This review is about Lambda Athena.
Introduction
There are times in life when situations arise where you don't quite know how to react. In many cases, these are new situations or surprising events for which you haven't yet found an appropriate response. This is how I feel today as I write this review.
Theodoros Dragonas is a craftsman who has created two razors for his Lambda brand. One is the Ares, and the one I'm reviewing today is the Athena. The Lambda Athena is a razor very different from any other I know. And it has surprised me a lot. A quick summary: it's a razor that contains bronze (I've never owned or used a razor with bronze, much less in an alloy), it's a razor with a closed comb (I prefer open combs, and although it appears to be a closed comb, it isn't really), it's a razor with neutral blade exposure (I usually like razors with positive exposure because I like efficiency), and it's golden, which should give a better shave (I've never used a golden razor, and I think the "better shave" claim is an urban legend). As you can see, there are a lot of unknowns to resolve here. I'm going to take it step by step to see if I can clarify things so I can give a good summary at the end.
Construction
The Lambda Athena is a three-piece razor made using CNC machining from a special alloy. It is a bronze alloy (not brass) with aluminum and nickel. The difference between brass and bronze in composition is that brass contains copper (90%) and zinc (10%), while bronze contains copper (88%) and tin (12%). The resulting alloy surpasses copper in strength, hardness, and durability. For this reason, it is used in foundries, as an electrical conductor, and as an essential material in the shipbuilding, railway, and automotive industries. It is also widely used in the wind energy sector, mining, and metal fabrication. By creating bronze alloys, the material is further specialized for its intended use. Adding between 5 and 11% aluminum to the alloy results in improved wear and tensile strength. It also further enhances bronze's already high corrosion resistance. This makes aluminum bronze suitable for use in the shipbuilding industry. This is due to the thin protective layer that aluminum forms upon contact with oxygen, which protects it from saline elements. Adding nickel makes this alloy even more corrosion-resistant and gives it even greater strength. In short, bronze itself is already a highly suitable material for use in a razor. Adding aluminum (for corrosion resistance and weight reduction) and nickel (for increased strength and corrosion resistance) only makes it more effective.
Length total: 101 mm
Handle length: 95 mm
Total weight: 120 gr
Head weight: 30 gr
Head height: 4.5 mm
Handle diameter: Varies, from 15 mm (widest part and pommel) to 9 mm (narrowest part)
Cutting angle: 30 degrees
Gap: 0,34 mm
Exposure: 0 (neutral)
The razor's finish is simply spectacular. The mirror polish on all parts shines as if illuminated by Helios himself, the god responsible for the sun's movement.
All pieces feature the Lambda logo in one or more places. The handle has the logo and name engraved on its base.
The blade guides feature the Lambda logo on their top surface. When the razor is assembled, these are concealed within the blind holes. In other words, the guides are inserted into the base plate but do not extend beyond it. The underside of the base plate is sealed.
The base plate features the razor's name and profile on its underside, to the left and right of the central hole. It also has an engraved serial number, beginning with the year of production for reference. The Lambda logo, with a different textured background, is engraved on the two short sides. "Made in Greece" completes the information.
The level of detail is very high, and that's just from an aesthetic point of view. But there are also things to highlight in the technical aspects. The head is supposed to have a closed comb, but to me it's semi-open. Why do I say this? The comb of the R41, which we consider an open comb, is similar to the comb of the Athena. The gaps are similar (0.23 R41 vs. 0.34 Athena), although the exposure of the R41 is positive and that of the Athena is neutral. Being a semi-open comb but with a closed base plate, it could cause a problem with the lather since it has no outlet. Theodoros has solved this by using engineering.
The inside of the base plate has two internal channels with outlets (or inlets) on the sides of the razor. These central channels are directly connected to the semi-closed comb, which is simply an outlet (or inlet) to that internal channel. This has two effects. The first is with the lather. When shaving, the lather is drawn in through the comb's openings, passes through the central channel, and exits through the sides without dripping onto your hands. The lather collected at the bottom of the base plate is stored beneath the comb. The second effect is visible when rinsing the razor. You can rinse it through the comb so that two small jets of water and lather come out of the side holes, or you can rinse it through the side holes to avoid the comb. It's a closed circuit that works from both sides. An elegant system that allows for an almost completely enclosed head for aesthetics and protection, yet open enough inside to offer all the advantages of an open, wide comb for easy rinsing. The two central holes reminded me of a story from Greek mythology. During my studies, I studied Latin and Greek, and I had to translate a lot of literature from the great masters. One of the stories was about Odysseus and his return home after the Trojan War. Let me tell you about it.
The Trojan War had ended long ago, and Odysseus had not yet returned home to Ithaca, where his wife Penelope and son Telemachus awaited him. It turned out that Odysseus had been distracted along the way by the Sirens and many other magical beings, while back in her palace in Ithaca, Penelope was at a loss for how to fend off all the suitors who wanted to marry her.
