Closed Pass Around: Asylum RX - Finished.

Shave #5
I need a Speick day today. I love all their products. Lovely scent and stellar performance.
The blade today is the Feather ProGuard. I had a terrible experience with this blade in the Alumigoose, but in the Asylum it shines. Far from being aggressive, it's smooth and efficient. It doesn't feel as sharp and direct as the Feather Pro and the KAI Titan Mild, but it was very efficient. And smooth. Very smooth. After four passes the shave is as close as those with the other blades. Not much sting from the alum, but the ASL stings a little bit more. Probably because the Speick ASL contains more alcohol than the Tüff I used for the previous shaves.
A very enjoyable shave, if only the head... yes.. I keep going on about it... it's too wide.
It would be a terrible waste not to give the ProGuard blade a second outing, so that's what I'll do tomorrow. Then it's 'goodbye' for the Asylum and time for my final verdict.
TBC...
 
Shave #6
As my final shave with the Asylum RX I'll do an oil-only shave. While only a small proportion of my shaves are oil shaves, I like to see how a pass around razor copes.
I'm surprised to report that I didn't enjoy this shave very much. The ProGuard blade didn't feel as smooth without a slick, cushioning lather and I'm left with a few weepers. Nothing that needs medical attention. The alum and ASL gave me quite a bit more sting than after the other shaves.
The end result is another very close shave, I can't argue with that.
I'm not a great fan of oil shaves, but even less so with the Asylum RX. On a positive note, the handle was not at all slippery, even with slightly oily hands.
I'll pretty much disregard this shave for my final verdict, as this is not my usual use case, but it had to be done. Proper slick, cushioning lather is required for the Asylum. Noted. Who shaves with oil anyway?
The razor has been cleaned and disinfected and will be posted to @Nishy next time I stumble upon a post office.
Final verdict to follow shortly.

P.S.: The ProGuard blade was slightly more difficult to remove. I had to take the head apart. No problem, just worth mentioning.
 
Last edited:
The razor is on its way to @Nishy
  1. sɐǝɹpu∀ / riverrun (ATG/TSR)
  2. Nishy (ATG)
  3. rowlers (ATG)
  4. globalm (TSR)
  5. Nico1970 (ATG)
  6. Looney12345 (ATG/TSR)
  7. Acer89 (ATG)
  8. MrK1 (TSR)
  9. MikeyJ (TSR)
  10. Fuzzyian (TSR)
  11. Dogsmro (ATG/TSR)
  12. Mr Bigmem (ATG/TSR)
  13. p.b (ATG)
  14. Blademonkey (TSR)
  15. MPH (TSR)
  16. Burgundy (ATG)
  17. Wayne (ATG)
  18. AlexNoodles (ATG)
  19. Chico Winterton (ATG)
  20. barber bear (TSR)
The list is open.
Legend: Currently with, On the way to, Waiting, Completed
 
