Gentlemen’s Review – Bevel – Bevel Shaving System


BevelFor better or for worse, the contemporary gentleman has been afforded the indispensable luxury of convenience. As we must stubbornly recognize our modern societal environment, we have been conditioned to accept that life is decidedly hurried. Every facet of life is now burdened with the absence of time. Thus, natural routines are now subjected to increasingly narrow time constraints. Our method of communication, the manner in which we prepare meals (if we even prepare meals at all), how we get dressed, and how we groom – it has to be swift, uncomplicated, and painless. At least, that is how our psyches have been molded to accept as fact.

So, speaking of said grooming, let’s examine the delicate art of it by way of sharpened blade, affectionately known as shaving. With each successive year, today’s gentleman is seductively bombarded with an array of new & improved razors that promise to deliver the closest and most comfortable shave known to humanity – in less time. More and more blades. Blades empowered with a lubricating strip. Blades that artfully pivot up & down, and now side to side. Blades that surprisingly vibrate during shaving. The gentleman’s razor has been equipped with a bevy of bells & whistles required to get him in and out of the bathroom as swiftly as possible, with the least amount of blood spilled as possible. Now, every gentleman has a preference, and with so many unproven promises monopolizing commercial airtime between games of the week, it really is a toss-up to determine which company adheres to its claims.

IMG_2251The package has arrived – nice and clean presentation

So, that brings us to the company at hand today – Bevel. Bevel promises a shave that will reduce razor bumps and grant the gentleman smoother, irritation-free skin. Okay, let’s back up a little. What is Bevel, and how is their shaving game better than the rest of the field? Well, Bevel is a flagship brand launched by Tristan Walker, founder and CEO of Walker & Company. Bevel is targeted at gentlemen of color who are vulnerable to skin irritation and unsightly razor bumps. Now, despite its glorious claims, the modern multi-blade razor possesses the reputation of cutting a gent’s hair beneath the outer surface of his skin. And if he is said gentleman of color, he perhaps has coarse, curly hair that is prone to grow back at an angle beneath the skin, or it may become trapped inside the follicle itself. The result: ugly razor bumps. Truthfully, you don’t even have to be a gentleman of color to be afflicted with bothersome razor bumps. If you have sufficiently curly hair, you may be vulnerable to ingrown hair. Moreover, when you add in the fact that you are hitting your skin with not one, not two, not three, but as high as four blades – skin irritation should not be unexpected. Enter Bevel and the reintroduction of the single blade safety razor.

IMG_2255The vintage double-edged safety blade – the adventure commences…

Now, in the interest of fairness, the single blade safety razor is not a new invention, as it dates back to the late 1800s. Nowadays, it is somewhat of a gentlemanly novelty. Nevertheless, wielding a single blade safety razor demands an adequate amount of both skill and time. So, through the years with each progressive reinvention of the razor, the necessity of time and skill has been greatly reduced. And since we seem to acknowledge that our lives are a bit hurried nowadays, the multi-blade safety razor allows us to pop in and out of the shower, hacking and whacking away at our face – which is probably the most delicate area of anywhere on our body. Bevel wants you to slow down, properly prepare your skin for the shave ahead, and employ the services of a single double-edged blade for your grooming needs.

Bevel KitSplit level boxing – nice sophisticated touch

The Bevel experience starts with a 6 piece starter kit: priming oil, shaving brush, shave cream, safety razor, blades, and restoring balm. If you are a shaving novice, here is a quick and dirty breakdown of each component and its function.

  • The safety razor – the grooming tool of choice; a heavy, sturdy piece of metal consisting of a smooth handle and rectangular head. The Bevel emblem marks the cap.
  • Priming oil – designed to moisturize the skin, soften the hair, and create a smooth, lubricated surface so the blade can effortlessly glide across the skin without skin-inflaming friction.
  • Shaving brush – designed to gently exfoliate the skin and lift hairs away from the skin so the blade can slice right through.
  • Shave cream – also formulated to lift up hairs, hydrate & moisturize the skin, and create a sufficient enough barrier (lather) between your face and the blade for reinforced protection.
  • The blade – empowered with a sharp enough edge to seamlessly slice through hair without pulling or tugging.
  • Restoring balm – soothe and calm irritated skin and restore much-needed moisture to ward off dryness.

If you notice a continuing theme throughout, it would be moisturizing. Seriously, shaving with dry skin is a guaranteed recipe for irritated and inflamed skin. This is why preparation is paramount. The more supple your skin; the better your razor will perform. So, speaking of performance, how does Bevel perform and does it deliver on its guarantees? Well, let’s dive right into the results.

IMG_2260Respect the razor blade, it is definitely sharp, and absent the bells & whistles of modern safety razors, proceed with caution

Upon opening your initial starter kit from Bevel, you will immediately appreciate the quality of the safety razor. Notably heavier than the multi-bladed safety razor you may be accustomed to, this substantial piece of metal will require some mastering. This safety razor consists of three parts: the handle and a head that further divides into a top half (the cap) and bottom half (base plate). The handle unscrews from the head, and the once the top and bottom half separate, the gentleman will be able to insert the razor blade in the resulting space between the two.

If you are subject to clumsy fingertips, the assembly may prove to be cumbersome. And when dealing with fresh, sharp razor blades; the last thing you desire is slicing open a finger much deeper than a paper cut. Nevertheless, treated with the proper respect, a gentleman should not be in any immediate danger of cutting himself. Each razor blade is individually packaged in a waxy paper sheath and housed in a small box. The blade fits neatly on three prongs located on the cap. The base plate is then secured on the bottom by screwing in the handle.

