Blackbird Flying at Mach 3.4

[Teutonblade]

It's taken me 53 days to realize two things: I love wet shoving and I love the Blackbird. Here’s the timeline.

April 10, 2024: decided to try wet shaving. Discovered badger&blade.com.
April 11, 2024: Merkur 34C arrives from Amazon
April 18, 2024: Razorock 0.84 Gamechanger arrives from Italianbarber.com
April 24, 2024: Blackbird SS Satin arrives from Blackland
April 25, 2024: Blackbird SS Satin returned
May 9, 2024: Blackbird SS Polished & SS Blackbird Lite Polished arrive from Blackland
May 22, 2024: Blackbird SS Polished & SS Blackbird Lite Polished returned
May 28, 2024: Blackbird Titanium Polished arrives from Blackland

First off, a big thank you to Shane and his team at Blackland. The customer service has been nothing short of superb.

After pouring over the B&B forums with a new case of RAD in full bloom, I wasted no time in ordering a basket of best-in-class razors which are all now in my possession including the Lambda Athena, the Timeless Ti95 SCL, Blackbird Ti, Atelier Durdan Le Maurice 1.4, and Karve Overlander. The Le Maurice and Overlander only just arrived, so I’m going to reserve comments until I spend more time with them, and this thread isn’t intended to be a comparison review. Instead, I just wanted to chime in on the marvel which is the Blackbird. As seen above, thanks to Blackbird’s amazing 30-day return policy I swapped out the Blackbird twice going from a SS Satin, to SS Polished, and ultimately la piece de resistance the Ti Polished. I’m no expert, but this was my experience:

The efficiency of the Blackbird is unrivaled, delivering a near marble smooth BBS every time, which was true across each of the three iterations I tried. I’ll be the first to admit, that when I received the Satin SS model, I simply wasn’t ready. I managed not to slice up my face, but the irritation was considerable, and in retrospect this was mainly due to my own inexperience. That said, I knew right away that the satin finish created some drag and also masked some of the feedback from the smooth finish of the 34C and 0.84 GC to which I had grown accustomed. I quickly resigned to return it and try a polished version.

The polished SS Blackbird indeed delivered the unadulterated feel I was looking for and continued to deliver perfect a BBS. As to the Lite, the efficiency was too mild to make it a necessary addition to my collection. I read many an article touting the superiority of the Ti version of the Bird, citing increased maneuverability, less irritation, and even increased efficiency, but still didn’t see the value in the premium price tag. My view changed after receiving the Timeless Ti95.

I decided to make the Timeless 0.95 my first titanium razor because the premium over SS is very low at only 13% (US$305 vs US$270), unlike the Bird which is 69% (US$440 vs US$260). The instant I tried the Ti95 it became apparent why so many love titanium. The light weight truly adds ease of use and maneuverability, making it fun, although in my opinion unclear if any more efficient. The die was cast. I realized I wanted to try the Ti Bird and since I was still within the 30 day trial period I sent back the SS Bird and ordered the Ti version. Customer service was very gracious. After all, my order value was only going up.

Whatever benefit titanium brings to the Timeless 0.95 it only brings more in the Ti Bird. For whereas the Ti95 weighs in at 66.8g the Ti Bird is only 54g. If SS Bird is a sharp broadsword, the Ti Bird is a rapier. The weight makes it nimble and easier to use, and just as efficient, maybe more so. For the moment, the Bird still sits at the top of my collection in terms of the closeness of shave. That said, in the cost/benefit analysis between comfort/efficiency I’m still undecided if a better trade off might be found elsewhere in razors like the Athena, Ti95, or even the Overlander. More to follow.

 

[dmshaver]

The Blackbird Ti is indeed an absolute stellar razor. It's one of my top razors, congratulations on acquiring yours!

 

[Teutonblade]

Th

The Blackbird Ti is indeed an absolute stellar razor. It's one of my top razors, congratulations on acquiring yours!

Thank you. I shaved it with it this morning. No exaggeration, BBS+. Which of your other razors make it to the top of your collection?

 

[Blackland Razors]

Great feedback. Thanks for giving the Blackbird(s) a try!

 

[Jaybyrd]

The Blackbird is at the top for me too. I don’t have the Titanium (maybe someday) but it’s just a beautifully useful piece of art and science!

 

[Guido75]

Thanks for your thoughts @Teutonblade - really helpful putting things into perspective.

Enjoy!

Guido

 

[Cannon Cocker]

When I decided to go with a higher end razor I chose a SS Timeless .95 OC razor that I love. I thought Ti was kind of silly but after a while decided to order the same Timeless in Ti. I could not believe how much more enjoyable the Ti was to use. I then bought a Tatara Nodachi SS razor and liked it even more than the Timeless. As luck would have it I received a Nodachi Ti as a gift and liked it even more than the SS. I was never comfortable with the balance of the SS Nodachi with its long heavy handle, but the Ti was perfect.

