Supply has just released a new single-blade, pivoting-head safety razor, the Max. If you have tried other single-blade pivot razors before and found them too mild, you need to try Max!
[Note: A pre-release Supply Max razor was sent to me by Supply so this post could be timed to the razor’s premier. However the views expressed here are my own and have not been reviewed or approved by Supply. Supply links are affiliate.]
My Experience With The Supply Max Safety Razor
Presentation
The Supply Max safety razor arrives in a clamshell presentation case containing the razor, a small razor holder (wall-mountable), a “SwitchBlade” blade magazine (with eight blades) and a small instruction booklet.
Basic Specs:
- Razor dimensions: 5″ (L) x 1.75″ (W) x 0.75″ (H)
- Razor weight: 53g
- Blade exposure = 0.15mm
- Blade gap = 0.57mm
- SwitchBlade Reload Cartridge: 2.4″ (L) x 1.6″ (W) x 0.75″ (H)
Switchblade
Like Supply’s other safety razors, the Supply Max razor uses single edge blades (though they are not exactly like “Injector” blades). These single-edge blades are inherently thicker and more stable than the typical double edge razor blade (much like OneBlade’s single edge blade).
And the Max razor is not compatible with the standard Injector blade magazine. No “slide–click” of a classic Injector blade load.
Instead the razor head is opened (with a flick of the thumb), a blade is rotated into position in the “Switchblade” and the two are mated together. There’s a “click” and when the Switchblade is removed the blade has been inserted into the head.
Note that the Max blade itself is usable in other Injector-style razors.
Some Minor Nitpicks
I have some minor gripes with the Supply Max design:
- Handle diameter: I wish the razor handle was a bit bigger around (though I think the handle length and the razor’s balance are excellent!);
- Handle texturing: the razor’s lined texturing is certainly adequate for me but I would prefer multi-dimensional knurling;
- Blade replacement: the “Switchblade” process works but I wish I could use standard Injector blades and magazines (admittedly this is probably impossible due to the horizontal stresses it would put on a pivoting razor head).
But The Shave!
Minor annoyances aside: my shaves with Supply Max have been great! I enjoy shaving with pivot-head razors, as they provide a more consistent shave. Max is not only consistent, but shaves more closely than other pivot-head safety razors, such as OneBlade and Proof, per pass.
Because it shaves more closely, I think Max may require a bit more focus from the shaver than other pivot razors. Max’s “Injector” style blades will plow through tough, multi-day stubble with confidence as long as you have proper prep and a good shave cream or soap. Supply’s own shave cream is excellent, by the way (Sharpologist’s review of the shave cream).
Background From Supply
From Supply’s Max webpage:
…Designed with single-edge sharpness, a familiar pivoting head form factor to traditional multi-blade razors, and Supply’s industry-leading technology for max comfort, max closeness, and max simplicity….
Perfecting the Pivot
Crafted with a comfortable pivoting head, an intuitive Switchblade Reload System, and an ultra-precise shave thanks to the single-edge design, our newest offering puts the barbershop experience right in your hands. Kiss nicks, cuts, and irritation goodbye…..
Built to Last
Shaving is personal, and we want you to love it. Supply razors have a lifetime warranty and a 100-day money-back guarantee. If you aren’t blown away by the Max’s incredible performance, we’ll take it back and give you a full refund….
Summing Up
Sharpologist has a long history with Supply Co. I have covered Supply from their original crowdfunding campaign, through the evolution of their “2.0” razor, and even met with the company founders.
In the increasingly crowded field of pivot-head safety razors, the Supply Max stands out by offering a noticeably closer shave without sacrificing the comfort and ease of use that pivot fans love. While I have a few minor quirks with the design the overall shaving experience is impressive. If you’ve been underwhelmed by other single-blade pivot razors in the past, Max may be just what you’ve been waiting for. It delivers a satisfying blend of performance, precision, and durability that makes it worth a serious look.
I could not help but notice that the ridges on the handle run lengthwise. Experience has taught me that such ridges tend to slip. Widthwise ridges, as on the Henson, tend to grip better. What is the experience of your users?
@ Nick –
This is really interesting. The Supply brand blade that works in the Supply SE razor does indeed have a center hole, which I had not noticed. The Parker brand injector blade, which also works in the Supply SE razor, has NO center hole. They both work in the SE because the SE does not use a pin-holding arrangement. I will be interested to see if/how this works in the Max. FWIW, I did re-check the Supply website regarding the Max; site states the blades are NOT proprietary. Hmmm, I am officially puzzled. Will report back.
Wow! Thought I read that standard injectir blades could be used; user would eject blade from standard injector magazine and then place by hand into the Max razor. Some would rather not touch the blade and thus would find the procedure undesirable. when Max arrives, I will check this out.
@ Craig. Initially, that is what I thought as well. However, from the Sharpologist article, “Blade replacement: the “Switchblade” process works but I wish I could use standard Injector blades and magazines,” which caught my attention. I compared the photo of the blade seated in the razor head with a photo of a traditional injector blade and noticed that the Supply blade has a hole in the middle of it. The razor head seems to use 3 “posts” that line up with the 3 holes in the Supply blade.
I was encouraged that Supply is finally offering a pivoting head, single-edge razor. However, after reading your review, and learning that it does not use a standard injector blade, I am disappointed. Rather, it uses a proprietary blade that wet shavers can only purchase from Supply (compared to an injector blade, the new Supply blade has a hole in the middle of it while a traditional injector blade does not). Boooo! This is exactly the reason that I am not a fan of OneBlade’s razors. Limiting a customer’s blade choice is a poor decision by Supply.
To others that may be interested in a single-blade razor that uses 1/2 DE blade. I can highly recommend the Proof razor. It is my go-to razor and is at the top of my rotation.
I am 79 and have been wet shaving for many moons, including Rockwell edge and the Supply SE. Consistently, my biggest challenge is keeping the optimal blade angle given the various curvatures of my face and (especially) throat. I am optimistic that the pivoting head will solve that problem for me. If editing is allowed, I will edit this post after using the razor for a few shaves and becoming accustomed to it.