HeadBlade ATX Review – A Dedicated Razor for Balding Gents
HeadBlade ATX Head Razor
The HeadBlade ATX looks like a kids’ toy, which is a dedicated head razor with an ergonomically friendly design. It’s a cartridge-type razor that’s very different from a standard cartridge razor.
Pros
Great ergonomic design
It fits perfectly within the fingers and hand
It's not expensive
Head section is flexible that works well with the various contours of the head
It can shave at the back of the head easily
Cons
The adapter is an annoyance
Difficult to change blades
Will not deal very well with longer hair growth above 3 days or so
The blade/cartridge is low quality compared to other cartridge razor brands
The HeadBlade ATX is a dedicated head razor that’s designed specifically for those needing an ergonomically friendly designed head-shaving tool.
Right before testing and using the ATX, I shaved with and reviewed the HeadBlade Moto. Using the Moto gave me some time and practice to get acquainted with the different style of head shaving these razors require.
There is nothing quite like the HeadBlade on the market at the moment with its patented unique design. Smart move HeadBlade, the Chinese would have been on this like a rash!
The Brand: Todd Greene, the founder of HeadBlade, the company first designed the HeadBalde Razor in 1997, which was introduced in 1999 after further development. Unfortunately, Todd the founder passed away in 2020 after battling Cancer. HeadBlade has grown its range of head razors and other bald grooming products.
In this review, we will look closely at the all-important features, then test how the HeadBlade ATX shaves while also testing out facial shaving. Then finally, recommend who the razor would be best suited for — within the closing thoughts.
HeadBlade ATX Description & Features
The HeadBlade ATX looks like a kids’ toy version of an all-terrain 4-wheel off-road ATV. Minus the back two wheels which are replaced with a cartridge blade.
It’s a very small piece of kit — introduced on the market in 2012.
- Blades: The cartridge has four blades, a lubrication strip above the blades, and a rubber guide added below. It looks just like any other cartridge razor blade.
- Two Wheels: Two front wheels which roll help guide the razor blade while shaving.
- Ergonomics: The finger flexible ring section and other aspects of the molded to the fingers design enables the HeadBlade ATX to be ergonomically friendly.
- Flex Blade: The blade will flex back and forth depending on the pressure made when the user is shaving.
- Not Just for Head Shaving: HeadBlade states the razor may also be used for facial and body shaving and not just head shaving.
- Editions: Various editions, which are the same razor but a different color, are available.
Using The HeadBlade ATX – Technique
The HeadBlade razors take a little time to adjust to how they function when shaving and to get the technique right. While the ATX is a cartridge-like razor, its body design and how it is held are very different.
The second finger is placed in the flexible finger section, while the first and third fingers sit on the front and back of the razor. A user just kind of waves their hand backward and forward, going over the main areas of the head to remove as much hair as possible. It is like the same action as rubbing the head with an open hand, if that makes sense.
The finger section for holding the razor should accommodate any finger size and stretches when a finger is placed inside.
After a couple of shaves or more, most users should get the hang of it. It took me a good few shaves until it felt like second nature to use the razor.
Design and Build Quality
The whole unit is very small and smaller than what I expected. However, it only needs to run a cartridge razor blade over our heads and is probably best kept compact rather than cumbersome.
The design seems quite odd, but at the same time, it’s perfectly unique for a dedicated head razor.
It is all plastic, and I want to see some rubberized sections and possibly some metal added to make it feel more solid, but my expectations might be a little high.
One aspect of the HeadBlade ATX design that does not impress me is how the blade is replaced and the blade adapter, which I will cover shortly. In short though, I would prefer a blade attachment the same as standard cartridge razors.
Blade flexibility while shaving is very good. The plastic area behind the blade attached to the adapter flexes very well with pressure, and this helps the shave when the razor is moving along the various contours on a person’s head.
How Does HeadBlade ATX Razor Perform and Shave?
I lowered my expectations on the HeadBlade ATX after I first struggled with HeadBlade Moto model. To be honest, I expected the ATX to be very poor.
However, I must admit I was impressed. Part of the story might be that I had learned to use this type of razor better and adjusted to the differences compared to cartridge, safety razors, and electric razors.
I found with the HeadBlade Moto that these razors don’t shave very well, with a lot of hair growth. I don’t mean inch-long hair but over about three or so days of growth.
So, after the experience of using the Moto I shaved with no more than three days of growth on several occasions, and used my usual quality traditional shaving soaps lathered up.
I must try out some of the HeadBlade creams and lotions, but I have only used others so far.
The ATX razor was a delight to use and got the job done quickly. I had to run over some patchy areas a few times, but that was fine and not an issue.
I had to remove my finger from the finger section to clean up unshaven hair above the sideburns. Shaving that area seemed a little a bit trickier than when using other razors but not a big problem or deal breaker.