IMG_2257IMG_2258

Tools of the trade

I’ve found that pinching the head with the pointer finger and thumb while unscrewing the handle yields the best results. Once unscrewed, lay the head upside down in the palm, remove the bottom half, and then remove or insert the razor blade – ensuring you are grasping the dull ends of the blade. Once properly assembled; you are ready to shave. Ensure that your skin is adequately softened by either partaking in a shower or pressing a warm wash cloth on the face. Be sure to give your shaving brush a thorough rinse before using, as I observed a dark residue releasing into the water as I soaked the brush in the sink. The priming oil has a fresh, clean fragrance to it. It consists of lavender, olive and castor oil – although it doesn’t feel that oily. A few drops should be adequate enough to cover the surface of the skin. Don’t get too generous with the portions; 1.0 fluid ounce may disappear before you even realize your stock has been depleted. But that is just with the starter kit. Thereafter, if you choose to sign up for the replenishment service, you will be re-stocked with a 90 day supply of product. More on that later. Still – be mindful of how you ration out the goods.

IMG_2262Whip appeal, time to stop spraying gel into your palm and spreading it aimlessly over your face, time to whip it, and whip it good

And now – on to the shaving itself. If you are a rookie in the single blade game, fortunately for you, Bevel includes a small shaving guide to assist you through this new grooming adventure. Prime both your razor blade and shaving brush by soaking them in hot water; five minutes will suffice. After placing a dime sized amount on your shaving brush, vigorously whip up a lather in the dedicated areas to be shaved. The shaving cream is serviceable. The lather holds up better than your standard shave cream one might find on a shelf at Target. However, if you plan on making another pass (highly probably) with your razor after your initial stroke, the reapplication of the shave cream will definitely be necessary. Now, without the assistance of a head that pivots or a lubricating strip, here is how you utilize the Bevel safety razor: Place the head of the safety razor perpendicular to the face, slowly tilt the razor downward until the blade touches the skin, and then shave with the grain.

Now, of course, the key here is to take your sweet time. Again, a gentleman cannot rush himself – respect the blade. Afford yourself sufficient enough time to maximize your shaving experience. Allow the blade to perform its required duties, no need to add unwarranted pressure. By changing your razor blade weekly, you will be granted the sharpest shave every time, so you won’t need to press hard to achieve a smooth shave. Allow the weight of the razor to be your guide. I know many gentlemen that use the same razor blade cartridge for months and months, which is not only unsanitary, but the dullness of the blade persuades you to press harder to achieve that close shave. Your face wasn’t designed for that type of abuse. With Bevel, the blades are plentiful, so don’t be shy about changing blades weekly. This type of shave can certainly be intimidating and will definitely feel different. My first attempt, I slightly nicked myself. Nothing band-aid worthy, but I fully understood I was working with probably the sharpest blade I have ever used. Rinse your blade thoroughly after each stroke, remembering to alternate between using both sides of the blade. Rinse off any excess lather, pat with cold water to close the pores, and then pat dry.

IMG_2264Win the war against ingrown hairs and skin irritation – prepare and treat your skin accordingly

Finally, the restoring balm is recruited to sooth and repair the skin. Although I avoided a blood bath in my bathroom, my skin did feel “warm” during my shave. If you maintain a moderately thick beard, I would definitely suggest cutting away the growth with a pair of hair clippers before recruiting the safety razor. Now, the restoring balm really does calm any irritated skin. It smells terrific, and the medium consistency is great for application and absorption. Between the priming oil, shaving cream, and the restoring balm – the balm is the probably standout amongst the group. The former two perform their functions without any fireworks, but it is the latter that wins here. After shaving, I did not have any issues with razor bumps, or did I cut open my carotid artery. All in all, the Bevel shaving system is a great introduction to shaving with a safety razor if you have never used one before.  And now, we going to venture into the cost of it all.

Bevel is a subscription service – meaning a gentleman will have to sign up to receive product for determined length of time. To get started, a gentleman will pay $59.95 for a starter kit. After 30 days, you will receive a 90 day replenishment, billed at $29.95 every 30 days. Shipments can be paused at any time. So, now a gentleman has to make a decision. A representative from Bevel assured me that the cost of the Bevel service is comparable to what one might pay for your standard multi-blade razor and shaving cream at an over-the-counter store. Nevertheless, Bevel is asking for much more than a monetary sacrifice for smooth, bump-free skin. What Bevel is requesting could be as foreign to a gentleman as the safety razor itself – commitment. In an effort to prevent or rid your skin of razor bumps; are you committed to granted yourself required time for your prep and shave? And, sorry, we can’t be so negligent not to really ask, does your grooming needs warrant the price-tag of $29.95 per month?

IMG_2266Look – it even arrives with a manual for rookies

For an average gentleman of average means – it could be. The starter kit could get you well on your way. The decision to proceed is ultimately up to you. Personally, I hope Bevel ultimately opens an online store to distribute their product. I believe a gentleman would be more apt to purchase products a la carte if presented the opportunity. The starter kit could remain an option, but the grooming accoutrements could be procured as needed. In closing, if you have sensitive skin that is prone to ingrown hair, Bevel could be worth the cost – in time and money. Honestly, my preference has greatly shifted towards the single blade safety razor. The shaving experience is superior to the multi-blade alternative, and I would be remiss if I didn’t endorse the vintage feel of the single blade safety razor. It may sound silly, but I felt a hint of pride while shaving. The preparation. The shaving. The post-shave treatment. This type of shaving demands patience and a steady hand. So, yes, there exists a level of pride in the finished work you see in the mirror.

Final Observations

Pros

  • Strong, sturdy metal design with a nice ergonomic balance for handing
  • A plentiful stock of extremely sharp razor blades that guarantee a clean, close shave for a very long time
  • Restoring balm has a great consistency that spreads generously and readily absorbs into the skin
  • The vintage shaving experience delivers an old-school feel that doesn’t irritate or inflame the skin
  • No issues with ingrown hairs or bumps thus far – skin remains clear
  • Very minimal nicking, but that should be reduced as one gains experience with using a safety razor
  • The priming oil, shave cream, and restoring balm all have fresh, pleasant fragrance
  • Arrives with a detailed shaving manual

Cons

  • The subscription service and cost may deter some gentlemen from fully committing
  • The shaving cream needs some bolstering to produce a richer lather that lasts longer
  • Quantity of product – if a gentleman gets overzealous in the application of the priming oil or shaving cream, he may deplete his supply prematurely

If you are ready for the single blade safety razor experience, check out Bevel HERE and see if it is right for you.