Since Odysseus hadn't returned from the Trojan War, the knights of Ithaca approached Queen Penelope's palace to ask her to choose another husband. But Penelope only wanted Odysseus and was prepared to wait for him indefinitely. Besides, she didn't like any of the suitors even a little. "Odysseus must have died in the Trojan War, otherwise he would have returned by now," the suitors told her. But Penelope knew deep in her heart that Odysseus had not died and that sooner or later he would return home. Time passed, and Odysseus did not return. The suitors grew increasingly persistent, urging Penelope to choose a new husband. So, she had no choice but to give in a little, but being as resourceful as Odysseus, she devised a plan to buy time before choosing a suitor. She was absolutely certain that Odysseus would return someday; all they needed was a little patience. After 20 years of war and his return home (with all its adventures), Odysseus decided to disguise himself to see who his true friends and enemies were, observing his palace before taking action.
At the same time, Penelope tried to buy time and organized a contest to rid herself of the parasites, the lazy, and the mediocre: She would place twelve axes in a straight line, each with a ring, so that, as Odysseus used to do, an arrow could pass through them all. And she confirmed that she would marry the one who handled his bow best, rigged it, and shot the arrow through all the rings of the axes. Odysseus replied that she should not postpone the contest any longer, for her husband would arrive before them and defeat them. The next day, the discreet Penelope addressed the suitors thus: “I propose a contest, you suitors who think only of eating and drinking; I will place here Odysseus’s great bow, and whoever handles it most easily, strings it, and shoots an arrow through the rings of the twelve axes, he will be the one I choose as my husband.” One after another they tried, but no one could even string the bow. Only the strongest remained, Eurymachus and Antinous, when Odysseus revealed his true identity to his faithful shepherd Eumaeus, showing him the scar from a wound inflicted by a boar’s tusks during a hunt. The faithful servant burst into tears and embraced his master. Odysseus instructed him to close the palace gates and hand him his bow, so that he could use it to kill all the suitors. The last two noblemen also failed in their attempt.
Odysseus asked permission to test it. Despite the suitors' objections, Telemachus granted it, sending his mother back to her chambers, for he knew what was about to happen. Meanwhile, Eumaeus ordered Eurycleia, Penelope's faithful servant, and Phytellius, another of the shepherds, to close the palace gates. Odysseus effortlessly strung the bow, took an arrow, shot it, and it passed through the twelve rings.
He carried out his revenge killing them one by one.
Eurycleia quickly informed the prudent Penelope. Penelope went down to the hall and thought she saw a rejuvenated Odysseus, ready to reclaim his throne.
The inner channel of the comb forms a tunnel, like the 12 rings on an axe head. If we count the combs of the razor, we see there are 10, but if we also count the entrance and exit... there are 12. Am I imagining this, or does this razor possess mythological powers?
All surfaces of the head (and handle) are mirror polished. The only two surfaces that are not are the bottoms of the grooves for the guides. There we can see the machining marks.
The Lambda logo is the eleventh letter of the Greek alphabet, lambda. I chose serial number 23-011 to pay homage to that letter. But if we tilt the logo about 45 degrees, we see a "T," for Theodoros? Just another detail of a razor already brimming with things to discover. Extraordinary work. Let's leave the finish aside for a moment and look at the tolerances this razor offers. In this aspect, too, the razor stands out from the rest. The guides have a diameter of 4.78 mm. The holes for these guides measure 4.82 mm. That means there's a 0.04 mm gap. To the touch, there's no gap, and they fit perfectly. The center hole measures 5 mm, the center thread has a diameter of 4.9 mm.
The base plate has a recess on its underside for the top of the handle. This recess contains an additional ring that remains free when the handle is screwed on, giving a sense of added depth.
The central thread offers tight, precise, and robust operation. The reason lies in the thread profile. It uses a more square profile than the pointed ones found on some razors’ threads. This creates a very rigid, strong, and safe connection.
All edges, profiles, and corners are finely rounded, yet none cut or damage the skin. The inner surface of the razor’s head is wide and secures the blade firmly at the ends, resulting in extreme rigidity of the cutting edge, which protrudes minimally from the cap. When the blade is mounted, it protrudes only slightly from the sides.
The teeth of the comb aren't perfectly circular. At their base, they protrude slightly outwards to create a shaving plane where the blade has neutral exposure, but still offers more space to get closer to the skin if desired. The shape this head gives the blade is very similar to that of the Razorock Baby Smooth, and although it doesn't curve the blade as much, it's even smoother. More on its performance in the shaving section later.
Since I mentioned the Baby Smooth razor head, I can say that the Lambda Athena's head also uses a wide curve to provide a relatively smooth cutting angle. The head adds that semi-open comb that gives you some leeway to use the standard shaving plane for a clean, smooth glide, but also allows you to apply some pressure to bring the skin a little closer to the razor blade. It cannot be compared to an open comb because the "teeth" of the Athena are not open at its entrance, but at the center of the comb they have the same characteristics as the comb of the R41 without that positive exposure but with a slightly wider gap. The cap height is 4.5 mm, which gives us a head that can easily reach all those hard-to-shave areas. The well-defined and wide shaving surface also helps in this regard.
