Great razor. This was my first safety razor and will likely be my last. It comes with some razor refills but you will need more soon. I bought these: Astra Platinum Double Edge Safety Razor Blades ,100 Blades (20 x 5) and they haven't let me down.

For those worried about cutting themselves: Don't be. I nicked myself the first two times I shaved and haven't done it since. If you're new to shaving (yes shaving, not buzzing) you might do it more but it's a quick process.

For those worried it "takes too long" (compared to shaving with gel/disposable razors): The only time difference is with the shaving cream. If you want to go through the process of lathering up with a shaving brush and shaving soap, it will take a bit longer. For me, working up the lather took the most time to learn. After you get a "feel" for how much water a good lather requires, there's really no time difference. Some say you need to make multiple passes but honestly I get results on par with a disposable razor after 1 pass so I don't bother. If doing the brush & lather thing isn't for you, just use gel and the safety razor

Note - this is my first experience with a DE razor.

I've been shaving with cartridges ever since I needed to shave and used a mix of 3 and 5 blade razors. A little over 10 years ago I switched from gel foam to shave oil (Secret) and was very pleased with the closeness and absence of irritation. The allure of a vintage razor that allows for the flex of aggressiveness (similar to my vacillation between 3 & 5) without the spend on cartridges finally made me jump. Hesitation was due to my absence of soap/foam and the recommendations against shaving against the grain, which I've also done as long as I've shaved. Since I have a beard, I might not fully realize savings but am going to appreciate the ability to use fresh blades as often as I'd like.

I'm two days in with no nicks and not a significantly longer time to shave. My process has changed only slightly: 4 drops of oil instead of two, 2 passes on heavy growth (+1 extra drop), and still only shaving after a hot shower & plenty of hot water. I've also only used the "stock" blades so far since they mentioned being less aggressive and suited to first timers.

I need to get my technique down a little better at the edges of my beard (less forgiving than a cartridge in this regard) and work on getting a more uniform shave as well. Outside of my own progress, very very satisfied with the results so far and the feel of the shave + looking forward to working through my variety pack of blades.

For anyone who's also ditched the whipped cream or lathery mess - oil shaves work just as well with a DE & are actually easier to clean between strokes and shaves. Just be sure to have a steady hand ;-)

For the rest curious about oil shaves, there should be a Villiage Barber tutorial on YT.

The Chieftan Razor is pure ergonomic bliss in a travel-friendly size! The fit & finish, packaging, attention to detail, and build quality are beyond compare (coming from an admitted perfectionist, this is the highest level of praise I could offer)! The weight and balance of the razor is perfect. The design is elegant, refined and perfect in form and function.

In comparison to the Godfather Safety Razor, this is easier / safer to load, and offers an equivalent shave. The shorter handle makes the razor more travel friendly, sacrificing only a little on the precision and control offered by the Godfather model.

I recently purchased the Vikings Blade as a gift to myself for going clean shaven after 5 years of being bearded.

I'd gotten used to not spending money on razors, so when I went online to buy a pack of *insert name brand* disposable razor cartridges I was shocked to learn just show much this would be costing me every month (and in turn just how bad for the environment it would be) so I started to look at other options. The Vikings Blade came highly recommended on Amazon, and on a few other sites after doing my google searches for "best DE razor" so I decided to pull the trigger, and I couldn't be more satisfied with this product!

I'd never used a DE razor before so was a little nervous, but it turned out to feel very natural and the beginner blades that came with it seem to be very forgiving (i've since switched to Astra blades and some time after these I intend to try Feather - the sharpest). The Razor has a good solid weight to it, and while I have quite large hands, the size doesn't at all feel too small for me, in fact the handle length makes it very easy to shave the tricky spots (corner of the nose, around Adam's apple etc).

I did at one point reach out to the Vikings Blade team with some questions about shipping and I received a pleasant and speedy response from Julian. Overall a great experience! I've since purchased 2 more of these Razors for Xmas gifts :)

Thanks Julian!

I'm a 24-year-old guy who's just getting over 5 strokes (long story) but since then shaving has been a slight issue since I can barely hold myself up to a mirror since I can't stand long. This razor has changed my life! Not only is it easy to learn to use but no razor burn and it has a built in mirror so extra points since I never shaved often my hair is quite thickish and curly but this razor took it out no problem. I could even shave against the grain (don't try unless you have experience doing it) and no cuts, nicks,or burn. This is the best razor for people looking to shave again after a life changing event id recommend this razor to anyone wanting to get back to shaving. The freedom you feel is unbelievable!