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The Vector is Blacklands best razor.

Man y’all are killing me! 🙃🙃 can’t wait till I’m able to find one used or Shane gets them back in stock!
It can be tough, the waiting and reading all the positive reviews (or hype!). I am spending this month trying to only use it, so I can get a good feel for it. I like having a small variety of razors, and I prefer that they all be good for daily use. I spent the last 2 months acquiring some single edge razors (old and new) and now want to "dial them in" for daily use.

It can be tough, the waiting, but enjoy what you have! I couldn't wait to get a certain DE, and when one appeared on the BST, I jumped on it. Turned out we didn't get along. And I know that some days while shaving I was too busy pining away for that razor instead of enjoying what I had. Just trying to help a brother out!
 
It can be tough, the waiting and reading all the positive reviews (or hype!). I am spending this month trying to only use it, so I can get a good feel for it. I like having a small variety of razors, and I prefer that they all be good for daily use. I spent the last 2 months acquiring some single edge razors (old and new) and now want to "dial them in" for daily use.

It can be tough, the waiting, but enjoy what you have! I couldn't wait to get a certain DE, and when one appeared on the BST, I jumped on it. Turned out we didn't get along. And I know that some days while shaving I was too busy pining away for that razor instead of enjoying what I had. Just trying to help a brother out!
Right you are! I appreciate the encouragement! I do have some terrific kit currently, that I enjoy very much. I’m slowing deciding on what I may want to get rid of to start narrowing down the kit. I hope the Vector is treating you well!
 
Right you are! I appreciate the encouragement! I do have some terrific kit currently, that I enjoy very much. I’m slowing deciding on what I may want to get rid of to start narrowing down the kit. I hope the Vector is treating you well!

Well if it helps you out any, I just finally broke down and ordered a Sabre which IS currently in stock. I’ll let you know how it compares to the Vector in case you want to expand your options while you wait.
 
Well if it helps you out any, I just finally broke down and ordered a Sabre which IS currently in stock. I’ll let you know how it compares to the Vector in case you want to expand your options while you wait.
Much appreciated! The Sabre is also on my list! Pesky sabbatical though, I’m only allowed one! 🙃 I’m looking forward to reading your comparison/review!
 
Well if it helps you out any, I just finally broke down and ordered a Sabre which IS currently in stock. I’ll let you know how it compares to the Vector in case you want to expand your options while you wait.
Now this is a very good example of enabling :thumbup1: And he's not wrong! 2 months after my new to me Vector arrived, I decided to buy a new Sabre. It is another great single edge, and looks sharp, too. Different blade, different geometry, and so I rationalized (self enablement!) that I would try, since Blackland has that 30 day return policy.

Sabbaticals are tough. Longest I lasted was a little over 4 months. Last year I lasted 3 weeks, I think.
 
20210605_114746.jpg


First use of the Vector open comb plate. And it went Smooth! Many thanks to a forum member for the chance to purchase the plate and try it out. @molon_labe, I think, to my face, it may be easier on it than the solid bar plate, but it is way too soon to tell.

I had read somewhere of some guys holding the handle almost perpendicular to the face (really riding the cap!) and getting great results. I tried that on this maiden voyage and was rewarded with a great shave. I couldn't hold the that shallow angle constant, and when I didn't (going more steep), I did not feel any of the dreaded "teeth" feeling I have come to hate after trying to love the Karve OC plates. One thing I did notice, that I wrote in my log, I don't recall that white knuckle feeling of "careful, or you'll get bitten!" That may just get chalked up to becoming more at ease with the Vector, or it may be due to the shallower angle used today, or it may be the OC plate. More studies needed, but no buyer's remorse!
 
I had read somewhere of some guys holding the handle almost perpendicular to the face (really riding the cap!) and getting great results. I tried that on this maiden voyage and was rewarded with a great shave...
You're welcome 😉

 

thombrogan

Lounging On The Isle Of Tugsley.
I use extremely shallow angle, holding the handle at literally 90 degrees against the skin on all 3 passes (WTG, XTG, ATG), with blade barely catching hair.

Thank you for this! I had lost my touch with a non-Blackland AC safety razor and it was close to what you’re doing and your post reminded me and ways to make it better.

I‘m also likely to be receiving a Blackland razor - non-AC - in fifteen days and I‘m wanting to try the nuances you’ve shared with that razor, too.

#StealingVectorTipsFromDaveHStone
 
View attachment 1277214

First use of the Vector open comb plate. And it went Smooth! Many thanks to a forum member for the chance to purchase the plate and try it out. @molon_labe, I think, to my face, it may be easier on it than the solid bar plate, but it is way too soon to tell.

I had read somewhere of some guys holding the handle almost perpendicular to the face (really riding the cap!) and getting great results. I tried that on this maiden voyage and was rewarded with a great shave. I couldn't hold the that shallow angle constant, and when I didn't (going more steep), I did not feel any of the dreaded "teeth" feeling I have come to hate after trying to love the Karve OC plates. One thing I did notice, that I wrote in my log, I don't recall that white knuckle feeling of "careful, or you'll get bitten!" That may just get chalked up to becoming more at ease with the Vector, or it may be due to the shallower angle used today, or it may be the OC plate. More studies needed, but no buyer's remorse!