Material: 5
Finish: 5
Tolerances: 5
Head/Comb Shape: 5
Total: 20 points
Grip
First, let's talk about how the handle works. Whether wet or dry, there's more than enough grip for a completely safe shave. The friction and texture of the material determine how much grip you can generate.
The handle of the Athena statue has a unique shape. If you turn it upside down, it resembles a Doric column. The Doric order is the most archaic and austere of all the architectural orders, and its name derives from the Dorian people.
It is the quintessential Greek order, which we can find in the iconic Parthenon of the Acropolis of Athens (Lambda ATHENA), or also in the temple of Hera in Paestum.
The more robust and austere the Doric columns we encounter, the older the version we are looking at. As time passed, the style evolved towards longer, more slender columns with greater ornamentation. The Doric style has no base. The columns rise directly from the pedestal with the shaft, composed of robust drums of circular cross-sections. It is fluted along its edges, forming 20 grooves.
The Doric style also has a peculiarity: it knew a thing or two about posing for the camera. Its width isn't constant along the entire column, narrowing in the upper meters. This creates a bulging effect in the central section, making it appear more grandiose.
Its capitals are absolutely austere without any decorative elements or figuration whatsoever; their connection with the upper part of the building is purely structural and functional. The circular sections of the drums are reflected in the rings of the handle. At the top, these rings are interrupted by four flat sections with a different, rougher texture than the polished surface. This texture is comparable to a satin finish.
That same texture is repeated in a thick ring at the bottom of the handle where the ring finger wraps around it, offering more grip.
And if that weren't enough, the pommel is the perfect element to grip between two fingers or to use as a support against your pinky. There's plenty of grip as long as you keep the handle free of foam. With foam on the handle, you have to maintain a grip on the flat parts with the pommel resting against your pinky to prevent this 120-gram razor from moving.
The same can be said about the comfort of the handle. The material feels very pleasant against the skin, and none of the textures or shapes of the handle are bothersome. Quite the opposite, in fact; ergonomically speaking, the flat surfaces and the grooves on the top, combined with the pommel, work very well for both longitudinal and circular movements. With all the different textures and shapes of the handle, the control is excellent. The thicker part allows for very precise corrections without losing control, and the flat sections provide an automatic brake to maintain angles. The pommel works wonderfully to secure the razor in your hand, and in both the upright and inverted positions, the control is outstanding. The head glides smoothly and comfortably. The material accepts the soap very well, forming a layer on its surface that aids in gliding. There's never a vacuum between the cap and the skin, thanks in part to the comb's direct opening.
Dry/Wet: 4
Comfort: 5
Razor control: 5
Head slide: 5
Total: 19 points
Handling
The razor weighs 120 grams, with 30 of those grams located in the head. This gives it a weight distribution of 25/75%. I believe the distribution is closer to 30/70% because the thickest part of the handle (where the most weight is) is near the head. The razor has a slightly tilted balance towards the head. This gives you feedback on what's happening up there but doesn't restrict movement. Being a 120-gram razor, you'll always notice the solidity and smoothness of the shave, and the weight is quite noticeable in your hand.
The three-piece design always requires us to reach close to the head to attach or detach the blade, which always carries a risk of cuts. With this razor, that risk is minimal thanks to the smooth and robust operation of its central thread, the well-defined and textured sides that offer a secure grip, and the fact that the blade remains fixed in the cap when it's attached or detached. The cap's guides are precisely sized and hold the blade securely in place. I usually deduct a point for three-piece razors, but in this case, the design does everything right, and I don't foresee any danger in changing the blade. Cleaning the Athena has two elements. Rinsing, as I explained earlier, is very easy to do and works very well. The mirror-polished finish is also easy to clean. But look at that inside of the base plate.
It's true that it has many holes, but since the rinse system works very well, it doesn't fill up with residue. The only thing we find in here is water. The central channels can be cleaned entirely by simply passing the tip of a cloth through them, and the comb openings are easily cleaned with a soft cloth or towel. They are wide enough to allow for comfortable cleaning. Even so, there are a lot of holes, and the polished finish also attracts the occasional fingerprint. It's one of the few areas where this razor doesn't get top marks.
Balance: 5
Weight: 5
Model/Security: 5
Cleaning: 4
Total: 19 points
Shaving
This razor shaves like a dream.
I'll explain why I say this. First of all, it gives an incredibly close shave. My measure of closeness is the number of passes I need to get a shave I can call the famous BBS. This razor does it in slightly less than two passes, but let's say two passes. The reason I say slightly less than two passes is that each of us has a map and a path on our skin. We make the same movements in the same places to get to the same end. With some razors, you go over one spot but some lather remains, so you go over it again, and maybe again, to get it completely clean. That's all during the first pass. In the second pass, we do the same thing but cutting the hairs in a different direction, sideways for example. The number of passes is never the same for every shave. And then you can do a third pass or touch-ups. With the Athena, by the end of the second pass, I have nothing left to shave. Furthermore, this razor is the best at showing me where there are hairs, or where there are none. For example...