IMG_2268Happy shaving gentlemen

 

 

93 responses

    • I really dig the single blade action, and I applaud Bevel for reintroducing the safety razor to this generation’s urban collective. But I’m afraid the subscription service is going to force me to the sidelines for now.

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      • I didn’t like the subscription aspect either, but they say you can opt out at any time. Nonetheless, when I opted out, I received several emails requesting up-dated credit card information from me so that they could continue to send me monthly materials and claimed that I had initially ordered additional materials. I tried to clarify that I did not want to be part of their subscription program and had not ordered additional materials but it still took a while before they stopped pestering me with nonresponsive emails.

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      • Hi Robert! As noted at checkout, each 3-month bundle has 3 monthly payments, so we do ask that you complete payments on bundles you’ve received. There is not fee to cancel and we get you closed out upon request immediately!

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      • Agreed. The subscription service preys on people who forget to cancel the service. Their payment structure is deliberately vague and confusing.

        I would recommend buying a better kit on amazon and saving the money and hassle.

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      • I thought I was free of these jerks, but they found a way to keep charging my credit card even after I had emailed them that I did not want to subscribe, even after I changed my card number. Do not give your credit card number to these crooks!

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      • Apparently some companies have an agreement with Visa and Mastercard that presumes a change in card number is due to a lost card and they give the new card number to the vendor so a subscription will not be interrupted. Bevel used this to start my charging my credit card again six months after I had told them in writing that I did not want to be part of their subscription service. They don’t take ‘no’ for an answer and will not respond to emails in an honest manner.

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      • I bought the Bevel razor for my son. After a few weeks he decided it wasn’t that good to warrant the cost and called to cancel. First, you never get ahold of a person when you call – you leave a message and they call back – but if they can’t reach you, they won’t call again and you start the process over again. That was in December. They went ahead and sent the next shipment and we emailed and they said to send back the box and they would refund. You had to do this within a short amount of time, so I spent $15 to send it back, but in the meantime kept charging me every month for the subscription. Finally in July, they refunded me, but not the original shipping, so I paid $21 dollars to get the subscription cancelled! Never subscribe to these places – service is TERRIBLE!!! And in this case, the product was just NOT good enough.

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      • Yeah, $30 dollars a month?? Call me frugal but a solid brass safety razor (circa 1930’s) from a flea market for $10 and a boars hair with gel cream has worked well for me for decades. Not to mention the razor looks way cooler than this one.

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  1. That was a very good article Glen. I have yet to use a razor of any sorts on my face in close to 25+ years of either going to the barbershop and.or doing it myself. I’ve always used my Andis or an electric shaver on my face or neck. Even my barber for the past 15 years only use the straight razor to shape me up (line up). Other than that, I am a bit nervous to use a razor on my face or neck. Again, thanks for the evaluation of the Bevel razor and yes, we men are always looking for a way of a faster, cleaner, less irritating shave with no razor bumps.

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  2. Product is pretty good. But, the website seems to purposely leave a big hole where you’d think there’d be a much more straightforward explanation of the pricing structure, what you get for your money, etc. You really have to dig to piece it all together.

    And once you’re a member, it’s not so much that they have bad customer service –– their customer service is non-existent. You call in, sit on hold until you leave a voicemail, and then you may or may not get a single call-back a day or two later. I’ve been trying to cancel for a few weeks now, but have been unable to do so because no one answers when I call. It’s pretty ridiculous that you can’t cancel the membership online –– but again, likely another hole in the site that was left there on purpose.

    This all seems like one big gimmick to me: nice-looking marketing and packaging, for what you can essentially get at a boutique, Nordstom’s or the like, and without a membership that you can’t cancel.

    Not impressed.

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    • Hey Greg, please let me know if you have any other questions on pricing or your cancellation. Please note that we have a 1-844 number, not 1-800. We can be reached at 1-844-442-3835. Our average response time is under 24 hours for nearly 100% of our phone calls. Additionally, you can also always shoots an email to support@getbevel.com if that’s more convenient for you.

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  3. I too was pretty excited to try out the Bevel system after years of having to use the Andis for my face and neck area. I’ve tried other razors in the past but the result was always the same, razor bumps and constant irritation. I’ve had my Bevel for just over a month now and the first couple of shaves weren’t as bad as with your normal multi-blade razors, but by the end of the first week, I was starting to notice razor bumps. By the end of the second week my neck area constantly felt irritated and with bumps (not super bad, but enough to cause constant discomfort).

    I was considering canceling about 2 weeks in but then tried to change up how I was shaving, less pressure, shorter strokes, all the the suggestions on their support site. I’m not a little over 2 weeks past that point (just over a month total with the system) and I have to say that the results are still the same and I’ll be retiring it and going back to the Andis. The products seem to be of very good quality and the restoring balm is very good, but it can only do so much after constantly trying to adjust the way I shave.

    As for their service, they were super fast to get the razor to me but when looking on their site to cancel it only tells you to call the number listed. Like GregAdams2 said, you have to do some digging to figure out what’s really going on with their pricing structure. This is a major red flag for companies in this day and age and I regret doing business with companies like this that hold customers “hostage” at trying to cancel a service that for whatever reason just doesn’t work out. Would I recommend the razor to anyone that doesn’t get razor bumps or have as sensitive skin as I do, absolutely because it is a very well made set of products. It just doesn’t work for me and for that reason, I should be able to end my subscription hassle-free online. I’m a student web developer and I know how this stuff works and it’s possible just like many of the other services I have used easily implement the cancellation features directly into their sites. This is done purposefully on Bevel’s part and it’s obviously a business decision they have decided to go with because it is clear that they have a stunning team of web developers working behind the scenes. All of their stuff is top-notch for their site across all devices and account management.

