New Focus SE

Got one of these from Connaught. I am not entirely sure why I ordered it because the idea of using a broken DE blade in a SE razor didn't thrill me, but every now and then I buy something for no good reason.

It is light. That is the first thing that hits you. Aluminium light. It has a good feel to it and, when you get a red one as I did, it looks pretty good as well.

I found it surprisingly simple to load it. The blade snapped cleanly and it loaded as easily as loading any blade in any razor. I had checked a couple of the video's online about how to use it and, having lathered up, I tried to follow the instructions regarding how to use it and how not to use it. Damn! After a while I gave up with their technique and just used it like a DE. Gentle, not standing too close to the razor but, in this case, holding it perhaps more firmly going round the corners, so to speak, than I would with my usual SE's. I gave it two applications, WTG and XTG. No particular reason for not trying it ATG, I just didn't. I didn't get much of a feel for how well it was cutting and I deliberately avoided checking after the first pass.

I did not have high expectations, based on the fact that I hadn't been able to follow the instructions. However, the shave was clean with no weepers and no cuts. And somewhat to my surprise, on checking it was pretty close as well. This is one, I suspect, that calls for practice and improves with use. Bearing in mind the first shave was clean and painless and also that I have a strategic reserve of DE blades measured by years rather than numbers, I think I will probably continue to play around with this one. It is getting a little difficult making room for the active razors right now but as all the others are SE I guess it is ok.

Don't be put off by this one. My experience seems to indicate that, as with most razors, if you treat it with respect it will work for you. And it is a charming little thing.
Hi I'd be interested to know which blades you've tried.
 
Tried a Gillette Iridium. OMG (as my daughter says). What a beautiful shave. I am still not sure I am using it correctly and when I try to do it their way it does go clack clack! But either way it gives a beautiful smooth shave and, with an Iridium, just gorgeous.
 
Tried a Gillette Iridium. OMG (as my daughter says). What a beautiful shave. I am still not sure I am using it correctly and when I try to do it their way it does go clack clack! But either way it gives a beautiful smooth shave and, with an Iridium, just gorgeous.
It's my understanding that it should go "clack" as you lift it off your face and the end of the stroke (so to speak).
I'm finding that some blades are easier to install than others Gillette 7 o' clocks go in almost too easily, but give a good shave, Super max blades are difficult to get in and don't shave that well. I think it's down to how much the ends formed when the blades are snapped curve up. The curve on the super max is quite pronounced, the 7 o' clock far lest so. I intend to try different blades to test this theory.
 
It's my understanding that it should go "clack" as you lift it off your face and the end of the stroke (so to speak).
I'm finding that some blades are easier to install than others Gillette 7 o' clocks go in almost too easily, but give a good shave, Super max blades are difficult to get in and don't shave that well. I think it's down to how much the ends formed when the blades are snapped curve up. The curve on the super max is quite pronounced, the 7 o' clock far lest so. I intend to try different blades to test this theory.

Ah, thanks for that. I thought the clacking was simply a sign that you were doing it wrong. Gillette Yellows will be next, then I shall probably go back to an SE for a few days. It is a very interesting little razor. I never thought I would view it as a keeper! I would very much like to hear your comments on the other blades.

By the way, someone spoke of snapping off the ends if they curled up too much. Haven't tried it but it is a thought.
 
Hi again,
I'm still having issues loading this thing. I've read all the advice watched all the videos yet this is still the result I get ( 0011 look at the circled blade end).DSC_0011.jpg
I'm thinking I've damaged the razor again circled areas.

DSC_0012.jpg
DSC_0013.jpg

Does anyone else's look like this?
Neil.
 
Hi again,
I'm still having issues loading this thing. I've read all the advice watched all the videos yet this is still the result I get ( 0011 look at the circled blade end).View attachment 38029
I'm thinking I've damaged the razor again circled areas.

View attachment 38030
View attachment 38031

Does anyone else's look like this?
Neil.

I tried this razor on an ATG pass around. On my turn I made the following observations:
https://www.atgshaving.com/threads/focus-r48.7574/page-6#post-169426
 
Just discovered a technique that has made blade loading 100% easier for me.
  1. Make sure your razor is dry.
  2. Put a drop of water on the top cap between the pins
  3. Place the blade on top of the water droplet and positioned properly against the pins.
  4. Slide on the razor body as usual
I find that the adhesion of the water droplet prevents the blade from moving around and keeps it firmly pinned on the top cap. Previously, I was always taking a couple of iterations at getting the blade loaded before I was confident that it was set properly. With this new method, perfect positioning first time every time.
 
Just discovered a technique that has made blade loading 100% easier for me.
  1. Make sure your razor is dry.
  2. Put a drop of water on the top cap between the pins
  3. Place the blade on top of the water droplet and positioned properly against the pins.
  4. Slide on the razor body as usual
I find that the adhesion of the water droplet prevents the blade from moving around and keeps it firmly pinned on the top cap. Previously, I was always taking a couple of iterations at getting the blade loaded before I was confident that it was set properly. With this new method, perfect positioning first time every time.
Thanks for letting us know. I'll try this, I'm not ready to give up on this razor yet.
 
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