Asylum Evolution DE Razor

I have a Darwin Standard and the Evolution is a fine homage to that razor. The Evolution shows tooling marks and unlike the Darwin, it has a matte finish. If it had a shiny finish or of the tooling marks were buffed out, the razor would look like a knock-off copy of the Darwin instead of what it really is which is a very fine new version. If anyone wants to buff out the tooling marks or if one wants a more "refined" finish, a few minutes with some extra fine steel wool would do the trick. Personally, I couldn't possibly be more pleased with the way it looks. Everyone who reviews the shave says the same thing, that they're happy. It's close, smooth, comfortable and efficient. It's also very loud. Were I to compare the shave with that of the Darwin I would say that the Darwin is a more aggressive razor. I would add that this razor is not a copy of the Darwin. It's a "modern" or a new version of the Darwin design. The differences between the razors are obvious. for one thing, the underside of the top cap is completely different. So there's no mistaking the Evolution for a Darwin and for a Darwin owner it's a welcome addition to the collection and for a non-Darwin owner it's got to be an even more welcome addition to the collection.

I have more than few razors. This is my favorite. Not because it's new. I highly recommend it to any type of beard. I make three passes plus with out a nick.

Having had a week with my new Evolution, I can say I am extremely pleased with my purchase. It is fairly mild, by my standards(Le Coq closed comb, Tradere OC, iKon Tech) but you csn feel some blade and it is very efficient. I have found DFSs to be the norm, with no significant effort, and BBS routine, with a 4th, lateral pass, under my chin. I do like my Feathers somewhat more than the provided Permasharp, but that is as much personal, as much as any particular design bias.

A brushed finish would have been nice, but in-hand, and in the den, the matte is by no means unattractive. My first purchase from Bullgoose, this is a win!

I have purchased many stainless steel artisan razors throughout the years and I have to say this is the best one I have used! The razor is super smooth and highly effective. If you have sensitive skin theres no need to worry about it being too aggressive like many stainless steel safety razors are. This razor leaves me weeper free and a BBS every time.

Second razor purchase from Bullgoose after Asylum Rx SE . The art-deco style is classy and pleasing in apperance. A smooth shaver and removing stubbles is effortless. Handle is short however it is worth the purchase as this is a fine razor for the shave den aresenal.

Beautiful fit and finish, light weight, on the mild side. After using razors in the 100 to 130 gram range I found a feather blade worked best on a 3 day growth. Will stay in my rotation and you can't beat Bull Goose speedy service.

Maybe it was the blades that I use, but this razor is as mild, yet efficient as any razor that I own. Some of the reviews ranked it on the aggressive side, but mine wasn't. It has become my absolute favorite. I loaned it to my son and he totally agrees. I'm so glad that I decided to try it, and the solid stainless steel and vintage look make it a pleasure to use. thanks Asylum, for a great product.

Well put together with a classic look of elegance and excellent performance. As efficient and balanced as the ikon 102, if I had to compare. Love this razor.

I own a few Gillette red tip superspeeds and they vary a little in aggressiveness. This Evolution razor is as aggressive as my most aggressive red tip. Overall I'm quite happy with it. I've wanted a Darwin for a while but even when you find one for sale the prices are outrageous.

I waited until I had a couple weeks worth of shaves with different blades before I penned this review. It performs well with various blades and gives a comfortable efficient shave all the time. I absolutely love the Art Deco shape. If I had to knock some points off it would be in the price. For $185 I would have expected a polished finish.
All in all though, bravo to PHIL for resurrecting this wonderful shaving implement.

I feel like I've had the razor long enough to get past the "Ooo shiny" phase and have given it a fair test over multiple shaves with different blades. So here goes. First, the manufacturing. It's a beautifully razor, well machined, and is visually distinct. Second is use, I'm not sure I'm a fan of the hexagonal handle, I prefer round handles as they're easier to switch back and forth between sides of the razor. That however is a very minor thing and shouldn't dissuade anyone from the razor. My problem with the razor, and the reason that I knocked off one star is that I find that the WTG pass doesn't remove nearly as much stubble as my other razors. This results in more irritation from XTG and ATG passes. Also there are a few portions of my face that I only cover with a single WTG pass and that my other razors get sufficiently smooth. With the Evolution, I find that those spots feel more like I didn't shave them at all. I'm sure this is a great razor for some people, but it just doesn't really do it for me.

