Christmas gifts are all opened and everyone is back where they should be. Friday will be a day of relaxation for everyone here, and hopefully for you too.
I got one shaving item as a gift (though there are a few things coming that I’ve ordered for myself). That was an Oliworks M3teorite aluminum razor in red.
This razor has gotten quite a bit of notice and chatter lately, but only after a lot of controversy in the industry.
It’s similar to the Rockwell 6C and 6S in that it’s got interchangeable plates for varying levels of aggressiveness (or mildness). But instead of the Rockwells, the three plates are single-sided, so there are only options for a mild, medium, or aggressive shave.
It’s also similar to the Henson razors, in that it’s machined aluminum, but unlike the Hensons, this design doesn’t have that precise 30 degree angle and features a knurled handle.
The reviews have been positive, saying it delivers a precision shave, that all three plates work well. The handle is widely praised, as well, providing positive handling without slipping, which is a problem with the Henson.
And the aluminum model (there are stainless steel models as well, but each of those only come with one plate) hits that $70 price point that seems to be the baseline for a precision manufactured entry-level or advanced razor.
All of these points put it on my list as a razor I wanted.
So what’s the controversy? It’s been pretty widely reported that in 2023 or 2024, Oliworks was contracted by Rex Supply Co. (the razor manufacturing brand of Razor Emporium, and known as a high-quality, premium brand of razors) to produce parts for one of Rex’s razors. Both companies are in the Phoenix area. Payment was made on the contract, but Oliworks reportedly did not produce all of the parts promised, delivered sub par parts, and in fact, kept a bunch of them and tried making their own version of the razor.
Needless to say, there was legal action which eventually ended in a settlement, and thus Oliworks started producing their own in late 2024 or early 2025. I saw a video from Razor Emporium which briefly mentioned Oliworks, but said they could not talk about the legal issues, and further saying that Oliworks’ product is perfectly fine.
But this professional friction has caused Oliworks to appear on a lot of do not buy lists. But many say that since this has been settled and put behind everyone involved, it is now okay to purchase from them.
So thanks to my son (who also bought me a razor I wanted for my birthday–the Parker 55SL Semi-Slant), I have my 7th razor, and with all of the plates for both this and the Rockwell 6C, I have 14 razor options to choose from.
So here’s the question: do I fit it into the schedule right away, or go with what I had planned, which would mean I couldn’t come back to the Oliworks for two weeks?
Find out next Sunday.