My final verdict
No
This was a very interesting razor to test drive. Thanks a lot @Paul for giving us this opportunity.
Let's have a look at the good and bad points:
Good points
  • I love the looks of this razor. Futuristic, yet elegant. I like the matte/satin finish. Nice. Nothing like the brick head of a Mongoose razor. This and the Cobra were designed, other Feather AC razors were merely constructed.
  • Weight and balance are good for me. Some say the handle is too short, but I had no problems whatsoever handling the razor. The balance was fine for me as well. I'm not picky though. Light or heavy, short or long - I love them all.
  • The handle has enough grip, even with oily hands. No complaints.
  • Blade changing is easy enough. Loosen the head, shake out the old blade, insert the new blade, tighten the head. The ProGuard blade wouldn't 'shake out', I needed to take the head apart. Not difficult either. Personally I wouldn't use the Feather Professional Super blades as they would get stuck in the head. Plenty of other blades to choose from.
  • Which brings me to the blades - the Feather AC style blades are known to be extremely sharp. Sharpness is a good thing for blades. Out of the blades I tried I liked the ProGuards the best. Not as 'direct' as the others, they are still very sharp, but they were smoother and more enjoyable than the others. I mostly liked the blades I tried.
  • The packaging is understated, yet functional and sturdy. Just the way I want it.
  • The razor cleans easily. A rinse and a wipe and it looks pristine. No polishing required. A minor advantage, but I enjoyed it.
  • The way the two halves of the head slot into each other is just cool. Wow. Ingenious. My first thought was 'Look at that - those clever bastards'. Nice and pleasing detail.
  • The Asylum RX gave me a perfect shave every single time. Problem areas were no problem. No touch up required. Smooth all over. Every. Single. Time. That's the most important job of a razor and the Asylum RX delivered as well as any other razor I have tried.
Not so good points
  • Let me get my biggest criticism out of the way first: The head. I know that once the manufacturer has decided on the Feather AC style blades, the width of the head is what it is... too wide. At least the head is not as bulky as that of the Mongoose/Alumigoose. It's more like the Cobra Classic head in size and that's a good thing, although from memory the Cobra head was a bit more nimble. I may be mistaken though and have asked @Darkbulb to kindly provide a picture of the two heads side by side. But I can't overlook the fact that the blades were designed for Feather AC shavettes and not for SE safety razors. The head is too wide. Period. I can't for the life of me figure out why almost everyone designs new razors for the Feather AC blades and not for injector blades (or a modern version of the 1912, if I may dream).
  • All the available blades are quite pricey. Roughly a pound per blade. That on its own wouldn't bother me. I have happily paid three times that for NOS blades (Personna 74 injector blades) and if you want to save money - grow a beard.
  • Finally, the price of the razor. It's a bit high, to put it mildly. Let's work this out. $230 for the razor plus $25.38 shipping to the UK makes $258.38 or £210.30. Add 20% VAT and £8 Royal Mail ransom you end up with £260 delivered to your door. that is a lot of your hard earned for a bit of stainless steel in a cardboard box.
Conclusion
Without doubt, this is a very good, enjoyable razor. If you want perfect shaves (who doesn't?), if you want a really good looking razor (who doesn't?), if you have £260 burning a hole in your pocket (who does?) and if you don't mind the width of the head (I do!), this might be the perfect razor for you.
If this razor was designed for injector width blades and therefore had a narrower head, I'd have sleepless nights trying to justify spending that kind of money on a razor. For £260 I'd want a razor that is perfect for me in every aspect and this razor isn't. Even after six shaves, the width of the head annoys me. This is not specific to this razor, it's a problem I have with all razors using Feather AC style blades.
Would I buy one?
With regrets.. No.
 
