Thread: Goodfella Safety Razor

I came across some posts asking about a new-production Safety Razor (a razor using DE blades) on the shaving forums a while back. Upon further research I came across the Goodfella Safety Razor website and got the itch to try one. Now, I am a straight razor user (and maker!) by heart, but I have come to realize and admit the ease a DE razor can offer in terms of a quick, hassle-free shave when it is needed. I had been looking for a DE that I would come to use on these occasions but that I would still enjoy like a fine straight razor in its own right. Finally, I got myself a Goodfella DE razor, and the rest is history.

Craftsmanship: The Goodfella is unique in a couple respects- it is made in New Zealand, and it is a hand finished product! I am partial to this- a unique company that values precise craftsmanship over cost (and/or time) cutting practices. The finish of this razor is beautiful. I got the satin black model which has a stainless steel handle and satin black coated head. I am not sure of the head material OR the type of coating, so I cannot yet speak to that and its longevity BUT the company offers a lifetime warranty on its product- you resgister its individual number on the website. This to me is VERY respectable and confidence inspiring! The finish of the handle is perfect- that's all I can say about that. The head is beautiful as well, but something about that polished stainless is just gorgeous. For a current production DE razor- this one tops any I have seen in terms of craftsmanship.

Balance: The balance of the razor in use is very comfortable. The stainless handle gives it enough heft that you feel the razor in your hand, but it is mindless in action. The size of the razor itself is almost small. It is a brilliant, simplistic design though and feels easily maneuverable in action.

The Shave: In terms of a DE razor, this one is just right to me. It is an open comb design and has a VERY thin head profile which is GREAT for under the nose and hard to reach areas. The razor isn't as aggressive as some, but provides a close (BBS for me) shave from one pass. I prefer to use an extreme angle to the face with this razor rather than a more laid back one. Aggressiveness can be adjusted with blade choice and angle, so this is almost just a personal thing, but I thoroughly enjoy the shave it provides.

Collectability: I marked this as N/A. It is a current production razor, so the supply is based upon market demand right now- making what they need. In time, they may become valued as "first editions" or similar as changes are made.

Price: Some have argued that the price of this razor is too expensive considering the other non-adjustable, open comb options available today. I say it is like apples and oranges. This razor is hand finished and a unique product, WORTHY of its price. It is for those of us who value craftsmanship and value of the specific product- not how it relates to what else is 'available'. Products that have the thought and attention to detail that this one does demand a higher price tag than the lower end, readily available, mass-produced competition. For me the value is obvious. A lifetime guarantee for a DE razor that is this nice is worth the price alone. I give it a 9.5 because what price wouldn't be more enjoyable if it were lower? For me though, the price it currently has is fully warranted.

In Ending... I am thrilled to have given this razor a try, because the results definitely satisfy! It is a unique, hand finished, lifetime guaranteed, great shaving Safety Razor that will shine in a collection or alone as an every-day user.

I tried this razor and discovered it be too mild to my liking.
I could not get really good shave with this razor.

Originally Posted by akhorosh

I tried this razor and discovered it be too mild to my liking.
I could not get really good shave with this razor.

You might like to experiment with holding the razor like a fountain pen and let the blade find it's sweet spot.

I was in the market for a new DE razor and after reading the review by "Philadelph," I have had my eye on the Goodfella for a while. I figured that this man knew a thing or two about quality and craftsmanship and a new production "hand finished" razor is hard to pass up. So, when I saw this razor on sale at WCS in the "scratch/dent" section, I jumped.

Craftsmanship: This razor is flawless. It has beautiful lines, looks sleek and is very well made. I cannot find a thing wrong with the fit and finish of this razor. The grooves at the top of the handle are a nice aesthetic touch and the engraved "G" on top is classy.

Balance: To me, this razor is perfectly balanced. It is very small and light, but the handle actually has enough weight to balance out the head. My gillette always feels top heavy to me when I'm shaving, but the Goodfella feels perfect.

Aggressiveness: This is the major complaint about this razor from what I have read. It is a very mild razor and I can attest to that. However, that is exactly what I like in a razor. Aggressiveness can be tweaked by popping a Feather DE in and using a steeper angle. I like my DE's tame, so the mildness of the Goodfella is a plus to me. I shaved right over a small pimple I had with the Goodfella and there was no blood. With my gillette, it would have opened up a small cut.

Collectability: Not an issue to me, but this razor is still in production so it is not very "collectable."

Price: Here is another point of contention as this razor is normally priced almost two times as much as comparable, well polished DE razors. I paid under $40 for the Goodfella, so for me, the price was outstanding. To pay under $40 for ANY hand finished product with a lifetime warranty is very good in my book. I did subtract some points for price as it is high, but now that I have it in hand, I would have paid double for it.

Overall, I am extremely happy with this razor and will probably incorporate it into my rotation much more often than my gillettes. In fact, I can't see using my gillettes ever again and will probably give them away now. This should be the only DE I will ever need. Highly recommended.

Sweet looking piece of work!For days when Im not using one of my straights(usually when traveling)I bought a similar German-made Merkur.I think you're going to like it.

I can agree with Philadelp too, it's an amazing razor. I tried with a recommended Derby blade and the result was simply perfect.