i love these reminders of how an expensive razor brush and soap can result in an excellent smooth close shave and doesnt need expensive high end razor brush and soaps good job mark.
Went out and bought one of theses out of sheer curiosity and excitement. For context, Ive been wet shaving for a little over a year. My normal razor is a Van Der Hagen i got from Target. My normal blades are made by Bevel. So i loaded up a Bevel blade in this $1.25 razor and i am pleasantly surprised. Its much more aggressive than my VDH, but i got the closest shave Ive ever gotten with this thing. Next budget razor will be a Lord L6.
The way to test just the dollar-tree razor is to use all your normal reliable choices (blade, soap, brush, any preshave if desired), but use them along with the three-piece dollar-tree razor; so you will find how is this razor.
Hey Mark! That was a great comeback shave. I also think the Dollar Tree blades were not good. Looking forward to you using that razor with a much better blade. Take care.
Hello again Mark! I was intrigued by that razor so I decided to go to my Dollar Tree and purchase it. I finally got to shave with it today. I also used one of the blades that came with it. I decided to use Stirling Barbershop shave soap because I knew that it provides great slickness. I didn't want to take any chances. I had a 24 hr beard growth and achieved a BBS with just 2 passes and a minor pickup. Didn't cut myself and I was irritation free. I have to say that I was impressed with this razor and the blade. I must admit that I was not on autopilot because I was cautious with this gear. I can't wait to use this razor with a better blade next time. It definitely would be a good travel razor. Take care.
@@starsiegeplayer No I haven't because I am mainly a straight and shavette shaver. I hardly use this razor, but I am on my last proprietary blade so that eventually I will try a different blade. However even with a different blade, I believe that I will still get a very nice shave.
I like that you used the razor blade that came with the razor. It helps us to know if the blades are any good. You should have used the new blade with the Dollar Tree razor. How do you know the cheap razor would not have worked with a better blade? I think you cheated by using the Envoy 😉 It would be helpful to get an update. My first DE was a cheap Tech-type razor. It took a bit of experience to learn that a light touch really helps with a razor that isn't as mild as some of my higher-quality DEs... especially the Rockwell 6S.
Hey Mark! I indicated it was aggressive. I use a platinum coated blade like Astra, or Gillette Platinum with it to smooth it out. I can actually get a close shave from the razor. The other products you use are pretty good for general use. Thanks for taking one for the team!
Coincidentally I purchased the $🌳 razor. I had no intention of using the blades; I once tried cheap Chinese blades from $general and they were just awful. So I put a Feather blade in the DT razor and got a good shave. Like any Tech or tech clone you get a lot of blade feel, but a sharp blade makes them work without tugging. Next I'll try a smooth milder blade like a personna or 7 o'clock yellow. Mark, I would encourage you to try this DT razor with a known, favorite blade. I doubt the razor is bad, just the cheap blade. All the best👍
O.K. so I went to DT at lunch time and was going to get one. I just couldn't do it Mark. It looked so flimsy, it would disgrace my two gold plated Techs and the other daily users I have hanging. I wouldn't even try the blades. I'm a snob, but even with a Voskhod, I just have too many that work great.
Tim, no problem whatsoever. I'm looking forward to the next shave with a better blade. Many thanks for sending this razor because my Dollar Tree did not have these. 🙂👍
Hi Mark- Nice save on the DT shave; thank you! I’m sure one of your go-blades will smooth things out next time around with this razor. Have a great weekend ahead. Be safe and be well. Best regards, as always, Mark!
Hi, Dasledogg. The quality control on this razor is all over the map. One person can buy it a get a really mild smooth shave, another will get an overly aggressive one as I did. It can be a roll of the dice.
@@dasledogg64 I've used several lightweight razors that were fine. This one was definitely the razor head. (It could have been the blade too). It was rough, tuggy, and pulled. I'm not going down this road again. I said I'd give it a go, but once bitten, twice shy. At the Ohio Wet shave Meetup, these razors were used in a shave-off. Two razors worked fine for the wet shavers, but the third gentleman's razor was a blood bath. You can see the highlights in today's 3MB: ua-cam.com/video/NUKUVEzPtp4/v-deo.html
Great video. I think this the first time I have seen you not get a good shave. Like everyone says, it was most likely the blade. I will be watching for a video with this razor but with a better blade. Love Shave Chaser. Great scent.💈
Mark, good morning Sir. I was surprised to see you change razors! I figured you would have just changed blades . I have a budget Ripara razor and found that the blades that come with it didn't work for me. When i tried the razor again I used an Astra Green SP blade and what a difference, a heck of a lot smoother. Stay safe and have a great weekend
David, I figured I'd do another shave with the DT razor and a new blade. For this video, I wanted to finish the shave with a reliable razor and blade. 🙂
@Trigger Warning Thanks for this update. I'm very glad you had a good shave with it. That's wonderful to hear. Again, I hesitate... your experience reminds me to give it another go. We'll see.