During the second pass, which I do laterally, I also make a horizontal pass on the cheek, the jaw, just below the jaw, and on the neck. First, I should mention that I can perform these passes with extreme ease and efficiency using the Athena. Normally, to finish the pass, I make a few passes from south to north, starting from my neck and moving towards my jaw. When I do that with the Athena, there's no hair left. It's completely silent. You just feel a slight emptiness as the razor passes over your skin. It's incredibly efficient. So, is it a beast that pulls out a blade to shave off everything in its path without discriminating between hair and skin? Not at all. It's one of the gentlest razors I know, yet one of the most efficient. It combines both perfectly. As I mentioned, horizontal strokes are always the most problematic for me, but not with this razor. It's very enjoyable and satisfying to be able to shave comfortably and efficiently. The same goes for under the nose. The head is very easy to position, and thanks to the neutral exposure, you can simply bend your wrist to shave your mustache. You can apply some pressure if you want, without any problem. The chin area is more of the same. Horizontal strokes, strokes from south to north, from north to south—there's always good contact between the head, the blade, and the skin, and never a red spot or trace of irritation. I can even go over my jawline with the utmost peace of mind that this razor provides, thanks to its gentle and protective yet efficient operation.
As expected, the Lambda also had to contend with a Derby blade. And it was like a reunion between old friends. The Derby and the Athena joined forces and gave me a uniquely perfect shave. Like all the other shaves up to that point. With other blades (Treet Platinum, Astra Blue, Rapira Platinum Lux), I'd had perfect shaves. Two passes and that's it. No irritation whatsoever. To test it, I used a lot of Pinaud aftershave this week. Pinauds are known for the harsh sting they can deliver if the blade and razor (or the user) haven't done their job properly. With the Athena, the only thing the Pinauds left me with was a nice aroma.
A razor head with the characteristics of the Athena should be forgiving. The extra curvature, the reduced gap, the neutral exposure, the protective comb, and the wide, defined shaving plane are all elements that protect the skin. This isn't what surprises me about this razor. What surprises me is how forgiving it is combined with how little respect it has for the hairs of this world. It removes everything without mercy, but when it reaches the skin, it becomes a meek lamb. Hair: Cerberus, Skin: Venus.
Efficiency: 5
Head control: 5
Blade influence (Derby Test): 5
Indulgency: 5
Total: 20 points
Quality/Price
This razor is gorgeous. Made by the Greek gods themselves, even if this one's name is Theodoros. And that's not all. The razor comes in a beautiful mahogany box. The name and profile are engraved on the front, and the brand and year of production are on the top. The interior is completely lined with a soft material to prevent scratches. There are also two compartments for carrying two boxes of blades. When you receive the razor, it already comes with two boxes of blades: Astra Blue (which I really like) and BIC Astor, which I've never tried. The razor resting in its box is a picture that speaks volumes.
What kind of reward does this razor offer? It's almost scandalous. We have a razor that works like a charm. It's also made of an exclusive, beautiful, and highly functional material. The design is a real achievement. It shaves like an angel. And on top of all that, it comes in a luxurious mahogany box with two boxes of blades. For less money than you'd pay for razors that don't even come close to this kind of level. I'm speechless at the quality/price ratio of this gem. It's wonderful. The value will only increase in 25 years. I can't imagine Theodoros being able or willing to scale up production to industrial levels. Currently, there are waiting lists for his products, and he only produces a small number of razors each period. The limited supply benefits the owners, not the manufacturer.
I've had several conversations with Theodoros, and he's always told me he'd rather not send anything at all than send something that doesn't meet the highest quality standards he demands of his products and himself. I believe him. Why do I believe him? The reality of his razors tells me that it’s true. Could I live with this razor as my only razor for the rest of my life? It's impossible to give a more resounding YES than on this occasion. I would only regret one thing: if I couldn't use any other razor...like its sister the Ares v2. But that's a story for another day.
Aesthetics: 5
Reward: 5
Value in 25: 5
Single razor: 5
Total: 20
Conclusion
I'm still a bit confused about this razor. It's like when you had a crush on the (in your opinion) prettiest girl in school, and you always felt a little something when you saw her. I'm not in love with the Athena, I'm not that much of a geek, but I have developed a huge respect for how it works. I usually write five pages about the razors I review. I've filled eight pages about the Athena, and I think I've still understated it.
And not only that. Everything behind it—a craftsman who isn't focused on increasing production but on maintaining his exceptionally high level of quality—is extraordinary these days. Call me a romantic, but I believe the world would be a better place if more people were like that: trying to do things to the best of your ability and being proud of it. Well done, Theodoros.
Finally, I can announce that this Lambda Athena has become one of my top 3 razors, and I congratulate it on this well-deserved position. The material, the shave, the whole package—it's a fantastic razor. Yes, it's golden, and it shaves better than those that aren't, but I'm convinced that's not because of the gold. This razor is divine.