Awesome news that it’s working out so well for you so far. This upcoming week I’m drawing a line in the sand and only using my Vector, alternating baseplates to really get a good comparison between them.
 

never-stop-learning

Demoted To Moderator
Staff member
+1 on going super shallow with the Vector; I also went shallower than I would have thought beneficial today (having recently read @DaveHStone's notes) and had a very good shave. I want to shave steep with it, but it makes a blood donor out of me when I try. I am still too heavy-handed overall.
Going steep does require a light touch. ;)
 
Awesome news that it’s working out so well for you so far. This upcoming week I’m drawing a line in the sand and only using my Vector, alternating baseplates to really get a good comparison between them.
Sounds good, I think I will d the same. I plan to use the Vector exclusively this month, trying out the plates and some blades. I really like the Prolines, and I have some Kai as well.
 

thombrogan

Lounging On The Isle Of Tugsley.
They worked a treat with my off-brand razor last night and I’m hoping the Blackbird in the house is for me and I’ll see how it works on that magnificent beast.
 
Some additional thoughts on SB vs OC... I used the SB plate for 2 shaves last week on consecutive days (Thurs & Fri, spoiled myself with the Ti Blackbird on Saturday), and again on Mon & Tues of this week after taking Sunday off. I went back to the OC plate this morning (Wednesday) to see if I could notice any big difference, having used the SB for the previous 4 Vector shaves.

I find this a bit surprising personally, since I have always favored OC razors, but my preference right now with the Vector is the SB plate. I find it to be a bit smoother feeling and not quite as finicky with angle. We are literally splitting hairs between the two baseplates, both work great but for me the slight advantage goes to the SB. My current impression is that is shaves equally as close, but with a slight advantage in comfort. Obviously this may change as time goes on, but that's where I am currently after several weeks of fairly consistent shaves with the Vector.

I've pretty much settled on Kai Captain Milds for my blade of choice with the Vector, I may go back and revisit the Prolines down the road a bit but my 2nd attempt with one on Monday morning forced me to swap out the blade almost immediately for a Kai. Both Prolines I tried were from Try A Blade and I've heard others also have bad experiences due to the shipping/packaging dulling the blade in transit. I haven't found a good place to order a full pack of Prolines other than Italian Barber so if anyone knows of a good US vendor please let me know.

The Vector is quickly becoming my new favorite daily-use razor. I didn't think I'd be able to get consecutive shaves out of it because most razors that shave so close end up causing irritation after multiple uses. So far that's not been the case with the Vector at all. I have a Sabre on the way currently, so I'm going to finish out this week with the Vector and then give the Sabre a first go on Saturday most likely. I'm interested to see how they compare.
 
Some additional thoughts on SB vs OC... I used the SB plate for 2 shaves last week on consecutive days (Thurs & Fri, spoiled myself with the Ti Blackbird on Saturday), and again on Mon & Tues of this week after taking Sunday off. I went back to the OC plate this morning (Wednesday) to see if I could notice any big difference, having used the SB for the previous 4 Vector shaves.

I find this a bit surprising personally, since I have always favored OC razors, but my preference right now with the Vector is the SB plate. I find it to be a bit smoother feeling and not quite as finicky with angle. We are literally splitting hairs between the two baseplates, both work great but for me the slight advantage goes to the SB. My current impression is that is shaves equally as close, but with a slight advantage in comfort. Obviously this may change as time goes on, but that's where I am currently after several weeks of fairly consistent shaves with the Vector.

I've pretty much settled on Kai Captain Milds for my blade of choice with the Vector, I may go back and revisit the Prolines down the road a bit but my 2nd attempt with one on Monday morning forced me to swap out the blade almost immediately for a Kai. Both Prolines I tried were from Try A Blade and I've heard others also have bad experiences due to the shipping/packaging dulling the blade in transit. I haven't found a good place to order a full pack of Prolines other than Italian Barber so if anyone knows of a good US vendor please let me know.

The Vector is quickly becoming my new favorite daily-use razor. I didn't think I'd be able to get consecutive shaves out of it because most razors that shave so close end up causing irritation after multiple uses. So far that's not been the case with the Vector at all. I have a Sabre on the way currently, so I'm going to finish out this week with the Vector and then give the Sabre a first go on Saturday most likely. I'm interested to see how they compare.

First, I am willing to bet that you'll love the Sabre! For me, it is a smoother shave (my face likes it better!), but not quite as close as the Vector. The Vector's smaller head is a plus over the Vector. But I could easily be happy with either as the daily razor.

Second, I am in full agreement with your statement "I didn't think I'd be able to get consecutive shaves out of it because most razors that shave so close end up causing irritation after multiple uses." I had the exact same expectations and discovery!

Third, we may differ on the plates (oh no!). I have been using the Vector since 5/31 exclusively, and did all SB, then 2 OC, 1 SB, 2 OC. I think, or my face feels, that the OC may be a smidgen smoother feeling! And I usually prefer SB and milder razors!

Fourth, which you and I have already discussed, I prefer Prolines, and find the Milds harsh or tuggy!

I am also glad that I am not alone in tracking how things go and wanting to share with the community! And this truly is a Your Face May Feel Different sort of thing. Six years ago, I would have scoffed at grown men talking about shaving. Today, I can't imagine going back to those days.

Thanks for the great update!
 

never-stop-learning

Demoted To Moderator
Staff member
My Vector shave from Sunday:

20210606
Single Edge Sunday
20210606_121404~2.jpg

Razor: Blackland Razors Vector OC :001_wub:
Blade: Feather Pro Super (1)
Brush: AP Shave Co Elegant Emerald (24mm Synbad Knot)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper
Lather: Mitchell's Wool Fat
Aftershave: Unnamed Prototype #3
Fragrance: Cuba Orange EdT Spray

The Vector efficiency can be tailored by plate + AC blade. The OC plate + the Feather Pro Super is the most efficient combination. Used my preferred steep angle (SASA Rocks :punk:) and enjoyed an effortless and highly effective shave. Shaving with the Vector - it doesn't get any better than this. :thumbup:
 
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