Vikings Blade Chieftain Review

Unsure if the Vikings Blade Chieftain is right for you? Check out our razor database and compare it to other popular safety razors.

The Vikings Blade Chieftain is a highly sought-after twist-to-open safety razor renowned for its design, performance, and quality. Priced a fraction of what other brands command, this razor offers exceptional value for money.

This review looks at multiple aspects of this popular razor, including its style, build quality, performance, and user experience, considering feedback from actual users and analyzing its position in the market landscape.

Style and Aesthetics

The Chieftain safety razor boasts a sleek and elegant design, featuring a chrome finish that adds a touch of sophistication to any grooming routine. The stylish razor combines a traditional aesthetic with a modern twist, resulting in an attractive and timeless look.

Its elegant appearance sets it apart from other razors in the market, making it a grooming accessory worth flaunting.

Simply put, the Chieftain announces its presence with a strong visual appeal that instantly draws the user’s attention.

Build Quality and Durability

Vikings Blade prioritizes high-quality materials and craftsmanship in the manufacturing of their razors, contributing to the Chieftain’s excellent build quality. The razor is constructed from a combination of durable brass and bronze alloy, ensuring longevity.

The twist-to-open (TTO) mechanism remains functional even with continuous use, although it may get squeaky over time. To prevent this, periodic cleaning and lubrication can help maintain optimal performance.

Razor Head and Blade Gap

The Chieftain razor head sports a closed comb shaving head with a wide blade gap. Its unique design, with a specific blade angle and microcomb bar, allows for a moderate yet efficient shave, making it suitable for users already familiar with safety razors.

Beginners may be intimidated by the aggressive design, but with a little practice and proper technique, they can also achieve a comfortable and close shave.

Razor Weight and Control

Weighing in at 2.89 ounces (82g), the Chieftain strikes a balance between weight and control while shaving. Its well-distributed weight enhances maneuverability, allowing for optimal control during shaving sessions. For context, the Chieftain is right in the middle of the weight spectrum compared to other safety razors, providing a pleasant shaving experience for various skill levels and preferences.

Here’s how it compares to other razors:

Razor Length and Handling

The Chieftain’s handle measures 3.75 inches in length, offering excellent control and precision during shaving. Its versatile length ensures a comfortable grip and confident handling for users with varying hand sizes.

Here’s how the Chieftain compares to other razors in terms of length:

Razor Handle Grip

The Chieftain razor handle features a knurled texture, enhancing the grip and preventing slippage during wet shaving. The larger knurled handle blocks accommodate a firm grip, even for users with wet or soapy hands.

User Experience and Shaving Performance

Specs aside, how the Chieftain performs in actual use is critical in determining its overall quality and effectiveness.

Aggressiveness and Shave Quality

The Chieftain boasts a moderate level of aggressiveness, striking a sweet spot for most users. Its aggressive shave may not be suitable for first-time safety razor users, but experienced shavers will appreciate the close shave it provides.

Users report that the Chieftain razor glides smoothly across the skin, delivering a close shave with minimal nicks or irritation. The razor’s balance and aggressiveness contribute to an enjoyable shaving experience, with results comparable to that of a cartridge razor.

The Chieftain razor receives high praise in wet shaving communities online. Users appreciate its build quality, shaving performance, handle grip, and overall experience. The Chieftain is frequently recommended as a reliable and effective razor for experienced shavers. Where the razor appeared to fall short is that many found that they wanted to upgrade not too long after purchasing it. This is likely due to the moderate level of aggressiveness that may not meet the preferences of those who are already accustomed to more aggressive razors.

Razor Blade Compatibility and Accessories

The Vikings Blade Chieftain is designed to be compatible with numerous double edge razor blades available on the market. The razor includes a complimentary pack of 5 Swedish 13C26 steel mild blades, but users can experiment with different blade brands to find their perfect match. In addition, the Chieftain set comes with a leather travel case, making it a convenient option for those on the go.

Warranty, Support, and Country of Origin

Vikings Blade offers a lifetime warranty on the Chieftain razor, demonstrating their confidence in the product’s durability and quality. Customer support is also readily available for queries and assistance.

Vikings Blade is a family-owned company that has been manufacturing wet shaving products for four generations. Their razors, including the Chieftain, are made in China and are produced under strict quality control standards, ensuring a high-quality final product.

Is the Vikings Blade Chieftain Worth It?

The Vikings Blade Chieftain safety razor is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking for a well-designed and reliable shaving tool. Its performance, durability, and user-friendly design—along with its lifetime warranty—contribute to its excellent value for money.

As for pricing, there is much discussion from folks that this razor is wildly overpriced. However, when looking at the current sub $20 price point, it falls well within the range of many popular safety razors on the market. Considering its features, build quality, and the added accessories that come with the Chieftain set, it is certainly a competitive option within its price range.

What We Like

  • Sleek and elegant design with a chrome finish
  • High-quality materials and craftsmanship
  • Moderate aggressiveness, ideal for experienced shavers
  • Good balance between weight and control
  • Complimentary leather travel case and five spare blades

What We Didn’t Like

  • Aggressiveness may not be suitable for first-time safety razor users
  • The twist-to-open mechanism may become squeaky over time

Bottom Line

The Vikings Blade Chieftain safety razor is a top-quality grooming tool that offers excellent performance, durability, and a stylish design. Its moderate aggressiveness makes it a great choice for experienced shavers, while its well-balanced weight and control contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable shaving experience.

Though not ideal for beginner safety razor users, the Chieftain presents a fantastic option for those looking to upgrade their shaving routine or invest in a reliable, long-lasting razor. With its impressive value for money, lifetime warranty, and consistent user satisfaction, the Vikings Blade Chieftain is a standout choice in the safety razor market.

Overall Rating:
6.3

Compare the Vikings Blade Chieftain to other safety razors:

Features Add Product
NameVikings Blade ChieftainMerkur 38CMerkur 34CMerkur 37CMühle R41Merkur 25C
Overall Rating
6.3
6.7
7
6.8
6.7
6.9
BrandVikings BladeMerkurMerkurMerkurMühleMerkur
CompositionBrass and die-cast zinc alloyBrass and die-cast zinc alloyBrass and die-cast zinc alloyBrass and die-cast zinc alloyChrome-plated metalChrome-plated brass and zinc die-casting
GripRigidSwirling GroovesKnurledSwirling GroovesFine chasingKnurled
CombClosed-combClosed combClosed combSlantOpen combOpen comb
Country of OriginChinaGermanyGermanyGermanyGermanyGermany
Blade CompatibilityDouble-edge safety razor bladesDouble-edge safety razor bladesDouble-edge safety razor bladesDouble-edge safety razor bladesDouble-edge safety razor bladesDouble-edge safety razor blades
Number of Blades111111
Number of Pieces122233
Weight in Ounces2.893.922.822.72.252.4
Weight in Grams8211180776468
Length in Inches3.7543.283.253.74.05
Length in Centimeters9.510.168.338.39.410.3
Show More

Buy the Vikings Blade Chieftain from these retailers:

Buy Direct
Amazon
Walmart

About the author:

John Miller is a passionate wet shaving enthusiast, a pastime he has been devoted to for the past 7 years. A veteran of the trade, he has earned the reputation of being an meticulous advocate of traditional wet shaving. When John first got into the hobby, he read and researched the techniques extensively, often trying new blades and techniques, and now has an unparalleled knowledge of the best products, techniques, and tools available.

John is widely respected in the wet shaving community and is a trusted source of advice and reviews. He also contributes to several wet shaving forums, often discussing the finer points of traditional shaving.