    I like many others have extremely busy days and just the fact that I must now try and find time during my lunch break in the middle of the week to call in and possibly hear someone interrogate me on why I don’t want or need the service anymore is just bad business. Anytime someone asks me about the Bevel razor, I’ll be forced to throw this caveat at them so they know what they are getting into just in case it doesn’t work for them. Liked the product, just didn’t work for me due to the irritation. Don’t like how you have to go through the cancellation process, which seems totally out of sync for how the company does everything else. I’ll try to post an update after I manage to get the cancellation to go through this week.

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    • Thanks for the detailed insight. I am sorry to hear that you still experienced irritation. And again, I am wishing that Bevel move to a a la carte type site. The subscription service could a turn off for guys, and with the service that you are describing, men may be even more hesitant to sign up. On another note, have you tried Tend Skin. Your skin may be really sensitive. You can visit their website and request a free sample and see if it works for you. The smell is really strong, but I’ve had some success with it.

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      • Thanks for the heads up on Tend Skin. I just ordered the free sample and will give that a go before I fully retire the use of a safety razor. Hopefully that helps as I really don’t want to go back to the clippers. I’ll keep you posted on the Bevel subscription cancellation.

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      • Update: I was able to get ahold of Bevel support last week, but as stated by another poster, I was prompted to leave a voicemail. I did so and immediately tried to see if I could do the cancellation through the chat option on their website and within a minute I was talking to someone who was able to help me out. It was fairly straightforward, but they did try to come at me with the are you shaving you face the correct way with the grain stuff and offered to help me map my grain, to which I replied and assured them that I know how to follow the grain.

        I had a remaining balance for the next shipment that was actually processed on my account the week before and was currently in transit and I had 3 options, 1) Keep the product when it arrived and finish the billing cycle, 2) Pay the balance right then for the product in transit, or 3) Return the box once it arrived and receive a refund for what was charged to me the week prior and also cancel the remaining balance. I went with option 3 as I was in no rush or hurry to get the money back. The box arrived this weekend and I’m sending it back tomorrow.

        On another note, I received my free sample of Tend Skin as well as free samples of their shave gel. All I have to say is that stuff is amazing! The shave gel is unbelievable as well! I got a much closer shave, my face was softer and there was virtually no irritation at all. The shave gel doesn’t lather at all and you just put a thin layer on your face and all you have to do is just rub your face with some water and it instantly creates a new layer. It’s crazy and works extremely well. Those were the kinds of results I was hoping to get with Bevel but that wasn’t the case as I got razor bumps from it. I’m ordering the full size bottles of both the Tend Skin and their Shave Gel and will just use that along with the Bevel safety razor from here on out. Thanks for the recommendation!

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      • Sorry for the DELAYED response. I’m redesigning the site, so I’m trying to burn both ends of the candle here. I’m glad you found some resolution to your issue. I’m also glad that the Tend Skin is working out. I’ll have to try the Tend Skin shave gel. Does it have a strong smell as well? Again, thank you for your detailed experience with Bevel on the customer service front. Much appreciated.

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    • It is very difficult to cancel. I cancelled in January and it is end of May. Just realized I am still getting charged. Come on Bevel, are you that hard up for money..?

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      • Hey Robyn, as Randy Davis mentioned in his comment, we definitely aim to make the cancellation process quick and simple. This definitely shouldn’t happen. Please shoot me a note directly with the email address for your account if you are still having any issues at all, glad to help!

        jaimel

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  4. Glen, do you think it would be possible to insert other DE blades into the Bevel razor if one canceled the subscription? Would an Astra Platinum double edge safety blade fit it?

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      • Glen, I’ve already decided I’m going to return the Bevel kit when it arrives today. Instead, I did some digging around and built my own single blade shaving setup via Amazon, largely in part due to the experience “TheRandyDavis” described above and my intrigue with the Tend Skin shave gel. I’ve been using Tend Skin’s Bump treatment for years and it was the first breakthrough I ever had with ingrown hairs, so now I’m gonna go into my second attempt at shaving (tried once in college with a multi-blade and the worst razor bump outbreak of my life) with their gel and see where I net out. I’m advancing in my career and a clipper shave just isn’t cutting it close enough to suffice anymore. I applaud Bevel for bringing single-blade shaving to my attention, but their business setup is a non-starter: I would gladly show some love and buy their razor and blades a la carte, supplemented by 3rd party balms and gels.

        As is, based on my research (much thanks to you, sir), I’ll be returning their product unopened.

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  5. I have had a problem with the “bumps” for years 40 to be exact. Have recently tried Shea Moisture products. Did not work for me. Glad to read the honest reviews on Bevel. I would love to support the brother but I’ve been disappointed to many times. Maybe I’ll try his next venture. The research I have done is leading me to look into Tend Skin which I never heard of. It is really hard to get un-hyped reviews of most products today.

    ……..Peace and Power

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  6. I enjoy using the bevel products. It is a lot better than other shaving products I have used. The thing I do not like is that you have to apply a generous amount of shaving cream to the brush in order to get a good lather and my brush handle broke the second day I got it and it is constantly shedding. I did not apply a lot of pressure either. But I will say, it is the closest shave I have ever gotten, and it is worth the money. It is definitely a better product that your gilette from walmart.

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  7. The Product is good, but be aware, that with the promotional price with $30 off for the first purchase you will be automatically signed into the subscription.Not very explicit at the time of first purchase and easy to overlook.
    If you will decided to cancel it – you will be charged $60. Again, good product – terrible marketing and pricing policy. There are a lot of other products on a market which are not trying to get you in this way.

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    • Hey Sergey, that promotion is indeed for our membership as stated on the order form, but we do have a one-month gift bundle option as well that you can order without a subscription.

      However, if you do purchase a 3-month bundle under our membership, we would need you to pay for months 2 and 3 as well. We ship a full month supply and break the payments down into 3 budget friendly installments. Also, this option is deeply discounted! Our membership bundles are about the same price as the non-membership gift bundle, but you receive 3 times as much product 😉

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  8. I’ve been using single blade safety razors for a few years now. I ordered my first one off Etsy and it was a 1950’s Gilette. Then I switched to a Merkur which is lovely. This Bevel does look nice. I could see myself trying it out or gifting it for a friend.

