. I prefer the Platinum Strangelet Super Sharps blade by PAA. I find that sharper blades work best.
Great review. I completely agree that this razor is influenced by the blade so much. I’ve tried blades that most people think aren’t great in DE razors and loved them, and blades people love in DE razors and hated them. I’m preferring mild blades even though it’s such a mild razor.
Cool razor, man. I won't be getting a Leaf. It looks cool and stuff I guess. However, one half razor and I am done. I got a razorock eco, made from CNC aluminium, i like using from time to time. I must admit the ECO is rather aggressive. Interesting razor....it looks easy to load.
Thanks for watching and sharing your feedback. I should say it more often, but if I didn’t make UA-cam videos about all these razors I wouldn’t have as many razors as I have. I think you’re right though. One half razor is really all that’s needed (if you want it haha)
I absolutely *LOVE* the Leaf Twig that I have. I personally enjoy using the infamous *Gillette NACET* 🐊 Stainless Steel DE Blade ( that I obviously snap in half ) Cheers & *Keep On Shavin' ... 👍🏻*
i have this one and ive only used astras and the leaf blades in it and its one of my normal go to razors but i think i may try some other blades in it and see how it does for me. I like how nimble it is. Its also close to my travel razor the bic metal disposable in how it operates.
I must have bad luck with my Leaf twig. After a few shaves it became difficult to open fully and now I need to manually adjust the top cover when locking the blade in.
Funny thing, I like almost every blade in this Twig razor, also blades that do not go well in some of my DE razors. Only blade that was horrible so far, was a Timor blade. Didn't cut any hair at all while begin highly uncomfortable. Best blade so far: Personna comfort coated and Rapira Platinum Lux.
Have you ever had issues bumping the handle during use & the head coming open? I also saw some complaining about the finish coming off very early but yours look nice. Maybe they didn’t dry it off or live in a very humid climate.
I’ve never had accidental come lose-itus with these razors. They are counter screwed so lefty tighty righty loosey. Not sure if that helps, unless you’re a south paw 🤷♂️
@@GregTardif thanks Greg. That’s VERY important info. I did not know that. Seems almost impossible then! My buddy tried the twig & got cut up 🤣 he gave it away before trying it again. Seems they are finicky on blades. He sent me a Focus EVO R48 so I’ve been playing with that. It’s pretty nice. Head loading is lame compared to these leaf designs though. I dig the aristocratic look of the twig. Some allure of the SE look for me.
@@GregTardif he was ok. There was a guy on Amazon that got sliced up with a twig too. I’m a little more adventurous & would have tried it a few more times with other blades.
I think I mainly want it for the magnet. I think that's a pretty nifty razor innovation, and I could say Jesse Pinkman's magnets quote every time I load it.
I visited their website and saw some people commenting on the Thorn, will wait for your review for it, you know your stuff so this will help me make a decision
The hole in the handle is for the optional stand. It's easier to insert the blade if you open it completely with the head perpendicular to the base. I don't think I've tried a Feather in my Twig since I usually just use the Leaf blades, but I will give it a try. On Saturdays I pick my setup to use for the week and I'm going with one of my vintage Gillette razors, but maybe next week it will be the Twig. Hmmm, 2.78" eh? Remember the old saying "It's not the size that matters"? That's definitely NOT what she said, lol.
@@GregTardif I almost always use the Hendrix Classics & Co. unscented soap, today with the "Corsican Sun" scent oil. I used my 1951 Gillette Super Speed with a Gillette PermaSharp blade which felt really good but just isn't very efficient compared to my modern razors. I think tomorrow I will switch to the Twig for the rest of the week.
That or personna (and leaf blades are great too) but I like more efficient razors so having a sharper blade in a milder razor certainly helps recreate the magic
I had one of these and ended up selling it. I think my biggest issue was the handle shape and the grooves wasn't comfortable for me, and like you I didn't get great shaves at the time. (I suppose I should have tried different blades)
I just could NOT get a close shave with it.....3 passes and even with pressure (cart style), doing 3 passes....found it pretty useless. I think I even tried Kai blades that are a bit "wider"...... Gave up....
