Rockwell Razors has been making waves in the wet shaving community for a decade now (with Sharpologist chronicling their evolution), and is known for their innovative designs. To celebrate their 10th anniversary, they’ve released a limited edition 24K gold-plated version of their popular 6S safety razor, and it’s quite a sight to behold. I’ve been following the buzz around this razor, and here’s my take on this luxurious piece of shaving history.
My Rockwell 6S Gold Razor Review
[Note: I received a pre-launch sample of the Limited Edition 24-karat Gold-plated Rockwell 6S razor without cost. However the views expressed here are my own and have not been reviewed or approved by Rockwell. Note that Sharpologist has been a Rockwell affiliate for some time.]
Presentation And First Impressions
The Limited Edition 24-karat Gold-plated Rockwell 6S razor arrives in the standard Rockwell foam-filled presentation case. The razor itself is made from stainless steel and then plated with 24-karat gold, giving it a rich, warm tone. The finish is matte, not high gloss, which I think adds to its sophisticated look. The gold is consistently applied throughout the razor, even within the knurling of the handle and plates. The Rockwell gold 6S is undeniably stunning-looking to me.
- Handle Length: 10 cm
- Razor Height: 8.9 cm
- Weight: Approximately 100 grams
Base Plates
The original Rockwell 6S is known for its three-piece design with their unique “flippable” base plates, and this gold version retains that classic structure. The multiple base plates allow for a customizable shave depending on your skin sensitivity and hair thickness. Each plate offers a different level of aggressiveness, letting you “dial in” your shave.
The blade gaps for the gold 6S are slightly different than the standard stainless steel 6S, due to the additional thickness of the gold plating:
Standard 6S Blade Gaps:
- R1: 0.20 mm
- R2: 0.35 mm
- R3: 0.48 mm
- R4: 0.61 mm
- R5: 0.69 mm
- R6: 0.79 mm
Gold 6S Blade Gaps:
- R1: 0.18mm
- R2: 0.40mm
- R3: 0.55mm
- R4: 0.63mm
- R5: 0.7mm
- R6: 0.85mm
While the gold plating adds a slight textural difference, I think the overall balance and “feel” of the razor remains consistent with the original 6S. The weight is substantial, contributing to the well-balanced shave that the 6S is known for.
My Shaves With This Razor
The most important aspect of any razor is its performance. The Rockwell 6S, even in this gold iteration, doesn’t disappoint me. I agree with other users who have noted that the overall shave is consistent with the original 6S, delivering a smooth, irritation-free experience.
There’s a fair amount of audio feedback with this razor, though I think the audio characteristics are different than a standard 6S.
As I mentioned earlier the base plate blade gaps are a bit different with this razor, compared to the standard 6S. I find myself using R2 here instead of the R3 of the standard 6S. Note that I prefer “mild” razors generally–“Your mileage may vary.”
The razor’s weight and balance allow it to glide across my skin with minimal pressure, making it a joy to use.
From Rockwell
From Gareth:
It’s hard to believe that 10 years have passed since I first launched Rockwell Razors. I still remember the day our very first Kickstarter campaign went live. At the time, I was in university, working on a project for my Environmental Sciences course that focused on the staggering amount of waste generated by disposable cartridge razors. Millions of plastic cartridges were being discarded every day, contributing to a growing environmental crisis. It was shocking to realize that something as routine as shaving could create such a massive waste problem….
Fast forward 10 years, and Rockwell Razors patented flippable base plate technology is a breakthrough in adjustability, allowing users to customize their shave with ease — something no other brand offers.
Today, to mark 10 years of Rockwell Razors, we’ve taken things a step further. We’ve done something no one has ever done before: we’ve created a 24-karat gold-plated edition of our best-selling Rockwell 6S. It’s a symbol of everything we’ve built over the past decade — innovation, craftsmanship, and a deep commitment to providing the best shaving experience possible.
Summing Up
The Limited Edition 24-karat Gold-plated Rockwell 6S razor is a symbol of craftsmanship and a celebration of a decade of innovation. It offers the same exceptional shave as the original 6S, but with a luxurious touch. This isn’t just a razor; it’s a statement piece, and it’s clear that Rockwell intended it to be a collector’s item. The limited production run makes it a truly exclusive item, and the quality of the construction and materials ensure it should last for years to come.
Pros:
- Stunning Aesthetics: The 24-karat gold plating gives the razor a luxurious and classy appearance. The matte finish enhances its sophisticated look.
- Excellent Shave Quality: The razor provides a smooth, comfortable, and efficient shave. It maintains a similar performance as the original 6S, which is known for its consistent and irritation-free shaves. The selection of base plates allow for a customizable shave.
- Good Audio Feedback: The razor offers good audio feedback, helping the user to maintain the correct shaving angle.
- Durable Construction: The gold plating is durable and seems resistant to chipping under normal use. The razor is made from stainless steel and then plated with 24K gold, and Rockwell went through multiple runs to ensure the plating didn’t affect the shave.
- Collector’s Item: The limited edition run makes it a unique and desirable item. It is positioned as a collector’s piece celebrating Rockwell’s 10th anniversary.
- Excellent Weight and Balance: The razor has a substantial weight that contributes to an effortless shave. The balance and geometry of the razor make it easy to use.
Cons:
- High Price: The price tag is significant and may be a barrier for some. It’s considered a premium investment. And as far as I know it is only available from Rockwell (vs. their other razors, which may be found at various vendors)
- Not a Performance Upgrade: The shave is very similar to the original 6S, so the premium is primarily for the gold plating and limited availability. The standard 6S razor provide excellent shaves at a lower cost (and the value-oriented 6C even more so).
- Potential for Scratches: While the gold plating is durable, there is still a potential for scratches with wear, especially since gold is a soft metal.
- Subjective Value: The value of the razor is subjective, as it primarily appeals to collectors or those who appreciate luxury items. Some users may not see the value in the gold plating if they’re primarily concerned with performance.