Total score: 98
Introduction
There are times in life when situations arise where you don't quite know how to react. In many cases, these are new situations or surprising events for which you haven't yet found an appropriate response. This is how I feel today as I write this review.
Theodoros Dragonas is a craftsman who has created two razors for his Lambda brand. One is the Ares, and the one I'm reviewing today is the Athena. The Lambda Athena is a razor very different from any other I know. And it has surprised me a lot. A quick summary: it's a razor that contains bronze (I've never owned or used a razor with bronze, much less in an alloy), it's a razor with a closed comb (I prefer open combs, and although it appears to be a closed comb, it isn't really), it's a razor with neutral blade exposure (I usually like razors with positive exposure because I like efficiency), and it's golden, which should give a better shave (I've never used a golden razor, and I think the "better shave" claim is an urban legend). As you can see, there are a lot of unknowns to resolve here. I'm going to take it step by step to see if I can clarify things so I can give a good summary at the end.
Construction
The Lambda Athena is a three-piece razor made using CNC machining from a special alloy. It is a bronze alloy (not brass) with aluminum and nickel. The difference between brass and bronze in composition is that brass contains copper (90%) and zinc (10%), while bronze contains copper (88%) and tin (12%). The resulting alloy surpasses copper in strength, hardness, and durability. For this reason, it is used in foundries, as an electrical conductor, and as an essential material in the shipbuilding, railway, and automotive industries. It is also widely used in the wind energy sector, mining, and metal fabrication. By creating bronze alloys, the material is further specialized for its intended use. Adding between 5 and 11% aluminum to the alloy results in improved wear and tensile strength. It also further enhances bronze's already high corrosion resistance. This makes aluminum bronze suitable for use in the shipbuilding industry. This is due to the thin protective layer that aluminum forms upon contact with oxygen, which protects it from saline elements. Adding nickel makes this alloy even more corrosion-resistant and gives it even greater strength. In short, bronze itself is already a highly suitable material for use in a razor. Adding aluminum (for corrosion resistance and weight reduction) and nickel (for increased strength and corrosion resistance) only makes it more effective.
Length total: 101 mm
Handle length: 95 mm
Total weight: 120 gr
Head weight: 30 gr
Head height: 4.5 mm
Handle diameter: Varies, from 15 mm (widest part and pommel) to 9 mm (narrowest part)
Cutting angle: 30 degrees
Gap: 0,34 mm
Exposure: 0 (neutral)
The razor's finish is simply spectacular. The mirror polish on all parts shines as if illuminated by Helios himself, the god responsible for the sun's movement.
All pieces feature the Lambda logo in one or more places. The handle has the logo and name engraved on its base.
The blade guides feature the Lambda logo on their top surface. When the razor is assembled, these are concealed within the blind holes. In other words, the guides are inserted into the base plate but do not extend beyond it. The underside of the base plate is sealed.
The base plate features the razor's name and profile on its underside, to the left and right of the central hole. It also has an engraved serial number, beginning with the year of production for reference. The Lambda logo, with a different textured background, is engraved on the two short sides. "Made in Greece" completes the information.
The level of detail is very high, and that's just from an aesthetic point of view. But there are also things to highlight in the technical aspects. The head is supposed to have a closed comb, but to me it's semi-open. Why do I say this? The comb of the R41, which we consider an open comb, is similar to the comb of the Athena. The gaps are similar (0.23 R41 vs. 0.34 Athena), although the exposure of the R41 is positive and that of the Athena is neutral. Being a semi-open comb but with a closed base plate, it could cause a problem with the lather since it has no outlet. Theodoros has solved this by using engineering.
The inside of the base plate has two internal channels with outlets (or inlets) on the sides of the razor. These central channels are directly connected to the semi-closed comb, which is simply an outlet (or inlet) to that internal channel. This has two effects. The first is with the lather. When shaving, the lather is drawn in through the comb's openings, passes through the central channel, and exits through the sides without dripping onto your hands. The lather collected at the bottom of the base plate is stored beneath the comb. The second effect is visible when rinsing the razor. You can rinse it through the comb so that two small jets of water and lather come out of the side holes, or you can rinse it through the side holes to avoid the comb. It's a closed circuit that works from both sides. An elegant system that allows for an almost completely enclosed head for aesthetics and protection, yet open enough inside to offer all the advantages of an open, wide comb for easy rinsing. The two central holes reminded me of a story from Greek mythology. During my studies, I studied Latin and Greek, and I had to translate a lot of literature from the great masters. One of the stories was about Odysseus and his return home after the Trojan War. Let me tell you about it.
The Trojan War had ended long ago, and Odysseus had not yet returned home to Ithaca, where his wife Penelope and son Telemachus awaited him. It turned out that Odysseus had been distracted along the way by the Sirens and many other magical beings, while back in her palace in Ithaca, Penelope was at a loss for how to fend off all the suitors who wanted to marry her.
