Redfisher from TSD lent me his Mongoose Alumigoose to try out. It is an outstanding razor. It weighs in at 50g and has an hexagonal handle. The geometry of the head makes it a marvel of engineering. I shaved with it for two weeks, and it delivered flawless results. I even got by with a few one pass shaves. Although cheaper than the original Mongoose, it is still way out of my price range. Then I discovered the RazoRock Black Hawk (RRBH) razor that uses the same type blades. At $33.49 including shipping, I decided to give it a try. It arrived yesterday, and I shaved with it today. Weighing in at 39g, it is 78% the mass of the Alumigoose (AG). It is well built, and I would say that it delivers an equal shave to the Alumigoose at a third of the price. So, I have taken some pictures to compare the two side by side.
The Alumigoose has a slightly longer handle that is 97.7mm to RRBH's 90.6mm. AG's handle is 12.7mm on the flats and 14.5mm on the vertices, while RRBH is 12mm wide on its handle. Both handles are easy to hold and do not slip.
The AG has slots to locate the blade. It is very easy to load the blade. The RRBH uses two posts. It is just a tad harder to locate the blade on the two posts. It is not a real problem as once you get the blade on the posts, like the AG, the base plate easily completes the assembly. Both handles utilize the same threads and are thus interchangeable.
I find that both razors are outstanding modern single edge razors. The RRBH is 20% lighter and only 1/3 as expensive as the AG. It is at a price point that most wet shavers can tolerate, and it delivers an equal shave in my opinion.
