Proof Select 2.0: Initial Thoughts and First Shave
Hey, what’s going on, folks? Welcome back to the shave den. Today I’m sharing something that just showed up at my door a few hours ago. I wasn’t even expecting it today. Got home, saw the box, and figured we’re doing this now. That’s the brand new Proof Select 2.0 razor.
A lot of you have been asking about it, so I’m glad I can finally put one in hand and tell you what I think. I’ve been a supporter and affiliate of Proof Razors for just over a year now. My first video with them went up in early March 2025, and not long after that I became an affiliate. If you’re looking to pick up anything from Proof, use code LongIslandShaving10 at checkout for 10% off. It helps the channel, and I genuinely appreciate everyone who’s used it.
The New Case
Right out of the gate, I really like the new leather case. You pop the snap, lift the flap, and the razor is sitting centered right there. Clean. Also included are pre-cut Personna Comfort Coated blades, which are solid blades to start with. There’s also a slot along the side where you can slip in the aluminum comb they sell. So if you travel, you can pack the whole kit in one case, throw it in your dopp bag, and you’re done. Proof Razors is made in the USA, out of Montana. Worth knowing.
What Changed in the Select 2.0
The original Proof Select is still a good razor. I keep the Johnny Slicks collaboration version in rotation and use it at least every other week, sometimes more. But Proof took customer feedback seriously and made real changes here.
The biggest one is the head. It’s smaller and slimmer than the original. That was the consistent ask from customers: the original was tougher to get under the nose or maneuver in tight spots. They addressed it. You’ll notice the blade engages the face a bit higher on each pass because the head sits closer to the skin.
They also redesigned the lather channel. The original had more of a straight bar across the bottom of the head. The Select 2.0 has grooves cut in there to improve flow while you’re shaving.
The pivot spring is longer now, which means less resistance when the head flexes. On the original you had to push with real intention to get it to move. On the 2.0 it pivots with much lighter pressure. That was another piece of feedback Proof kept hearing, and they got it right.
One more change: there’s a stainless steel insert in the top cap. The razor body is aluminum, so that insert adds a bit of head weight near the blade. You can feel the difference. I also noticed the magnets feel a bit stronger, and they cut a small groove in the back of the top plate so you can get your thumbnail under it and lift it cleanly. Minor detail. Nice improvement.
One note: I don’t have the original plain Select in front of me to compare directly. My son borrowed it and I have no idea where he put it. I’m working from the Johnny Slicks version as my reference point, which is a collab model, but the core Proof shave character carries across.
Loading the Blade
I’m not using the included Comfort Coated blades today. I’ve been running the Personna GEM Platinum Diamond Glide blades lately and they’ve done a phenomenal job in every razor I’ve tried them in. Load is the same as always: snap a standard double-edge blade in half, drop it in the head, the magnets hold it flat. Close the top cap and you’re good to go.
Beach by Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements
The weather’s been in the 80s the last couple of days. Felt like the right time to break out Beach by Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements.
If you remember Hawaiian Tropic from the 80s, that’s what Beach smells like. Exactly. The scent strength is really good, and I’ve got the matching aftershave splash and even the deodorant in the same scent. Phoenix built out a full lineup here.
I’m also running the Starcraft brush from Phoenix Shaving today. Haven’t used it in a while. Since I was going full Phoenix for the soap, might as well run the brush too. The knots on their brushes are always very soft, which I like.
The Shave
Two passes, with the grain first, then against it.
First pass, the razor feels very familiar. I’ve been shaving with the Proof Select long enough that I know what it’s supposed to do. The slimmer head is immediately noticeable under the nose. The blade sits higher on the face because the head is thinner, and it clears that area cleanly. That’s exactly what the design change was there to fix.
There is a bit more blade feel than I’m used to from the Proof. I don’t think they changed the blade gap or the geometry beyond the slimmer profile, but I’m noticing it. Not uncomfortable. Just worth flagging if you’re coming from the original and expecting an identical feel.
The pivot is definitely lighter. On the original you had to push down with intention. On the 2.0 you barely have to think about it. That came through in the shave exactly the way the hardware suggested it would.
First pass verdict: really nice. This is also my first time putting the Personna GEM Platinum Diamond Glide into a Proof razor. Good combination. After the second pass against the grain, I’m calling this one a winner.
Is It Worth Upgrading?
If you already have a Proof Select and you’re happy with it, this isn’t a must-have upgrade. The core shave character is the same. But the changes are real: the slimmer head is a genuine quality-of-life improvement for anyone who’s had trouble under the nose, the pivot is noticeably lighter, and the stainless steel insert gives the head a bit more heft. These aren’t cosmetic updates.
Price is somewhere around $99 to $115. If you want the slimmer head and the lighter pivot, upgrade. If your razor is working, keep it.
If you don’t have a Proof razor yet, the Select 2.0 is a solid entry point. Single-blade, pivoting head, single-edge format. Familiar enough if you’re coming from a cartridge. Different enough to open the door to traditional wet shaving without throwing you in the deep end. Built in Montana, comes with a real leather travel case, and the code LongIslandShaving10 gets you 10% off at checkout.
Thanks for watching, guys. Hope the breakdown was useful. Enjoy the shave.