Since Odysseus hadn't returned from the Trojan War, the knights of Ithaca approached Queen Penelope's palace to ask her to choose another husband. But Penelope only wanted Odysseus and was prepared to wait for him indefinitely. Besides, she didn't like any of the suitors even a little. "Odysseus must have died in the Trojan War, otherwise he would have returned by now," the suitors told her. But Penelope knew deep in her heart that Odysseus had not died and that sooner or later he would return home. Time passed, and Odysseus did not return. The suitors grew increasingly persistent, urging Penelope to choose a new husband. So, she had no choice but to give in a little, but being as resourceful as Odysseus, she devised a plan to buy time before choosing a suitor. She was absolutely certain that Odysseus would return someday; all they needed was a little patience. After 20 years of war and his return home (with all its adventures), Odysseus decided to disguise himself to see who his true friends and enemies were, observing his palace before taking action.
At the same time, Penelope tried to buy time and organized a contest to rid herself of the parasites, the lazy, and the mediocre: She would place twelve axes in a straight line, each with a ring, so that, as Odysseus used to do, an arrow could pass through them all. And she confirmed that she would marry the one who handled his bow best, rigged it, and shot the arrow through all the rings of the axes. Odysseus replied that she should not postpone the contest any longer, for her husband would arrive before them and defeat them. The next day, the discreet Penelope addressed the suitors thus: “I propose a contest, you suitors who think only of eating and drinking; I will place here Odysseus’s great bow, and whoever handles it most easily, strings it, and shoots an arrow through the rings of the twelve axes, he will be the one I choose as my husband.” One after another they tried, but no one could even string the bow. Only the strongest remained, Eurymachus and Antinous, when Odysseus revealed his true identity to his faithful shepherd Eumaeus, showing him the scar from a wound inflicted by a boar’s tusks during a hunt. The faithful servant burst into tears and embraced his master. Odysseus instructed him to close the palace gates and hand him his bow, so that he could use it to kill all the suitors. The last two noblemen also failed in their attempt.
Odysseus asked permission to test it. Despite the suitors' objections, Telemachus granted it, sending his mother back to her chambers, for he knew what was about to happen. Meanwhile, Eumaeus ordered Eurycleia, Penelope's faithful servant, and Phytellius, another of the shepherds, to close the palace gates. Odysseus effortlessly strung the bow, took an arrow, shot it, and it passed through the twelve rings.
He carried out his revenge killing them one by one.
Eurycleia quickly informed the prudent Penelope. Penelope went down to the hall and thought she saw a rejuvenated Odysseus, ready to reclaim his throne.
The inner channel of the comb forms a tunnel, like the 12 rings on an axe head. If we count the combs of the razor, we see there are 10, but if we also count the entrance and exit... there are 12. Am I imagining this, or does this razor possess mythological powers?
All surfaces of the head (and handle) are mirror polished. The only two surfaces that are not are the bottoms of the grooves for the guides. There we can see the machining marks.
The Lambda logo is the eleventh letter of the Greek alphabet, lambda. I chose serial number 23-011 to pay homage to that letter. But if we tilt the logo about 45 degrees, we see a "T," for Theodoros? Just another detail of a razor already brimming with things to discover. Extraordinary work. Let's leave the finish aside for a moment and look at the tolerances this razor offers. In this aspect, too, the razor stands out from the rest. The guides have a diameter of 4.78 mm. The holes for these guides measure 4.82 mm. That means there's a 0.04 mm gap. To the touch, there's no gap, and they fit perfectly. The center hole measures 5 mm, the center thread has a diameter of 4.9 mm.
The base plate has a recess on its underside for the top of the handle. This recess contains an additional ring that remains free when the handle is screwed on, giving a sense of added depth.
The central thread offers tight, precise, and robust operation. The reason lies in the thread profile. It uses a more square profile than the pointed ones found on some razors’ threads. This creates a very rigid, strong, and safe connection.
All edges, profiles, and corners are finely rounded, yet none cut or damage the skin. The inner surface of the razor’s head is wide and secures the blade firmly at the ends, resulting in extreme rigidity of the cutting edge, which protrudes minimally from the cap. When the blade is mounted, it protrudes only slightly from the sides.
The teeth of the comb aren't perfectly circular. At their base, they protrude slightly outwards to create a shaving plane where the blade has neutral exposure, but still offers more space to get closer to the skin if desired. The shape this head gives the blade is very similar to that of the Razorock Baby Smooth, and although it doesn't curve the blade as much, it's even smoother. More on its performance in the shaving section later.
Since I mentioned the Baby Smooth razor head, I can say that the Lambda Athena's head also uses a wide curve to provide a relatively smooth cutting angle. The head adds that semi-open comb that gives you some leeway to use the standard shaving plane for a clean, smooth glide, but also allows you to apply some pressure to bring the skin a little closer to the razor blade. It cannot be compared to an open comb because the "teeth" of the Athena are not open at its entrance, but at the center of the comb they have the same characteristics as the comb of the R41 without that positive exposure but with a slightly wider gap. The cap height is 4.5 mm, which gives us a head that can easily reach all those hard-to-shave areas. The well-defined and wide shaving surface also helps in this regard.
