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I was a casual fan of the original Phoenix Double Open Comb (DOC). My only complaint is that it was too mild and inefficient for my every-other-day shaving habits. I dramatically improved its efficiency by shimming it. Ultimately, I passed on my original DOC to someone who appreciated it without modification. Later, PAA released a higher-end razor of similar design called the Evolution. I never used the Evolution as I imagined it was simply a heavier version of the original (I've since learned it was a very different razor altogether). The Double Open Comb design was briefly used in a 1940s razor, the "Grand Shave King", and PAA sought out to pay homage to this unique tool. Since PAA revived the obscure design, at least two other vendors have churned out their own double open combs. I've not tried them either.
A few months back, I received a surprise package from PAA. It was a prototype of the Ascension with two base plates. The artisan asked I put the razor and its plates through the paces and provide feedback. What he hadn't noticed is that I'd been exclusively using vintage SEs for well over a year at this point. This may have proven my insight more unique as I was a bit rusty with DEs and had even fallen out of favor with them after my enlightenment of vintage SEs. Nevertheless, I was willing to give it a go. While I liked both iterations, one plate was the true winner, and I think the current release Ascension utilizes that very plate design and geometry. Even with only a few shaves under my belt with the prototype, I was sold. No, I won't be selling off all my vintage SEs and injectors, but there's no disputing the remarkable efficiency of the Ascension.
That's right, I said "efficiency". This is a completely different shave experience from that of the original DOC. My personal definition of shaving efficiency is essentially regarding a razor's ability to remove stubble in relationship to the number of necessary passes. Efficiency is not to be confused with "aggression" which, to me, is more about the blade feel and comfort of the shave. Again, this is all my personal perception of the terms, but "aggression" rightfully has a negative connotation. The opposite of aggression is mild. In my mind, aggression or mildness have nothing to do with efficiency, although they often converge and thus incorrect assessments are made.
I find the Ascension to be very mild and comfortable, but extremely efficient at the same time. In my experience, there are very few DEs that can give me a BBS with only 2 passes. The Ascension does this with ease. It's also quite intuitive with an easily found blade angle even as a head shaver.
While I expect there to eventually be a stainless steel version, the current iteration of the Ascension is anodized 7075 aluminum. As a result, it's quite light, but given the handle is made of the same material, it maintains its balance. There's also a bit of drag associated with this type of finish. I actually like this aspect in that it's similar to stretching your skin during a shave. I anticipate others not liking this aspect, so they will probably prefer a polished finish.
The Ascension is touted as being a "twist adjustable" which essentially exploits the amount of play allowed when tightening down the apparatus. However, with other similar 3-piece razor designs, the shape of the base plate means there's only one true setting which is snug. The Ascension's plate, however, torques the installed blade such that it acts as a spring. This effectively makes this final quarter-turn play into a usable range that fine tunes the blade gap and angle without risk of blade movement, misalignment, or chatter. While I know the artisan will take full credit for this "ingenious" design, I can't say if this was just a happy accident or by-design. Regardless, it is a viable adjustment option for those who feel the need to tweak the angle and gap on a minute level. Personally, I just tighten the handle until the whole apparatus is stable (not over-tightened), then I start shaving. I find no reason to make these little adjustments as the comfort and efficiency are just right for me without thinking about it.
As with all PAA products, aesthetics are always considered. The Ascension is no exception. This is an attractive piece for sure. The base plate has been anodized to a dark grey and includes laser etching. As to the asymmetrical aspect of the head, I can't see how it offers any function other than that of conversation. That's actually not a detraction, but rather right in-line with the embedded storytelling that makes PAA products unique.
I still consider myself to be a staunch vintage SE/injector advocate, but the Ascension Twist-Adjustable Double Open Comb Safety Razor has caused me to drop my moratorium on the use of DEs and actually begin restocking DE blades.
