The Raptor Stainless Steel Razor

I just received my Raptor Stainless Steel Razor and I am pretty happy with it.It's easy to set up (after some advice from a colleague explained using disposable straight razor blades). I bought the Atra Superior Platinum double edged razor blades to go with this razor (which are great by the way).To use, simply get your Asta double edged blade (or other brand), snap the blade in half (within its paper wrapping) two create two single blades. Lift the catch on the head of your Raptor Razor and open the gap between the two layers of the razors' head.Insert the blade lining up the cutouts on the blade to the two round pins in the razor head. You should be able to feel it move into position. Then simply close the latch and your razor is ready to go.The build quality of the razor is pretty good. Construction-wise it's great, finish-wise it's a little lacking. The brushed steel effect is great when it is pristine, however, this razor was a little scuffed, the printing a little imperfect and it comes in a cheap plastic sleeve. That being said, none of this affects it's performance and if it looked the part and came with a nice sheath, this razor could be sold for £30-40.Overall, I am happy with this as my first straight razor purchase and if I continue with this method of shaving, perhaps I will later purchase a nicer razor.

This shavette is solid and has a nice heft to it - the stainless steel is of a fairly heavy gauge and, combined with an eye-catching design, I think this should definitely be on the list if you're looking for a shavette at the budget end of the market. It seems well balanced in use, although this is my first shavette and I'm still developing my straight-edge technique, so I'm not the best qualified to comment on this aspect.I've knocked off one star for three reasons: firstly, there was a sharp jag of metal on one corner of the blade holder, which would have drawn blood during the shave had I not noticed it when inspecting the razor on delivery. It chamfered off easily enough, but it's an indication that the manufacturing isn't quite as attentive as it should be. Secondly, the slip case that came with it is just a thin piece of transparent plastic which, in my case (npi) was split. So it's neither use nor ornament, really. Thirdly, there are no instructions for mounting the blade or care - OK, it's easy enough to find a YouTube video to show you how, but it is a bit fiddly and I would have thought that some instructions would be a must.So, a few minor lapses of attention to detail, but overall I am pleased with the product for the price I paid.

Has a nice feel to it, stainless steel adds some weight which makes it feel a little more premium but is scratched very easily.Mine actually arrived with a few scuffs so of course I was not pleased. I had scratches on the side, they don't show up too well in the images but are really noticeable, also when you lift the head to replace the blade there is a significant amount of chafing underneath.I also noticed if you wave the blade around it will swing out which can be dangerous especially if travelling, I've seen a few straight razors that hold the blade in to place a little more securely like the Parker R31 which is what I think i'll be going for now. Its only a few quid more on eBay so we will see how that goes.I rated three stars for the scratches and also the fact the blade can swing out, since I knew I would be sending it back I didn't get the chance to use it, it might provide a decent shave if you can get over the scratches, take a look for yourself and you can make up your own mind.Edit: Do not purchase an R31, this blade was much better and I regret sending it back! I will do an R31 review pretty soon.

The pin joint is a bit loose so the two halves need to be aligned when fitting new blades, but otherwise works well for shaving up to tthe edge of my beard where a regular razor cannot reach. Aware that many people are saying these razors are not new. They scratch very easily so I suspect the "witness marks" people are seeing are just from when the razor was open/closed at the factory.

Good quality razor with a good amount of weight to it. Very ergonomic & easy to use (once you know how to insert a blade) - the reason I knocked off a star was because the product had a lot of machine oil left on it therefore I had to rinse it a few times. Also there were a few scratches on the product when it first came. I'd suggest that the company give a small leaflet with instructions/diagrams on how to use the razor. In addition to this I would've preferred better packaging rather than a plastic cover. All in all it was a good purchase and great value for money.

Product performs as expected. Arrived with some scratches as noted by some other reviewers but nothing to impact on performance. Holds blades securely, has good weight, is easy to clean, all steel, no plastic, can't rust. Suits me fine.

Can't compare it to anything else as this is my first shavette, but the quality seems good enough to me, it's a nice weight, feels solid and, most importantly, it's easy enough to use. Gives a good close shave and is much easier for doing the neck line than a cartridge razor. I guess the case/cover it comes in is pretty poor, but then you'd pay a few quid more. Instructions of some sort would be useful for first timers but the tinternet supplies all the answers. Overall very good value for money in my opinion.

Good product but came with scratches all over.