This review has been a long time coming. I initially wanted to type this up after my second shave but held back because I wanted a bit more time with the razor. Not because I was disappointed by it nor unsure of how I felt, but because I understood that this was an instrument which simply demanded that additional time, respect and attention. I have had it for around 3 weeks now and have used it in a variety of different ways in an attempt to challenge it and see where it really shines.

There have been a few razors and brushes, that upon holding in my hand for the first time, I knew were quality items. My Above the Tie comes to mind as well as my Zen Shave brush. There have been very few items that wowed me from the very start -- not even iKons, Simpsons, Webers, my Stealth. I love them regardless and are amazing in many regards, but don’t hold the same standard of quality as my ATT and Zen Shave. The BBS-1 can now be added to that same list as my ATT and Zen Shave. I thought that quality and precision couldn’t get much better, but I was shown the backhanded slap of reality that came in the form of the BBS-1.

The first thing you notice about the BBS-1 is how finely made it is. You know how Plissons are made of angel pubes? The BBS-1 is the razor that those same angels would forge using Leonardo da Vinci’s blueprints and then proceed to use to shave off their pubes that would then be tied for the knots of Plissons. Everything about this razor is incredible; disassembling it and reassembling it you notice the narrow tolerances the razor has in all the pieces fitting so well together. You’ll notice how natural and balanced it feels in your hand; regardless of your preferences, the weight, height and dimensions simply feel perfect. Also, let’s not forget how absolutely gorgeous this razor is. From the high polished head down to its intricately knurled handle. You can tell how much thought, love, time and precision John of LA Shaving Soap Co put into the machining and creation of this razor. Now all that sounds pretty amazing but we haven’t even talked about how this beaut shaves.

Before getting it, I had read some pretty rave reviews stating that the BBS-1 was in a league of its own; it was a unique razor. Obviously I was hopeful and excited about getting the razor but was anxious that the razor would not live up to my expectations. As you may have guessed, this razor is everything I read about and hoped for. I would try to compare it to another razor out there on the market, but it’s practically impossible. You see, the razor has a standard head, yet shaves like an open comb in feeling as well as leaving a bit of lather behind in its wake in a very characteristically open-comb-way. This razor plows through hair and can be used just as easily on 8 days of growth as on 2 days of growth. (it was not easy to refrain from shaving for that long). I wouldn’t exactly say that this razor is as comfortable as a Stealth, which when used you can barely feel the stubble being cut, but it’s impressively comfortable enough for being hella efficient. Another reason why I find it so unique.

Lastly, there’s something about the razor which I haven’t quite figured out yet. It’s perhaps one of the most easily maneuverable razors I’ve used. Perhaps it’s the head geometry or something else, but I simply feel like I can get into areas, like the shallower areas of my neck beside my adam’s apple, with the BBS-1 that I can’t as easily with many other razors. This maneuverability paired with its efficiency makes one kick-ass combo.

I’ll address the pink elephant in the room; the price tag is $225. But before you suddenly stop reading this and close the page, start smashing your head on the keyboard and raising your fists to the sky cursing the heavens, think for a second about what you’re buying and try to break it down a bit. Not only do you receive the BBS-1, but you also get a tub of John’s fanatically performing soap, a small synthetic travel brush, about 6 samples of John’s other soaps and a 5-pack of Feathers. I know that all you fuckers just pre-ordered or are thinking about buying the new ATT slants so If you do the math, what you pay for the razor is perhaps a few dollars more than what you would pay for the ATT. Think about that for a little.

I want to conclude by saying that in the entire time of being in possession of this beautiful angel-pube razor, I have not used it only twice and that was to try out the Shavecraft 102. I have not even batted an eye at other razors, I am not left desiring anything else like a sexually starved wife would after her husband develops a bad case of whiskey dick during a night out. I am certainly not saying that the BBS-1 has cured my RAD because I do not think that that is quite possible, but it has surely pacified it longer and more efficiently than any other razor before it. That says something. All in all, I’m amazed that John could create such an amazing and unique (dare I say “game-changing?”) razor. I sincerely hope that John gets the recognition and praise he deserves for it because it’s truly an impressive feat.

I know that by anyone’s standards it’s still a pricey razor. I would still ask you guys to seriously consider looking into it and contacting John if you are looking for a stainless steel top-tier razor.

TL;DR: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sncydiULUJY