OSPREY FIRST USE REVIEW BY A RELATIVE NEWBIE
Today was my first shave using the Osprey. I must admit I was really looking forward to it. I have previously given my initial visual review of the Osprey when it was received. This will be the shaving experience.
Shane recommended that if you use the Blackbird, a setting 6 is a good starting point. I was a chicken, so I used around 5.5. The other items is used were a new CaYuen brush (wonderful tool), pre wash with PAA Cube, the CaYuen domino bowl and a brand new unknown razor blade that I have had the honor to test. I can't divulge the name, but, I can say it is every bit as sharp as the Feather and much smoother. This was its 2nd use. The soap was SV Opuntia and the A&E Spartacus as an after shave with alum block and witch hazel. The star of the show was the Osprey. Loading the blade is easy and setting the initial number on the wheel is also simple.
With the first stroke, I was amazed at how smooth the razor and the blade were. The weight of the razor was perfect, with the brass insert. The design of the handle was perfect for holding even with wet sudsy hands. I kept the setting at 5 through out the 3 pass shave. I had 2 days of growth, not terribly heavy or coarse, just normal stubble. The razor went through the first pass with such efficiency that all the hair was nearly gone. Looking back, I probably should have done only a WTG AND ATG passes and that would have been enough. 3 passes and I did need to do some buffing. This experience indicated to me to increase the setting next time to 6 or 6.5. I stayed on setting 5 all 3 passes and buffing.
This is embarrassing, but I just stopped to feel my face. So smooth, I love it.
So, my inexperienced, non professional opinion. I leave that to @SWCT and @Glazeboker, @Mr. Shavington. @AU55IE and others far more experience and mechanically knowledgable than I.
The Razor is beautiful, well balanced and a wonderful shaving machine. It is easy to use and clean. Numbers on the wheel, already beat to death in other posts. I shave with my glasses on, if I didn't, I wouldn't see the razor let alone the numbers. With glasses on, the numbers are visible and not an issue.
I am not going into gap measurements or blade exposure comparisons, I am not qualified to do so. But I will say this. After only one shave, I can say that the Osprey is a winner and a potential GRAIL candidate.
PROVISO, THIS WAS ONLY MY FIRST SHAVE WITH IT. Need more experience with it. So for those of you considering this tool, I do recommend it, especially with the 30 day return policy that Blackland has. That policy shows me that they have a great deal of pride and confidence in their products, as well they should.
MY SHAVE? BBS+
Hope this helps.
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Thanks for the review--sounds like something to avoid. However, the Derby Extra blades work for some of us.
@Sascoman how much more aggressive is the Ares to the Athena?
I love the Athena but usually don’t get along well with OC’s. I’m still on the Ares wait list just wondering what to expect.
The only OC I truly got along with was my WR1 in a ,54 gap.
Not something I would’ve expected, I always thought bronze would be heavier than steel.
While I’m waiting for my bronze razor to be delivered, I was contemplating whether I should sell it without even opening and request the stainless steel version. I might open up the razor and use it once or twice before I decide what to do with it.
I sometimes can’t believe the longevity people say they get out of blades (and can’t believe the folks getting 100+ shaves from any blade).
I think it is fair to call the Lambda Razors the affordable "Wolfman" line.
That is interesting. For me using now couple days WR2 with custom gap 1.00/1.20 is still easier to use Athena (and Ares V2 too) to archive fast and easy close shave.
WR2 has bigger potential, needs more advanced technique, but reward with longer lasting shave. I believe also if you are really good (and have luck to find right gap for your skin) it is possible to use WR2 with bigger gaps in same way as low gaps, very mild feeling but extremely close and comfortable shave.
Who looks for easy daily use Athena (and Ares V2) is close to perfection, but with WR2 is possible to go further, only need time and practice (and more money). I enjoy more WR2 these days because it is challenge for me and I enjoy learning.
Tedalus has to shave me
Rocket1, i tried the Classic with the ProSuper. I found that shave to be very uncomfortable. Efficient, yes but uncomfortable. I don't find the degree of efficiency to be worth losing the comfort level. The Classic with the Kai Pink and Feather Pro were much better with the Kai winning on comfort and equal on efficiency to the Pro. The ++ with the Kai Guarded was far more efficient while not losing much efficiency, based on today's shave.
I have recently acquired the Oliblade and must say that it is an outstanding razor for the money. Actually, performance wise it is better than the other adjustables I have tried.Well I know a lot has been covered and this thread has some age to it. But, I wanted to share that there is a new(er) adjustable on the block. It's called the Oliblade made by Oliworks. I was a bit skeptical at first, but must admit I'm in luv (no affiliation) with it. It's quality, weight, and ability to give a great shave is why I mention it. Just thought I'd mention it if you're still looking.
