I was one of the lucky testers of prototype razor from Supply that takes “Injector” style blades a few years ago. Less than a year ago I looked at the first production version of the Supply single edge razor. After another successful crowdfunding campaign, Supply released “version 2” and I bought one to see what has changed.
How Has The Razor Changed?
Visually, the two razor versions look identical to me. But the Supply razor has changed in subtle, but important, ways.
This is still a very heavyweight razor (maybe I should call it a superweight, after the “heavy duty” and “super duty” designations from a certain truck manufacturer): the specs for the new version say it weighs the same 110 grams as V1, though on my digital kitchen scale V1 is two grams heavier at 112 grams. My V2 is 110 grams (all weights include blade). The center-of-gravity is ever-so-slightly further down the handle, at least on my semi-scientific balance-it-on-the-edge-of-a-ruler test.
Three base plates are still available, but unlike V1 only the Classic plate is included. The Mild and Aggressive plates are available “a la carte.” Blade exposure and blade gap have been tweaked with all three base plates. More on this later.
Version 2 is manufactured using a “metal injection molding” (MIM) process. MIM is relatively new and typically used in medical and aerospace manufacturing. It’s a high-quality manufacturing technology with a very high upfront investment cost but extremely accurate tolerances. High tolerances are especially important in good razors. 🙂
Blade loading has been improved. On Version 1, every now-and-then an Injector blade would get inserted a bit “cockeyed” with the Mild base plate in my experience. It wasn’t a big deal for me to re-align the blade but it was annoying when it happened. Version 2 seems to have taken care of that issue–every blade has loaded cleanly and evenly for me, on every base plate.
Two black versions of the razor are available (Jet Black and Matte Black). using a military grade finish called Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD). It’s created by bombarding the surface of the razor with titanium ions inside a vacuum chamber.
What Else Is Supply…Supplying?
Supply is now selling a full line of wet shaving products (links are affiliate) in addition to their razor, including a Silvertip Synthetic Brush, Ultra Lather Shaving Cream, aftershave, a Single Edge Starter Set, and other skin care products and accessories. I’ve only had a chance to try the brush in addition to the razor but I think it’s very good!
How Has The Shave Changed?
So how has the shave changed with these tweaks?
For me, the shave experience with the Supply V2 razor is noticeably improved over V1. The first thing I noticed was that the grip has improved, even though the razor still “looks” smooth. I’m told that the manufacturing change to MIM, where the material can be subtly textured with a “bead blast,” makes all the difference.
As I mentioned earlier, this is a heavy razor. But the better texturing and the minor change in balance make it more comfortable and easier to handle.
I generally prefer “mild” razors. And I definitely gravitated to the mild base plate on the V1 Supply razor. I initially thought it would be that way with V2 as well but I discovered that after the first shave with a new “Injector” blade I actually preferred the standard base plate that comes with the razor. Even though the base plate blade gap for all the plates have been increased a tiny bit with V2, the other design tweaks seem to give the razor a smoother performance no matter what plate you use. I think the Classic base plate included with the razor will be fine for most people.
For me the Supply razor is especially good at dealing with heavy, multi-day stubble. I find the thicker, more stable Injector single edge blade good at mowing down a “terrain” that can give thinner blades trouble. But over-all I find the shave I can get with the Supply razor to be excellent.
Have you tried the Supply Single Edge V2 razor or accessories? What do you think of it? Leave a comment below!
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