I used mine with a Nacet for a face AND head shave. I love it! 👍 Btw, Razor Emporium sells a replacement ball end tech handle for $20. that fits the head...
I gotta tell ya, Patrick, doing the upper lip was a bit hazardous. Tugging and pulling to the point that it told me I needed to bail. I'll try the razor again, but with a better blade for sure.
Nice video today. i dont mind an cheaper shave for the most part. But its not worth tearing your skin up. And ive never cared for clear shave gels. I love a lather. A nice hot lather shave. Its nice seeing you give a good honest review. Have a great wknd
Good! After trying a different soap and not not help, you try a better blade,... and I am still watching. BUT you changed the razor, too. We will not know your result for the dollar-tree razor this way.
Rex Envoy xl my daily driver. I use a few other razors throughout the year, but the envoy is my favorite. Props for the dollar tree attempt. I'll stick to better razors myself. Fun to watch. Great shaves.
Stephen, I love the Envoy. It's precisely manufactured. Just a joy to use. Do you have the longer handle? The standard handle is nice, but the longer handle gives the Envoy some additional heft which I enjoy from time to time. 🙂👍
Great video Mark ! I have been on a run buying cheap razors lately. I love just trying razors out, it's addictive. The cheap razors are even more interesting to try because you really don't know what you are going to get. I was hoping you would try a high quality blade in the cheap razor and glad you said you will at the end. Here is why I want to see you try a good blade in the cheap razor....I have used cheap razors before and good blades make a huge difference. I have purchased 3 CHEAP Roman Empire razors and they give incredible shaves with the quality blades they come with. The only cheap razor I will never use again so far is the entry level Van der Hagen, it's terrible ! I have a CHEAP lord razor coming today, cannot wait to try it ! Have I gone mad ?
@@carfusz I was blown away as well, and never would known about them without Mark's channel. The Roman Empire Caesar was a nice mild efficient shave. The Roman Empire Augustus was a more aggressive shave, but a very very close quality shave.
@@brianh2287 I plan on doing another shave with a better quality blade. the Roman Empire Caesar razor is very good for the money. Great deal. I love my Lord L6. Let me know how it works for you.
@@MarkSzorady I kind of got into the same situation as you did in this video. I shaved with my Lord L6 last night with the provided blade and it was absolutely horrible, I couldn't finish the shave. So, I put the provided lord blade in my META 4 and I couldn't continue, even with my META 4. So I grabbed the 5 shave perma sharp on my counter and put it in the META 4. The META 4 then shaved as it usually does, SMOOTH as butter. I then put the perm sharp in my Lord L6 and it shaved great. I have never had a blade as bad as the lord blade provided with this razor. Just incredible, they are really doing their own razor a disservice by providing one free blade that does not work. Tonight I am going to try a Lord blade from my 100 pack to see if they are all that bad. I am thinking a Lord blade and my Merkur 37c. If a Lord blade doesn't shave smooth in a slant like the 37c it won't shave smooth in anything. The Lord L6 is a winner, the provided blade is a dud.
Texas Wrecker, these are bargain razors, so it's to be expected. However, once in a blue moon, you come across one tht really sings. the Lord L6 is one bargain razor tht I really enjoy using. As I type this, it's on sale for less than 6 bucks. (Affiliate link) Lord Premium Safety Razor Model LP1822L aka L6: amzn.to/3MkpZNT
@@Daniel-qr1zf Thanks for that tip,I bought 2 of these razors and the threading really sucks I did try your method and it works.And this guy Texas Wrecker throws it away.Smh.
This razor is actually phenomenal. But the problem is the blades you used. Don't use the blades that come with razor! You'll be a bloody mess. I find this razor to be more aggressive than my merkur hd 34c. This dollar tree razor will work perfectly with any blades EXCEPT the ones that come with it
The blade I'm guessing is a junk blade..slap a filoso Barber brand blade in it and use some decent shave soap like a good shave stick or artisan shave soap.. I'm going to bet it'll shave better..
i love these reminders of how an expensive razor brush and soap can result in an excellent smooth close shave and doesnt need expensive high end razor brush and soaps good job mark.
unknown scent, it was quite the contrast for sure. 🙂
Try using the razor with a good non dollar tree blade...good soap and I think it's going to a better shave..