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  9. I haven’t ordered Bevel yet, but I can say that I do use a razor from Sally’s with their single blades, use coconut oil and it actually works good. The razor is between $11.00 and 13.00, and the blades that are comparable to the Bevel are around $3.00 after tax. Those blades can be used on most razors like the one Bevel has created. The next level up would be the one razor from the Art of Shave which starts @ $55.00 and the blades can be used on most razors. This I know because the blades I bought from Art of Shave works on my Sally Razor. I like most on the brothers have used the traditional electric razors etc. Andi’s Wahl etc. It takes time for the skin to adapt to the single blade razor, but I You Tubed wet shaving, and now I can get clean shaves with out bumping on. With that said, I just saw the Bivel add in facebook several times and decided to check it out. For one the very concept of black men using single blade is a best kept secret, whether it’s Bevel or not. But like most brothers, they’re like nah, I’m good I’m not putting a razor on my face etc. With time your face will adapt, but there is a method to the madness. This method of shaving also is the best kept method of shaving, that keeps money in your pocket, and gives you a quality shave. I would say for those who aren’t informed on the method of wet-shaving look at you tube tutorials. I stopped using Mach 3 years ago, and get a better shave just using the razor and blades from Sally. I was going to try the art of shave blade for $55.00 and then get all the blades from wherever. But I will try Bevel first, I’m sure the shaving gel works good, smells good and all, but I use straight organic coconut oil, to shave with when I get out the shower for best results. So yes I personally don’t even by or no longer have to buy shaving cream or gel no more. Bevel has the right idea, concept and has room to grow and improve. I mean when Gillette Mach 3 first came on the scence in 97, it was better than most, but still needed improvement. It from Mach 3, to Mach 3 Turbo etc, so Bevel representative or owners, if you reading this keep sharpening your brand it’s just the beginning!!! My bottom line is wet shaving is the way to go for black men, your skin will adapt to the razor, and stay smooth, you save a lot of money Bevel or not. The shaving industry got it right the first time with the single blade method, but had to d something different to make money, thus all the marketing the shaving gels the triple blades etc. It’s like the makers of the first set of tires, way back when coming up with something that doesn’t go flat or wear out until a year or two. It’s the same way for this method of shaving. Keep on improving your product Bevel, may your blades beat out the competition

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  10. Gentlemen –

    Has anyone tried the Bevel razor to shave your head? I’ve been looking for a good razor to shave my head, and I’ve been hearing about Bevel, but the sticker shock has given me a slight pause. I’ll DEFINITELY be looking into the TendSkin however…that seems to be a good product!

    Happy shaving!

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  11. I do not see a reason to subscribe to any service. There are plenty of whet shaving forums where one can read on the myriad of excellent DE razors out there, the blades, the brushes the creams the aftershaves etc. $30-$70 will get you a superb razor, $15-$50 gets you 100 razor blades that will last almost 2 years.

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    • Hey Stefan, there are definitely tons of shaving products out there! I’ll just note that for just under $90, Bevel provides you with not just a superb razor and blades, but 3 months of great products to go with it. Definitely worth a try for some as you can cancel anytime!

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      • It takes less than one minute to cancel actually. That’s important to us. To keep things budget friendly, each 3-month bundle has 3 monthly payments…this is noted at checkout. So you can either let those payments process over the three months or pay your balance in full when you cancel, we aim to be as flexible as possible with your payments!

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  12. I signed up for this product and got caught in their billing and shipping SCAM. I told them in an email I didn’t want it anymore, they said tough you have 2 more billing months. Fine, but then instead of cancelling me, they kept shipping it and BILLING ME FOR 3 months more!!!

    Now they are like “we told you it was going to resume in Jan…” – WHAT?!?!?!? I cancelled it, then they needed me to confirm that I cancelled it AGAIN in order to cancel it.

    WHAT A ^%#@#$^^% SCAM!!! Product it over priced anyway.

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    • Hi BN, I’ve taken a look at your account and I see that you set up a one month pause on your account. As noted during the pause process, this delays your next shipment buy one month, but doesn’t cancel your membership or void any payments you owe on product we’ve already sent you. Your membership was actually canceled as soon as you made the request with a discount on your remaining balance. If you still have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to shoot us a note, we’d be glad to help out!

      Like

  13. This company’s pricing structure is obtuse and opaque. I hope that people read this blog and the comments before signing up.

    Like

    • Happy to help here! As noted at checkout, Bevel membership bundles are sent in 3-month quantities. We send a 3-month bundle every 3 months unless your shipments are paused or canceled. Bevel is $29.95 per month so each 3-month bundle is paid for in three monthly payments of $29.95 (plus $6.95 shipping is added to your first payment) for a total of $89.85 plus shipping per package. Splitting up the payments keeps things budget friendly and our members enjoy the connivence. Moreover, sending quarterly cuts down on packaging and shipping costs. Hope this clears things up for you, let me know if you have any other questions!

      Like

  14. I started using the Bevel kit over 6 months ago. Initially, the product seemed great. It gave a smooth clean shave and I even emailed into the company commending them for having developed such a great product. However, gradually over time, I started to notice that my facial hair was growing back much quicker than had been previous to using Bevel. It went from requiring a once a week shave to a mandatory every 2 to 3 day shave. Then after about 2 months, I notice strange bumps and irritation that I had never gotten using store shaving products. The bumps and irritation have gotten so bad that I contacted the company this week to cancel the subscription. While doing so, the company rep inquired to the reason that I was canceling and when I informed her of the issue she suggested that I shave everyday instead of every three days. SMH

    Therefore, it is my belief that this product possibly has an ingredient that accelerates hair growth, which as a result helps the company to sell more products. This may explain the reason that they recommend that you shave everyday and not do so based on your normal shaving pattern. Also, as it relates to the specially engineering razors and or formulated cream is nothing more than a marketing gimmick. In summation, I am pissed that I have never had these problems before, but only got them when I decided to give a new product the benefit of the doubt.

