Vikings BladeAdjustable Double Edge Safety Razor + Luxury Case. Smooth, Reusable, Eco-Friendly (The Emperor “Meiji”)

I wanted an adjustable razor to see how the blade gap affected the shave, and the Meiji delivered. I probably have bad technique, but my beard is not super coarse or thick, and my Edwin Jagger almost always left me bleeding somewhere. The Meiji, on setting 1, gives me a perfectly close shave with absolutely no bleeding. The extra safety provided by the lowest setting is what I needed. I typically shave every other day, and I will do one pass on level 3 to get the bulk down quickly, then finish at level 1 for a smooth feel.Maybe I’m lucky or they improved their process, but I did not experience any alignment or blade insertion issues as mentioned in other comments. The blades drop right in, even at the lowest setting; however, it is easier at the higher settings as the doors will open wider. The blade gap is even, and the doors align nicely. Adjust the 1-9 level before you tighten the clasps all the way as this will lock everything in place, including the adjustment.This thing is heavy. I like the weight, but if you drop it, it will probably leave a mark.I love the dark finish and brass look.

I have used this razor for about a week, with its mild blades provided. I've been wet shaving for years and have tried every style and brand of safety razor, single-edge injector razor, to my wife's dismay, as I have so many! This is the only razor I've ever owned that gives me no razor burn; it is close, comfortable, and has amazingly never cut me. The two sides offer more and less aggressive cutting; my first pass is with the milder side, then the second pass is more aggressive when I use the other side. For reference, I use Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood shaving soap for over a decade. This combination is it; it's the unicorn I've been searching for. Though your results may vary, I can't imagine they will be bad; it's amazing. I use the mildest setting and still get a smooth, close shave. Bonus. Its a beautiful razor with superb non slip grip. I have already ordered more blades.

I've had the Vikings Blade Meiji for a couple years now, and let me cut to the chase. This is a perfect gateway drug to getting into wet shaving. You get SO MUCH value from Vikings Blade (in EVERYTHING they do), I have simply gotten to the point if Vikings Blade is selling, I must see what it is.If you are interested in the Meiji, it's because you intentionally want a heavy, short-handle, high quality, double-edge razor, and this delivers. The color scheme is different and interesting, and there are peculiarities to the razor which help you figure out what you like and what you don't. Do you like a flat guard or a closed comb? Well, you've got both options here. Do you prefer mild, or more aggressive? Again, you get a range of possibilities. Do you prefer a heavy razor or a lighter one? You'll definitely know.What I love about this razor.The heft. It's big and heavy in the hand. It's easy to "let the razor do the work." You need apply NO pressure when using the Meiji.The adjustability. Like many other adjustable razors like this one, you really need to open the doors a bit when you do the adjustment, then lock it back down. Otherwise, the adjustment ring goes loose. Crack the doors, adjust, then lock back down.I love butterfly razors, and this one has an excellent mechanism.It delivers an excellent shave. Period.What don't I love?The asymmetrical flat bar/closed comb sides end up being educational for the first few shaves, then I just wish both sides were closed comb and the thing was symmetric. You end up dialing in what you love, then the option becomes "that side of the razor I never use."It doesn't stand by itself. The rounded bottom is very nice, and the rattle end allows water to go through well. But if you want to keep this on your sink, you're either using a razor stand or it's sitting on its side. My 1959 Gillette Fatboy, on the other hand, stands just fine.I wish the whole thing were brass. Many razors, especially below $80, use a combination of metals because of price and practicality. This has parts made with Zamak (a.k.a. "pot metal"), which is a zinc alloy. It works really well, and the majority of modern razors have some parts made of it. But Zamak eventually corrodes. You will probably get several decades out of your Meiji, but I think it's safe to say nobody is going to be arguing over "dad's razor." To be fair, you're also not paying hundreds of dollars for all stainless steel or plated brass. If it was all brass, you wouldn't be hitting these price points. This is a great "gateway drug" for wet shaving because you are getting incredible value for a very reasonable price.This is the highest quality introduction to what DE shaving can be. I also think, if you are new to the hobby, this will not be your last razor. Not by a long shot.Because of the Meiji, I figured out I like the Gillette Fatboy (which definitely inspired this razor). But I wouldn't have looked at the Fatboy if the Meiji hadn't given me insight into what I think is important in a shave.The Meiji checks SO MANY important boxes, especially for those getting into wet shaving. I recommend it and all of Vikings Blade products without hesitation. Their razor stand and lather bowls are unparalleled. Their blades, well...did I mention their razors, stands and lather bowls? Seriously, blades are all personal choices and you'll figure out what you like with some experimentation.Still...whenever I see a new product from Vikings Blade, I usually end up looking for my wallet. They're that good.