I put the 3.5" stainless steel version of that handle on my stainless Ascension Twist with a Red Gillette Flair Tip. The machined surface is like a rasp and will not slip out of wet fingers. I haven't used my Malbolge in a long time, gonna have to dig it out. Just switched to Diver Down this week.
Nice shave, Matthew! I bought the Quantum 2-3 weeks ago, or more specifically, as soon as I saw Tobin’s review and realized it was back in stock! 😂 Unfortunately, it’s not quite aggressive enough to shave my face and neck, but, loaded w/a Feather and opened up w/a buffer ring, it’s a nice, smooth head-shaver, so I’ll keep it for that, since it’s so unique. I wish it was more on par w/my Ascension 316SS, aggression-wise, that baby is in my top 3! Who knows though, maybe they’ll release a more aggressive plate down the road. It is gorgeous and well-made. That knurling on the handle is nuts, IMO. Incredibly effective,(which I believe was the point), but, it almost seems to grab your fingers, which I don’t love, but it’s also one of the finest shorter stainless handles out there and the swappable flare-tips is just good, clean fun! When I owned a Meta-4, the handle had that same knurling. The Astraeus is a great little brush that punches above its weight. I “roll my own” brushes, so I sold that one, but I made sure to hunt down a Black 22mm bulb-knot that performs very similar, I put that in my brush when I miss the Astraeus.
@@Lahey1579 the astreaus is probably my favorite synthetic knot. That says a lot too because I primarily use badgers. I may go old school and experiment with the razor by shimming it to see if that helps. First I am going to try some different blades. Thanks for watching!
@@lawrence1md My desert island knot would be an APG5A, although any of the G5’s or the Pure Bliss would suffice. Heck, even the lowly Silvertip Plisson/PlissSoft is all I really need. I prefer knots w/some backbone, I’m a synthetic guy all the way, but I can get a lather going with most any knot. As far as the soft knots go, my favorites are the AP Faux Horse/my Faux Stoat(same thing), and that black bulb knot, similar to the Astraeus knot, aka the Noir Plissoft/Maggard Black Fiber/my Faux Mink (same thing). I also like the Cashmere, although, it doesn’t feel any different to me than the Noir Plissoft/Maggard Black Fiber knot, I think they may just be different colors, they feel identical to my face. The Faux Horse/Stoat feels similar, but it seems to packed to a higher density, so it seems to have a little bit more backbone, IMO. I’m not a big fan of the Synbad/Mew Brown/Mocha knot, nor any of the grey ones, their fibers “clump up” when wet and seem to take longer to whip a lather, I’m more about the shave, so I prefer to get the lather-making done asap.
@@lawrence1md It is and I’m blown away by how awesome synthetic fiber is nowadays! Although, that being said, the Plisson & Tuxedo are still perfectly adequate for a plug & play brush, IMO. I’m grateful for the awesome variety available to us though, it’s nice to have a selection of knots at our disposal, for those, like me, who want and enjoy them. Or, if you just want an affordable, low-maintenance synthetic brush, then a RR Plissoft, Yaqi Tuxedo or any PAA brush is hard to beat. We, as American shavers, probably have the largest variety of brushes and shave gear to pick from, which is awesome!
Very nice review Matthew. I really enjoy tobacco scents. I do not own the Quantum razor but perhaps I should. There was good audible feedback with the mic. I appreciate your reviews as I find them sincere. Do not worry about forgetting things as you get older. It only gets worse 😅. Have a great rest of the week.
@@okiedokie_cool it turned out nice even though it was a mild shave. Have you tried a safety razor since you have been straight razor shaving? Thanks for watching okie!
@@okiedokie_cool sorry about that. For some reason when I clicked the notification it said Gary shaves but too me to your comment. RUclips has been a little whacky lately.
Great Shave Matthew. Still debating on whether or not to pick up that razor. Think it may be a little to mild for my liking. I do however love the way my Stainless Ascension shave. Which I find is very efficient. Anyways hope all is well with you.
Great video. I’m glad I saw this. I was thinking about buying this but it sounds too mild for me. I know the Meta-4 is too mild for me too. I love the Prismatic tho. I intend of selling the Meta-4. I just haven’t gotten to it yet. Cheers. : )
@@goteampatrick the meta4 was too mild for me as well but the prismatic was right up my alley. I have a feeling you would have the same experience with this one. Thanks for watching Patrick!
Thanks for mentioning how many shaves you're getting out of your blade. I'm experimenting now with the Rockwell Blades in the 6S, I've got 7, gonna try an 8th, but I think it's getting near done. I feel like my beard hairs are course, but patchy, like Joe Dirt all white trashy, lol. I kinda like to know where things are made, if you think about mentioning that. I have a PAA brush, but I never could find where it was made. I'm guessing the razor was imported, but from where. Anyway, thanks Matt!