    That said, I strongly recommend you stay clear of this product and warn everyone of the issues associated with it, so that you wont waste your money, time or precious skin with this product.

    Like

    • Hey Rocky, I understand you’ve canceled, but we’d still love to help out wherever we can! A few things here: we suggest shaving everyday or every other day because for some, once the hair grows longer and starts to curl, it can grow into the skin. Many guys will tell you that they just aren’t able to skip shaving for more than a couple days without irritation…but of course, everyone is different. That said, whatever cadence is best for you is just fine with us! For this reason, we give our customers the option to pause their shipments to work through product at their own pace.

      Additionally, if you were cutting your hairs beneath the skin before you started using Bevel, that could explain needing to shave more often. The Bevel razor was designed to cut right at skin level. Though cutting the hairs beneath the skin allows us to shave less often, it leads to ingrown hairs for most of us. If you aren’t prone to this issue, cutting the hairs beneath the skin is possible and acceptable with Bevel.

      Lastly, we do not have an ingredient in Bevel that would accelerate hair growth…..something like this would definitely be great in haircare products if feasible though!

      Let us know if you have any other questions, always happy to help! support@getbevel.com

      Like

  15. I’ve been wet shaving for over 2 years now, and it seems like the price of the Bevel system is severely over-inflated. You can get excellent natural artisan-made soaps, creams, and aftershaves for a fraction of the cost. Also, there are many other sites that sell good DE razors and brushes for much less. Lastly, if you are shaving with a DE, you MUST, MUST, MUST try different brands of blades. Every blade is different- in terms of sharpness, and the angle of the bevel. Therefore, since everybody’s skin and hair type is different, there is no “one size fits all” solution. You need to try various blades to find the one that works for you.

    Personally, I use a razor that cost less than $30, a $10 brush, $8 soap, and a $4 aftershave. My 100-pack of blades was $15 (2 year supply). You do the math, and then see if Bevel is worth the cost. I applaud them for trying to bring awareness for traditional wet-shaving; and their product seems really nice. I just don’t think that it offers any better results, nor the value of my setup.

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  16. Has anyone heard of wizker brush? That’s another fairly new product.
    You can google or look up on youtube. Costs about $10 on amazon. If nothing else it reduces the appearance of the bumps.
    Had stopped shaving and kept a beard for a while. But had to get back to shaving for my job. Hope this helps someone

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  17. I’d love to try it as I have attempted various things before. However I am not the type that shaves year round. I am a football referee and we have to shave during the season, but the rest of the year I pretty much let the beard grow. I am desperate for something different and have grown fearful of razor bumps, but want a closer shave than my Andis T-Outliner will give. I can’t see paying a subscription for something I am not going to use enough to justify it though.

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  18. I just ran into the bevel system online. Quite the interesting read, but based on what I read, this is not a new system at all. I’ve been wet shaving with a double edge safety razor for years now. During the economic disaster, I fell on hard times, relatively speaking. Mutli-blade cartridges are outrageously expensive and I believe they take a little bit of MAN out of all of us, or send us the wrong message. My switch was based on two things, blades cost about $.05, and are 100% recyclable. The second was more emotional, I personally have a distaste for society wanting me to do everything as quickly as possible. We have but one life to live, why can’t we slow some things down and actually enjoy a process? Anyway, that was huge for me, get up 15 minutes earlier, spend some quality time in front of the mirror making yourself feel good. The process quickly involved my son sitting on the vanity watching me and talking to me, which he still does at 6 years old. Not only has it become quality personal time, but quality time with my son.

    I read through the Bevel information as thoroughly as I could, but couldn’t find any difference between them and the multitude of manufacturers that have been selling this equipment for generations. I use an Edwinn Jagger handle, brush and stand, Proraso soap/cream mixture and aftershave splash, Baxter of California shampoo/conditioner, face wash and when I actually do have the time for the 3 pass baby butt smooth shave, I leave the bathroom feeling like a new man. This was not an overnight smooth transition, I would say it took me 6 months to get the hang of it, I have very sensitive skin on my neck that took a lot of practice. But over the years, I think my savings has been in the thousands of dollars. You can also, after practice, get an adequate shave in a single pass for the day, which does not take immensely longer than a multiblade system.

    I highly recommend wet shaving with a double edge razor, although I have not tried the Bevel system, it seems beautifully designed and built. There are a number of websites and blogs that offer literally thousands of alacarte options if you don’t want to be tied down with the auto refill. I encourage you all to check this out.

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  19. Ok I been shaving with every method under the sun for 30 years.
    People always try to sell you that you can beat razor bumps with some type of skin care product. The reality is razor bumps are not of function of the skin but a function of the shaving method. There are only two methods that reduce bumps. Barber trimmers and depilatories.
    Barber trimmers only work because they cut the hair sufficiently above the skin line, so when the hair curls as it grows, the sharp edge of the stubble doesn’t get a chance to break into the skin.
    Depilatories only work, because they eat the hair off your skin chemically leaving the stubble with a blunt edge. So even though the hair is cut too close to the skin to prevent the growth of the hair curl to happen above the skin, because the stubble edge is blunt, it doesn’t break into the skin.
    The downside of trimmers is they cant give you a white collar clean look.
    The downside of depilatories is they chemically burn the skin since the same chemicals that eat off the hair, eat your skin. Because of this you cant use them more than like twice a week. And, because of poor quality control and mixing of the ingredients, you can often end up with a chemical burn and irritation without the hair coming off. Then you still have to use barber trimmers on burnt skin. Not to mention, the depilatory process adds like half an hour to your morning routine.
    Anything that leaves the stubble with a sharp edge close to the skin surface will give bumps, whether a multi-blade, single DE safety razor, or butterfly straight edge. The nappier your hair texture, the worse the results will be. None of the current solutions including this system get around that. If you are very skillful with a 3-4 inch straight edge you can get decent results, but under your chin and on your neck where the skin aint flat, you will still get bumps.
    Most of the bump ointments on the market are alpha hydroxy acid solutions or simply anti-bacterial analgesics. The AHAs like “black opal” work by eating off the top layer of skin chemically releasing the hair from beneath the skin before it becomes deeply trapped (ingrown). The problem with this method is it is hard on your skin and is extremely drying, leaving you with essentially beard dandruff, dead dry skin flaking off your face all day. The simple antibacterials like “bump stopper II” dont stop the bumps they merely attempt to prevent them from getting bigger by reducing the symptoms of infection. “Bump stopper” adds vitamin A to reduce dark scarring after the bump heals. You can get the same results with any topical antibacterial/analgesic. Myself and others have gotten the same results with toothpaste, mouthwash, preparation H, and vicks vaporub.

