This is my first razor of this type and by far it is the best I have used (I have used disposable cartridge & straight edge in the past). I do not ever see myself using anything else. As this is the first DE safety razor I have ever used I cannot speak of its quality comparatively but objectively & technically; it is nice. The efficacy of this razor is top notch; close shave, handles well, does not break the bank. Speaking to the speed at which one can shave with this it is slower than a disposable cartridge but faster than a straight edge. Total shave time with this razor for my self is approximately 5 mins or less (face wash, lather, shave(1 pass), rinse, moisturize).

Now the included blades, as stated in the description, are mild and I was only able to get 2 shaves from each. A useful tip for beginners is to evenly distribute your shave on both sides of the blade (either half of your face on one side and half on the other or one total shave on each side) to ensure even wear. I wasn't paying attention the first time and one side of the blade was significantly more dull than the other. It is easy to notice as it will start pulling.

Overall I would recommend this razor. My motivation to purchasing a DE safety razor was to save money. If you do the math with your personal shaving habits and compare it to disposable razors (even the cheaper shaving clubs) you stand to save a significant portion of money yearly. For myself I shave every other day so lets say 180 [shaves/year] and I get 2 [shaves/blade] which is 90 blades. the cheapest online shave club will charge you about $1/cartridge while say feather blades run at $0.25/blade for a savings of $0.75/blade. 90[blades] * 0.75[$/blade] = $67.5 in savings per annum. Now this will vary when you consider other factors but it is easy enough to do your own cost analysis with your preferred items and frequency. On a final note, if you are looking to save money and are thinking about a straight edge razor think again. To get into a straight edge razor requires significantly more capital and you still need to pay for a hollow grind 2+ times a year depending on how well you care for it and how well you can use a strop. when considering how much you will pay for a hollow grind it can easily exceed the amount of money you'd spend for DE blades.

I hope this review helped and answered any questions you might have. Also do some more research outside of amazon reviews, there is a lot of information available on the inter webs.

This razor hits all the marks that I am looking for in a razor. Moderate aggressiveness, yet very comfortable shave, very hard to cut or nick yourself with this one. Perfect blade allignmnet, I loaded a blade 10 times before shaving and I got a perfect allignmnet everytime. Easy and quick blade change (TTO). Even if your hands are slippery due to the soap or cream, you won't drop it because of the outstanding knurling. The weight of the razor makes it so easy to let the razor do all the work. I don't know what else I can say. It looks and feels awesome. It makes some of my other razors look like kids toys. I used it today for the first time and had a perfect shave. To make it short. If you like the Chieftain, YOU WILL LOVE THE VULCAN.

It is made well, looks like it will last forever; but I am not getting the close smooth shave I was hoping for, It may be the choice of blades, so far I have used the ones that come with it and a few Derby. I am not Young so my hair is very fine you would think an aggressive blade like feather would not be needed to get a close shave but I think that is what I will try next. I am old enough that this is the style of razor I learned to shave with. My mom used a double edge on her legs her whole life. My dad used a straight razor with a strap. Which I hated both the razor and the strap for different reasons.

I would also like to modify the handle, I need a index on the handle (a small flat spot?), I shave in the shower and I have to keep checking to make sure I am holding it blade even with my face.

If a different blade gives me a smooth shave then I would give it another star.

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.

Well... once upon a time... I felt super weak, and helpless... you know as all females do?... my legs were flimsy, barely able to walk. I thought to my self, what must I do
How can I stop being such a dainty poorly shaven little female...... then I saw it, in all its great hard life saving manliness... the Vikings blade razor.... it promised to make me STRONGly shaved with super sharp cutting edges, like a worrier of some sorts!! But I paused and thought to my self, but I am just a woman... a small, little female. Do I dare take on this manly supiror tool?.... but I was desperate... so I said gosh darn i??? I will be a MAN. I will purchase this powerful tool. It's my last chance.. at a smooth, clean shave. When I did, it came swiftly... like a prince, on a noble steede... I opened the box, it was big, sharp... intimidating??..... I unwound it... put the blade in... and as I twisted... something inside me, twisted?.... this was it... i felt the hair on my chest start to fill in, the feeling of being the superior gender... start to settle with me. I could do anything, I was a real, MAN. (Then I was prompted by the darlig note it came with to write this review, and restore the art of manliness. But no really. I'm excited to use it. Nice branding... by the way) - Rebekah