Went out and bought one of theses out of sheer curiosity and excitement. For context, Ive been wet shaving for a little over a year. My normal razor is a Van Der Hagen i got from Target. My normal blades are made by Bevel. So i loaded up a Bevel blade in this $1.25 razor and i am pleasantly surprised. Its much more aggressive than my VDH, but i got the closest shave Ive ever gotten with this thing. Next budget razor will be a Lord L6.
Ohh Mark! The things you do in the name of giving everything a fair shot! 😳😳🤣🤣
I was anticipating a yowl when you applied the alum block! 😂😂
I think a better blade would have been the thing to do. Good video Mark. Like how detailed you are doing reviews 👍
Great video Mark-I was wondering when you said “A really really nice price point “ if you meant “really really cheap “ 😂😂😂😂-Have a great weekend 👍
Another great video!! Thank u very much
thanks for another nice shave video, Mark!! Have a nice rest of the week
My pleasure, Beth.:) It didn't go exactly as planned, but allows me to do another video of the razor with a better blade. Have a nice weekend.🙂👍
The way to test just the dollar-tree razor is to use all your normal reliable choices (blade, soap, brush, any preshave if desired), but use them along with the three-piece dollar-tree razor; so you will find how is this razor.
Finally, this was your next plan, too. Viewers will be interested.
@@10floz30minutes Yes, and thanks for the input. I'm actually looking forward to using the razor again, but with all the good stuff.
Hey Mark! That was a great comeback shave. I also think the Dollar Tree blades were not good. Looking forward to you using that razor with a much better blade. Take care.
Hello again Mark! I was intrigued by that razor so I decided to go to my Dollar Tree and purchase it. I finally got to shave with it today. I also used one of the blades that came with it. I decided to use Stirling Barbershop shave soap because I knew that it provides great slickness. I didn't want to take any chances. I had a 24 hr beard growth and achieved a BBS with just 2 passes and a minor pickup. Didn't cut myself and I was irritation free. I have to say that I was impressed with this razor and the blade. I must admit that I was not on autopilot because I was cautious with this gear. I can't wait to use this razor with a better blade next time. It definitely would be a good travel razor. Take care.
@@JT-nf9tkhave you tried with other blades yet?
@@starsiegeplayer No I haven't because I am mainly a straight and shavette shaver. I hardly use this razor, but I am on my last proprietary blade so that eventually I will try a different blade. However even with a different blade, I believe that I will still get a very nice shave.
I like that you used the razor blade that came with the razor. It helps us to know if the blades are any good. You should have used the new blade with the Dollar Tree razor. How do you know the cheap razor would not have worked with a better blade? I think you cheated by using the Envoy 😉 It would be helpful to get an update. My first DE was a cheap Tech-type razor. It took a bit of experience to learn that a light touch really helps with a razor that isn't as mild as some of my higher-quality DEs... especially the Rockwell 6S.
Hey Mark! I indicated it was aggressive. I use a platinum coated blade like Astra, or Gillette Platinum with it to smooth it out. I can actually get a close shave from the razor. The other products you use are pretty good for general use. Thanks for taking one for the team!
Jim, yes and I should have heeded your advice. I think the problem with the shave was the blade and not the razor.
It worked well for me with a derby premium. Good blade feel definitely on the aggressive side of the spectrum.
Coincidentally I purchased the $🌳 razor. I had no intention of using the blades; I once tried cheap Chinese blades from $general and they were just awful. So I put a Feather blade in the DT razor and got a good shave. Like any Tech or tech clone you get a lot of blade feel, but a sharp blade makes them work without tugging. Next I'll try a smooth milder blade like a personna or 7 o'clock yellow.
Mark, I would encourage you to try this DT razor with a known, favorite blade. I doubt the razor is bad, just the cheap blade.
All the best👍
Do you think it's worth buying it I just saw it today and my local Dollar tree?
@@alexpadillayt No, it's not really worth it. I gave it away after trying it a few times.
@@HD-J.R.thank you
nice video Mark !! have a great weekend
O.K. so I went to DT at lunch time and was going to get one. I just couldn't do it Mark. It looked so flimsy, it would disgrace my two gold plated Techs and the other daily users I have hanging. I wouldn't even try the blades. I'm a snob, but even with a Voskhod, I just have too many that work great.