    I love black owned, but the pricing on this system and their new barber trimmer is suspect. It’s bad enough the black market is underserved, but if you are going to prey on that by taking ridiculous profit margins and markups, then it makes me question the ethics and motivations of your core business. Their trimmer while combining the best features of andis, wahl, oster, and BGRC; is still 179$, while the flagship trimmer from those mentioned is around 50$ So I’m not writing these guys off yet, but since the DE safety razor and the zero gap trimmer are not innovations and have been around for decades, I’m curious what they think warrants these prices. Do your homework.

    Like

    • If you can succeed in avoiding the subscription service, I think the basic starter package is a pretty good deal at $30 for the safety razor, blades, oil, brush, lather, and after shave. The stainless steel and brushed aluminum look of the safety razor and brush are very nice looking.

      Like

  20. I’ve been wondering about this service. Like others, the subscription was the turn off. First off, I have been a wet shaver for several years. I normally use Feather blades and Proraso or C.O. Bigelow cream with my Merkur 38C razor. Shopping around online, one can easily find great blades for less money. Feather is pretty widely known as the ninja blade of double edge blades. I think I paid $40 for 100 which is easily a one year supply, but good blades can be had for much much less. My first year, I bought 100 Crystal DE blades for $12. A tube of C.O. Bigelow cream, which is made by Proraso, at Bath & Body Works can be had for $10 and will last 6 months. One cans also get a puck of Col Conk shaving soap for $5. The razor is a one time purchase. I paid $60 for mine about 5 years ago. Brushes run the gamut from a $15 Tweezerman to a $200 Edwin Jagger Silvertip. My experience even with the Tweezerman has been exceptional. Shave oil for me has been a mixed bag. Surprisingly, my favorite has been Art of Shaving. I’m not normally a fan of their products, but I did like the oil. I don’t always use the oil, because honestly if the cream is good, you won’t need it.

    I say all that to say that I haven’t seen a need to switch to Bevel. I applaud what they have done so far, especially the effort to get black men back to wet shaving. For me as someone who already wet shaves daily, I don’t see a need to switch to a subscription service. I also prefer trying different products to see which one I like best. I have hundreds of blades, soaps, creams, and after shaves to choose from. I never knew how nice a shave with a lavender scented cream could be. Don’t laugh.

    Bevel may be for the newbie to wet shaving, but not for this veteran.

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  21. You’ve got to be kidding me! A silicon valley start up re-purposing something that has been around for 100 years and charging a monthly “subscription fee” for the pleasure of doing business with them. Buy yourself a Merkur single blade safety razor, Merkur platinum coated blades, a good Silvertip badger brush, and an unscented all natural shaving cream from Trumper, or one of the other brands that have been in business for a hundred years and you have the ability to take care of your mug with little recurring cost. Moisturize with a product that’s all natural and shave in the shower and re-moisturize when finished. If razor bumps and burn are an issue, try Tend Skin after shaving, not an ad, I have been using it for over 10 years and have never had an ingrown hair or razor burn.

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    • I agree with everything you said if you have a grade of hair that supports a DE safety razor. I can’t cosign the “tend skin” though. I remember when they first started hawking this in the barber shop. Read the ingredients. It is just rubbing alcohol (antibacterial) + an AHA (exfoliating dead skin beard dandruff) + pulverized aspirin (analgesic). Nothing remarkable or new. Another ripoff.

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  22. After suffering for almost a good couple decades off and on with bumps, my solution was to try traditional wetshaving. I read a ton of informative pages and watched many a YouTube video on technique and products and while my learning of the trade is still in its rookie stages, the results are extremely satisfying.

    All the reviews I’ve read so far, compare this system ONLY to the multi blade method, which is well known to be detrimental to those with coarse, wirey hair. And as much as I’d like to support the cause it would be nice to know how this ‘system’ differs from traditional wetshaving with a good DE safety razor and good prep/technique?

    Especially when you consider the large difference in cost.

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  23. Your face is everything! I personally don’t see anything wrong with the subscription mode, which you can pause or cancel at any time. No company is perfect but what Walker& Co have created for men with curly hair is remarkable. Bevel can now be purchased in Target al la carte so you can quit whining and spiting hairs (no pun) LOL. My face looks beautiful and feels amazing! Those are my words and my wife’s 🙂 #BEVEL

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    • To be fair, straight razors have always been on the market along with products that address ingrown hairs and razor burn. I do give credit to them for establishing their own brand and trying to reach a demographic of men largely ignored by big shaving companies. As for subscription services, if that is your preference, then that is your preference. Some men like to control their purchases and not be hassled with a subscription service. For me, a subscription service is only beneficial if the product itself is lower in price than what is retail in the store. From what I have gathered, only select Target stores will carry the brand, and the ones in my area are not included. All the gentlemen that have commented thus far appear to care about the quality of their skincare and condition of their face – how they arrive at that point is entirely up to them.

