Hi Donald. I have this razor and since your review here I've used it several times. For what its worth here is my opinion. It's extremely aggressive. But its main problem is that its so beautifully smooth that I don't notice this until the weepers appear! I have a sandpaper growth on sensitive skin. I almost never get blade feel with any razor first pass cos of the growths protection and because I prepare the face. I have to. I use this heavy razor with a steep angle almost like a straight, especially second pass, and I've almost never got thru a shave without not just weepers but nicks too. It's not my favourite. But its so beautifully made I keep trying I love the K2 btw. Thanks for these super videos.
Well Neville, you seem to have a love for this razor and that not a bad thing but please don't let the love for the razor keep you from having the shave your looking for. You can continue using it but if it keeps cutting you you may have to think about a divorce. Thanks for watching
Hey, Don, nice job on the review. I agree about the lack of information with Pearl. I thought the best documented were the Flexi and the Blaze. And even thos were a little short. They dobshace a bit on the aggressive side. Definitely not a beginner tool IMHO. Have a great day and smooth shaves
Hi Don. I hope all is well with you and your wife. I had a very similar experience with this razor. Obviously they want us to use the washers but it's unusual and unexplained so who knows. I have to assume that the satin finish scratches easily. And you are 100% correct about being too aggressive. I did try the open comb and it was like a blade on a stick. Not at all comfortable for me. Neither is the regular plate. Hopefully they will put out something of this quality that's more comfortable. Thanks for the video!
Thanks for watching, One can only hope they listen to the customers and make at least one razor that is way less aggressive than all the rest from Pearl.
Nice one, Don. It's nice to see Pearl put out a nice finished product. I remember their early offerings had some quality control issues. Have a great week.
Hi Donald- Great shave and razor review; thank you! The Hammer definitely looks like a hefty razor. I hope you have a great rest of the weekend. Be safe and be well. See you next Saturday. Best regards, as always, my friend!
"Is that a thing?", this is pure comedy gold. Don't be shy, Donald, take a moment to say more about the merits and qualities of the soap you use in this video. I assume that the gasket on this razor is simply intended to protect against damage in shipping. The first razor I know of that used these was the Karve Christopher Bradley razor. I don't think the manufacturer's ever anticipated that their customers would adopt the use of these washers across the board. They underestimate our OCD. It is useful to learn that this is more of a claw hammer than a ball peen hammer. The aftershave reaction made me laugh out loud. Thanks! The Flexi may be a Pearl razor that would work for everyone. It is very efficient on the higher end. Does it go low enough for a boy just starting out shaving (like the vintage Gillette blue flare tip)? I don't own a Flexi yet, so I don't know.
Well, Since I make the shaving soap I was using why wouldn't I talk about its merits and qualities? Seems like a perfectly sensible thing to do if you ask me. As for the washers it seems like it was for the separation of the base to the handle for cosmetic reason totally optional I have been told. As for the name of the razor does one really give a shit and yes the reactions when the aftershave went on was in response to a very aggressive shave. As for the Flexi again an aggressive razor just like all the Pearls I have reviewed. Thanks for watching
That is an excellent shave Don. Do consider giving away Pearl K2 and Hammer. I think these were fairly aggressive in your opinion and meant for coarse beards. The blaze by Pearl, on the other hand is softer. Too soft for my coarse beard ;)
I tell it like it is or how I see it. I don't think I've used or reviewed a Pearl razor that has not been aggressive and I have had a very interesting talk with some of the guys at Pearl and unfortunately they might not know how to make one. Thanks for watching Jake
Well first thanks for watching JT and I'm glad we are al mostly in agreement here. I find no need for the open comb simply because the close one performs just as aggressive all the best my friend
Great shave Don. To answer your question the plastic washers are used to prevent marring that occurrs from metal on metal contact. The open comb will be more aggressive due to more blade exposure.