@@GregTardif I checked with my time traveling elves, ok my lawyers, and they said, “For an insy binsy royalty fee, you can use ‘twigonometry’ in any of your future videos.” 😉
It's still a safety razor because it's not a straight razor. Gems are safety razors and aren't double edge. Even a rolls with it's permanent blade is still a safety razor. I have tried the twig and the thorn. I really didn't like either. I will stick with DE razors. Anyway, love your style of videos.
Thanks Joshua for clarifying and for the kudos. I think it took me a week of daily shaving to really get the hang of the razor and now it’s becoming one of my favorites
I have both the leaf cartridge style razor and the leaf twig. I do not recommend the twig. Had it for 6 months and it’s broken already. Low quality metal is used on the internal screw. Snapped off inside and is now useless.
Two reasons I answer "No" to the titled question: (1) More expensive than most razors I would consider, and (2) Not want to break a blade in half to be able to use a razor.
No. But with the cost of entry and the ease of use (if you were to come from a cartridge razor) I think it’s one of the best options for reallllllly good shaves
I have the prism thorn and i must say its not as good as the yaqi katana/ globetrotter. Its nice yes but isn't as efficient or smooth as its praised to be. Its a good razor but overrated for sure.
Jeez, you get some weird comments mate… I found the Twig was a bit too mild, but maybe my technique has improved since then. I’ll give it another try, with a sharper blade. Cheers. 👍🪒
![Full Review of the Leaf Shave Razor After 1 Year [Real Talk + Demo]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/PorAqiQQ5lM/mqdefault.jpg)
Prism is the best color way…change my mind! 😎
I like the Prism. I have the rose gold, which is also nice.
Yes the Prisim is best:)
Yes, prism is the best, that’s the color way I have as well. I have my Leaf and Twig in prism in prism, and they look Beautiful next to each other!
@@nydieselinfl nice!!!!!
You will get bored with it, black looks slick af and it's not going to bore you
I have the leaf Thorn in Berry Blue and it is one of my favorite razors. The shave I get from it is incredible.
Oh hey that means a lot to hear! Thank you 🙏
Awesome sauce
Makes sense that the Feather would be the best combo with the Leaf.
The Twig is a great razor. Love that Prism finish. I have the matching stand (rose gold for me). I like the Leaf blades too. And I like using other DE blades snapped in half. You can snap the DE blades in the wrapper. And the design of the Twig covers the ends of the blade and flattens them, which is good as sometimes after you snap them they “flare up.” And yes to expanding the amount of safety razor users!!!
Let’s go!!!!!
Agree with everything you said, Greg! The only thing I would add is that even after DE shaving for a decade, the Thorn (and Twig) feel so natural that I have to force myself to SLOW DOWN and be more deliberate with my shaving. Feels like you could shave your face in one pass with the right blade and get a close enough for work result in 20 seconds.
Thanks so much for sharing. Yeah, I am currently trying to find the right blade for the thorn at this point. I agree with everything you say as well :)
I've been using regular double edge safety razors for years. (I'm 77 years old) Merkur 34c, Merkur slant and had a Rockwell. For the last year I've just used the Twig. My favorite razor.Two main reasons...one, the angle of the head is perfect. No need to find the correct angle. Two, how easy it is to shave under the nose because of the slim profile. If you break your blades in half like I do, you'll notice two slightly curled up ends opposite the edge. I just make sure those are pointed down so when I close the razor they're not sticking up and interfering with the top cap.
Thanks for the tip Alan with the blades. Yeah I’m really impressed with the Twig for sure. Do you have a blade you prefer in that razor? Have a great day!
@@GregTardif I tried a sampler from Shave Nation of pre-cut blades so I wouldn't have to break blades. It included 7AM Derby, Lord, Perma Sharp, Shark, and Sharp. I didn't like any of them. So I've been breaking Astra's in half for the last 6 months or so. But boy do they gum up the razor with the amount of was on them. Just ordered a 10 pack of Feathers to try in it. Also, I agree that the Leaf precut blades are not bad. I could live with them if I had to.
Update here. Used the Feathers for the last month in the Twig and for me it's a perfect match. The Feather is far less aggressive in the Twig that in other razors but still got that famous Feather sharpness.
