Safety Razor Review

Rockwell 6C Review – An Affordable Interchangeable Razor

This weeks safety razor that made its way to the review write-up stage after plenty of testing and shaving is the Rockwell 6C adjustable safety razor.

This comes right after reviewing the Rockwell 6S, which is the stainless steel version of the 6C razor that uses more durable metal, has a different finish, and it’s slightly heavier than the 6C.

The Rockwell 6C is more of a razor that could be called an interchangeable safety razor rather than adjustable. Unlike the Merkur Futur, Merkur Progress and others it cannot be adjusted without changing the base plate; however, this is not a criticism as Rockwell’s base plate is a unique and patented design that offers great functionality; it’s just an observation worth mentioning.

Let’s delve into who the Rockwell 6C might be best suited for and give you some facts, shaving experience and opinions after a month of putting the razor through its six levels of hair removal experiences.

The Brand – Rockwell is a fairly new shaving (2014) products company based in the USA which was crowdfunded by kickstarter that 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 6C Description & Features

Rockwell prides itself on stating the Rockwell 6C can shave any type of hair on any part of the body and eliminate razor bumps or razor burn and irritation, and help those transition from cartridge razors to safety razors to get the smoothest shave ever.

Great marketing statements which can be translated into this razor should be able to meet the needs of any user with its various aggressiveness settings.

As always, it pays to give attention to the specs and features of a razor to make sure weight, size, handle grip, and other features meet users’ needs.

• Materials and Finish – The metal used is chromed zinc alloy which is made in China. This is standard metal used for many safety razors and while it is not as durable as stainless steel, it’s much cheaper. The chrome makes the razor very attractive, and it is available in white, rose gold, and gunmetal chrome.
• Handle – The knurled handles offers as much grip as a razor could give a user.
• 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 – The razor setup is three pieces. The top, bottom plate and handle all screw apart which is not the easiest setup for changing blades, but it isn’t hard at all, just not as easy as others.
• Six interchangeable settings – These six interchangeable settings are made by changing one of the three base plates and each base plate can be turned over with a setting each side. They are numbered from R1 – R6 (1 – 6) and each setting number a user wants to use must have that number facing down on the plate.
• Blade replacement – Blade replacement requires a user to unscrew the handle and remove the top and base plate. The blade is placed on the inside of the top which has two kind of securing studs and a large screw center stud. You may use your favorite razor blade brand of your choice for shaving.
• Dimensions & weight – Overall length 95 mm, handle length 88 mm, and weight 100 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 level a user can or needs to use is primarily based on how much hair growth they have, their skin type (do you get razor bumps or irritation, etc.?), and hair type.

The main thing that changes with the Rockwell 6C with the blade setting is the blade gap between the razor top and bottom plate. The higher the setting, the bigger the gap and the more hair it can cut through easily.

The higher settings can also cut away skin spots, even tiny spots that cause nicks bleeding, so it may be best to start off lower when first using the razor unless you are accustomed to aggressive razors.

Within the presentation box a buyer gets a card providing some really useful guidance on which level a user should try using.

Here’s the 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.

If a user is new to wet shaving with a safety razor it’s best to begin shaving on a lower setting. However, this does not mean staying at the lower level but rather working their way up until they find what works best.

How Well Does The Rockwell 6C Perform And Shave?

Before getting the Rockwell 6C I spent a month shaving with the more expensive stainless steel Rockwell 6S. I wasn’t going to need much time at all to get used to shaving with the 6C as there is little difference between them.

There was one issue I was hoping would be eliminated that I had with the 6S that I mentioned in the review. And that was how the razor dragged a bit because of the matte finish, especially when there was less lather on the face. The chrome finish on the 6C resolved this.

Using the Rockwell 6S on the base plate 4, 5 and 6 gave a very close shave after four days of growth. I did not need that level though as setting 3 seemed about right, and after about 3 days of growth setting 2 and 3 were best.

I have seen in other reviews some users start with one level (say 5) and move down levels works for them very well. I would rather stay on a setting and complete fewer passes (i.e., setting 3 – two passes) and found it much easier after trying that method.

I do like shaving on level 2, which I discovered with the 6C and did not with the 6S. Level two also did a great job when shaving my bonce.

The hair on my head is very fine and does not need much aggressiveness. Level 2 or 3 is perfect.

Overall it’s a very good razor; however, it has not beat the Merkur Progress adjustable razor for me, and the Rex Ambassador topped them all (the Rex is very pricy, though).

Look & Design – 8/10

I love chrome finish razors, so that’s a winner for me in the looks department. It also has a traditional-looking handle with a modern head that many users might like.

The patented interchangeable base plates are an excellent feature if a user needs to use two settings or more. Some guys might prefer to use these interchangeable plates instead of an adjustable mechanism that other adjustable razors have.

Handle Grip 10/10

Razors like this that are knurled are about the best grip you can get.

The handle length of 95 mm is pretty standard for safety razors. It’s not a short handle or a long type.

Weight and Balance – 9/10

The Rockwell 6C is a heavy-weight razor that weighs in at 100 g, which many users and myself prefer. The extra weight can help the razor to do the work while shaving, allowing a user not to have to work so hard on the razor.

Holding the 6C and how it balances the weight between the head and handle is perfect. It just kinda leans against the face.

Ease of Use – 7/10

It can take some time to get comfortable and find what settings and how this razor can work well, especially if a user is coming from using cartridge razors or a less bulky safety razor. It does come after a few shaves, though.

The head is quite bulky. The only time this is an issue is when shaving under the nose area, which is easily resolved by moving the nose over to the opposite side of where you’re shaving.

Value for Money – 9/10

The Rockwell 6C gives a buyer a lot of razor for their money, priced up at $50 USD. It is half the price of the 6S because it’s not made from stainless steel, but it is much more affordable for many a buyers budget for a razor.

For a user to get their money’s worth they would need to use at least 2 settings. Many guys do end up sticking with one setting that they get comfortable with; however, the option to adjust the level is always available.

Any Common Consumer Issues, Complaints or Positive Reports?

As mentioned, a common issue with all adjustable safety razors is that many users end up sticking with one setting and don’t get the full use out of the razor. Of course, shaving habits can change, like beginning to grow more of a beard which would then make use of the higher settings.

There are tons of guys out there that have commented how they love this razor, and it’s the best one they have owned.

Rockwell is a very responsive company and serves its customers well. There are no complaints from consumers about them, and they’re trusted.

Final Thoughts – and who is the Rockwell 6C best suited for?

The Rockwell 6C is a great razor for any gents that can get the use of more than one or two settings, and it’s certainly well made and attractive.

Guys that enjoy using or require a more aggressive shave that have quite hardy skin, or have plenty of growth days could really enjoy using the 6C.

Being half the price of the Rockwell 6S is going to be attractive to the more budget-conscious buyer, even if they lose the durability of the razor from the stainless steel metal used with the 6S. The chrome finish may even suit some guys better.

Adjustable razors are always a bit of an adventure to get used to using, which does make shaving a bit extra fun.

— If you’re in two minds as to whether to get the Rockwell 6C or 6S, then you might want to check out the article that covers the differences between them.

Related Razors & Articles You Might Like