Yes, the washers are simply optional as it was pointed out to me but that should be explained in the box even thought we all know what they are for along with the differences between the two combs. We know what they are but does the first time user know? it just makes perfect sense to explain this inside the box when it arrives to a first time users. Thanks for watching my friend
Great looking razor, nice shave, I also got one as well, the washers are pretty common now and I use them with all of my three piece razors. Its mostly so you don’t have metal on metal and it snugs up better and you don’t damage the plate. Also that razor won’t let you put two on because of the thickness. This razor is meant for more experienced shavers and the open comb it’s the same blade gap but is recommended if you have much thicker growth so basically being more aggressive. But I agree it should have been written in the instructions. But now that I think about it I don’t ever remember getting instructions with any of my premium razors.
Thanks for the great review Don. Totally agree that manufacturers should provide explanation on all the parts provided and what they are used for. There must be many purchases who are new to Wet shaving.🤠👍
An informative review. It is puzzling why Pearl didn't explain the differences between the open and closed comb baseplates. The website does provide blade gap specs but with no explanation. That is definitely an oversight that you rightly pointed out. As far as those washers, I assume by now you've figured out that many wet shavers use those to protect the baseplates from being scarred/damaged when attaching the razor handle. The packet of washers is provided for spares. BTW, I don't know if I'm the person you referred to about the face-lathering technique you demonstrated. But I do enjoy using your soft soaps that way. I just prefer that over shave sticks.
Thanks for watching Bart and yes it was you Bart that I was referring to it may not be the exact method you use but at least people can see there is more than one way to lather my soaps. The washers I learned about as I was told what they are used for but even all these things Washers, the two combs they should all be explained along with how to use the razor it just a missed opportunity. All the best Bart
Yes I was thinking of doing a giveaway but I understand it just not for me which is why it could be perfect for someone like you having a course beard thanks for watching Les
Great shave Don! Seems Pearl is cranking out a lot of razors that have a little bit of a bite to them. It’s a shame because they’re quite affordable, but because they’re affordable, they may attract less experienced folks and give them a poor first impression. Just my thoughts on the matter. Take care now!
@@T-R.e.x The lower you go in price, the more likely you are to have shotty quality control. If your first safety razor is extremely cheap, you could have a bad first impression and go back to cartridges before you give it a second chance. I’ve seen it happen a lot. That’s why I always encourage people stick with more reputable brands like Merkur, Muhle, and RazoRock. If people really want an all brass razor, Pearl is not the place to buy it.
Good shave ... I don't think the lather looked up to your usual bowl standard . I am a 3 pass shaver , i think i get a better shave going deliberately in different directions but also i don't want the shave to be over too quick because i enjoy it ...all the best .
Thanks for watching Peter and yes I understand about the bowl lather I agree its what I like as well but needed to show other ways of doing things just so it out in the Wet shaving community all the best my friend
i think with most razors it takes a few goes to get a feel for it . but you do tend to know if it’s a bit lively off the bat . nice razor . i bet with the oc plate that could possibly be even more lively indeed 🤪🤪 but i do like a slightly more “aggressive “ razor but then i do use a straight a few times a week
Thanks for watching Paul I did talk to Pearl a while back and they told me the reason for the aggressiveness in all the razors is they wanted to give the DE user the exsperiance of using a straight razor. Now, I'm not so sure all straights are aggressive since I have used them but I didn't agree with that statement but it is what it is I quess. All the best Paul
Great shave, Don. Curious if you’ve ever tried the R41 razor? As much as I’d like to shave everyday but I can’t. I shave once a week and I’m looking for something fairly “aggressive” but comfortable.
The R41 Grande was the first DE razor I ever purchased still have it and I still use it once in awhile. Its a De that not too aggressive but not a sleeper either all the best my friend
Man; your “one pass” is more like four or five. You keep going over the same areas, even when the lather is gone.🤷♂️ My three passes, is a legit three passes. I just let the heft of the razor do the work. Just a simple straight path, zero edging passes with little scrapes. My first pass is just a straight jawline to upper neck, no little passes. And if there’s no lather covering, I don’t shave it. I see a lot of you tubers doing those repeated small passes and my skin gets irritated just watching it. You guys must have leather for skin, cause if I did that my throat would be beet red.
