A head shavers review of the Leaf Razor.
The Leaf Razor has been around for a couple years now and you may have heard the name a time or two. For those who don't know, it's a fully metal cartridge style razor that uses double edge blades that are to be snapped in half and loaded into the pivoting razor head. It may appeal to many people for a variety of reasons, for example, it's all metal design cuts out the use of plastic making it environmentally friendly. Furthermore, the Leaf Razor eliminates the use of plastic cartridges (heads) that need replaced after a couple uses. It's pivoting head help the user mow through multiple days of growth without worrying about keeping the proper angle.
The Leaf Razor also allows for the control over the blades that are used. As an established wetshaver, I have more blades that I know what to do with so experimenting with different blade types really appealed to me. In my opinion, blades are very subjective when it comes to wetshaving gear. There is no "best blade to sensitive skin", sorry.
The Leaf Razor does not claim to be an "adjustable" by any means but I will say that the ability to choose if i want 1, 2, or 3 blades gives the feeling of control that I was looking for. Not only can you control how many blades but where they're positioned at. For example, if you just had a rough shave and need to take it easy on the ole noggin or face, take out the most bottom blade for a mild shave. I have found out that I prefer keeping the bottom 2 blades and leaving out the top most blade gives a more mild feel while keeping the razor more efficient. I've only done this a few times as all 3 blades work perfect for me. What's that old saying again, YMMV?
I was initially interested in the Leaf because I was using cartridge (Harry's) razors for my head. I wanted something different, something that I could use and not worry about if I could squeeze another shave out of it. I now never worry if my blades are sharp, I never worry about my razor clogging because it's a beast like that (also my well hydrated lather), and I never worry about ordering or stopping at the store for more carts.
What's the cost of this razor? I thought you may ask that, it comes in at a one small fee of $79 USD for just the razor and 20 blades. The other offer is $109 for the razor, metal stand, 50 blades, and a disposable tin for used blades. The blades that came with this are packed with Leafs logo but I believe they are Crystal blades. The stand is the main difference in these two packages. While it's certainly not a requirement, it makes setting down the razor while rinsing my head easier and it looks better on display. The disposable tin is a nice touch but definitely not essential as my small Gatorade bottle works just as good.
Personally, this razor has completely change the way I shave my head, for the better, in every way possible. I really dont have many complaints about the Leaf. Some say the the head is bulky but that really doesn't matter to me as a head shaver. I could imagine that under the nose would be a problem area until you really dialed in face shaving, but I can get behind and above my ears just fine though. I require a BBS head shave and this razor performs perfectly for what I'm looking for. Some also say that the handle is too long or slippery but I've never had any problem with either of those concerns. I actually prefer the longer handle as it extends my reach when shaving the back of my neck.
Do I think you should get a Leaf? Depends on what you want. If your a head shaver still using carts, yes I think you should give it a try. I cannot speak for face shaving because I love my DE too much to completely replace it. The people over at Leaf Razors seem to have great customer service and are very quick to respond to any questions or concerns. They also back the razor with lifetime guarantee so give it hell (how crazy can you really be?).
If your interested, go over to "Another Cut Above" YouTube channel. He has unboxing, reviews, and comparison videos for the Leaf.
Per rule 3, this razor was obtained through a trade.
Edit: Links for unpolished pics of the workhorse.