Review on Rockwell 6C Gunmetal Razor by Ronald Messina

Unpacking: The razor is nicely packaged in a sturdy cardboard box with a plastic insert for storing razor parts and double-page instructions on how to use the adjustable bases. While not made of stainless steel like its 6S brother, the 6C is still impressive and hefty thanks to the fact that it's made of solid zamak metal parts. Don't let the zamak put you off this razor, the finish is high quality and I doubt I'll ever use the lifetime guarantee that comes with it. My scale says it weighs 97.4 grams (almost twice the size of my G Slim Adjustable). The finish is perfect, I did not find any flaws in the finish on the handle, the cap or the bases provided. The razor not only looks good, but also feels good in the hand. There's enough knurled grip on the handle to provide traction for wet fingers without biting your fingers. The handle length of 85mm/3.35in is neither too long nor too short in my opinion, making it easy to maneuver while shaving. The side of the base plate that faces outwards during assembly determines the clearance of the razor blade. Although only three bases are included, each side of the baseplate is designed to offer different spacing settings. The baseplates are paired as follows: (R1/R3), (R2/R4), (R5/R6) - with R1 being the least aggressive and R6 being the most aggressive blade setting. The razor cap (the top of the razor that holds the DE blade in place once attached to the handle) uses a pin system to secure the DE blades - once assembled, the razor doesn't wobble or play anywhere. The razor weighed only 58.5 grams, so over the course of more than 30 years I've developed a habit of using some force when shaving. I had to break this habit quickly as a natural weight of 6C is all it takes. I was immediately impressed with how easily the entire assembly slid over my face - absolutely no resistance/friction from the cap. The baseplate design also includes three wide channels on each side that allow soap and hair shavings to easily exit the gap between the blade and baseplate. A quick pass under the faucet will remove any chip residue. Once you've chosen the right base plate for your face, everything is very smooth with this razor! Base Plate Selection Process: During my initial research I wrongly assumed that the R6 base would probably be the only one I would use as all the sheet gap data I could find online showed it to be slightly smaller ( he less aggressive) than my Slim Adjustable was at 7. In fact I was really concerned that it wouldn't be aggressive enough to remove the barbed wire I call facial hair and that I would end up regretting my purchase. I also vaguely remember reading somewhere on one of the razor forums that one doesn't just compare blade spacing - and after a few months of use I totally agree. I found that both the R6 and R5 bases caused cuts and tears, although they cracked less than my Slim at higher settings. I also confirmed this result by using the R5 base plate again after using the razor for several months to rule out that my early technique was the cause of my tears. A second try with an R5 base yielded similar results, although admittedly not many nicknames. It seems that just the gap between the blades isn't all there is to this design. Ultimately I found that the R4 base gave me a very stable and gentle BBS shave when using the 3-pass method (with, across and against the grain). Take your time, I don't cry with the R4 base and only occasionally have skin scratches/irritations when applying aftershave lotion. I can also achieve the same thing with the R3 plate and shave much faster, but I usually have to clean up a few spots when I go to this base plate. Base R1, and then move on to the next base after completing a full 3 pass shave. When you reach that base that causes tears and discomfort, go back down and you've probably found your sweet spot. After shaving with it for a few weeks, check again and adjust up and down at least one more time to make sure you're still on track. Remember that the goal is not to see who can handle the most aggressive razor, but what setting will result in a great shave with minimal facial discomfort/damage. Conclusion: IMO, it was money spent! I have absolutely NO complaints about this shaver, its performance once in use, or the quality of the product. I invested in three minor accessories that were not included. A good storage box (I don't like keeping things in a cardboard box next to wet places), a blade pouch and a razor stand to keep it handy and tidy when not in use. I agree with Rockwell's decision not to bundle them and increase the cost as not everyone needs these things. Luckily all of these are available either through Rockwell or third parties, I was able to purchase a matching gray bronze base from Rockwell through Revain, a razor skin protective case from a third party as Rockwell didn't stock it ( *hint ) and I bought a large third party storage tin from another small seller site that doubles as storage for unused coasters and a travel case for my razor next time I'm on the road <-something I'd really love to produce at Rockwell. Although it will not replace my razor, I use it interchangeably with it and prefer to use this razor instead of my razor to shave my neck. Self shaving of the neck with a razor. exciting. Unless I can find something better (I'm also considering buying a 6S), this razor will also be my go-to when I'm old enough that my hands betray me and I can't use a razor anymore. If you've been hesitant about trying the DE razor or not, this is a great choice that will ruin you because of the adjustable bases (which most DE razors don't have). If you're an old DE veteran like me (G Slim Adjustable to "7" for decades), you won't be disappointed either. If you're thrifty and paying twice the price of this razor for a Rockwell 6S, that's out of the question - you'll be glad to know you got the same construction (in a different metal) for half the price. Update November 23, 2020 – One year of Covid19 and unemployment. In just a few short months it has been two years since I bought a Rockwell 6c (then in March 2019) and I can still safely say it was a great purchase that I would make again if I wanted to – then he lost his current 6S. Because using a straight razor requires a lot more prep time, I've found myself using the Rockwell 6S for at least four out of five shaves these days over the past year. It still works as well as it did on day one and I'm still very impressed with the design details like the large exit ports in the baseplates. I've swapped out the baseplate on the rare occasions that I've switched to another Mfg DE Blade when it scratched or just didn't cut close enough, but if I'd stuck with one brand it wouldn't have been necessary. I'm just glad it has so many cymbals so I can still use the blades when I type again.