Nice!!! Thanks for the update
I ve been wet shaving for the last 2 years and I’ve had a great experience using my Edwin jagger, Rockwell and so on that I honestly don’t feel like shaving with the leaf or twig razors. But who knows, I might try those in the future. Great review Mr. Tardif!
Thanks Luis. I’m on year 7(?) I think. I try a lot of razors for UA-cam but I’m not sure everyone needs everything. The first 5 years I used one razor. But, if you wanted a good “mindless” shave. This is it
I have both the thorn and the twig. One time I didn’t load it correctly and the blade cut my face. Both razors are great with the thorn being a bit more efficient. I’ve had good success with the leaf blades and the nacet blades.
I’m going to lean into the thorn in the next few weeks
Thanks for the review Greg. Like you I’ve also been pondering over whether or not to buy the Leaf Twig for the past two years. Price point is decent so there’s no complaining about that. You’re right to say it’s marketed more towards people moving away from cartridge razors and I’ve also suggested it to my sons. Hopefully I’ll get one soon as well but it won’t be the prism colour. Silver or grey for me. Thanks for the blades guide too.
Thanks for the remarks. Yeah. A lot of times it’s hard for me to justify getting into to wetshaving gear. But this gives seriously great shaves for the money
I just used my new Leaf Twig. I used a blade that came with this razor and it was totally unusable and tugged even with the Proraso pre-shave and the Proaso white for sensitive skin . I thought it was the razor geometry or blade exposure. So I switched blades to a Persona and it was a totally different shave. I enjoyed this razor, the ergonomics, and feel of it.
Thanks Benny. I think I mentioned it in the video but, it’s probably the most razor blade influenced razor I own
Hey oh, what a lovely rundown to wake up to on a Saturday
What a lovely razor to run down on a Saturday 😎
The prism looks great. I haven’t seen the berry blue, but my favourite colour in silver, which to my eyes looks light gold.
Oh cool! I have the gold thorn….need to spend time with that razor next I think
I love my Twig. I ordered the Thorn today and looking forward to it. I shave my head and face with it, so I heard the Thorn is a bit more aggressive which would be better for my head.
Great video Greg,what material they msde razor?
@GregTardif, nice review video :). May I ask for your opinion on whether this would be good for head shaving rather than face shaving, I'm scared of cutting my head with trying a De safety razor so want a alternative.
Many thanks
James
The leaf would be better for head shavers
Fantasic razor! My daily driver. Smooth shaves every time. I prefer the Platinum Strangelet Super Sharps blade by PAA. I find that sharper blades work best.
Oooo I’ll try it! Thanks
Great review. I completely agree that this razor is influenced by the blade so much. I’ve tried blades that most people think aren’t great in DE razors and loved them, and blades people love in DE razors and hated them. I’m preferring mild blades even though it’s such a mild razor.
Glad I’m not alone haha thanks!!
Cool razor, man. I won't be getting a Leaf. It looks cool and stuff I guess. However, one half razor and I am done. I got a razorock eco, made from CNC aluminium, i like using from time to time. I must admit the ECO is rather aggressive. Interesting razor....it looks easy to load.
Thanks for watching and sharing your feedback. I should say it more often, but if I didn’t make UA-cam videos about all these razors I wouldn’t have as many razors as I have. I think you’re right though. One half razor is really all that’s needed (if you want it haha)
I absolutely *LOVE* the Leaf Twig that I have. I personally enjoy using the infamous *Gillette NACET* 🐊 Stainless Steel DE Blade ( that I obviously snap in half ) Cheers & *Keep On Shavin' ... 👍🏻*
Leaf twig one of my go to razors
Oh wow, really surprised to this razor is heavily influenced by blade. That is quite interesting. Thank you for the review Greg! Great insight!
Thanks James!
i have this one and ive only used astras and the leaf blades in it and its one of my normal go to razors but i think i may try some other blades in it and see how it does for me. I like how nimble it is. Its also close to my travel razor the bic metal disposable in how it operates.
Nice! Yeah the blade choices have really improved my experience
I must have bad luck with my Leaf twig. After a few shaves it became difficult to open fully and now I need to manually adjust the top cover when locking the blade in.
