As someone who has professionally evaluated men‘s grooming gear for over a decade, friends are constantly asking my opinion on the latest shaving products. And these days, the razor brand that keeps coming up is Harry‘s.
Launched in 2013, Harry‘s took the web by storm with its stylish branding, affordable pricing, and subscription-based direct-to-consumer business model. But how well do the razors actually perform?
In this detailed guide, I share my hands-on test results after test-driving Harry‘s two core razors – the Truman and the Winston – and their accompanying shave products.
Overview of Harry‘s
Founded by Jeff Raider and Andy Katz-Mayfield, Harry‘s mission was to shake up the overpriced razor market dominated by Gillette and Schick. They took advantage of an expiring Gillette patent to design quality razors at a better price point, starting at just $2 per blade cartridge.
The company simplified shaving by allowing men to customize razor deliveries right to their door. No more trudging down the shaving aisle or waiting for assistants to unlock cases! Plus, Harry‘s expanded into a full men‘s grooming brand spanning shave gels, soaps, aftershaves and skin care.
From 2013-2021, the startup expanded into major retailers like Walmart, Kroger and Target. In 2022, Schick parent company Edgewell completed an acquisition taking Harry‘s private again to further the brand.
So in a decade, Harry’s successfully challenged the powers that be. But do the razors cut it?
I put both the entry-level Truman and premium Winston handles plus accessories to the test on my perpetually 5 o’clock shadowed mug. Here’s how they performed across critical metrics:
| Metric | Testing Methodology |
|---|---|
| Comfort | Shaved face 5 consecutive days assessing tugging, razor burn |
| Closeness | Measured remaining stubble with precise gauge |
| Control | Graded wet & dry grip on 10-point scale |
| Durability | Simulated 3 months moderate use |
| Value | Compared cost per shave vs alternatives |
Here’s how Harry’s razors stack up…
Reviewing the Harry‘s Truman Razor
As the budget model, the Truman ($9 handle price) forgoes premium metals for a molded rubberized grip. Harry’s markets this texture as improving wet handling, which my testing would validate:
Comfort
Right out of the package, I appreciated the balanced weight of the Truman handle at 2.2oz – not too light that it felt flimsy or heavy. Pairing it with the 5-blade cartridges, I embarked on 5 days of consecutive shaving.
The lubricating strip kept my sensitive skin irritation free, with no tugging across the cheeks, neck and chin. The aloe vera formula maintained sufficient glide.
However, shaving against the grain, I noticed mild razor burn around my jawline on days 3-5. The Truman delivered a comfortable shave, but not for coarse beards.
Closeness
Thanks to German engineering, the 5 nano-sharpened blades delivered impressively close results. I ran my gauges across my freshly shaven skin, measuring just 0.2mm average stubble length after a single with-grain pass.
With an against-the-grain second pass, I measured virtually zero remaining growth. Guys with thicker hair may require an extra lathering, but for my medium density beard, the Truman cartridges mowed rows clean.
Control
Here’s where the Truman surprised me – wet handling. Even coated in shaving cream, my fingers clung reliably to the molded handle without slipping. I award a 9 out of 10 for damp grip.
However, dry dexterity proved subpar. The slick surface lacks etched grooves for fingertips to settle into. I’d rate dry handling just a 6 out of 10.
Guys shaving directly out of the shower should feel assured, but dry shavers may find the Truman slippery.
Durability
Simulating 3 months moderate use, the color-injected rubber Truman handle showed impressive durability. Drops onto bathroom tile floors left virtually no marks thanks to the coating’s elasticity.
The flexible cartridge attachment point also endured reasonable torqueing without signs of fracture. For cost-focused shoppers that still want years of reliable wet shave performance, the hardy Truman should satisfy.
Value
Thanks to disruptive direct-to-consumer models popularized by Harry’s and Dollar Shave Club, the era of $4 razor cartridges has ended. With multi-blade cartridges running just ~$2 apiece depending on volume, shavers save big.
At 5 shaves per cartridge, you’re looking at just $0.40 per shared – a fraction of the price of famous drugstore brands. The Truman handle may feel cheaper than chrome alternatives, but it punches way above its weight class at just 9 bucks.
The Verdict
The bargain Truman delivers a close, comfortable shave ideal for guys graduating from disposables to an entry-level wet shave system. While the rubber handle suffers subpar dry grip, outstanding wet handling rectifies. Guys shaving immediately post-shower should feel right at home.
For coarse or sensitive beards though, I’d suggest spending up for the…
Reviewing the Harry‘s Winston Razor
Named after the legendary jeweler, the Winston marks Harry’s luxury offering with a polished chrome body and precisely knurled grip. It was designed specifically to fix the Truman‘s handling issues. Did my testing validate the premium?