I have found two things that the Ti razors seem to improve for me. The lighter weight seems to improve the razors balance which improves its maneuverability. The other thing is pressure. With a SS razor I am constantly worried about applying too much pressure. With the Ti it wants a little pressure that just feels right.

Now I have to save up to see if the Blackbird in Ti will improve the shave experience I enjoy with my SS Blackbird. Unfortunately it probably will.

 

[megamac]

The Bird is a marvel no doubt whether in SS, Ti or Brass. I remember when I first joined the forum one of the best bits of advice I received was to lean on Stainless Steel. That is totally a matter of personal preference and it suited my style if shaving. I shave with an extremely light hand and let the weight of the Razor do the work for me. Even if I want to, I can't add pressure, it's a default with me now.
So, I find Ti razors difficult to use as I shave too cautiously with them.

Having said that I have loads of mates who have owned a Bird SS then bought a Ti and now keep the SS as back up. They swear by the Ti version.

@Cannon Cocker, if you like adding a tad bit of pressure then the Ti Bird is a perfect match for ya mate.

 

[Saloogie]

The Bird is a marvel no doubt whether in SS, Ti or Brass. I remember when I first joined the forum one of the best bits of advice I received was to lean on Stainless Steel. That is totally a matter of personal preference and it suited my style if shaving. I shave with an extremely light hand and let the weight of the Razor do the work for me. Even if I want to, I can't add pressure, it's a default with me now.
So, I find Ti razors difficult to use as I shave too cautiously with them.

Having said that I have loads of mates who have owned a Bird SS then bought a Ti and now keep the SS as back up. They swear by the Ti version.

@Cannon Cocker, if you like adding a tad bit of pressure then the Ti Bird is a perfect match for ya mate.

I tend to agree with you.

I feel that titanium razors go against the principle of safety razor shaving, that of not using pressure and letting the weight of the razor do the work. That's the way we're taught, or told, how to use a safety razor. But Ti tells us the opposite, to use some pressure, and I'm guessing you need to use pressure for it to work.

I admit I've never tried a titanium razor, but they seem to light to me. I like heavy razors and letting it do the work with little to no pressure.

This is not a knock on titanium razors, just my observation. Maybe I'm afraid to try one because I would like them and then I'd have to pay the premium for them!

 

[Iridian]

I feel that titanium razors go against the principle of safety razor shaving, that of not using pressure and letting the weight of the razor do the work. That's the way we're taught, or told, how to use a safety razor. But Ti tells us the opposite, to use some pressure, and I'm guessing you need to use pressure for it to work.

Yes, that's how it is still taught when reading up. Don't apply pressure.
It is sound advice, but sooner or later the novice, maybe even someone coming from cartridges, discovers that SOME minimal pressure, particularly ATG, gives an even better shave. Here at B&B people probably get quickly to that point.

It's usually a bit more dangerous but often also a no-go with many hyper-aggressive razors, it depends on the razor and the person shaving with it in the end.

It's a matter of style. Many, small strokes is also often recommended. I often just do one WTG and ATG pass, with few strokes down the face. Then I apply a few correction touches if needed. I use heavy and aggressive stainless steel razors.

If one goes for a much higher frequency, a Titanium razor definitely has benefits.

Let me sum it up with this dialogue from Apocalypse Now, related to something entirely different but similar...^^

Lt. Kilgore: I never have gotten used to a light board...I can't get used to 'em, I'm used to a heavy board
Lance: I know, it's a real drag
Lt. Kilgore: You prefer a heavy or a light board?
Lance: Heavier
Lt Kilgore: Really?
Lance: Yeah
Lt Kilgore: I thought all the young guys liked lighter boards
Lance: You can't...you can't ride the nose on those things

Also don't forget, Charlie Don't Surf, but nobody ever bothered to investigate if they shave and what kind of razor they prefer.

 

[gdawg55]

Love my Ti Bird (and my SS Bird). In my opinion the Blackbird is one of the best razors ever produced no matter the material….but the Ti is best .

 

[Teutonblade]

To me, whether or not to apply pressure is somewhat analogous to finding the right blade angle, it depends on what the razor calls for. Some razors require a steep angle, some shallow. Similarly, some razors shave better with a little pressure, others not so much. Of course, different users will themselves have different preferences for angle and pressure depending on the desired outcome. I tend to look at the razor and the shave holistically, meaning I strive to search for whatever angle/pressure gives me the most enjoyable experience with the desired efficiency and comfort.