Material: 5
Finish: 5
Tolerances: 5
Head/Comb Shape: 5
Total: 20 points
Grip
First, let's talk about how the handle works. Whether wet or dry, there's more than enough grip for a completely safe shave. The friction and texture of the material determine how much grip you can generate.
The handle of the Athena statue has a unique shape. If you turn it upside down, it resembles a Doric column. The Doric order is the most archaic and austere of all the architectural orders, and its name derives from the Dorian people.
It is the quintessential Greek order, which we can find in the iconic Parthenon of the Acropolis of Athens (Lambda ATHENA), or also in the temple of Hera in Paestum.
The more robust and austere the Doric columns we encounter, the older the version we are looking at. As time passed, the style evolved towards longer, more slender columns with greater ornamentation. The Doric style has no base. The columns rise directly from the pedestal with the shaft, composed of robust drums of circular cross-sections. It is fluted along its edges, forming 20 grooves.
The Doric style also has a peculiarity: it knew a thing or two about posing for the camera. Its width isn't constant along the entire column, narrowing in the upper meters. This creates a bulging effect in the central section, making it appear more grandiose.
Its capitals are absolutely austere without any decorative elements or figuration whatsoever; their connection with the upper part of the building is purely structural and functional. The circular sections of the drums are reflected in the rings of the handle. At the top, these rings are interrupted by four flat sections with a different, rougher texture than the polished surface. This texture is comparable to a satin finish.
That same texture is repeated in a thick ring at the bottom of the handle where the ring finger wraps around it, offering more grip.
And if that weren't enough, the pommel is the perfect element to grip between two fingers or to use as a support against your pinky. There's plenty of grip as long as you keep the handle free of foam. With foam on the handle, you have to maintain a grip on the flat parts with the pommel resting against your pinky to prevent this 120-gram razor from moving.
The same can be said about the comfort of the handle. The material feels very pleasant against the skin, and none of the textures or shapes of the handle are bothersome. Quite the opposite, in fact; ergonomically speaking, the flat surfaces and the grooves on the top, combined with the pommel, work very well for both longitudinal and circular movements. With all the different textures and shapes of the handle, the control is excellent. The thicker part allows for very precise corrections without losing control, and the flat sections provide an automatic brake to maintain angles. The pommel works wonderfully to secure the razor in your hand, and in both the upright and inverted positions, the control is outstanding. The head glides smoothly and comfortably. The material accepts the soap very well, forming a layer on its surface that aids in gliding. There's never a vacuum between the cap and the skin, thanks in part to the comb's direct opening.
Dry/Wet: 4
Comfort: 5
Razor control: 5
Head slide: 5
Total: 19 points
Handling
The razor weighs 120 grams, with 30 of those grams located in the head. This gives it a weight distribution of 25/75%. I believe the distribution is closer to 30/70% because the thickest part of the handle (where the most weight is) is near the head. The razor has a slightly tilted balance towards the head. This gives you feedback on what's happening up there but doesn't restrict movement. Being a 120-gram razor, you'll always notice the solidity and smoothness of the shave, and the weight is quite noticeable in your hand.
The three-piece design always requires us to reach close to the head to attach or detach the blade, which always carries a risk of cuts. With this razor, that risk is minimal thanks to the smooth and robust operation of its central thread, the well-defined and textured sides that offer a secure grip, and the fact that the blade remains fixed in the cap when it's attached or detached. The cap's guides are precisely sized and hold the blade securely in place. I usually deduct a point for three-piece razors, but in this case, the design does everything right, and I don't foresee any danger in changing the blade. Cleaning the Athena has two elements. Rinsing, as I explained earlier, is very easy to do and works very well. The mirror-polished finish is also easy to clean. But look at that inside of the base plate.
It's true that it has many holes, but since the rinse system works very well, it doesn't fill up with residue. The only thing we find in here is water. The central channels can be cleaned entirely by simply passing the tip of a cloth through them, and the comb openings are easily cleaned with a soft cloth or towel. They are wide enough to allow for comfortable cleaning. Even so, there are a lot of holes, and the polished finish also attracts the occasional fingerprint. It's one of the few areas where this razor doesn't get top marks.
Balance: 5
Weight: 5
Model/Security: 5
Cleaning: 4
Total: 19 points
Shaving
This razor shaves like a dream.
I'll explain why I say this. First of all, it gives an incredibly close shave. My measure of closeness is the number of passes I need to get a shave I can call the famous BBS. This razor does it in slightly less than two passes, but let's say two passes. The reason I say slightly less than two passes is that each of us has a map and a path on our skin. We make the same movements in the same places to get to the same end. With some razors, you go over one spot but some lather remains, so you go over it again, and maybe again, to get it completely clean. That's all during the first pass. In the second pass, we do the same thing but cutting the hairs in a different direction, sideways for example. The number of passes is never the same for every shave. And then you can do a third pass or touch-ups. With the Athena, by the end of the second pass, I have nothing left to shave. Furthermore, this razor is the best at showing me where there are hairs, or where there are none. For example...
