Rockwell 6S Review – Six Levels of Shaving Tested
Rockwell 6S Safety Razor
The Rockwell 6S is a stainless steel adjustable razor that provides six levels of blade gap to enable users to shave with various beard lengths. This razor is a unique adjustable which has various base plates.
Pros
Stainless steel makes a razor like this last a lifetime and more
Six levels of shaving are available, from mild to aggressive
Unique interchangeable design and style
Traditional knurled handle design provides plenty of grip
Very solid build
Cons
Unlike adjustable razors that have a dial setting, users have to change base plates, which is not as convenient
Users will need time to become familiar with the settings
The head is quite bulky
The Rockwell 6S safety razor is part of a range of three Rockwell adjustable razors, with this model being the higher-priced stainless steel razor.
While it’s called an adjustable razor it’s more like an interchangeable razor as the safety plate on the head has to be changed for another size, unlike others that adjust higher and lower via a dial.
Never mind, it’s probably the best way Rockwell could name the razors for buyers. After all, the Rockwell 6S interchangeable razor would seem odd.
As usual, I was looking forward to getting a new razor sent to use, test, and review here, and I knew the Rockwell 6S would be fun and possibly have some quirky stuff going on as it’s not a standard double-edged razor.
Let’s delve into who the Rockwell 6S might be best suited for and give you some facts, shaving experience, and opinions after a month of putting the beast through its six levels of aggressiveness.
The Brand – Rockwell is a fairly new shaving (2014) products company based in the USA, which was crowdfunded by Kickstarter and has become known worldwide for its place within the adjustable safety razor market. Customers frequently comment on the trust they have in the company and the response to any problems they may have.
Rockwell 6S Description & Features
Let’s take a look at the all-important features and a few specs for this review of the Rockwell 6S safety razor.
- Materials and Finish – Manufactured in the USA from grade 316 stainless steel. Stainless steel is tougher and longer lasting than brass and other materials. This will explain the price difference between the 6S and Rockwell’s cheaper 6C model. The matte finish is available in metal, black, blue and red.
- Handle – The handle is knurled which provides maximum grip that’s non-slip.
- Closed comb – The bottom section of the razor head has a straight-edged safety bar which is safer and easier to use than open combs for most users.
- Three parts – This is a three part razor with a handle that screws off and detaches the head in two pieces.
- Six interchangeable settings – This razor comes with three interchangeable bottom safety bars/plates, and each bar may be reversed for another blade setting. Three reversible bars provide six settings, with each having 2 settings.
- Blade replacement – As mentioned, this razor is a three-part unit. Once the handle is removed, a blade is placed on two securing studs and the center stud that the handle screws onto.
- Dimensions & weight – Overall length 95 mm, handle length 88 mm, and weight 118 g.
- Blade gaps – R1: 0.008″ (0.20 mm, R2: 0.014” (0.35 mm), R3: 0.019” (0.48 mm), R4: 0.024” (0.61 mm), R5: 0.027” (0.69 mm), R6: 0.031” (0.79 mm).
- Warranty/Guarantee – Rockwell offers a 60-day money back or replacement within 60 days of purchase. The razors are then under a lifetime warranty, subject to conditions.
- Additional blades – Rockwell provides a pack of high-quality razor blades. If the razor is bought from Amazon then the blades are not included, unfortunately.
How Do I Know Which Settings I Should Use?
The settings work just like all other adjustable safety razors. The lowest setting (R1) is the mildest, and the highest (R6) is the most aggressive.
What changes with these settings is the blade gap. The bigger the blade gap, the closer the shave, and the higher the possibility of getting nicks, cuts, or maybe irritation for some users.
The bigger the blade gap the closer the shave, and the higher the possibility of getting nicks, cuts or maybe irritation for some users.
Rockwell actually provides a great informational card that has plenty of detail about which setting works best for various situations and users. I found it quite accurate and informative.
Here’s guidance from Rockwell –
- Setting 1 – Sensitive skin, spots prone to cuts and nicks, shaving 5 0’clock shadow, start with this when starting from using cartridge razors, body shaving sensitive areas.
- Setting 2 – Somewhat sensitive skin, spots prone to irritation, shaving heavier 5 o’clock shadow, shaving every 1 – 2 days, general body shaving.
- Setting 3 – Average skin, skin that’s sometimes irritated by cartridges, short stubble, shaving every 1 – 3 days, head shaving.
- Setting 4 – Hardier skin, somewhat prone to razor bumps, prone to ingrown hairs, longer stubble, shaving every 3 – 5 days.
- Setting 5 – Hardy skin, coarse facial hair, prone to razor bumps and ingrown hairs, short beards, shaving every 5 – 7 days.
- Setting 6 – Hardy skin, coarse facial hair, prone to razor bumps and ingrown hairs, long beards, shaving every 7+ days.
As you can see, the basics of this guide are the more sensitive the skin is and the less growth, the lower the setting, then the longer the growth, the higher the setting. Those prone to razor bumps and ingrown hairs might use the higher settings, and if a user is new to wet shaving with safety razors, then begin low.
That guidance is very good. However, we are all unique, and other factors must be considered to find what razor aggressiveness suits each individual best.
