In this OneBlade razor review we examine the legendary Genesis, Hybrid and Core single edge razors that are some of the most luxurious on the market.
Our view is quite simple: OneBlade has created a triumph. The question is whether you go for the ultimate, premium OneBlade Genesis that offers a lifetime of superior shaves, or go with the more accessible Hybrid and Core models.
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Whatever you choose, OneBlade offers a 60-day money back guarantee where you can return your razor for a full refund with no questions asked.
Having been in the market for a few years, this company was started with the goal of “creating the razor that could give the world’s best shave” using a single blade. The American publisher Porter Stansberry, founder Stansberry Research, created OneBlade to offer “the quality of a straight-razor shave, with the safety and convenience of a cartridge razor.”
This lofty ambition has been the driving force behind all the products that this company has released into the market.
The result is the OneBlade razor family that largely resembles a safety razor but with a pivoting head like a cartridge razor and a focus on superior build quality.
Let’s start with a review of OneBlade’s Core razor, described by the company as “the perfect intro to wet shaving.”
OneBlade Core Review
This was launched in 2017 as a more affordable version of their flagship product, the Genesis (more on this model later).
This razor is a single edge razor that boasts of a quick load blade system, an engineer-grade lightweight Tritan™ handle, and a solid stainless-steel core. It is touted by OneBlade as the most comfortable single-blade razor on the market today.
At first glance, this definitely wins in the looks category. It’s a sleek and solid black razor packaged handsomely in a clean box. This is a far cry from cheap disposable razors available in packs of 3 in your neighborhood pharmacy. You can buy this razor alone, with a refill plan, or with 10 replacement Feather blades.
It’s important to note that only Feather FHS 10 blades can be used with this razor (and all other Oneblade razors).
Now, on to its performance. The Core definitely gives a closer and more comfortable shave compared to other regular razors in the market. Customers have reported eliminating getting nicks or cuts when they started using this razor with a Feather blade. It doesn’t irritate the skin, which also removes the chance of getting razor burn.
The solid handle gives you a good, non-slip grip, which allows the user to hold the razor as firmly as needed. More than anything else, this razor gives a very comfortable shave, perfect for those looking for an irritation-free shaving experience.
The Core does come with its own set of limitations. Some customers have reported that each blade only lasts for one shave, although it is advertised to last for two to three. The beauty with a safety razor blade – and indeed a Feather single edge blade – is they are much cheaper than a head for a cartridge razor which also doesn’t last long. With OneBlade you could get a perfect shave with one new blade every day without having to worry about cost or waste plastic.
The head of the razor is also on the bigger and bulkier side, which makes it challenging to maneuver around your face, particularly right under your nose. Compared to OneBlade’s other products, it’s safe to say that the Core is the model that has most mixed reviews from users – some loving it, while others giving up on it after using it once or twice.
That’s probably because it is the cheapest OneBlade razor and so anyone wishing to try a single blade instead of a cartridge can try it and so not everyone is able to adapt away from cartridge razors.
Remember that the OneBlade razor is like the Tesla Roadster – a premium product at first that was sold at a premium to fund the development of a more every day consumer-level piece that can change the world. The Core is the Oneblade razor for the many, but for the perfect blade instrument for the few a Hybrid or Genesis is clearly the ultimate Oneblade razor.
OneBlade Hybrid Review
Oneblade also offers the Hybrid razor, described as the best of both worlds. It combines the lighter Tritan™ handle of the cheaper Core with the military-grade stainless steel head of the Genesis, and its price point also meets the two OneBlade razor models in the middle.
This is the company’s best-selling product and customer favorite, with good reason. The razor itself offers additional features compared to the entry-level Core. It has a patented Teflon coated stainless steel pivoting head instead of the Core’s plastic. People who have used both the Core and the Hybrid report that the Hybrid offers a closer and cleaner shave compared to the Core.
Another added bonus for the Hybrid – the package of this model includes a waxed canvas travel bag, leather razor holster, shave cream, and an after-shave balm. When you follow the shaving steps as recommended by Oneblade, coupled with the Hybrid, it makes all the difference in the world in having a clean and close shave. No wonder the Hybrid is the company’s bestselling product.
We highly recommend taking one step further and trying the Hybrid razor compared to the Core.
OneBlade Genesis Review
Now, at the very top of the OneBlade product list is the Genesis. This is their first and flagship product. To put things into perspective, OneBlade used 12,480 man hours, went through 1,000 prototypes, and spent over $1,000,000 in creating the perfect razor to bring home the best barbershop experience.
No other manufacturer can claim to have spent the same time, effort, and money as OneBlade into developing a razor. This much research and development doesn’t come cheap, and this shows in the price points of the Genesis. Let’s see if it’s worth the hefty price tag.
The Genesis boasts of an ultra-high-grade solid stainless-steel design that is weighted for the perfect balance, giving this razor the ability to move precisely and smoothly across the face. This removes the most common complaint with the Core model, which is the inability to shave in smaller areas of the face.
The solid non-slip handle instantly gives the instant impression that only the best materials were used in making this razor (which is true). Many customers have claimed that this is the best razor they have ever used. It’s even been called the “Lamborghini of razors.”
Compared to the Core and the Hybrid, the Genesis, understandably, is also easier and more comfortable to use. On the other hand, this razor is not for everyone.
If you see shaving as something you want to just get over and done with, the Genesis is not for you. This razor is for people who want to enjoy and immerse themselves in the act of shaving and are also interested in the art of shaving. When you think of the workmanship and quality of materials that went into producing this razor, you’ll see why it is priced as it is. The Genesis is also individually numbered, giving the user a sense of exclusivity and being a member of a distinctive club.
This special razor also comes with a lifetime guarantee, making this product worthy to be an heirloom piece to be passed down from generation to generation. We don’t even have to mention how it will arrive – rest assured that it comes beautifully packaged.
Like the Core and Hybrid, the Genesis also uses Feather replacement blades. You can purchase 10 blades with the razor, but you can also avail of a refill plan that is offered when you buy the razor.
OneBlade also recommends using a shaving routine that includes a pre-shave and after-shave for all its razors. The company claims that if you use the right tools and techniques, and with a little practice, the Genesis will give you the best shave you’ve ever had in your life. This is part of the Oneblade experience and brand promise.
In spite all its accolades, the Genesis also has mixed reviews. Although it must be said that almost everything available on the market has mixed reviews. Not everything is for everyone. For the Genesis, the biggest contention would be if a razor is worth $299? After all, there are so many cheaper razor brands available out there that don’t cause an arm and a leg.
In our opinion, if you have the money to spend and are the type of person who wants to experience the best of everything, then yes, the Genesis is worth it.
This razor is at the top of its game and those who have used it happily have claimed that it gives them the best shave of their life. This is definitely not on the same level as a cheap plastic razor to be disposed of after a few shaves. The Genesis is something to keep for the rest of your life, and even meant to be passed on to your children, and maybe even your children’s children.
There is definite added value in that. So, should you give OneBlade razors a try? The answer is a definite yes. You have nothing to lose. The entry-level Core is priced well enough that almost everyone can give it a go at least once. Yes, it is still significantly more expensive than other razors, and the reviews are mixed, but we believe it’s worth a try.
If you happen to be one of the fortunate ones that falls in love with this razor at first shave, then lucky you! You’re ready to begin a life-long relationship with something special and say goodbye to cheap plastic razors forever and use a superior blade. Maybe in time, you can even upgrade to a Hybrid or Genesis, when you feel that you (and your finances) are ready.
In any case, OneBlade razors are in a class of its own. It’s up to you to choose the right model for you and your lifestyle.