Well my Malbolge must be an early one because it doesn't even say kokum butter shave soap on the side-hahaha! It's the first real tub I got from PAA and one of my favorite scents. I missed out on the first Quantum, but I've heard people that have the Eclipse Red Dot that the PAA version is more efficient and you have a more efficient model than that one. I don't use those Gillette blades, so it's hard for me to say and any blade I use stays with the razor it starts with until it's done. I've never tested my thought on it, but I feel like it gets broke in to specifics of a razor and when you jump razors it doesn't feel right in its new home. I think in the past when I've done it, the shave started off tuggy and I just switched to a new blade. Maybe? I don't know if it's a real thing or not-haha! It's just a habit I have now that might have been based on some experience years ago. Who knows?! Have a great week!
@@lastshadow9351 I can see how that idea seems workable. I need to try a few more blades with it. I maybe be sending this one down the road and being ok that this one is not for me. Thanks for watching Ian!
I put the 3.5" stainless steel version of that handle on my stainless Ascension Twist with a Red Gillette Flair Tip. The machined surface is like a rasp and will not slip out of wet fingers. I haven't used my Malbolge in a long time, gonna have to dig it out. Just switched to Diver Down this week.
@@chrislj2890 you are right it has that texture of a rasp, quite sticky/grabby. Thanks for watching Chris!
Nice shave, Matthew!
I bought the Quantum 2-3 weeks ago, or more specifically, as soon as I saw Tobin’s review and realized it was back in stock! 😂
Unfortunately, it’s not quite aggressive enough to shave my face and neck, but, loaded w/a Feather and opened up w/a buffer ring, it’s a nice, smooth head-shaver, so I’ll keep it for that, since it’s so unique.
I wish it was more on par w/my Ascension 316SS, aggression-wise, that baby is in my top 3!
Who knows though, maybe they’ll release a more aggressive plate down the road. It is gorgeous and well-made.
That knurling on the handle is nuts, IMO. Incredibly effective,(which I believe was the point), but, it almost seems to grab your fingers, which I don’t love, but it’s also one of the finest shorter stainless handles out there and the swappable flare-tips is just good, clean fun!
When I owned a Meta-4, the handle had that same knurling.
The Astraeus is a great little brush that punches above its weight. I “roll my own” brushes, so I sold that one, but I made sure to hunt down a Black 22mm bulb-knot that performs very similar, I put that in my brush when I miss the Astraeus.
@@Lahey1579 the astreaus is probably my favorite synthetic knot. That says a lot too because I primarily use badgers. I may go old school and experiment with the razor by shimming it to see if that helps. First I am going to try some different blades. Thanks for watching!
Oh yeah! I forgot about shimming! I may have to try that also, thanks for the reminder! 👍
@@lawrence1md My desert island knot would be an APG5A, although any of the G5’s or the Pure Bliss would suffice. Heck, even the lowly Silvertip Plisson/PlissSoft is all I really need.
I prefer knots w/some backbone, I’m a synthetic guy all the way, but I can get a lather going with most any knot.
As far as the soft knots go, my favorites are the AP Faux Horse/my Faux Stoat(same thing), and that black bulb knot, similar to the Astraeus knot, aka the Noir Plissoft/Maggard Black Fiber/my Faux Mink (same thing).
I also like the Cashmere, although, it doesn’t feel any different to me than the Noir Plissoft/Maggard Black Fiber knot, I think they may just be different colors, they feel identical to my face.
The Faux Horse/Stoat feels similar, but it seems to packed to a higher density, so it seems to have a little bit more backbone, IMO.
I’m not a big fan of the Synbad/Mew Brown/Mocha knot, nor any of the grey ones, their fibers “clump up” when wet and seem to take longer to whip a lather, I’m more about the shave, so I prefer to get the lather-making done asap.
@ isn’t it crazy how differently a synthetic fiber can react from one type to another.
@@lawrence1md It is and I’m blown away by how awesome synthetic fiber is nowadays!
Although, that being said, the Plisson & Tuxedo are still perfectly adequate for a plug & play brush, IMO.
I’m grateful for the awesome variety available to us though, it’s nice to have a selection of knots at our disposal, for those, like me, who want and enjoy them.
Or, if you just want an affordable, low-maintenance synthetic brush, then a RR Plissoft, Yaqi Tuxedo or any PAA brush is hard to beat.
We, as American shavers, probably have the largest variety of brushes and shave gear to pick from, which is awesome!
was so sad this didn’t come back last year! i hope they can bring it back this year, it’s my absolute favorite fall/ winter scent they have.
@@spooky_da_scary I have several tubs of Malbolge because I had a fear that it might disappear and then what would I do. Thanks for watching!
Whoa...Malbolge is probably my favorite from PAA. I might start getting those out and shaving with them. Great choice Matt!
@@carlitos_shaves it is a great scent. I’m glad I pulled it out to shave with it. Thanks for watching Carlitos!
Great shave Matthew nice razor👍👍
@@jimmysmith1879 a mild shave but yet nice indeed. Thanks for watching Jimmy!
