OneBlade Genesis Razor

Form over function – Short answer. Buy one. Long answer. Sadly, it’s form over function. I bought the top-end steel version and used it for three months. Feels beautiful in the hand, looked lovely in the bathroom. That much alone made me want to keep it. However, functionally, it’s flawed in almost every aspect. That blade that slips in? It’s not held tight,… Read more

the blade moves around. The company calls it a floating blade system. Err, no, it’s poor engineering tolerances. I can image meetings long into the night where they’ve talked about what it would take to stop the blade moving around and marketing had to make it a feature because the engineers didn’t have a commercial solution. Why does it matter? Well, the blade doesn’t starting cutting from where you place it on your skin. For me, that meant shaving under my nose left some hairs uncut (and I can’t shave at a different angle to get at them as I have a moustache).

Genesis say the OneBlade provides a very close shave. But in the video where they demonstrate the OneBlade vs multi blade systems, they show how the latter pulls the hair from your skin before a subsequent blade cuts the hair. So, by definition, the mass produced multi blade shavers will provide a closer shave. If you use a Gillette and it doesn’t cause irritation, nicks or bumps, stick, don’t twist.

As you shave, the lather washes down the handle and becomes slippery. This really doesn’t help the shaving process, some rubber grip would help for sure, but you know, it wouldn’t look so good.

If you have time in the mornings, you’ll enjoy the OneBlade. It’s slow but methodical and genuinely a pleasure to hold, making a satisfying noise as it strokes through your hairs. You have to concentrate, be precise and focused on every stroke.

I didn’t enjoy changing the blade every 3 shaves, I didn’t have time for that. And for the most part, I need to shave before I go to work, I just need to get it done. I’ve seen their marketing repeat a reviewers words, “…if Apple made a razor…”. I’d actually say, “…if you want a vintage Ferrari that you only take out on Sundays…”.

The first time I went back to my Gillette, OMG. It’s faster, better and does exactly what I expect it to. All over my face, neck etc., I’m not thinking about being super careful, it’s just getting the job done.

So why did I start the review saying buy one? Because you should. They offer a 90 day MBG. That’s what I did, decide for yourself. Your expectations, skin condition, shaving requirements etc., might mean that this is a great razor for you. It just wasn’t for me, but I admire them for offering up such a beautiful razor.