During the second pass, which I do laterally, I also make a horizontal pass on the cheek, the jaw, just below the jaw, and on the neck. First, I should mention that I can perform these passes with extreme ease and efficiency using the Athena. Normally, to finish the pass, I make a few passes from south to north, starting from my neck and moving towards my jaw. When I do that with the Athena, there's no hair left. It's completely silent. You just feel a slight emptiness as the razor passes over your skin. It's incredibly efficient. So, is it a beast that pulls out a blade to shave off everything in its path without discriminating between hair and skin? Not at all. It's one of the gentlest razors I know, yet one of the most efficient. It combines both perfectly. As I mentioned, horizontal strokes are always the most problematic for me, but not with this razor. It's very enjoyable and satisfying to be able to shave comfortably and efficiently. The same goes for under the nose. The head is very easy to position, and thanks to the neutral exposure, you can simply bend your wrist to shave your mustache. You can apply some pressure if you want, without any problem. The chin area is more of the same. Horizontal strokes, strokes from south to north, from north to south—there's always good contact between the head, the blade, and the skin, and never a red spot or trace of irritation. I can even go over my jawline with the utmost peace of mind that this razor provides, thanks to its gentle and protective yet efficient operation.
As expected, the Lambda also had to contend with a Derby blade. And it was like a reunion between old friends. The Derby and the Athena joined forces and gave me a uniquely perfect shave. Like all the other shaves up to that point. With other blades (Treet Platinum, Astra Blue, Rapira Platinum Lux), I'd had perfect shaves. Two passes and that's it. No irritation whatsoever. To test it, I used a lot of Pinaud aftershave this week. Pinauds are known for the harsh sting they can deliver if the blade and razor (or the user) haven't done their job properly. With the Athena, the only thing the Pinauds left me with was a nice aroma.
A razor head with the characteristics of the Athena should be forgiving. The extra curvature, the reduced gap, the neutral exposure, the protective comb, and the wide, defined shaving plane are all elements that protect the skin. This isn't what surprises me about this razor. What surprises me is how forgiving it is combined with how little respect it has for the hairs of this world. It removes everything without mercy, but when it reaches the skin, it becomes a meek lamb. Hair: Cerberus, Skin: Venus.
Efficiency: 5
Head control: 5
Blade influence (Derby Test): 5
Indulgency: 5
Total: 20 points
Quality/Price
This razor is gorgeous. Made by the Greek gods themselves, even if this one's name is Theodoros. And that's not all. The razor comes in a beautiful mahogany box. The name and profile are engraved on the front, and the brand and year of production are on the top. The interior is completely lined with a soft material to prevent scratches. There are also two compartments for carrying two boxes of blades. When you receive the razor, it already comes with two boxes of blades: Astra Blue (which I really like) and BIC Astor, which I've never tried. The razor resting in its box is a picture that speaks volumes.
What kind of reward does this razor offer? It's almost scandalous. We have a razor that works like a charm. It's also made of an exclusive, beautiful, and highly functional material. The design is a real achievement. It shaves like an angel. And on top of all that, it comes in a luxurious mahogany box with two boxes of blades. For less money than you'd pay for razors that don't even come close to this kind of level. I'm speechless at the quality/price ratio of this gem. It's wonderful. The value will only increase in 25 years. I can't imagine Theodoros being able or willing to scale up production to industrial levels. Currently, there are waiting lists for his products, and he only produces a small number of razors each period. The limited supply benefits the owners, not the manufacturer.
I've had several conversations with Theodoros, and he's always told me he'd rather not send anything at all than send something that doesn't meet the highest quality standards he demands of his products and himself. I believe him. Why do I believe him? The reality of his razors tells me that it’s true. Could I live with this razor as my only razor for the rest of my life? It's impossible to give a more resounding YES than on this occasion. I would only regret one thing: if I couldn't use any other razor...like its sister the Ares v2. But that's a story for another day.
Aesthetics: 5
Reward: 5
Value in 25: 5
Single razor: 5
Total: 20
Conclusion
I'm still a bit confused about this razor. It's like when you had a crush on the (in your opinion) prettiest girl in school, and you always felt a little something when you saw her. I'm not in love with the Athena, I'm not that much of a geek, but I have developed a huge respect for how it works. I usually write five pages about the razors I review. I've filled eight pages about the Athena, and I think I've still understated it.
And not only that. Everything behind it—a craftsman who isn't focused on increasing production but on maintaining his exceptionally high level of quality—is extraordinary these days. Call me a romantic, but I believe the world would be a better place if more people were like that: trying to do things to the best of your ability and being proud of it. Well done, Theodoros.
Finally, I can announce that this Lambda Athena has become one of my top 3 razors, and I congratulate it on this well-deserved position. The material, the shave, the whole package—it's a fantastic razor. Yes, it's golden, and it shaves better than those that aren't, but I'm convinced that's not because of the gold. This razor is divine.
Total score: 98
