Razor wars - iKon Tek versus Gillette UK Tech (2025)

Time for another comparison. This time Tek versus Tech - which is about the only similarity they share: the name has the same ring to it.

iKon Shavecraft Tek

Through my Surlion-friend Glenn @megamac this razor found its way to my home. Allegedly the most aggressive modern razor, or at least top 3. The Tek is made of aluminium, but does seem to have a specific finish or coating on it. It doesn't look aluminium to me at least. In weight of course it does - the head weighs about 24 grams. The Tek comes with a variety of handles and I have used mine with different handles as well. Depending on the handle this razor becomes lighter or heavier, which certainly alters the shave in my experience.

This razor usually comes with a warning of not being recommended for beginners.

Gillette UK Tech

This is the postwar UK version with oval slots. It is all brass and usually comes with an all brass ball-end handle. Gap and exposure were never disclosed by Gillette, but it is somewhere in the regions of .60mm for the gap and slightly positive in exposure. I have fitted the razor with my Lasta Lavender handle as I like the weight distribution better that way. A very good razor usually delivering great results. In my experience slightly more effective that its US counterparts and depending on the blade it is either on par with the prewar Tech or slightly better. I find it also a micron more effective than the UK Flat Bottom at times, but it depends on the day. No matter how you look at this razor, it is a great shaver.

Summary of results

Notes

As we can see the Tek is the more effective of the two, but for this series it came with a price as the Nacet is not the best match for this razor in my opinion. At least not a fresh Nacet. I have shaved with the Tek before this 7-shave-run using a 7 O'Clock blade and a BIC blade and both shaves were really good in terms of facial impact as well as shave results. Is it aggressive? Yes. Without doubt, but aggressive more in the sense of blade feel - which it provides in spades! It is very very effective in what it does, especially using a fitting blade or a slightly milder blade. I have not gone full beast mode yet by loading a Feather, but I will certainly give that a try in the future. Depending on the blade it can be a daily shaver. I have noticed that ATG this razor was a little more challenging providing a more of a scraping sensation - but again the Nacet was not a good fit. I have to add that Nacet and I do not really get along that well. It doesn't even make my top 10 for that matter. It is of course better than average, even for me, but my skin somehow does not like the sensation of this stainless blade. The Comet was also a stainless blade, but way more accommodating to my skin.

In contrast the UK Tech is mild, but not necessarily mild on its own. It is a great, effective daily shaver with very little maintenance as cleaning is super easy as well. So far my experience has been that it takes a variety of blades with similar shave results. As such it is near autopilot, but my sense is that the US prewar is a little more autopilot than this one. Autopilot is something the Tek is clearly not at this point in time and for me and my technique. I am sure this will change over time as I use it more often and try other blades with it. We can also see that the Tech can give the Tek a run for its money in terms of results. So it very much depends on your preference for aggressiveness which one you want to use.

*) the overall FIS score that day was negatively impacted by the Razorine Flatboy - for this comparison I have used a FIS of 8.00 for comparison purposes.

lasta said:

I never would have thought anyone would compare a Tek to a Tech. They are not even the same genus!

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Well, there is always a first. And some sites label the Tek as Tech which isn’t helping either. So I thought why not document the difference!

BigJ said:

Interesting comparison!! Thanks for posting.

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Thanks! And you are welcome.

Shaun asleep said:

Very interesting. Do you happen to know any European vendors that still have this in stock? Cant find any.

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As far as I know, no. This razor is turning into unobtainium in the EU or elsewhere for that matter. Ikon obviously still has them, but they do not ship internationally by default. You first need to contact them. Rasoigoodfellas had them and went out of stock without restocking on them - apparently.

For what it’s worth Shaun, I find the Razorine Flatboy to be in the same ballpark as the Tek.

@Guido75, this comparison was just genius. Love those handles too. Pitting the beast against the gentleman, I was totally kicked reading it. I didn't like the Nacet in it either. The blades I found to work well with it were the Gillette Platinum, the Voshkods and above all the Wizamet Super Iridium. I found the Nacet to be. bit rough in it and the Feather too bitey for my liking, didn't enjoy the shaves with those two blades.

Top Stuff.

megamac said:

this comparison was just genius.

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Thanks Glenn! I have those blades you mentioned, so I will definitely give those a go as well.

@Markdad2 certainly is right about it not being the smoothest shave. Not always at least. I found the pairing with the Comet was excellent. And interestingly enough I find the Tek mild for my head shaves. Go figure.

mfurie2540 said:

Great and interesting post.

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Thank you sir!

megamac said:

I think @Markdad2 was spot on, the IKON Tek for me is often a one and a half pass razor. It somehow makes the current and older R41 seem extremely smooth. Treacherous as it may seem, it is that razor meant for days when you're craving that spirit of adventure. There are days when an Overlander or a DE 89 are what's needed for a drama free shave but there are days when you just want to walk the tight rope with a safety harness. That's where the Tek can be addictive specially once you've got to know the razor well. In my opinion it is one of the finest razors to correct technique or even alter it for the better.

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Indeed. I did really enjoy shaving with it!!!