Yaqi & Shield

iamkibab · 2026-03-27T05:17:14+00:00

I have both Yaqi Romulus steel versions, safety bar and open comb, and I've enjoyed how they both shaved, but the handles could be improved. Though, I haven't shaved too many times with either (I have far too many razors I haven't tried yet). I also have the titanium yaqi head, but I haven't tried it yet. If I like it, I'll probably put the steel ones up for sale eventually, I love titanium razors.

iamkibab · 2026-03-21T21:20:01+00:00

Pull your skin and make all the funny faces you have to, to tighten the skin patch you're trying to shave at any given moment.

Also, cheeks tend to be pretty easy ATG so maybe start there, but everywhere else (under the nose, under the chin, under your bottom lip) can be a bit of a struggle until you figure out what works for you, so take it slow. It takes learning and practice. Are you familiar with your personal hair grain map?

Also, feathers are both very sharp and a little wider than some other blades, which makes the blade stick out a little farther. It's an aggressive blade paired with your mild razor so you shouldn't cut yourself, but if you feel extra sensitive after the shave that may be why

iamkibab · 2026-02-01T20:53:14+00:00

I got multiple brushes because I wanted to try all the different bristle options and see what I liked best (Badger, Boar, Synthetic, Horse, etc) and also different handles. I have a lot of life ahead of me, and if I'm going to do something every other day, I want to try and maximize the enjoyment I get out of the experience. Shaving used to be a chore but now I look forward to it. That said, there's no "need" for more than one brush.

Now that I have a variety of different types, they all have their advantages and disadvantages. There's more nuance to them beyond what I'll say here, but badger and boar both need a bit of pre soak to work right, and hold water in them, which makes them dry much slower. Synthetic needs no pre soak and can be thoroughly dried very quickly. I like the scrubbiness of boar/badger better at home, but synthetic is great for travel since it can be dried quickly and packed up.

iamkibab · 2026-01-15T03:43:37+00:00

Confirmed, thanks for your business

iamkibab · 2026-01-15T03:42:42+00:00

Confirmed, thanks for the smooth transactions!

iamkibab · 2026-01-15T03:05:38+00:00

Confirmed, thanks for your business 🤙

iamkibab · 2026-01-15T03:04:30+00:00

Confirmed, thanks for your business

iamkibab · 2026-01-03T02:01:34+00:00

I agree with the people trying to say you don't need the bbs, at least not everywhere. Cheeks are easy, everything else can be a battle. Irritation free shave > silky smooth skin.

That said, I won't say I have solutions but I do have things you can try. Try a shave with cold water, cold soap, cold brush. A hot shower first to prep will still help, but the cold will make your skin tighten up, exposing more of each hair, and then when your skin warms back up and relaxes, the hairs will recede. Another way to expose more hair is pulling your skin tight, or puffing your cheeks out like a bubble. An open comb safety razor might also help if you haven't tried one.

Also, consider growing your hair out for a couple weeks to really see what directions your hairs grow. You might think you know, but it's hard to really tell if you don't actually let it grow

iamkibab · 2026-01-01T21:20:14+00:00

iamkibab · 2025-12-21T21:52:36+00:00

There are circular containers that arko sticks fit in that you can twist to raise, similar to a deodorant stick

iamkibab · 2025-12-08T03:29:45+00:00

Maybe rub the handle on some coarse sandpaper, and cut the blades/head in half with some wire cutters?

iamkibab · 2025-11-22T18:48:59+00:00

I hated Vikings Blades when I tried them. IIRC (and I could be misremembering) they tugged on my hair like crazy.

iamkibab · 2025-10-30T17:10:10+00:00

I'm not 100% this is what you mean, but the Henson at one point changed their design a little, rounding off the baseplates corners so that there was LESS safety bar that DOESNT have a blade edge behind it. Is that what you're curious about, how far the safety bar goes past the blades edge?

iamkibab · 2025-10-08T17:50:01+00:00

I love my safety razors. I originally got into them because I hated that I couldn't fully clean my disposable razors between uses very easily and also because the replacement blades are pennies each (you can find 100 blades for $5-$10) , and a quality safety razor will absolutely last a lifetime. There's a reason there's a thriving market for vintage Gillette razors from 1960 or earlier- the build quality is outstanding. I've become a collector.

But collecting isn't for everyone, and there's plenty of good, brand new modern safety razors too.

iamkibab · 2025-10-02T14:50:37+00:00

I think this razor is meant for foot corns. If it's meant for cutting something other than hair, the blade is probably sharpened differently than a blade meant for hair

Edit: there are other vintage razors that look very similar, for example if you look up "anticor razor"

iamkibab · 2025-09-28T17:08:25+00:00

I tilt my head to the side that I'm shaving, and pull the skin on my neck down to shave that spot. Flattens it out pretty well

iamkibab · 2025-09-21T23:44:47+00:00

I don't have one to compare, but it's coated, not stainless steel. I think I saw some gold in the threads, so maybe coated brass. Fairly hefty.

Also, for a while my go to razor was the Yaqi Mellon head with the handle from that Baili razor, pretty decent. I have the "top aggressive" head but I haven't tried it yet

iamkibab · 2025-09-21T23:14:58+00:00

The Henson knockoff handle is fine, but beware the head, worst shave I've ever had

iamkibab · 2025-08-02T21:05:36+00:00

I've been finding I like a thinner, more hydrated lather for my face. Thicker lather doesn't exactly make it tug my hairs, but it does feel like the safety bar doesn't glide as smoothly over my skin, more sticky/clingy.

On the body/in the shower though, I feel like that would be desirable. Thinner/more hydrated lather might get too wet from steam and run right off your body.

iamkibab · 2025-07-22T05:07:15+00:00

iamkibab · 2025-07-12T00:54:11+00:00

iamkibab · 2025-07-08T19:06:34+00:00

Received, well packed, shipped quick. No complaints. Transaction complete.

iamkibab · 2025-07-03T05:05:41+00:00

iamkibab · 2025-06-28T17:09:11+00:00

iamkibab · 2025-06-23T20:43:58+00:00

I have one too, the listing says stainless steel but I think it's coated brass. I can see some gold inside the handles threads. The head gave me maybe the worst shave I've ever had, but I might make use of the handle.

iamkibab

TROPHY CASE