Thanks for watching it not that i have leather skin it the razor I use. When I'm not doing review of hardware like in this video I use one of the sharpiest blades called a Feather Pro in what is a single edge razor called the O.R.E.N - Occams Razor Enhanced Nano. This razor lets me freely shave in in any direction its the most amazing razor I have ever used but sadly it has not come back to full production after COVID. This is one of the reasons I can go over the same spot many times without the fear of irritation the second part is the shaving soap if its a good one you will be able to go over areas without the visible presents of lather due to the slickness and glide left behind from the lather that was applied. All the best my friend
But every pass you make, you’re basically shaving off a layer of skin. So repeated passes over the same area will lead to irritation. No matter what soap you use. I use a Muhle 41 with a Kai as my everyday, and it gets the job done without repeated passes
Hi Donald. I have this razor and since your review here I've used it several times. For what its worth here is my opinion. It's extremely aggressive. But its main problem is that its so beautifully smooth that I don't notice this until the weepers appear! I have a sandpaper growth on sensitive skin. I almost never get blade feel with any razor first pass cos of the growths protection and because I prepare the face. I have to.
I use this heavy razor with a steep angle almost like a straight, especially second pass, and I've almost never got thru a shave without not just weepers but nicks too. It's not my favourite. But its so beautifully made I keep trying I love the K2 btw. Thanks for these super videos.
Well Neville, you seem to have a love for this razor and that not a bad thing but please don't let the love for the razor keep you from having the shave your looking for. You can continue using it but if it keeps cutting you you may have to think about a divorce. Thanks for watching
Washers are supplied to prevent marks on the baseplate when screwing down the handle. Purely optional.
Thanks for that I knew it was for something too bad it was not explained in any information that came with the razor. Thanks for watching.
Nice shave don.dont get hammered. Have a great day
Oh thats a good one Jimmy thanks for watching all the best my friend
Hey, Don, nice job on the review. I agree about the lack of information with Pearl. I thought the best documented were the Flexi and the Blaze. And even thos were a little short. They dobshace a bit on the aggressive side. Definitely not a beginner tool IMHO. Have a great day and smooth shaves
Thanks for watching Deacon 100% agree all the best my friend
Hi Don. I hope all is well with you and your wife. I had a very similar experience with this razor. Obviously they want us to use the washers but it's unusual and unexplained so who knows. I have to assume that the satin finish scratches easily. And you are 100% correct about being too aggressive. I did try the open comb and it was like a blade on a stick. Not at all comfortable for me. Neither is the regular plate. Hopefully they will put out something of this quality that's more comfortable. Thanks for the video!
Thanks for watching, One can only hope they listen to the customers and make at least one razor that is way less aggressive than all the rest from Pearl.
Great shave Don. Nice presentation and honest review of the Pearl Hammer. Take care my friend.
Thanks for watching Lee all the best my friend
Nice one, Don. It's nice to see Pearl put out a nice finished product. I remember their early offerings had some quality control issues. Have a great week.
Thanks for watching Patrick oh yes it took many revision for some people to a razor the were happy with all the best my friend
Hi Donald- Great shave and razor review; thank you! The Hammer definitely looks like a hefty razor. I hope you have a great rest of the weekend. Be safe and be well. See you next Saturday. Best regards, as always, my friend!
Thank you for the kind words Mike and thanks for watching all the best until next time
"Is that a thing?", this is pure comedy gold. Don't be shy, Donald, take a moment to say more about the merits and qualities of the soap you use in this video.
I assume that the gasket on this razor is simply intended to protect against damage in shipping. The first razor I know of that used these was the Karve Christopher Bradley razor. I don't think the manufacturer's ever anticipated that their customers would adopt the use of these washers across the board. They underestimate our OCD.