Thanks for the video. Just bought one today from my local dollar tree. Looks like ill stick with my trusty twin blade!
try a wilkinson sword safety razor
Hey Mark, sorry you had a bad experience. Hopefully a better blade will result in a much better shave. Good luck next time.
Tim, no problem whatsoever. I'm looking forward to the next shave with a better blade. Many thanks for sending this razor because my Dollar Tree did not have these. 🙂👍
Good morning Mark! Very very cool your make video channel! Have a great weekend Señor
Thanks, BD.
Good dollar tree stuff to shave with
Hi Mark- Nice save on the DT shave; thank you! I’m sure one of your go-blades will smooth things out next time around with this razor. Have a great weekend ahead. Be safe and be well. Best regards, as always, Mark!
Had one of the best shaves ever with this razor.. Change the blade
Wow just am so glad i watched this first. I was about to wreck my face.
Hi, Dasledogg. The quality control on this razor is all over the map. One person can buy it a get a really mild smooth shave, another will get an overly aggressive one as I did. It can be a roll of the dice.
I felt confident in your review and threw the razor in the trash. Do you think the blades were the problem or the weight of the razor?
@@dasledogg64 I've used several lightweight razors that were fine. This one was definitely the razor head. (It could have been the blade too). It was rough, tuggy, and pulled. I'm not going down this road again. I said I'd give it a go, but once bitten, twice shy. At the Ohio Wet shave Meetup, these razors were used in a shave-off. Two razors worked fine for the wet shavers, but the third gentleman's razor was a blood bath. You can see the highlights in today's 3MB: ua-cam.com/video/NUKUVEzPtp4/v-deo.html
Great video. I think this the first time I have seen you not get a good shave. Like everyone says, it was most likely the blade. I will be watching for a video with this razor but with a better blade. Love Shave Chaser. Great scent.💈
I recall reading that the head of those razors were a clone of the British Gillette tech. I would agree blade issues vs razor.
Mark, good morning Sir. I was surprised to see you change razors! I figured you would have just changed blades . I have a budget Ripara razor and found that the blades that come with it didn't work for me. When i tried the razor again I used an Astra Green SP blade and what a difference, a heck of a lot smoother. Stay safe and have a great weekend
David, I figured I'd do another shave with the DT razor and a new blade. For this video, I wanted to finish the shave with a reliable razor and blade. 🙂
Did you try another shave with the razor with a better blade?
That razor tugged and pulled my face as well.... it shaves close... but I had to use a thick lather to make it through the shave.
I' still hesitate to do another shave with it.
@Trigger Warning Thanks for this update. I'm very glad you had a good shave with it. That's wonderful to hear. Again, I hesitate... your experience reminds me to give it another go. We'll see.
I used mine with a Nacet for a face AND head shave. I love it! 👍 Btw, Razor Emporium sells a replacement ball end tech handle for $20. that fits the head...
Don't forget to use a shavette-light touch when using it.
@@Daniel-qr1zf Thanks for this info.:)
You took one for the team with that shave.
I gotta tell ya, Patrick, doing the upper lip was a bit hazardous. Tugging and pulling to the point that it told me I needed to bail. I'll try the razor again, but with a better blade for sure.
Would have liked to have seen if changing the blade in the Dollar Tree razor would have worked. Nice recovery anyway. Have a great day.
Steve, I plan to do another video with the razor and a better blade.
@@MarkSzorady Cant wait to see it.
Nice video today. i dont mind an cheaper shave for the most part. But its not worth tearing your skin up. And ive never cared for clear shave gels. I love a lather. A nice hot lather shave. Its nice seeing you give a good honest review. Have a great wknd
Ouch mark! That dollar tree shaver looked like it hurt I could feel it !
My guess is the tugging and pulling be due to the blade, and not the razor - only a guess.
Good! After trying a different soap and not not help, you try a better blade,... and I am still watching. BUT you changed the razor, too. We will not know your result for the dollar-tree razor this way.
I have never seen mark grow in a beard. He should try it one day and then shave
Mary, I'm fair-skinned. But, here ya go: ua-cam.com/video/cN6JSLV15tw/v-deo.html
Power Stick clear gel needs a good safety razor and a good blade to work well.
Agree. Last time i used it, it was fine. but, as you noted, I had a better razor and blade.
