Since the launch of the LEAF and PROOF razors we have had quite a few requests asking us to stock something similar. The LEAF is available elsewhere in South Africa, and the PROOF was not quite as efficient as we had hoped, and both of them are fairly expensive outright and when you add shipping to our shores even more so. We came across this razor from a Chinese manufacturer late last year and we are giving it a bash in our store, please review it if you can, as there is not a lot of info on it on the interwebs, and your input will help us, and also many others looking at purchasing this razor.
The DE33 is a generic twin blade razor that works with conventional double edged blades snapped in half, or the pre-cut 'half blades' such as the Parkers in our store. Apart from having the twin blade function, it also has a swivel head and comes with a cool stand and a pack of 'half blades'
The shave was easy and efficient, we loaded it up with a double blade and did a single pass using the gold model with the rolling pin. This razor left a longer stubble on the first WTG (with the grain) pass, and will more than likely not be close enough for guys who want a very close shave in a minute or two, you would need to do a second and/or third pass for a very close shave.
The swivel head is quite tight, but it worked well over the more acute, bony angles on my face, in the softer parts of your face you would still need to angle the head with your hand for a good cut, but getting the hang of the 'flat angle' is quite easy, and I got the hang of the razor in the first attempt of using it. We are yet to experiment with various blade orientations and brands, but the razor does the job that is required of it, and looks damn stylish in the process. Although not knurled like most safety razors the grip is surprisingly good under wet and soap conditions, and we had no issues with grip even with soap-sodden fingers.
The heads are magnetized, so loading the blades is a breeze, the razor head has a very flat proflile, so if bulky razor heads are problematic for you this may be a solution you would want to explore. Some folks say the rolling pin is a gimmick, but they have been very well received by folks with sensitive skin looking to reduce friction on their skin and every aspect helps to get you to your best shaving solution. We are of the opinion the rolling pin adds true value for many of our customers. This razor is also offered in a solid bar format for those who wants a more traditional setup, the handles differ on the two types, so make sure of your choice before you pull the trigger.
We think this is a great cross-over razor from the cartridge stuff to our world of better shaves, but also a great choice for guys suffering from ingrowns as it leaves a slightly longer stubble on pass one, leaving all cut ends well away from the skin surface. The second blade does a good job of jacking up the efficency of the razor, but don't be shy to try it with single blade either, it may surprise you!
The razor comes in 'n sturdy blue box with some foamy protection, a matching stand and a few blades, the quality of the latter we are still unsure of as we are still to give them a go, so it may be wise to add a pack or two of better know blades right off the bat.
The stand is cast alloy and weighs 70 grams and the razor 90 grams to offer 160 gram combination. The razor stands 115 mm tall.