The market for Double Edge razors is usually quite predictable with the german Merkur razors as some of the most popular models. But every now and then, a new player hits the market. One of these players is the New Zealand based KiwiShaver, who present a beautiful and stylish razor – in a classic design. Meet the Goodfella.
The Goodfella is a classic chrome Double Edge razor in a clean, almost clinical, design. At first, it struck me as a very small razor, but it actually handles extremely well and is perfectly balanced. The Goodfella was my first attempt at a DE razor, and I must say that it impressed me with its great looks and the gentle shave it provides.
At first, I thought that the short and slick handle would be slippery and hard to hold once it got wet. It turned out to fit perfectly in my hand – and never slipped a bit! The centre of balance was perfect for me, but I will not guarantee that it will fit anyone just as good. Like it goes for any other razor, it really is a matter of preference.
The Goodfella is not an aggressive razor – in fact, you have to try quite hard to cut yourself with the open comb design. For anyone who wants to move from the cartridge type of razor (like Gillette Fusion Proglide or Shick Hydro), the Goodfella is a great place to start.
A few days ago, I bought my second DE razor – a vintage Gillette Old Style from around 1910. The Goodfella and the Old Style are very similar in the design, size and general feel. And when you look at the two, it's hard to see that a hundred years have passed. At least when it comes to design. They are both beautiful additions to my bathroom counter – and both provide a great, gentle shave.
The backside of getting a beatiful, well crafted razor from a young company – and even with a stunning lifetime guarantee – is a price tag in the high end of the market. The basic version of the Goodfella sells at appr. USD $69. But if you want a mild DE razor with a classic look – I believe the Goodfella is a great catch! I know I will hang on to mine!
I love you wordpress theme, did you make it or is it available free somewhere.
Thanks,
Rhonda
Thanks Rhonda – it´s actually a mix. The original theme was called “Orange Coffee”, but there is not much left from that, apart from some color inspiration. The current theme is my own design. 🙂
Came to your blog from the Goodfella site Hans and having just read your Goodfella review I can’t disagree more ! I sent the (overly expensive) Goodfella razor back to New Zealand a couple of weeks ago for a total refund. I’ve only got small hands but I found the Goodfella way, way too small. I’ve been DE shaving for years using my Dad’s ex-R.A.F. issued Gillette razor at the start, then through a succession of Merkur, Feather, Edwin Jagger, and more recently, the triple blade King Of Shaves. The Goodfella came with some Derby blades which, while giving a fair shave, only lasted me a couple of days. I can get a whole week’s worth of shaves from a Feather.
I found the Goodfella a very mild razor, and as my beard growth isn’t tough at all, I found the shave totally unsuitable and not for me.
Regards 🙂
Thanks Alan! Actually, I don’t think we disagree that much. As I mentioned, I believe the Goodfella is “a good place to start” for anyone who wants to move from a cartridge type to a DE type razor. I still believe this to be the case – as the Goodfella IS a very mild razor. Experienced DE users may find it too mild.
I agree with your comments on the size of the Goodfella. It does seem quite small. But as I wrote in the review, it actually suited my hand quite well.
I’m really glad to read your comments – and to hear about your experience with the Goodfella. As for the blades, I will actually be talking a bit about different DE blades in an upcoming post – and a review of the latest King of Shaves razors is also on its way.
Regards,
Hans
I’ve been using the King Of Shaves (fairly) new alloy handled razor for about a month now and I dunno what they do to their blades, or where they get them made, but they’re damned sharp !
It says on the pack that the blades are “endurium coated” and a quick Google turned up this information
http://www.specialtyblades.com/filmfoilpaper/endurium/endurium.asp?product_group_id=3
As I said in my first post, I can get a whole week of shaves from a Feather blade but with the KOS razor and the use of a RazorPit© I can get almost a month’s worth. I was a little sceptical about the RazorPit© but it lives up to it’s claims.
I’ve been reading a lot of comments about the Goodfella razor on a few shaving forums and the general concensus of opinion is that it’s way too expensive, although the price shown on the website is in NZ dollars.
I’ve not found any negative reviews tho’ so that must say something about the razor. Maybe I’m just too picky !!
Update 10-02-11
I’ve been using an Ikon razor (www.ikonrazors.com) for a couple of weeks now and find it to be a fantastic razor. Just the right amount of agressiveness, the weight’s perfect and the Personna blades which came with it give a lovely shave, nearly as good as a Feather. The razors are finely engineered, by an ex-pat American in Thailand, from marine grade stainless steel. The quality has to be seen to be believed.