Vikings BladeAdjustable 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've been using my Vikings Blade Emperor "Meiji" for almost a year and absolutely love it. I also own the standard chrome VB Emperor which is a bit larger than the Meiji, but find myself using the Meiji as my daily driver.The Meiji feels beefy and substantial in my hand due to it's weight and yet it's very maneuverable given its short handle. It's a cinch to load and unload blades given the fact that it is a true adjustable (twist to open) and the mechanism works flawlessly. And perhaps most of all, it looks fantastic. The blend of colors combined with the distinctive red stripe make this razor stand apart from most other razors on the market. The fit and finish on my unit is near-perfect. (The red stripe around the base of the handle on my unit isn't completely aligned all the way around, and you can spot minor blemishes in the finish inside the doors if you look for them. However, for the price I think the Meiji is an excellent value.)I am not a razor collector and so am not bothered that neither the Meiji nor the regular Emperor are favored by those "in the know" among the wet-shaving community. I also realize there are many shavers who have a problem with VB brand's marketing practices, or with where their razors are (or aren't) manufactured. But to me as an admittedly newer wet shaver, what matters most is what kind of shave I can get from the razor. The Meiji gives me a close yet comfortable shave; I don't have to fret over avoiding cuts or razor burns; I can just concentrate on enjoying the shave. And it looks great.One of these days, I might be interested in acquiring another razor for a different feel (alternate head design) or perhaps for a bit more durability (e.g., stainless steel). But for now, I'm happy, and I'd recommend the VB Emperor Meiji to anyone looking for an affordable, fully adjustable razor that gives a great shave.

I'm thoroughly impressed with the Emperor safety razor, which delivers exceptionally smooth shaves. While it's not perfect, this well-machined razor has the potential to last a long time if handled with care. The plastic base plate is a concern, as it may not withstand drops or rough handling. However, with gentle use, it should provide many years of service.The Emperor's design and build quality are outstanding, with a sturdy construction that feels like a tank in your hand. The adjustability is exceptional, offering a 1/2 step increment that surpasses the click functionality of other razors. This feature is particularly valuable for sensitive skin, as it allows for precise control over the shave.In my experience, even the lowest setting (level one) was slightly too aggressive for the areas around my mouth. However, the ability to dial it down by 1/2 step made all the difference, providing a perfect shave. The angle is precisely machined on both sides, ensuring a comfortable and accurate shave.At $47 (as of 2024), the Emperor is an excellent value. It has replaced my old Rockwell 6C, which served me well for three years before the threads stripped. Notably, the Emperor's number one setting is equivalent to the Rockwell's number two plate, making it a more aggressive shave.Overall, I'm delighted with the Emperor and hope it will last for years to come. If it doesn't, I may return to the Rockwell 6S. For now, I'm giving the Emperor four stars – with the caveat: handle it with care, as it's not indestructible!