My final verdict
No
This was a very interesting razor to test drive. Thanks a lot @Paul for giving us this opportunity.
Let's have a look at the good and bad points:
Good points
  • I love the looks of this razor. Futuristic, yet elegant. I like the matte/satin finish. Nice. Nothing like the brick head of a Mongoose razor. This and the Cobra were designed, other Feather AC razors were merely constructed.
  • Weight and balance are good for me. Some say the handle is too short, but I had no problems whatsoever handling the razor. The balance was fine for me as well. I'm not picky though. Light or heavy, short or long - I love them all.
  • The handle has enough grip, even with oily hands. No complaints.
  • Blade changing is easy enough. Loosen the head, shake out the old blade, insert the new blade, tighten the head. The ProGuard blade wouldn't 'shake out', I needed to take the head apart. Not difficult either. Personally I wouldn't use the Feather Professional Super blades as they would get stuck in the head. Plenty of other blades to choose from.
  • Which brings me to the blades - the Feather AC style blades are known to be extremely sharp. Sharpness is a good thing for blades. Out of the blades I tried I liked the ProGuards the best. Not as 'direct' as the others, they are still very sharp, but they were smoother and more enjoyable than the others. I mostly liked the blades I tried.
  • The packaging is understated, yet functional and sturdy. Just the way I want it.
  • The razor cleans easily. A rinse and a wipe and it looks pristine. No polishing required. A minor advantage, but I enjoyed it.
  • The way the two halves of the head slot into each other is just cool. Wow. Ingenious. My first thought was 'Look at that - those clever bastards'. Nice and pleasing detail.
  • The Asylum RX gave me a perfect shave every single time. Problem areas were no problem. No touch up required. Smooth all over. Every. Single. Time. That's the most important job of a razor and the Asylum RX delivered as well as any other razor I have tried.
Not so good points
  • Let me get my biggest criticism out of the way first: The head. I know that once the manufacturer has decided on the Feather AC style blades, the width of the head is what it is... too wide. At least the head is not as bulky as that of the Mongoose/Alumigoose. It's more like the Cobra Classic head in size and that's a good thing, although from memory the Cobra head was a bit more nimble. I may be mistaken though and have asked @Darkbulb to kindly provide a picture of the two heads side by side. But I can't overlook the fact that the blades were designed for Feather AC shavettes and not for SE safety razors. The head is too wide. Period. I can't for the life of me figure out why almost everyone designs new razors for the Feather AC blades and not for injector blades (or a modern version of the 1912, if I may dream).
  • All the available blades are quite pricey. Roughly a pound per blade. That on its own wouldn't bother me. I have happily paid three times that for NOS blades (Personna 74 injector blades) and if you want to save money - grow a beard.
  • Finally, the price of the razor. It's a bit high, to put it mildly. Let's work this out. $230 for the razor plus $25.38 shipping to the UK makes $258.38 or £210.30. Add 20% VAT and £8 Royal Mail ransom you end up with £260 delivered to your door. that is a lot of your hard earned for a bit of stainless steel in a cardboard box.
Conclusion
Without doubt, this is a very good, enjoyable razor. If you want perfect shaves (who doesn't?), if you want a really good looking razor (who doesn't?), if you have £260 burning a hole in your pocket (who does?) and if you don't mind the width of the head (I do!), this might be the perfect razor for you.
If this razor was designed for injector width blades and therefore had a narrower head, I'd have sleepless nights trying to justify spending that kind of money on a razor. For £260 I'd want a razor that is perfect for me in every aspect and this razor isn't. Even after six shaves, the width of the head annoys me. This is not specific to this razor, it's a problem I have with all razors using Feather AC style blades.
Would I buy one?
With regrets.. No.
A great report, thank you, looking forward to using this razor.
 
I have claimed - from memory - that the head of the Cobra Classic is smaller (from front to back) than the head of the Asylum RX.
@Darkbulb was so kind as to send me a picture of the two razors side by side
AsylumCobraHeads.jpg

A little bit of photo editing work later: (not involving any resizing of the heads)
AsylumCobraHeads2.jpg

Ha! I was right! The difference is not big, but it might be enough to make a difference when manoeuvring the razor in tight spaces (just under / almost inside the nose).
 
The razor is now with Nishy.
  1. sɐǝɹpu∀ / riverrun (ATG/TSR)
  2. Nishy (ATG)
  3. rowlers (ATG)
  4. globalm (TSR)
  5. Nico1970 (ATG)
  6. Looney12345 (ATG/TSR)
  7. Acer89 (ATG)
  8. MrK1 (TSR)
  9. MikeyJ (TSR)
  10. Fuzzyian (TSR)
  11. Dogsmro (ATG/TSR)
  12. Mr Bigmem (ATG/TSR)
  13. p.b (ATG)
  14. Blademonkey (TSR)
  15. MPH (TSR)
  16. Burgundy (ATG)
  17. Wayne (ATG)
  18. AlexNoodles (ATG)
  19. Chico Winterton (ATG)
  20. barber bear (TSR)
The list is open.
Legend: Currently with, On the way to, Waiting, Completed
 
I have claimed - from memory - that the head of the Cobra Classic is smaller (from front to back) than the head of the Asylum RX.
@Darkbulb was so kind as to send me a picture of the two razors side by side
AsylumCobraHeads.jpg

A little bit of photo editing work later: (not involving any resizing of the heads)
AsylumCobraHeads2.jpg

Ha! I was right! The difference is not big, but it might be enough to make a difference when manoeuvring the razor in tight spaces (just under / almost inside the nose).