It is useful to learn that this is more of a claw hammer than a ball peen hammer. The aftershave reaction made me laugh out loud. Thanks!
The Flexi may be a Pearl razor that would work for everyone. It is very efficient on the higher end. Does it go low enough for a boy just starting out shaving (like the vintage Gillette blue flare tip)? I don't own a Flexi yet, so I don't know.
Well, Since I make the shaving soap I was using why wouldn't I talk about its merits and qualities? Seems like a perfectly sensible thing to do if you ask me. As for the washers it seems like it was for the separation of the base to the handle for cosmetic reason totally optional I have been told. As for the name of the razor does one really give a shit and yes the reactions when the aftershave went on was in response to a very aggressive shave. As for the Flexi again an aggressive razor just like all the Pearls I have reviewed. Thanks for watching
Hi Donald great Unboxing and Review! The Hammer looks hammerotastic!😊 Have a great weekend 👍
Thanks for watching Robert and now it hammer time see you next week
That is an excellent shave Don. Do consider giving away Pearl K2 and Hammer. I think these were fairly aggressive in your opinion and meant for coarse beards. The blaze by Pearl, on the other hand is softer. Too soft for my coarse beard ;)
Yes I am thinking about giving the Hammer away in a giveaway of some sort thanks for watching my friend
Straight to the point review .. Some of these other guys i swear i feel like I'm watching a damn infomercial ,over exaggerating everything .
I tell it like it is or how I see it. I don't think I've used or reviewed a Pearl razor that has not been aggressive and I have had a very interesting talk with some of the guys at Pearl and unfortunately they might not know how to make one. Thanks for watching Jake
Don is a great Guy. Stop with the Unhappy Comments.
Nice shave Don. Other shaving youtubers have said the same thing about the Hammer. It's a nice-looking razor. Have a great week.
Well first thanks for watching JT and I'm glad we are al mostly in agreement here. I find no need for the open comb simply because the close one performs just as aggressive all the best my friend
Great shave Don. To answer your question the plastic washers are used to prevent marring that occurrs from metal on metal contact. The open comb will be more aggressive due to more blade exposure.
Yes, the washers are simply optional as it was pointed out to me but that should be explained in the box even thought we all know what they are for along with the differences between the two combs. We know what they are but does the first time user know? it just makes perfect sense to explain this inside the box when it arrives to a first time users. Thanks for watching my friend
@@MrDonXX yes they should have put that info in there. It could be in the wet shaving guide but it didn't look like it.
Great looking razor, nice shave, I also got one as well, the washers are pretty common now and I use them with all of my three piece razors. Its mostly so you don’t have metal on metal and it snugs up better and you don’t damage the plate.
Also that razor won’t let you put two on because of the thickness. This razor is meant for more experienced shavers and the open comb it’s the same blade gap but is recommended if you have much thicker growth so basically being more aggressive. But I agree it should have been written in the instructions. But now that I think about it I don’t ever remember getting instructions with any of my premium razors.
Thanks for watching and for the info regardless explanations should be given of the comb this is my opinion. all the best Mike
Thanks for the great review Don. Totally agree that manufacturers should provide explanation on all the parts provided and what they are used for. There must be many purchases who are new to Wet shaving.🤠👍
Thanks for watching yes i guess if they only did it once it would be an oversight so lets see what happens going forward all the best my friend
An informative review. It is puzzling why Pearl didn't explain the differences between the open and closed comb baseplates. The website does provide blade gap specs but with no explanation. That is definitely an oversight that you rightly pointed out. As far as those washers, I assume by now you've figured out that many wet shavers use those to protect the baseplates from being scarred/damaged when attaching the razor handle. The packet of washers is provided for spares. BTW, I don't know if I'm the person you referred to about the face-lathering technique you demonstrated. But I do enjoy using your soft soaps that way. I just prefer that over shave sticks.
