GoodFellas Smile Valynor Closed Comb Safety Razor

This razor stands as physical proof that one does not need to sacrifice function for form; both can be attained at a still reasonable price.

The decision to base the design off such an obscure Tolkien reference is astounding yet beautifully-executed (i.e., using aluminum and brass to symbolize the silver and gold light of the two trees of Valinor, Telperion and Laurelin). I look forward to seeing how the patina develops on the unplated brass!

As if the appearance wasn't good enough, the razor itself shaves equally well. It glides very smoothly and comfortably while maintaining efficiency and a close shave. As a point of reference, I also have a RazoRock Game Changer .84-P. I find that the Valynor's neutral blade exposure and .8mm gap make for an experience that is only slightly less efficient than the Game Changer, while at the same time the milder geometry feels less likely to cause nicks or weepers. If the Game Changer .84-P has moderate aggression, I would categorize the Valynor as having mild-moderate aggression.

Edit: I would also like to mention that the razor is constructed with CW510L brass, also known as lead-free brass. There aren't too many manufacturers that make unplated brass razors, and fewer still use lead-free brass. So the team at The Goodfellas' Smile deserves credit for that attention to detail as well.

Not only does this look really cool and unique, but it shaves very well. There's just enough blade exposure to let you know it's there, but it's not aggressive. It's efficient and doesn't feel like it will bite you, but you can just feel and hear the blade cut. I have several shaves with it now and have not nicked myself yet. I's got a perfect blade gap and weight is very nice as well, it's not clunky and heavy or too light. Large latther channels mean it doesn't clog at all and I usually wait at least 4-5 days between shaves. There is a nice distinct zone just riding the cap where you hear the blade start to cut that is the butter zone. It's very well manufactured and the cap fits onto the head better than any other razor I think I've ever seen. This is one of my favorite razors, and I've tried a lot. It's easily up there with my timeless for shave quality but this one is much more compact and nimble. At the moment this is my go to razor for a comfortable, quality shave. I'm impressed and really glad I gave Goodfellas smile a chance.

This razor stands as physical proof that one does not need to sacrifice function for form; both can be attained at a still reasonable price.

The decision to base the design off such an obscure Tolkien reference is astounding yet beautifully-executed (i.e., using aluminum and brass to symbolize the silver and gold light of the two trees of Valinor, Telperion and Laurelin). I look forward to seeing how the patina develops on the unplated brass!

As if the appearance wasn't good enough, the razor itself shaves equally well. It glides very smoothly and comfortably while maintaining efficiency and a close shave. As a point of reference, I also have a RazoRock Game Changer .84-P. I find that the Valynor's neutral blade exposure and .8mm gap make for an experience that is only slightly less efficient than the Game Changer, while at the same time the milder geometry feels less likely to cause nicks or weepers. If the Game Changer .84-P has moderate aggression, I would categorize the Valynor as having mild-moderate aggression.

Edit: I would also like to mention that the razor is constructed with CW510L brass, also known as lead-free brass. There aren't too many manufacturers that make unplated brass razors, and fewer still use lead-free brass. So the team at The Goodfellas' Smile deserves credit for that attention to detail as well.

Not only does this look really cool and unique, but it shaves very well. There's just enough blade exposure to let you know it's there, but it's not aggressive. It's efficient and doesn't feel like it will bite you, but you can just feel and hear the blade cut. I have several shaves with it now and have not nicked myself yet. I's got a perfect blade gap and weight is very nice as well, it's not clunky and heavy or too light. Large latther channels mean it doesn't clog at all and I usually wait at least 4-5 days between shaves. There is a nice distinct zone just riding the cap where you hear the blade start to cut that is the butter zone. It's very well manufactured and the cap fits onto the head better than any other razor I think I've ever seen. This is one of my favorite razors, and I've tried a lot. It's easily up there with my timeless for shave quality but this one is much more compact and nimble. At the moment this is my go to razor for a comfortable, quality shave. I'm impressed and really glad I gave Goodfellas smile a chance.