Lol, happy to be able to help and you were indeed correct :)
 
Nishy is done with the Asylum RX over on ATG.
To sum up his experience: ↪He bought one.
The Asylum RX is now on its way to @rowlers
  1. sɐǝɹpu∀ / riverrun (ATG/TSR)
  2. Nishy (ATG)
  3. rowlers (ATG)
  4. globalm (TSR)
  5. Looney12345 (ATG/TSR)
  6. Acer89 (ATG)
  7. MrK1 (TSR)
  8. MikeyJ (TSR)
  9. Fuzzyian (TSR)
  10. Dogsmro (ATG/TSR)
  11. Mr Bigmem (ATG/TSR)
  12. p.b (ATG)
  13. Blademonkey (TSR)
  14. MPH (TSR)
  15. Burgundy (ATG)
  16. Wayne (ATG)
  17. AlexNoodles (ATG)
  18. barber bear (TSR)
  19. ben139 (ATG)
The list is open.
Legend: Currently with, On the way to, Waiting, Completed
 
Hi @riverrun please can i add my name to the list.
No, but I'll do it for you :D:D
  1. sɐǝɹpu∀ / riverrun (ATG/TSR)
  2. Nishy (ATG)
  3. rowlers (ATG)
  4. globalm (TSR)
  5. Looney12345 (ATG/TSR)
  6. Acer89 (ATG)
  7. MikeyJ (TSR)
  8. Fuzzyian (TSR)
  9. Dogsmro (ATG/TSR)
  10. Mr Bigmem (ATG/TSR)
  11. p.b (ATG)
  12. Blademonkey (TSR)
  13. MPH (TSR)
  14. Burgundy (ATG)
  15. Wayne (ATG)
  16. AlexNoodles (ATG)
  17. barber bear (TSR)
  18. ben139 (ATG)
  19. DaveThumper (ATG)
  20. newbie (TSR)
The list is open.
Legend: Currently with, On the way to, Waiting, Completed
 
rowlers over at ATg is done with the Asylum. He liked it, but though it was too expensive.
the razor is now on its way to @globalm
  1. sɐǝɹpu∀ / riverrun (ATG/TSR)
  2. Nishy (ATG)
  3. rowlers (ATG)
  4. globalm (TSR)
  5. Looney12345 (ATG/TSR)
  6. Acer89 (ATG)
  7. MikeyJ (TSR)
  8. Fuzzyian (TSR)
  9. Dogsmro (ATG/TSR)
  10. Mr Bigmem (ATG/TSR)
  11. p.b (ATG)
  12. Blademonkey (TSR)
  13. MPH (TSR)
  14. Burgundy (ATG)
  15. Wayne (ATG)
  16. AlexNoodles (ATG)
  17. barber bear (TSR)
  18. ben139 (ATG)
  19. DaveThumper (ATG)
  20. newbie (TSR)
The list is open.
Legend: Currently with, On the way to, Waiting, Completed
 
The razor reached me this morning but too late for my shave so testing will start tomorrow morning. The box has become quite a little repository of nice stuff and I shall see what I can do to increase the treasure-trove within! The razor is lovely and clearly well made.

I would anticipate that I will pass this on to Looney12345 on Saturday/Monday. Looney12345, can you PM your address details at some point so I can have the labels ready? I'll PM also.
 
Thanks, Paul.
  1. sɐǝɹpu∀ / riverrun (ATG/TSR)
  2. Nishy (ATG)
  3. rowlers (ATG)
  4. globalm (TSR)
  5. Looney12345 (ATG/TSR)
  6. Acer89 (ATG)
  7. MikeyJ (TSR)
  8. Fuzzyian (TSR)
  9. Dogsmro (ATG/TSR)
  10. Mr Bigmem (ATG/TSR)
  11. p.b (ATG)
  12. Blademonkey (TSR)
  13. MPH (TSR)
  14. Burgundy (ATG)
  15. Wayne (ATG)
  16. AlexNoodles (ATG)
  17. barber bear (TSR)
  18. ben139 (ATG)
  19. newbie (TSR)
The list is open.
Legend: Currently with, On the way to, Waiting, Completed
 
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