I have the Twig/Thorn in Prism. It's hard not to just use it all the time cause it's so good! 😁👍🏼
Yasss!!
Persona platinum Blue is my go-to with my Twig!
Hansen is my other razor.
Ordered the Twig Super Bundle in Black, trying to get out of the cartridge racket, excited to figure it out.
Nice! I hope you enjoy it
Haven’t tried the twig yet, I have the leaf for body shaving and I have to say I’m not overly blown away by it. Have a great day bud.
Thanks.
@@GregTardif you’re welcome!
I bought the Leaf for head shaves, but find it too heavy and cumbersome. I love the Twig and the Thorn though.
@@petekadenz9465 I’m finding it cumbersome as well, I agree, I think the Twig would be a better option for me as well.
Funny thing, I like almost every blade in this Twig razor, also blades that do not go well in some of my DE razors. Only blade that was horrible so far, was a Timor blade. Didn't cut any hair at all while begin highly uncomfortable. Best blade so far: Personna comfort coated and Rapira Platinum Lux.
Whoa!!! I am Bizarro Bart then 😅 that’s awesome
Have you ever had issues bumping the handle during use & the head coming open? I also saw some complaining about the finish coming off very early but yours look nice. Maybe they didn’t dry it off or live in a very humid climate.
I’ve never had accidental come lose-itus with these razors. They are counter screwed so lefty tighty righty loosey. Not sure if that helps, unless you’re a south paw 🤷♂️
@@GregTardif thanks Greg. That’s VERY important info. I did not know that. Seems almost impossible then!
My buddy tried the twig & got cut up 🤣 he gave it away before trying it again. Seems they are finicky on blades.
He sent me a Focus EVO R48 so I’ve been playing with that. It’s pretty nice. Head loading is lame compared to these leaf designs though. I dig the aristocratic look of the twig. Some allure of the SE look for me.
@@boostedbliss07MK5 totally blade finicky. May take a few blades to find the right one but once you do…it’s great! Sorry about your friend though
@@GregTardif he was ok. There was a guy on Amazon that got sliced up with a twig too. I’m a little more adventurous & would have tried it a few more times with other blades.
Hi Greg (other viewers) , what's your experience with the coating longevity, debating whether to dip my toe and purchase
I’ve used the razor for a while. Best thing is to take care of any razor you purchase. Take the blade out and wipe the razor dry.
I think I mainly want it for the magnet. I think that's a pretty nifty razor innovation, and I could say Jesse Pinkman's magnets quote every time I load it.
Haha yeah!!! Magnets
been waiting on this one!!
Finally! Right?!
I visited their website and saw some people commenting on the Thorn, will wait for your review for it, you know your stuff so this will help me make a decision
Thanks! Yeah I’ll need to spend more time with the thorn. I’ll keep you posted
The hole in the handle is for the optional stand. It's easier to insert the blade if you open it completely with the head perpendicular to the base. I don't think I've tried a Feather in my Twig since I usually just use the Leaf blades, but I will give it a try. On Saturdays I pick my setup to use for the week and I'm going with one of my vintage Gillette razors, but maybe next week it will be the Twig. Hmmm, 2.78" eh? Remember the old saying "It's not the size that matters"? That's definitely NOT what she said, lol.
Lol thanks! And it’s not what she said at all! Enjoy your vintage shaves this week 👍 what soap are you going to be using?
@@GregTardif
I almost always use the Hendrix Classics & Co. unscented soap, today with the "Corsican Sun" scent oil. I used my 1951 Gillette Super Speed with a Gillette PermaSharp blade which felt really good but just isn't very efficient compared to my modern razors. I think tomorrow I will switch to the Twig for the rest of the week.
@@chrislj2890 ah very cool! Thanks for sharing
Still need to try a SE razor, Blackland's Vector, I'm hoping so buy towards near the end of the year.
Ooooo I hear that’s wonderful
What music is at your into, it’s awesome!
In your opinion is the Feather blade the best option for this razor?
That or personna (and leaf blades are great too) but I like more efficient razors so having a sharper blade in a milder razor certainly helps recreate the magic
Nice review on your Twig Greg!
Thanks Ronnie
Great one! I've heard great stuff about it, however still on my bucket list! 😁
it was on mine for a long time for sure too.