Great video Mark! Try it out with a Lord Platinum blade.
Took one for the team on the dollar experiment.
Thaks, Ronnnie. I'll give it a go again with a different blade. not sure when, I have some others thing lined up.
Rex Envoy xl my daily driver. I use a few other razors throughout the year, but the envoy is my favorite. Props for the dollar tree attempt. I'll stick to better razors myself. Fun to watch. Great shaves.
Stephen, I love the Envoy. It's precisely manufactured. Just a joy to use. Do you have the longer handle? The standard handle is nice, but the longer handle gives the Envoy some additional heft which I enjoy from time to time. 🙂👍
Yes note the XL after envoy. I visited Razor Euporium and was told the longer handle was coming out a while back. Waited to buy the razor then.
@@s63AA Whoops! My apologies. Reading and typing too fast. :)
Mark looks like a police officer lol
Great video Mark ! I have been on a run buying cheap razors lately. I love just trying razors out, it's addictive. The cheap razors are even more interesting to try because you really don't know what you are going to get. I was hoping you would try a high quality blade in the cheap razor and glad you said you will at the end. Here is why I want to see you try a good blade in the cheap razor....I have used cheap razors before and good blades make a huge difference. I have purchased 3 CHEAP Roman Empire razors and they give incredible shaves with the quality blades they come with. The only cheap razor I will never use again so far is the entry level Van der Hagen, it's terrible ! I have a CHEAP lord razor coming today, cannot wait to try it ! Have I gone mad ?
I got blown away by the shave I got with the Roman Empire deal. I will try to find another deal like that, but it will be tough.
@@carfusz I was blown away as well, and never would known about them without Mark's channel. The Roman Empire Caesar was a nice mild efficient shave. The Roman Empire Augustus was a more aggressive shave, but a very very close quality shave.
@@brianh2287 I plan on doing another shave with a better quality blade. the Roman Empire Caesar razor is very good for the money. Great deal. I love my Lord L6. Let me know how it works for you.
@@brianh2287 agree about the Caesar I will try have to try the Augustus
@@MarkSzorady I kind of got into the same situation as you did in this video. I shaved with my Lord L6 last night with the provided blade and it was absolutely horrible, I couldn't finish the shave. So, I put the provided lord blade in my META 4 and I couldn't continue, even with my META 4. So I grabbed the 5 shave perma sharp on my counter and put it in the META 4. The META 4 then shaved as it usually does, SMOOTH as butter. I then put the perm sharp in my Lord L6 and it shaved great. I have never had a blade as bad as the lord blade provided with this razor. Just incredible, they are really doing their own razor a disservice by providing one free blade that does not work. Tonight I am going to try a Lord blade from my 100 pack to see if they are all that bad. I am thinking a Lord blade and my Merkur 37c. If a Lord blade doesn't shave smooth in a slant like the 37c it won't shave smooth in anything. The Lord L6 is a winner, the provided blade is a dud.
To me it was very aggressive, after I cleaned it I tried to put the handle back on and I ended up cross threading it so to the trash it went
Texas Wrecker, these are bargain razors, so it's to be expected. However, once in a blue moon, you come across one tht really sings. the Lord L6 is one bargain razor tht I really enjoy using. As I type this, it's on sale for less than 6 bucks.
(Affiliate link)
Lord Premium Safety Razor Model LP1822L aka L6: amzn.to/3MkpZNT
Turn it lefty-loosey until it seats, and THEN righty-tighty. That'll keep it from cross threading.
@@Daniel-qr1zf Thanks for that tip,I bought 2 of these razors and the threading really sucks I did try your method and it works.And this guy Texas Wrecker throws it away.Smh.
Pet-Peeve: When a tube of shave cream does not say whether it is meant for a brush. Most often, if it doesn't say, it likely isn't.
This razor is actually phenomenal. But the problem is the blades you used. Don't use the blades that come with razor! You'll be a bloody mess. I find this razor to be more aggressive than my merkur hd 34c. This dollar tree razor will work perfectly with any blades EXCEPT the ones that come with it
Mark, the blades are utter garbage,as is their gel. Stick to the tried and true.
The blade I'm guessing is a junk blade..slap a filoso Barber brand blade in it and use some decent shave soap like a good shave stick or artisan shave soap.. I'm going to bet it'll shave better..
Change the razor not the blade? Disappointing 😑
Mark you couldn’t grow a beard even if you go without shaving for 6 months. So please stop this nonsense!
Good dollar tree stuff to shave with