I'm in the unique position that I have a vintage Darwin Standard #243881 circa 1925 that I can compare the Asylum to. First let me say that YMMV! The vintage Darwin is quite aggressive in that WTG and some XTG is all that's needed for a smooth shave. I have to pay close attention and use more negative pressure like a slant bar razor to get good results. The Asylum on the other hand shaves like a Wolfman/Weber/Att/Superspeed/Ikon etc in that I do W/X/ATG for a close shave. It's easy to use and I get a BBS shave easily every time. For me the Asylum is better razor, easier to use and lots cheaper. Phil hit a home run with is razor and I recommend it heartily. The Darwin is a great example of shaving history and I do like it, it just shaves differently and requires a different technique like lots of other razors do. I think that the Asylum razor is a good everyday razor and I thank Phil for bringing it to us. I used Treet black beauty carbon blades and MdC soap with a Zenith boar brush for the comparisons.

Well made and a very smooth shaving razor. I refused to pay the high prices for an original Darwin and I am glad Phil came through with an excellent copy. This is now one of my favorites, along with my Asylum RX.

The Asylum Evolution is well made and shaves well. kudus to Phil and Bullgoose shaving on this razor. As always the service from Bullgoose was great, I got my Evolution the next day after ordering.
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I have never tried the original Darwin. But if it's anything like the Asylum Evolution, it is an awesome shaver. Although it is smaller and lighter than the latest stainless steel shavers on the market, it is one of the most efficient razors in my arsenal. In some things size does not matter, LOL. Efficient is this razor's hallmark and trademark. It deftly mows down the stubble without undue aggressiveness. Well done. Definitely try the Asylum Evolution, you will not be disappointed.

This is a excellent razor. It has a very nice weight to it and found the balance to be perfect. It's mid aggressive razor but it won't bite, efficient and smooth shaver. Really happy with my purchase.

Although I have never owned an original Darwin to compare this razor to I am completely satisfied with the end product.. I have used several blade choices and each one delivered a smooth and very close shave each time. The build quality is second to none. I highly recommend purchasing one of these masterpieces.

Great razor -- begs comparison to my Feather AS-D2 and actually comes out on top. Totally unexpected. Excellent fitting between the plates, superb machining, and they even timed the threads from the handle to the head so that when closed, and with a blade in place, the handle rests on a flat spot of one of its faces when you lay it down. Perhaps not a clear description -- but let me just say that they really got the little things right. Excellent DE razor.

If you are looking for that razor that can combine Art Deco, raw stainless steel, and an amazingly smooth shave? look no further. Once you pick it up it is hard to put it down, between the effortlessly smooth shave and the ease of grip you always have it in your rotation.

A very clever entry into the DE arena. Modern machining resurrects this classic design into an outstanding shaver. Very efficient shaving characteristics make this a daily shaver for my beard with 2 passes and touch ups. Bravo Phil!

I recieved the new Evolution earlier this week, but I wanted to try a few different blades to see how they performed. I started with a Polsilver. Excellent shave with a little of the aggressiveness. Same for the next blade, an Astra. I finally used the Personna Red IP with complete success. I feel that this razor should be called "highly efficient" rather than aggressive. It is comfortable in the hand and easy to use. I find the antique design to be different and interesting looking, but the razor is fully functional for modern times. The handle doesn't bother me at all, and I found a comfortable grip almost immediately. What surprised me most is it's tiny size. The photos give it the appearance of being big razor. I love this great looking efficient razor.

Members of the Loyal Order of Bullgoosians must purchase this elegant and efficient razor. Phil has now not only offered us the RX, which I love, but now this truly great double edge. As with the RX, the balance is amazing, the feel of the blade so smooth and yet effective, and it is wonderful just to hold. I enjoy a number of top of the line double edge razors, and this one right at the top....Bravo!

I shaved with the Asylum Evolution this afternoon, using the supplied Astra Superior Platinum blade.

Made of 303 stainless steel the razor handle is 78mm in length; its overall length is 85mm; and its weigh is 77g.
It is a small razor, about the size of a Gillette Super Speed, but it does have a nice weight. Its balance point is between the first and second groove of the handle.

There is no awkwardness to the Darwin-inspired handle. It fits comfortably in my grip with my little finger supporting the rounded base. The handle edge above the first groove is pointed and a bit sharp if you hold it wrong. It's not sharp enough to break the skin but it is a bit uncomfortable.

The handle tightens securely, the shaft going completely through the top cap, and holds the aligned blade snugly.

I would prefer to have more groves on the bar guard but that was no real problem for me. During the first pass there was build up in the lather slots which took a bit of water to clear. I attribute that to the thickness of my lather. On subsequent passes I added a little more water to the brush tips and no more build up.

There was little blade feel but audible feedback was evident. The Evolution was very comfortable during the shave and easily maneuverable.

After the first pass I could tell I was going to get a very good, close shave. With minimal cleanup and no weepers or irritation I had one of my most effortless BBS shaves.

I didn't find the Evolution to be aggressive at all but do think it is quite efficient. I will be using different blades in the razor, including a Feather and Kai; that might change my mind about its aggressiveness.

To me the Asylum Evolution is an excellent razor. I'm very happy to have one and plan to use it often.