Overall I had great shaves that were just as close as I get from other cartridge razors. However, I find many of the Gillette blades are of higher quality than the HeadBlade, and I wish they would produce the same quality of blades — even if it increases the costs.
How Was Facial Shaving?
HeadBlade states that the ATX can also be used for shaving the body and face, so I had to give it a go for facial shaving.
It did get the job done, but it felt very odd, and the lack of handle length affected the ability to shave along longer areas. The neck area requires special attention when shaving and this razor does not provide that, it’s too fiddly.
I’m sure if a user wanted to only use one type of razor for both head and facial shaving, they could adjust to the difference in the design of the HeadBalde ATX compared to a regular handle razor.
I had to work at shaving my face properly with the ATX and could not do my usual two or three-pass shave that I am accustomed to doing. Again, it was all too fiddly!
Removing Blades
Removing the cartridge blades from the HeadBlade ATX is a complete mystery when first looking at the razor. The instructions that come with the razor help somewhat, but they might still leave you in the dark trying to force the blade off.
It’s essential to identify the two hooks holding the blade and the hook with a slat carved in it. If a user pushes with their thumb from the side with the slat carved towards the other end with a finger holding it in place, it will come apart, then place it back on via the carved side first.
It is difficult to explain in text, and the best way to learn how to remove and attach blades is to watch a youtube video, or even images might help.
Adapter
The blade section also has what is called an adapter attached. The adapter is also detachable like the blade and must be replaced when needed (additional adapters are sold separately).
I have noticed after removing and replacing the blades a good few times that the clasp with the groove on the adapter becomes soft and weakened, and the blades become loose when attached. However, the clasp with the groove can be pushed back into shape to save on replacing them too often (money-saving tip, right?).
This adapter came off at times when trying to remove the blade.
I wish HeadBlade would create the razor without an adapter and attach the blade to the body — as it does on other cartridge razor handles.
Replacement Blade and Adapters
HeadBlade states in their FAQ that the HB4 (4 blades) and HB6 (6 blades) blades should last 6-10 shaves per cartridge depending on hair thickness; this is only a guide.
I have used the HeadBlade ATX five times, and it feels like I should change the blade after the next shave, but I could probably push another couple of shaves out of this blade if I had to.
The adapter that is also part of the blade section also has to be replaced, which is sold separately in packs of three, but there does not seem to be any guidance about how often to change them. I guess we would change an adapter if it became faulty.
Value for Money
While the HeadBlade ATX is all plastic, some of its design is quite intricate, and I feel we get a decent deal – US cost $12.99.
A pack of four replacement HB4 (four blades) costs $12.99, and the HB6 (six blades) costs $14.99. That’s a fair price, but I think HeadBalde could improve the quality and increase the price.
Three adapters cost $5.99. Unfortunately, I can’t really estimate how often a person would change these.
Consumer Complaints, Issues, and Overall Reviews
One common mention by reviewers the ATX gets on the official HeadBlade site is they preferred the older model. Unfortunately, I have never used the older model, so I cannot comment on or compare them.
I’ve found quite a few mentions about the adapters needing to be replaced. I have also experienced the clip becoming very soft quickly on the adapter, which loosens the blade, so I understand the annoyance.
Some men have found, as one user states, it’s difficult to shave over all the nooks and crannies. I admit shaving above the join between the sideburns and head is fiddly, and I guess if a guy has a bumpy head, the ATX could be harder to use, but then any other razor and shaver would be too.
A few men seem to have struggled with the finger fitting in the hole provided.
I’ve seen a few guys online get some pretty nasty cuts and a bit more than what you would get from other cartridge razors. I can see how this happens as it is easy to get carried away and use the ATX at speed, and if it is going to cut, it could slice quite badly.
On a positive note, many gents love the convenience of shaving with the HeadBalde ATX and find it’s their go-to head razor compared to others they have used. There are more of positive comments than negative, overall.
Final Thoughts – Who do we recommend buys and uses HeadBlade ATX?
The HeadBlade ATX proved to have some aspects of the razor that could be improved, like the quality of the blades and that awkward replacement adapter clip.
However, the ATX provides a quick shave and has the ideal design and ergonomics for head shaving.
If a user wants a razor that can shave both the face and head then I don’t believe this is the best head razor or shaver, unless he is happy with the design that does not work very well for facial shaving — but can get the job done.
I would guide gents back to standard cartridge razors if they need a razor or shaver that can shave both the head and face efficiently.
Then I would guide gents toward dedicated electric head shavers like some of the Skull Shavers if they want a quick head shave that has no messy lather involved and won’t cut the head. However, the shave will not be as close as the HeadBlade ATX or cartridge razors.
Anyone who shaves or wishes to shave their head could have a pop at the Headblade ATX to see if it’s a product they like and want to add to their shaving kit. In addition, it could make a useful travel companion for some!
