Weekly Razor Review

[SpeedyPC]

I think you will be waiting for Paradigm to do a re-release.

SHIT!!!

 

[Bladerunner7]

Paradigm Copper Diamondback (USA)



I’ve always been at the right place at the right time when it comes to finding the release of Paradigm razors. I seem to stumble onto them by accident and that is exactly how I discovered the Copper Diamondback. Someone had a Ti Diamondback for sale on Ebay at what I thought was an exorbitant price; I’ll check, no Ti listed but there is a Copper version, thank you, I’ll have one of them. I don’t have any copper razors but had been thinking of adding a copper razor to the collection for some time and a Paradigm will fit the bill nicely. Paradigm made it known in their advertisement that the copper Diamondback is a limited edition and that no sealant was used to protect the finish, therefore the razor would patina over time. As I was unpacking the Copper Diamondback I treated each part with Renaissance Wax, hopefully I will now have a sparkling Copper Diamondback for years to come, that rich beauty deserves to be maintained.

These are no visual changes to the copper Diamondback from previous releases of that model. Its distinctive look comes from the hexagonal handle with engraved diamonds strung out along each flat. Thread engagement is as good as you are ever going to get with any razor, a real credit to whoever machined it. There is nothing special about the cap with its radiused top and elongated blade posts on the underside that mate into blind holes in the top of the plate. Two wide blade clamping surfaces that mate with corresponding flats on the plate ensure that when tightened down, that blade is held firm. This lightweight head means only one thing, the handle contributes the majority of the weight of the razor, the copper Diamondback’s weight is well over magical 100g. Paradigm have done a creditable job with the polished finish; it is obviously machined, and the underside of the cap retains its machine marks.

Efficiency was on the high side of Karve CB Level #C and there was just the right amount of positive blade to meet my requirement for the near perfect shave. This efficiency level is higher than I recorded with the stainless steel version, you won’t hear me complain. As with other razors sharing these credentials, the shave was comfortable and certainly smooth. Being handle heavy was a minor impediment, a hole up the end of the handle would have worked wonders for weight reduction and balance of the razor. For such a visually spectacular razor that operates as perfectly as it does, the Paradigm Diamondback has at least one dedicated devotee. It was a little sad when I gave the Copper Diamondback another coat of Renaissance Wax to pack it away.

Blades Used – Gillette Minora and Gillette Super Stainless

Material – Copper

Weight – 124.7g

Blade Tab – Covered

Head Width – 43.01mm

Handle Length – 91.91mm

Handle Across Flats – 11.42mm

Availability – Out of production

Final Word – Highly rated

Lovely detailed review Errol. I've always admired Andrew's willingness to experiment, explore and change things up every now and then.

I remember shaving with the SS version released through West Coast Shaving ( 2019) and it was just okay, a year later and the new version was like a massive upgrade. Throw in the different Ti versions, the copper DB and the Salient , what a joy. Each of the Paradigm razors has a character and identity of its own.

 

[Bladerunner7]

When Paradigm release a stainless steel version again, I'm getting one into my bloody den, unless I can buy one off you @Errol

They pop up on BST very often, across many forums mate.