Hi Matt: I have noticed that you have been using the S1 on a routine basis. I wished that I loved my ATT S1 but it did not perform better than the iKON #102. Of course the S1 was better in looks but performance-wise, I had better head shaves with the #102 in which I sold off my S1.
I would love to hear about your comparisions with the S1, #102, and RRSS. It appears that you like the S1 better than the #102 and RazoRock Stealth Slant. Am I right???
WARHAWK
It’s one thing to have a technical understanding of the mechanics of wet shaving.
It’s another thing to have experience with wet shaving.
It’s quite another thing to have extensive familiarity with the hardware involved.
Ever since I first used the RRSSv4, I touted that it was the best shaver I’d ever used. I found it difficult to put it down and even try other razors in my collection, and when I did, it was brief. I always came back to the RRSSv4.
I never disliked the iKon #102. In fact, I loved it so much, I purchased a second one, and it’s still in the box! But, again, when the RRSSv4 came along, I liked it better.
When I acquired the pricey ATT S1, my expectations were elevated based on the price alone. It looked and felt like a far superior piece of craftsmanship than both the RRSS and the #102. However, after extensive use, I determined the RRSS was #1, and the ATT and #102 were in a tie for 2nd place. Due to fit and finish, the ATT had the edge, but the #102 yielded similar, if not equal results, for a fraction of the price. In this case, if depends on what you value most. For me, performance is number 1. Secondly, I think fit and finish trump frugality. If budget were the primary driving force, the decision would be a no-brainer---the #102 would win, hands down.
Then along came the Triad Rolling Hex handle. I initially purchased it for use with my Mongoose (also a nice shaver). I don’t use the Mongoose as often as others because there’s a perceived commitment in that I feel like I have to use it consecutively until the blade is spent. Since, I get 6 shaves out of an AC blade, and given that I shave every other day, that means I’m going to use the Mongoose 2 weeks straight. I also don’t like gear with soap build-up and smudges, etc. I like for it to look good all the time. Well, the mirror-finish Mongoose doesn’t pair well with that compulsion. I found myself disassembling, cleaning, and polishing it up every second shave.
On a lark, I decided to mount the Triad on the ATT. The brushed stainless finish of the Triad looks like it was made for the ATT. I then quickly discovered the balance and pinch-points provided by the handle transformed the performance of the ATT, and it secured its place as my second all-time favorite shaver. A quick rinse and the ATT and Triad look perfect. I found myself going back to that combo repeatedly (as you can see from the SOTD pics). I’m not ready to say it beats the RRSS overall, but it may be approaching that level. I wouldn’t ever want to have to choose between the 2 of them. It should also be noted that during this re-discovery of the ATT, I went back to Astra blades. I still like the Treets and Nacets, but the Astras seem to be more consistent.
This is not to say, I’m abandoning my other razors. I still very much enjoy my Black Mamba, Progress, and Super-Speeds. I get BBS with all of them, but I find the BBS lasts longer when I use a slant.
I also feel the need to reiterate my previous statement about familiarity. There’s a lot to be said for how familiar you are with the hardware. I make maneuvers and take risks with the ATT that I never would have dreamed of when I first picked it up. There’s no way I could have achieved that level of comfort if I had not used it so frequently.