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The Phoenix Starling V2 Single Edge Safety Razor | Anodized 7075 Aluminum
"Ok Douglas Smythe first off thank you. This razor is a beast, 3 days of growth... first gem ever, almost bbs in one pass. Wow. I don't even want my DEs now lol! ~ Mark Beresford II
It gives me great pleasure to finally RE-release The Starling V2 SE, lord knows it has been a long time coming...good Lordy!
V2 is HERE!
"That was & will remain my favorite shaves...it was hard to shave because I was smiling!" ~ Marty Pape (tester)
Holy cow, did that take forever to accomplish...but The Starling V2 is finally complete! As most of you know, the goal behind the Starling was to create the first, truly crowd sourced Single Edge done to the communities specs, and man oh man is it ever!
"I have been using this razor for a few days now, and I just can't get over how incredibly awesome this razor shaves. This is my first time using a SE razor, so I was a bit apprehensive going into the first shave. However, finding the angle was super easy. Moreover, on the first pass I felt as though I may not need a second pass, and after I completed the second pass I may have been right.
When I was done I applied alum block and had very little feed back and no irritation.I believe that I have had my best shave of my life. Wow! Thank you so much for producing this awesome razor and for keeping the cost down. You could easily double the price point and still be sold out!"~Douglas Sparks
We were very clear with the release of V1 that we wanted your feedback in order to aid in the evolution and development of this modern wonder, and feedback we received...Thank You! So with all your concerns and suggestions in mind, we returned to the drawing board and began making the necessary tweaks in the design!
So what's so different about the New Plates Doug?
Lets put it this way, if you didn't like the V1 base plates, you will love these! Or, even better, if you did like the V1 base plates...you will Absolutely LOVE the V2s!
It was really amazing the divide among folks over the Original Starling, very Black or White, no in-between, you either loved the Starling or Hated it! That will not be the case with our Starling V2 I can assure you.
Both plates are a combination of our A & B plates, the best of each with tweaks. Both plates are much more refined in their simple design. We really wanted to get this right so we took a lot of time pushing and pulling at it...and then there's the Open Comb Variation!
An OC Plate?
What became obvious real fast as the feedback poured in, was that people really wanted an open comb plate, ask and ye shall receive folks! I myself find the OC plate to be my favorite, but both the Purple and the Emerald plates shave like a dream!
So what is the Starling SE?
The Starling SE is a 7075 Aluminum, 3-piece design, Modern GEM Type Razor with a standard 1032 size post so that you may mix and match your own favorite handles if you so wish...or you could just rock my Neo-Vic Handle! The Neo-Vic really shines when used with the Starling, especially for across the grain passes on the neck...it's all about the toggle on the end! [pinch it and drag!]
7075 Aluminum?
If it's good enough for the aviation industry its more than good enough for us. I believe we were the first to introduce 7075 Aluminum into the wet shaving realm, dating back to the release a couple years ago of our DOC Evolution. You see 7075 aluminum has a few differences when compared to 6061 aluminum as it offers greater strength, durability, and hardness...yet a lightness. Think of the Starling as Bruce Lee.
What's in a name?
There is a duality to this as with most Phoenix Product names. Clearly calling this razor the Starling keeps it inline with our Space Age theme; Starling, Star Child, Star man, Starcraft, etc...but also it is an homage to all the other Bird named razors out there! Lol, am I the only one to notice this odd trend? Soooo, in order to play by this unwritten rule and my own theme, you get The Starling...BOOM!
Special Thanks
I need to give a shout out to Aaron Frugiradet of Frugal Shave, he has been very, VERY helpful and instrumental with his 3D design skills. Could not have completed this job at this price point without him...so please show him some love and support Frugal Shave...really cool stuff to be found there!
Instructions For SE Newbs: The Phoenix Starling SE is a 3-Piece GEM Type, Single Edge Safety Razor, not to be confused for it’s more Forgiving cousin, The Double Edge Safety Razor. Please pay close attention when shaving with The Starling for the first few times. Expect a slight learning curve if this is your first time shaving with a GEM Type, single edge razor.
One major difference you will notice with The Starling is the stiffness in the handling. This is due to the dramatic fixed angle of the head and the difference in thickness of the single edge blade versus the thinner, more flexible, double edge blade.
You will also want to experiment with different blade brands and find the one that works best with your own unique face in combination with which base plate you choose.
We include 2 base plates in an effort to give the user more control over the feel and performance of the razor. Give yourself a couple shaves to get a real knack for her and she will reward you 10 fold! Note: Be sure to remove and dry the blade after each use to extend the life of the edge.
Specifications
Head Assembly Weight: 7 grams
Bottom Neutral OC: 8 Grams
Bottom Neutral: 9 Grams
Handle Weight: ~23 grams
Handle Length: 3.50"
Total Weight w/ Plate "A": 38 Grams (Total Wt w/ Beta Plate: 39 Grams)
Material: 7075 Aluminum, Head, Base Plates and Handle
Finish: Anodized Dark Gun Metal Grey (Top Cap & Handle), Neutral (Base Plates)
Method of Manufacture: CNC Billet Machined Head, CNC Lathe Turned Handle