I had one of these and ended up selling it. I think my biggest issue was the handle shape and the grooves wasn't comfortable for me, and like you I didn't get great shaves at the time. (I suppose I should have tried different blades)
If you have trouble holding it, a different blade might not help. I can understand your logic
Have the prism Thorn. Like it for the novelty. It shaves fine but not in my top 5.
Would you recommend this razor for beginners?
Absolutely
I just could NOT get a close shave with it.....3 passes and even with pressure (cart style), doing 3 passes....found it pretty useless. I think I even tried Kai blades that are a bit "wider"...... Gave up....
Sorry buddy. Do you have pretty thick hair? What razor do you usually use?
@@GregTardif RazoRock Lupo DC, Merkur 45 or Karve OC C.
Howdy Greg! Great review my friend.
I learnt a little twigonometry. 😉
Haha twigonometry!!!
@@GregTardif I checked with my time traveling elves, ok my lawyers, and they said, “For an insy binsy royalty fee, you can use ‘twigonometry’ in any of your future videos.” 😉
How cordial
I like the shave but am not keen on how easy it is to open. No gradual release it just opens and in doing so accidentally it cut me very badly.
Sorry that happened to you
It’s a good razor, but if I go single edge, I prefer my Supply SE Pro.
Nice! Supply makes great single edges for sure
It's still a safety razor because it's not a straight razor. Gems are safety razors and aren't double edge. Even a rolls with it's permanent blade is still a safety razor.
I have tried the twig and the thorn. I really didn't like either. I will stick with DE razors. Anyway, love your style of videos.
For sure, basically if there’s some sort of bar or guard in front of the blade she’s a safety razor by technical definition 🫡
Thanks Joshua for clarifying and for the kudos. I think it took me a week of daily shaving to really get the hang of the razor and now it’s becoming one of my favorites
The Twig is one of the most nimble razors on the market. My only regret is not buying the Thorn.
Most nimble is the blackland vector. Amazing shaver but amazingly expensive as well
I have both the leaf cartridge style razor and the leaf twig. I do not recommend the twig. Had it for 6 months and it’s broken already. Low quality metal is used on the internal screw. Snapped off inside and is now useless.
Two reasons I answer "No" to the titled question: (1) More expensive than most razors I would consider, and (2) Not want to break a blade in half to be able to use a razor.
Can the TWIG give a good head shave?
Not sure. A lot of head shavers go for the leaf razor though for head shaves
Yes, it can. Very good in fact. Some people prefer the Leaf, but I find it too heavy and clunky and prefer the Twig.
@@petekadenz9465 can the twig be pre-loaded with two razors? I find one razor to be a little bit aggressive
Does the head pivot
That's a noper. The leaf razor does but twig and thorn do not
Bro! Feather blades are used by Barbers, ofcourse they are good. Believe me!
The inches joke was pretty good.
😂 I tried to make it subtle so only the real ones would get it haha
Greg shave Greg, does it shave better than any razor you own?
No. But with the cost of entry and the ease of use (if you were to come from a cartridge razor) I think it’s one of the best options for reallllllly good shaves
@@GregTardif reply much appreciated!
For sure! Thanks for asking
it looks like a preying mantis, it's my next razor to buy, as if I need another damn razor.
Ooooo good call you’re right!
Prism is the only color
2 7/8 “ is the new 8”
top video !!
Thanks
nice
Thanks!!
First to comment wooooo hooooo ! Love this razor
Thanks for watching and commenting
Sent mine back. Nothing special just the marketing gadget.
Ok
I have the prism thorn and i must say its not as good as the yaqi katana/ globetrotter. Its nice yes but isn't as efficient or smooth as its praised to be. Its a good razor but overrated for sure.
I like the twig more than the thorn (if you shave every day)
@@GregTardif the leaf is far too mild for me it would cause me more irritation as it's less efficient.
Jeez, you get some weird comments mate… I found the Twig was a bit too mild, but maybe my technique has improved since then. I’ll give it another try, with a sharper blade. Cheers. 👍🪒
Yeah I guess so lol. Yeah I thought it wasn’t efficient enough when I started using it. Everyone praised it so much I had to figure it out haha