Thanks for watching Bart and yes it was you Bart that I was referring to it may not be the exact method you use but at least people can see there is more than one way to lather my soaps. The washers I learned about as I was told what they are used for but even all these things Washers, the two combs they should all be explained along with how to use the razor it just a missed opportunity. All the best Bart
Hah! I'll take the Hammer off your hands don! I have an ultra course beard, so this sounds perfect!
Yes I was thinking of doing a giveaway but I understand it just not for me which is why it could be perfect for someone like you having a course beard thanks for watching Les
Love from India ❤
Great shave Don! Seems Pearl is cranking out a lot of razors that have a little bit of a bite to them. It’s a shame because they’re quite affordable, but because they’re affordable, they may attract less experienced folks and give them a poor first impression. Just my thoughts on the matter. Take care now!
Hi Ben thanks for watching great observation my friend all the best
So, the experienced ones buy only WR2?
@@T-R.e.x The lower you go in price, the more likely you are to have shotty quality control. If your first safety razor is extremely cheap, you could have a bad first impression and go back to cartridges before you give it a second chance. I’ve seen it happen a lot. That’s why I always encourage people stick with more reputable brands like Merkur, Muhle, and RazoRock. If people really want an all brass razor, Pearl is not the place to buy it.
@@soapthing Yaqi razors is an exception though. good quality and nothing less than Merkur or Razorock.
Nice looking razor thanks
Thanks for watching
Nice shave Don. Nice razor but not as good as an old Gillette adjustable they were and still are the best that you can get! Love em all.
100% agree all the best D and thanks for watching
Good shave ... I don't think the lather looked up to your usual bowl standard . I am a 3 pass shaver , i think i get a better shave going deliberately in different directions but also i don't want the shave to be over too quick because i enjoy it ...all the best .
Thanks for watching Peter and yes I understand about the bowl lather I agree its what I like as well but needed to show other ways of doing things just so it out in the Wet shaving community all the best my friend
i think with most razors it takes a few goes to get a feel for it . but you do tend to know if it’s a bit lively off the bat . nice razor . i bet with the oc plate that could possibly be even more lively indeed 🤪🤪 but i do like a slightly more “aggressive “ razor but then i do use a straight a few times a week
Thanks for watching Paul I did talk to Pearl a while back and they told me the reason for the aggressiveness in all the razors is they wanted to give the DE user the exsperiance of using a straight razor. Now, I'm not so sure all straights are aggressive since I have used them but I didn't agree with that statement but it is what it is I quess. All the best Paul
Great shave, Don. Curious if you’ve ever tried the R41 razor?
As much as I’d like to shave everyday but I can’t. I shave once a week and I’m looking for something fairly “aggressive” but comfortable.
The R41 Grande was the first DE razor I ever purchased still have it and I still use it once in awhile. Its a De that not too aggressive but not a sleeper either all the best my friend
Man; your “one pass” is more like four or five. You keep going over the same areas, even when the lather is gone.🤷♂️ My three passes, is a legit three passes. I just let the heft of the razor do the work. Just a simple straight path, zero edging passes with little scrapes. My first pass is just a straight jawline to upper neck, no little passes. And if there’s no lather covering, I don’t shave it. I see a lot of you tubers doing those repeated small passes and my skin gets irritated just watching it. You guys must have leather for skin, cause if I did that my throat would be beet red.
Thanks for watching it not that i have leather skin it the razor I use. When I'm not doing review of hardware like in this video I use one of the sharpiest blades called a Feather Pro in what is a single edge razor called the O.R.E.N - Occams Razor Enhanced Nano. This razor lets me freely shave in in any direction its the most amazing razor I have ever used but sadly it has not come back to full production after COVID. This is one of the reasons I can go over the same spot many times without the fear of irritation the second part is the shaving soap if its a good one you will be able to go over areas without the visible presents of lather due to the slickness and glide left behind from the lather that was applied. All the best my friend
But every pass you make, you’re basically shaving off a layer of skin. So repeated passes over the same area will lead to irritation. No matter what soap you use.
I use a Muhle 41 with a Kai as my everyday, and it gets the job done without repeated passes