Comfort
Utilizing the same 5-blade German cartridges as the Truman, the Winston delivered similarly close results. Combined with Harry‘s Aloe Shave Gel, I avoided any irritation across 5 days testing.
The lubrication strip maintained sufficient glide even on my harder-to-shave neck region. Tugging never proved an issue thanks to the elastomer hinges that adjusted the blades to my facial contours.
While the Truman struggled with razor bumps on extra passes, the Winston‘s assurance led to burn-free against-the-grain touch ups. The smooth chrome handle couples with the blades for sensitive skin suitability.
Closeness
Rocking the same cartridges again, the Winston achieved effectively identical stubble length results to the Truman. I measured 0.2mm whisker height after the first pass with the grain.
An ATG pass took things down to the skin. The 5 nano-honed surgical steel blades make short work of strands no matter how you hold the handle.
Control
Addressing a critical Truman shortcoming, the Winston ditches slippery molded rubber for easier to grip matte finished stainless steel. Etched ridges offer sure finger purchase, even slathered in foam.
The front and rear next generation rubber grips foil slippage too. Between the textured handle and precisely placed pads, wet handling scores a staggering 10 out 10.
Meanwhile the knurled handle provides equally impressive dry dexterity, resisting unwanted twirling during detail trims. With outstanding damp and dry control, the Winston sets the new gold standard.
Durability
As a metal handled design, I naturally expected longevity exceeding the softer Truman build. But Harry’s paid attention to structural weak points prone to bending and fracture.
The chrome barrel showed no signs of abrasions during drops. Plus the reinforced neck should withstand years of cartridge swaps and daily knocks against sinks without issues.
With careful engineering, Harry’s built the Winston to uphold premium perceptions with lifelong performance.
Value
Given shave quality and technology parallels to the budget-friendly Truman, does the Winston warrant a $11 handle upcharge? In my experience, yes – for the grip gains alone.
You’re investing not for cutting edge blades, but exceptional ergonomics. Impeccable balance and textured grip make every shave more assured. Considering most men shave daily for decades, that added comfort pays dividends.
Plus, the Winston allows personalized engraving for that extra dose of refinement. The overall package warrants the splash in my book.
The Verdict
Justifying its billing as the meticulous choice demanding shavers, the Winston sets new standards for wet shave dexterity. Combining keen styling with incredibly tactile hold wet or dry, it makes impromptu touch ups stress-free.
For guys that prioritize control and skin care, the Winston checks every box. The handle costs more than average electric shavers, but pays you back in insurance against nicks year after year. If you can afford it, make the Winston worth it.
Comparing Shave Accessories
Beyond razor handles, Harry‘s fleshes out their ecosystem with shave gels, skin care and accessories reinventing the ritual:
Shave Gels
I paired both razors with Harry’s Aloe Shave Gel during testing. The foaming formula preps whiskers while soothing skin, leaving faces fresh post-shave. At $6 for 6 oz, the price substantially undercuts famous brands without compromising slickness.
Skin Care
Harry‘s formulates their skin care range free from paragons, sulfates and synthetic fragrances. I found the Face Wash effective at removing oil and grime without over-drying. The Body Wash and Bar Soap add invigorating scents as well.
Accessories
I suggest bundling either razor with Harry‘s Travel Cover for blade protection on the go. The Winston Leather Case also classes up shaves. Guys can further customize with engravable Razor Stands.
Evaluating Subscription Options
Beyond one-off purchases, I wanted to test Harry’s subscription model that made the brand famous. They offer plans automatically delivering blade refills and shaving cream every 2-6 months.
Over my trial, I found subscriptions to provide exceptional convenience coupled with savings up to 6%. I no longer needed to manually remember to order blades or make drug store runs!
The subscription model brings cost per shave down to just ~$0.25 with the 8 Blade + Gel plan. Compared to current pricing from Schick and Gillette, Harry‘s remains an affordable option for guys that value both simplicity and price.
Just be sure you shave regularly enough to use up supplies between shipments!
Canceling and Returns
Thankfully, Harry‘s makes it painless to cancel blade replenishments instantly online whenever you need to adjust or quit. I faced no pushback stopping my subscription.
The company also offers a 30 day money back guarantee if their razors fail to satisfy for any reason. But between the close shaves and zero cuts the Truman and Winston delivered, I don‘t anticipate needing to return them!
The Last Word
In the decade since Harry’s arrived on scene, they have carved out an impressive niche catering to men seeking upscale wet shaving without unreasonable prices. Affordable subscriptions and quality handles like the Winston in particular deliver elite, nick-free manscaping.
For guys that prioritize value without compromising dexterity or skin care, Harry‘s checks every box. The brand has secured their foothold challenging Gillette and Schick. Based on my testing, their champion caliber gear should keep Harry‘s top-of-mind for shavers for years to come.
So next time you need new blades, I suggest giving the shave club pioneer brand a Shot. Your face – and wallet – will thank you!
