iKon Shave Craft 101 Razor Preview

This year iKon will introduce another "dynamic precision engineered safety razor"...but with a major difference...Price!I already own a Shave Craft handle and Greg, the man behind iKon,kindly sent me a Shave Craft 101 head to preview.***For those concerned with absolute transparency***Please be aware:1. I did NOT purchase this razor head2. I have no affiliation with Greg or financial interest in iKon3. I own a number of iKon razors and am a loyal customer4. My views are my own and are not representative of The Shave Nook forum.Now back to the preview...Like the iKon stainless steel offeringsthis is another quality instrument, both in form and function.However, it will be keenly priced to appeal to a mid level investor.Firstly, aesthetically there is nothing mid range about this razor, it looks fantastic!What jumps out at you is what I also really like about it - it's size and bulk.A beefed up appearance sets it apart from the more streamlined existing rangeand provides a substantial look and feel.In my mind, it's the OSS on steroids.It's true inspiration however, no doubt dates much further back.Greg often seeks out gems from the past and reinvents long forgotten razors.Using modern materials and with current preferences in mindGreg has wowed a bevy of shavers with his contemporary iKon razors.The muse for the Shave Craft 101 may well herald from SolingenWith the 1930's Punktal 101(Not my images of the Punktal, the originals can be viewed here Regardless of it's lineage,IMO it's wonderful that a manufacturer is hunting down these classicsInvesting in reinventing forgotten design ideasto produce modern interpretationswith quality materials that are affordable and even more importantly available.If not, I wouldn't even know about the Punktal,and more importantly never have an opportunity to try anything like it!Back on track...The size of the head is imposing.Next of note is the finish.The coating is smooth and feels like it offers both form and functionin that there is a certain glide derived from the finishand a strong aesthetic appeal too.The finish is similar to the current Deluxe, Standard and OSSHowever, it somehow feels thicker and smoother to me.It's rumoured that Greg may offer a second version in a matte black.A stellar idea in my book and I predict if done it will be very well received.Despite the bulkiness of the head it is lightweight and agile.It navigates the face with ease and provides a soft gentle touchmaking it an extremely comfortable and easy razor to use.In contrast to the Modern (or Pils inspired range) that looked and felt heavy,this oversized head looks imposing,but is more of a sheep in wolf's clothingwhen it comes to weight and presentation to the face.I moved about the harder to reach areas under the noseeasily and confidently without need for multiple passes or touch ups.In contrast to the size of the head, there was no problem with navigation.Traditionally, I do have a preference for open comb,with the Joris being one of my favourite razors.However, the latest iKon offering with the Standard(which is currently another favourite razor)helped me rediscover and enjoy SB razors again.Well, there is no need to choose with the Shave Craft!This model features both an OC and SB sidethat offer equally comfortable and effective shaves.Truth be told, I'm not really a fan of the dual personality headand would prefer the option of purchasing the head twice,in all open comb and all tooth comb.However, I'm sure this option adds to it's uniquenessand holds appeal to a shaver that hasn't discovered a preference to OC vs SB.That said, it would not stop me purchasing one.I found the OC to be ever so slightly more aggressive than the SB,however it is the SB (or tooth comb) that felt the most comfortableand became the side I favoured using.The teeth on the OC felt slightly over sizedcompared to my other smaller OC razorsin terms of the presentation of the teeth to the face.Bottom line the OC side works perfectly,but I really, really enjoyed the other side.I'm a 2 pass shaver.First WTG and then ATG.Sometimes I require touch ups here and there,like with the Feather D1 and D2.Other times I'll achieve a great shave in one pass, with my Joris for example,but I always complete two passes and then stop,measuring success from thereand avoiding the possibility of irritation from multiple passes.Regularly the Feather D1 and D2, but also often the iKon OSS too,left me feeling like I needed extra passes.Although, nowhere in the vicinity of the Joris,the Shave Craft satisfied my needs with my standard 2 passes.The razor is very, very easy to use.The shave is extremely comfortable.The cutting angle is intuitive and not fussy at all.Blade exposure is sufficient and there is no tugging,just a smooth transition across the face.The razor is more mild than it is aggressive.It is however effective.Much more so than the Feather D1, D2 and OSS(all of which I consider to be mild).The Shave Craft, for me is an improvement over the OSSin terms of effectiveness.Not only is it a bulked up reincarnation,but it is also performance enhanced too.The short Shave Craft handle is a perfect mate in terms of weight and balance.The razor will be retailed with the shiny finished Shave Craft handlewhich is already available for purchase.I love the short bulldog handle,but can't help but think the overall presentationwill be even better with the matching finish on the handle.Lucky for me, I have the iKon Standard and Deluxe modelsthat I can interchange handles with if this desire persists.In summary, I'm impressed with this razor.I enjoy the presentation and finish.I like the the size and bulk of the head.The light weight adds to the comfort of the shave and it's so easy to use.The agreeable investment positioning makes this razor very appealing,But it is the carefree and comfortable shave devoid of any irritationthat warrants it's recommendation.For those that crave an aggressive tool, this might not satisfy,but at the price it may be worth trying?I've shaved with the Shave Craft 101 for a week now,and am looking forward to further shaves with it.I'll definitely be acquiring the matte black version when it is released.This stainless steel type hybrid head combination razor,In my opinion is a bargain at around $65.