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      • To be fair, you are shilling for the company. Your blog, like most blogs on the internet nowadays is sponsored advertising masquerading as social media. This is why it’s so hard to get honest reviews of anything on the internet. Trying to use black owned pride/guilt is only effective if the value added proposition of the core product/service is there. Like I said already, It’s bad enough the black market is under-served, but if you are going to prey on that by taking ridiculous profit margins and markups, then it makes me question the ethics and motivations of your core business. I’ve seen the founder all over business media acting like he invented the wheel. The last video interview he did for Forbes magazine, even with a professional studio makeup team, you can clearly see how bumped up and cratered his face is. Look it up. So if his system doesn’t even work well on him, its clearly not a legitimate game changer as claimed and as numerous people have pointed out. Again just look at his pricing on his barber trimmer vs the competition. Just because you’re paying rapper NAS to hawk it in ad campaigns, doesn’t make it better. Sorry, until proven otherwise, I see just another opportunist, except this time a black one, which is even worse.

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      • This is pretty hilarious. I think my review was fair and honest. But you have a lot of audacity accusing me of being a shill with no proof. Eight years blogging and I’ve never actively looked to wantonly monetize my blog. I have WP.com. To make any money, everyone knows your site has to be self-hosted. I would have to have a WP.org to get paid. Look at my site. Do you see any ads? How many sponsored posts do you see? How many reviews do you see with just a few empty sentences? Where are the vanity shots of me hawking clothes? I was criticized because I DID point out the cost and the fact that it was a subscription service – not to my liking. And now I’m being criticized for being a shill? Man please. My blog is not like most blogs. And if you think so, then obviously you haven’t done your research.

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  24. Ok. I will give you the benefit of the doubt. My apologies for unsubstantiated allegations. I’m just sick of running into that type of thing. Peace

    Like

    • I’m glad I read these reviews as I am no longer interested in ordering this subscription (I wish it wasn’t).

      The price is higher, but the cellular service of AT&T is superior. It’s the customer service and deception that has me searching for a new company (after 7 years).

      It is better to be up front with your consumers; if what I’ve read is true, then Bevel doesn’t sound worth the headache.

      I’ll look into Skin Tend though, so thanks!

      Like

  25. I like the product, but find it leaves my skin more irritated than other products. I sent a request to cancel three days ago – have not heard back from anyone. Tried calling and got routed to a recording to leave a message. If it is this difficult to cancel – I won’t revisit the product again.

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  26. Well i thought about shave system but after reading comments and the fact i ordered the trimmers over 6 months ago and didnt receive them yet..im not taking a chance…Bevel kept pushing back release date..so they finally get release…then they email me and give me a new date after they have been release…but keep pushing that back….as a balck man i will say this is the problem.with black business..you try to support them alot of them will take your money and you get the run around..they even blocked me from making comment on Facebook becauae many of the little people ordered months ago..but all the rappers and larger orders has gotten thiers but they claim it goes on when orders were place…i ordered.in February..now they say ill get them in september..

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  27. I’m going to be new to this shave experience, it’s my hope and desire to look great afterwards,…currently I’m with those other guys, $shave club,my dollars are going black this year!!!

    Like

  28. I’ve been using the Bevel shave system for about a week now and I do enjoy the product. Your review of the restoring balm is spot on, it feels like a face massage in a bottle. I plan to keep the subscription, although it is a bit expensive. I haven’t shaved in 20 plus years, been relying on barbers. However at this point it cost me $30 per barber visit, and my hair grows fast. So if I were to go to the barber every week like I should it would be quadruple the cost of the Bevel subscription. Now to be fair I was not going to the barber no where near weekly, but with this system I now have a clean face daily! I also have two boys so the cost of going to the barber ramps up quickly. The customer service has been excellent for me, however I have not tried to cancel the product so take that with a grain of salt. I also agree with the reviewer that shaving now brings a sense of pride. Before using the system, I honestly was not too concerned about my grooming routine, of course I stayed with proper gentlemen standard hygiene, however for me going to the barber is just a hassle, and shaving with off the shelf products was terrible. I now have a true gentlemen’s standard grooming routine, using a face cleanser from shea moisture for men, along with the Bevel shave system. So I am good with the product.

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  29. I would like to make a complaint I am receiving orders I did not order I am hoping you all did not charge my checking account how I will not or anything else from you all

    Like

  30. Does anyone have a good # for Bevele so I can cancel my subscription, I will reall appreciate it.

    Thanks;
    Thomas Macklin

    Like

  31. Worst subscription plan of them all!! I purchased this for my significant other thinking he would rather enjoy it and possibly I’d borrow the blade as per usual. He found it to be too “fancy” and tune consuming. I enjoyed how it felt after use but not enough for the cost. After repeatedly trying to cancel they literally refuse to accept that the product just wasn’t for this particular man! Every week there is an attempt to charge my card every week I tell the company this isnt a product we want. The trail is not worth it. Run away from this company!!!! We chose Harry’s instead. Overall this is the worst subscription plan in comparison to Harry’s, Dollar shave Club, and Gillette.

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  32. WOW! I’ve been wanting to try this for years now but no matter what blog, fb page or article I read, the whole subscription process seems to be the main focus of the content provided by the users.
    Being someone that has been trying wetshaving fora little while now, $30/mth (USD at that) seems EXTREMELY expensive.

    1. Must you subscribe even with just the starter kit?

    2. Do they accept pre paid credit cards?

    If the answer is no, then I’ll continue with my trusty Edwin Jagger DE89. A great razor for a mild shave.

    Like

  33. I let someone use my account to get this bevel kit, that someone is NO longer around. I need to know a number to call to cancel these payments because I’m a woman I have no need for it and do not wish to keep paying for it. Thanks

    Like

  34. Why not just buy a Merkur? Theyve been producing these since the early 1900’s. I personally use this one.

    I started out with the microtouch a year ago and upgraded a few months ago. I’ll never go back. No subscription.

    Like

  35. Hey Frank,
    I’m sorry BEVEL wasn’t a great fit for you. You can always contact us via:
    Email: support@getbevel.com
    Phone: 1-844-442-3835
    We’re also available via social media @bevel
    Looking forward to hearing from you!

    Like

  36. I picked up the shaving brush at Target a few months ago. It’s the first badger brush I’ve tried and it seems nice. It did lose a lot of hairs though. I thought it’s hair loss would stop after a while but it still drops a hair almost every time I use it.

    Like

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