VIKINGS BLADE Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor + Luxury Case. Smooth, Reusable, Eco-Friendly (The Emperor “Meiji”)

I primarily wanted a razor to do light shaving of my face and mostly my head since all the cartridge razors are a bit too aggressive and I had wanted hopefully an "in between" shave. This is the first time I've been able to do my head without nicks and cuts. I used the straight side with the lowest setting. The setting seems to affect its ability to open as wide as it can so it will open the most at the max setting. I didn't notice any looseness in the adjustment dial or the dial for the doors. It's heavy enough it feels like you can hurt someone with it and I love the heft and thickness and the slight length on the handle compared to the other razor that I have. I didn't do anything fancy, just a bit of conditioner and shaving cream on my head like I would do for any other kind of razor and have the slightest itch but no nicks at all or discomfort.My point of reference is using a safety razor a handful of times and have a short Van Der Hagen one which is light, thin, and even shorter than this. Not really the biggest fan plus chrome can be slick and its handle knobbing being too smooth made me look for something in the style of this one.The etched knurling on this handle feels great to me. I feel like I could get a good grip on it short of my hands being doused in oil. I coupled this with a Wilkinson sword blade for the first run as I am still getting a good feel for blades but if this holds up this has to be a good one. I also really really like the short length even as someone with relatively large hands it never felt like it was going to get away from me or that I would drop it even in awkward positions. It also did not get clogged up with hair or cream as bad as my other.If this holds up it is a fantastic piece. I also love the coloring and overall style of it, everything about it says quality in my eyes so far. I just wanted something that I could get a comfortable shave since sometimes even good razors can be very problematic on my skin and I don't need to go Krillin smooth but didn't want the typical electric stubble either and this seems to fit the bill perfectly. This one would be great for beginners but the price is the ONLY thing I think would be prohibitive but the flexibility of the adjustment is fantastic for beginners and as you get more confident or want to shave different parts differently it's a great pick so far.Edit: Astra's definitely still very much bite on the minimum setting if you aren't careful lol.

I own both the Merkur and the Parker adjustable razors. Both are fine quality with the Merkur edging out the Parker in overall performance and comfort. This razor beats them both. My initial impression of the Viking DE razor is as follows:Great fit and finish on a relatively heavy easy to hold razor.Highly maneuverable and easy to shave under the nose.Precise mechanics and incremental closeness adjustments made using the razor a pleasure.My first pass efficiently and comfortably removed my four-day-old growth. I used a setting of 7 (I am an experienced DE user) and used the open comb side of the razor. On subsequent passes, I stayed at 7 and switched to the closed comb side to reduce irritation. I really could have stopped after the first pass, it was very close but I wanted to see if irritation would arise from additional passes...it did not.The weight of the razor was sufficient to facilitate a close comfortable shave. I paired the DE razor with Feather brand blades. The combination was amazing.Beginners or those with sensitive skin should use a setting somewhat less than 7...the manufacturer recommends 1-3 for those folks, and I further recommend a blade other than Feather to start out with. Additionally, using the solid safety bar side of the razor will help with comfort. For those with experience, crank the closeness setting and let the weight of the razor do the work.I have every reason to believe that this razor will last and perform for many years. Built like a tank and nice to look at. I will update at a later date to confirm quality, reliability, and performance.

I've had the Vikings Blade Meiji for a couple years now, and let me cut to the chase. This is a perfect gateway drug to getting into wet shaving. You get SO MUCH value from Vikings Blade (in EVERYTHING they do), I have simply gotten to the point if Vikings Blade is selling, I must see what it is.If you are interested in the Meiji, it's because you intentionally want a heavy, short-handle, high quality, double-edge razor, and this delivers. The color scheme is different and interesting, and there are peculiarities to the razor which help you figure out what you like and what you don't. Do you like a flat guard or a closed comb? Well, you've got both options here. Do you prefer mild, or more aggressive? Again, you get a range of possibilities. Do you prefer a heavy razor or a lighter one? You'll definitely know.What I love about this razor.The heft. It's big and heavy in the hand. It's easy to "let the razor do the work." You need apply NO pressure when using the Meiji.The adjustability. Like many other adjustable razors like this one, you really need to open the doors a bit when you do the adjustment, then lock it back down. Otherwise, the adjustment ring goes loose. Crack the doors, adjust, then lock back down.I love butterfly razors, and this one has an excellent mechanism.It delivers an excellent shave. Period.What don't I love?The asymmetrical flat bar/closed comb sides end up being educational for the first few shaves, then I just wish both sides were closed comb and the thing was symmetric. You end up dialing in what you love, then the option becomes "that side of the razor I never use."It doesn't stand by itself. The rounded bottom is very nice, and the rattle end allows water to go through well. But if you want to keep this on your sink, you're either using a razor stand or it's sitting on its side. My 1959 Gillette Fatboy, on the other hand, stands just fine.I wish the whole thing were brass. Many razors, especially below $80, use a combination of metals because of price and practicality. This has parts made with Zamak (a.k.a. "pot metal"), which is a zinc alloy. It works really well, and the majority of modern razors have some parts made of it. But Zamak eventually corrodes. You will probably get several decades out of your Meiji, but I think it's safe to say nobody is going to be arguing over "dad's razor." To be fair, you're also not paying hundreds of dollars for all stainless steel or plated brass. If it was all brass, you wouldn't be hitting these price points. This is a great "gateway drug" for wet shaving because you are getting incredible value for a very reasonable price.This is the highest quality introduction to what DE shaving can be. I also think, if you are new to the hobby, this will not be your last razor. Not by a long shot.Because of the Meiji, I figured out I like the Gillette Fatboy (which definitely inspired this razor). But I wouldn't have looked at the Fatboy if the Meiji hadn't given me insight into what I think is important in a shave.The Meiji checks SO MANY important boxes, especially for those getting into wet shaving. I recommend it and all of Vikings Blade products without hesitation. Their razor stand and lather bowls are unparalleled. Their blades, well...did I mention their razors, stands and lather bowls? Seriously, blades are all personal choices and you'll figure out what you like with some experimentation.Still...whenever I see a new product from Vikings Blade, I usually end up looking for my wallet. They're that good.