It’s great to test a razor like this out in as many ways as possible to see what blade settings suit the user. It’s fun, and if you have issues, don’t worry; just dial the size up or down a setting.
Some users may use an adjustable like this and change the level for each pass. For example, pass 1 (plate 5), pass 2 (plate 3), and pass 3 (plate 1). However, this is a lot of fiddling about for me, and once the second pass on plate 3 is done, I will do another pass with plate 3. Nothing wrong with the changing 3 plate size method; it’s just not for everyone.
It might make sense for you to start on the lowest, and then the next time you shave, move up a setting or two.
How Well Does The Rockwell 6S Perform And Shave?
The Rockwell 6S took me more than a couple of weeks to get used to it, and find myself comfortable with this razor and the blade levels that suited me best.
Adjustable razors usually do take a bit more time to get accustomed to.
My first use was after 4 days of growth and using plate 6, and then I tried plates 5 and 4. It was very audible and a very close shave with plates 6 through to 4. I did grab a few nicks on the neck on the first couple of shaves.
It was very audible and a very close shave with plate 6 through to 4.
Level 1 and 2 of the razor was just too mild for me on the face, and it took too many strokes with the razor to get a good finish.
I finally found the sweet spot when using plate 3 after about 3 days of growth. Level 3 also shaves my balding bonce very well.
I felt some drag while shaving, which is probably because the matte finish is not as smooth as the chrome-finished razors I use. This cannot be from the aggressiveness as I use the Mühle R41, which is as aggressive as they get without this dragging issue.
I also found I had to pay close attention to aligning the blade when changing the blade or setting. This is easily done when aligning first and pressing down on the top before twisting the handle to close it properly; however, when changing settings while shaving, it can be a slight annoyance.
Look & Design – 8/10
The design of the Rockwell 6S with its interchangeable plates is a unique design that’s patented. Having the ability to change blade gaps for various shaving styles is very useful for some guys.
Because it’s made from stainless steel without any chrome coating, it’s very durable and can last a lifetime.
Now, the matte appearance is another matter. Matte does not look as attractive as chrome-type finishes and can look kind of dull. This is about personal preference, though, more than functionality, although I did mention earlier the drag I have felt while shaving is likely caused by the finish.
If you are in the same mind as me about the matte finish, then the Rockwell 6C might be a better choice; however, it is not made from stainless steel.
The appearance looks traditional in a sense with a mix of contemporary. The handle looks traditional, and the head looks more modern.
Handle Grip 10/10
The grip on the knurled handle is perfect. There’s no slipping happening with this razor.
The handle length, or even the whole razor length, is pretty standard; it’s not a long-handled type or short, just standard.
Weight and Balance – 9/10
The Rockwell 6S is only 8 grams lighter than the Merkur Futur adjustable razor, which is a hefty razor, and you can feel the weight while shaving.
There is plenty of weight that gets behind the razor while shaving, which makes the experience easier.
It won’t be suitable for those who prefer lightweight razors.
Like most high-quality safety razors, the head and handle seem to balance well, and the head with its blade leans on the face easily.
Ease of Use – 7/10
I did mention earlier that attention must be made with blade alignment as it may not align very well.
The head of this razor is quite large and slightly bulky compared to standard double-edged razors. However, this does not really affect shaving under the nose much, and if it does, then push the tip of your nose to the left and right of the side that isn’t being shaved.
While there was some drag felt when shaving, it was easily prevented when I kept plenty of lather on my face. I don’t get this issue with chrome-finished razors, though.
Value for Money – 9/10
There is no doubt that the Rockwell 6S is a very well-engineered steel safety razor with a unique design that deserves its price tag of $100.
The main point should be whether a user will use more than one blade setting. If more than one or two blade settings get used regularly enough, then buyers get their money’s worth; however, if you mainly stick to the one setting then the razor plus the money spent is questionable.
Any Common Consumer Issues, Complaints, or Positive Reports?
The most common issue I have seen users run into is that after getting settled on one setting, they no longer have any need to change plates and other settings.
Many users mainly use one setting, but they like to have the additional settings when needed, even if infrequently.
Plenty of guys out there have mentioned the Rockwell 6S is the best razor they have used.
Consumers are very happy with how the company Rockwell has dealt with any issues they have had and found them reliable and very helpful.
Final Thoughts – and who is the Rockwell 6S best suited for?
The first point I would like to make is a buyer will need to get the use out of more than one setting when using the Rockwell 6S. However, if they end up settling with one setting and love the durability and other aspects of this razor, then it’s a great razor for them.
A user might shave their bodily hair with a low setting (do use it on 1 or 2 –if you shave your balls) and then use a higher setting like 4 for a few days of growth, and setting number 3 on their head. These men will get the most out of the 6S.
Personally, I feel that this razor did not perform as well as the Merkur Progress, and I am awaiting an adjustable one that can beat it. Update: I did find a better adjustable razor, but it’s a lot pricier than most –the Rex Ambassador.
— If you’re in two minds as to whether to try the Rockwell 6C or 6S, then you might want to check out the article that covers the differences between them.