Cool looking razor, nice shave Matthew💈💈💈
@@garys_shave I do like the way it looks. Many people will love the mildness of this razor. Thanks for watching Gary!
Lovely looking retro razor👍
@@unclelshaves it is appealing to the eye. Thanks for watching uncleL!
😳 What a Lather !
@@robmiller54 ck6 whips up nicely. Thanks for watching Rob!
Awesome. I have more than 40 wet shaving soaps most from a different business.
@@jasonyoung7378 those tubs will sneak up on you : ) at least it did for me. Thanks for watching Jason!
@@lawrence1md I know. I remind myself how much I have and it can last me a long time.
Outstanding scent
@@pjwroblewski it is still one of my favorites. Thanks for watching Patrick!
Very nice review Matthew. I really enjoy tobacco scents. I do not own the Quantum razor but perhaps I should. There was good audible feedback with the mic. I appreciate your reviews as I find them sincere. Do not worry about forgetting things as you get older. It only gets worse 😅. Have a great rest of the week.
@@Wittar7090 if you want one at a reduced price, I know a guy : ) thanks for watching Andrew!
@ do you mean a tobacco scent or something else? Yeah, I will take a good rec for a good tobacco scent.
@@Wittar7090 I was talking about the razor
Ah. I apologize. I was not sure. I am good on razors for a while. Thanks though.
@ just one more won’t hurt hehehehe
Thumbnail 1:14 I feel like it's my purpose in life to search for that thumbnail moment Matt.
@@jefferymiller30 it’s fun to find them! Thanks for watching Jeffrey
Hi Matthew. Nice. Uniq base blate. Have a good one
@@borbelyhaz321 it is unique. Thanks is for watching borbely!
Sad thought knowing this will be the last vid for awhile😓. Should post an update on the flat top while your healin. Or an unboxing.
@@Andrew-p6g6v if I’m feeling up to it, I may do a living room shave. Thanks for watching Andrew
@lawrence1md 🤞fingers crossed
Nice shave Matthew
@@okiedokie_cool it turned out nice even though it was a mild shave. Have you tried a safety razor since you have been straight razor shaving? Thanks for watching okie!
Not Gary here and not a huge fan of shaving with shavettes and straights @@lawrence1md
@@okiedokie_cool sorry about that. For some reason when I clicked the notification it said Gary shaves but too me to your comment. RUclips has been a little whacky lately.
Nice one!
@@johnjaeger9148 thanks for watching John!
I need to try more PAA soaps Matthew and also that star jelly you always recommend haha
@@seanstapelfeld I have a couple of packages to throw together and one has your name on it. Thanks for watching Sean!
Great Shave Matthew. Still debating on whether or not to pick up that razor. Think it may be a little to mild for my liking. I do however love the way my Stainless Ascension shave. Which I find is very efficient. Anyways hope all is well with you.
@@LongIslandShaving it’s too mild for me. I really love the looks of it, it needs a little more bite and less blade feel. Thanks for watching Mike!
Great video. I’m glad I saw this. I was thinking about buying this but it sounds too mild for me. I know the Meta-4 is too mild for me too. I love the Prismatic tho. I intend of selling the Meta-4. I just haven’t gotten to it yet. Cheers. : )
@@goteampatrick the meta4 was too mild for me as well but the prismatic was right up my alley. I have a feeling you would have the same experience with this one. Thanks for watching Patrick!
Thanks for mentioning how many shaves you're getting out of your blade. I'm experimenting now with the Rockwell Blades in the 6S, I've got 7, gonna try an 8th, but I think it's getting near done. I feel like my beard hairs are course, but patchy, like Joe Dirt all white trashy, lol. I kinda like to know where things are made, if you think about mentioning that. I have a PAA brush, but I never could find where it was made. I'm guessing the razor was imported, but from where. Anyway, thanks Matt!
@@matthewhall8790 I’m not sure the info on where they are made is disclosed. I honestly have no idea. Thanks for watching Matt!
Well my Malbolge must be an early one because it doesn't even say kokum butter shave soap on the side-hahaha! It's the first real tub I got from PAA and one of my favorite scents. I missed out on the first Quantum, but I've heard people that have the Eclipse Red Dot that the PAA version is more efficient and you have a more efficient model than that one. I don't use those Gillette blades, so it's hard for me to say and any blade I use stays with the razor it starts with until it's done. I've never tested my thought on it, but I feel like it gets broke in to specifics of a razor and when you jump razors it doesn't feel right in its new home. I think in the past when I've done it, the shave started off tuggy and I just switched to a new blade. Maybe? I don't know if it's a real thing or not-haha! It's just a habit I have now that might have been based on some experience years ago. Who knows?! Have a great week!
@@lastshadow9351 I can see how that idea seems workable. I need to try a few more blades with it. I maybe be sending this one down the road and being ok that this one is not for me. Thanks for watching Ian!