 

[Blackland Razors]

To me, whether or not to apply pressure is somewhat analogous to finding the right blade angle, it depends on what the razor calls for. Some razors require a steep angle, some shallow. Similarly, some razors shave better with a little pressure, others not so much. Of course, different users will themselves have different preferences for angle and pressure depending on the desired outcome. I tend to look at the razor and the shave holistically, meaning I strive to search for whatever angle/pressure gives me the most enjoyable experience with the desired efficiency and comfort.

This is really wise. I call this adapting your technique to the razor and not the other way around. A lot of the people who don't enjoy the Blackbird try to impose the technique they use on other razors to the Blackbird and it just isn't the best way to use a new razor.

 

[Cannon Cocker]

I tend to agree with you.

I feel that titanium razors go against the principle of safety razor shaving, that of not using pressure and letting the weight of the razor do the work. That's the way we're taught, or told, how to use a safety razor. But Ti tells us the opposite, to use some pressure, and I'm guessing you need to use pressure for it to work.

I admit I've never tried a titanium razor, but they seem to light to me. I like heavy razors and letting it do the work with little to no pressure.

This is not a knock on titanium razors, just my observation. Maybe I'm afraid to try one because I would like them and then I'd have to pay the premium for them!

When you talk about not using pressure and allowing the weight of the razor to do the work as being a principle of safety razor shaving, I would like to point several things out. I believe this is a very recent concept born after the introduction of stainless steel razors and more aggressive razor designs.

I own a Tatara Nodachi SS and a Timeless .95 SS razor. The Tatara weighs 114 grams and the Timeless weighs 122 grams. I also own both in titanium with the Tatara weighing 64 grams and the Timeless weighing 70 grams. I only own two vintage razors a 1961 Fat Boy and a 1964 Slim. I weighed those and the FB is 78 grams and the Slim is 70 grams. Now into the era of Zamak. My Muhle R41 Zamak weighs 64 grams and my R41 GS (SS) weighs 112 grams.

Here is my point. Shaving with a razor requires pressure to keep the razor engaged against your skin and with enough pressure to keep the razor from skipping. Too much pressure especially with the more aggressive razors can result in nicks. As Shane from Blackland Razors says above adapt your technique to the razor not the other way around.

 

[StewB]

I don't like saying "no pressure" as it seems kind of non-sensical to me, as already noted: Some "pressure" is needed to keep the razor head against the skin. (My guess is that the "no pressure" saying started due to people mashing cartridge razors into the skin to get it to cut.) I prefer to say "use a light touch."

 

[ERS4]

In fact, even today's titanium razors are generally no lighter than the vintage Gillette with hollow handles of the last century.

So the titanium razor does not violate any principles.

The weight data is a very direct answer. Only those who have never used it would imagine that Ti is as light as plastic.

 

[tiberius]

Let me try ... I interpret "don't apply pressure" as "don't push inward", but it always take some effort to push/drag "forward" for the razor to shave. And there are many modern aluminum razors that's way lighter than a titanium one, those would certainly need additional force to shave, without force they can literally stopped by stubble.

 

[LRod]

I'd love to know what makes the Ti Blackbird so good and so much better that the stainless variant?
From what I've read, that seems to be the consensus from most that have owned both.
I don't have a Blackbird anymore, I did own the brass OC but moved on from it as it was too much for daily use.
My experience with razors I've had (same models, different materials) was the weight difference and that's it.
But the shave has been the same between variants.
Just Curious!

 

[Blackland Razors]

I'd love to know what makes the Ti Blackbird so good and so much better that the stainless variant?
From what I've read, that seems to be the consensus from most that have owned both.
I don't have a Blackbird anymore, I did own the brass OC but moved on from it as it was too much for daily use.
My experience with razors I've had (same models, different materials) was the weight difference and that's it.
But the shave has been the same between variants.
Just Curious!

Weight difference has a greater impact due to the Blackbird's shaving geometry. Getting some weight off reduces the blade engagement which smooths out the Blackbird without losing efficiency. That's true for other razors, but it's especially true for the Blackbird with it's high blade exposure geometry.

 

[Teutonblade]

I'd love to know what makes the Ti Blackbird so good and so much better that the stainless variant?
From what I've read, that seems to be the consensus from most that have owned both.
I don't have a Blackbird anymore, I did own the brass OC but moved on from it as it was too much for daily use.
My experience with razors I've had (same models, different materials) was the weight difference and that's it.
But the shave has been the same between variants.
Just Curious!

In addition to what Shane said, because the Blackbird has a good amount of blade feel it's helpful to have a high degree of control to avoid any unnecessary movement or buffing which could contribute to irritation. The lighter weight increases control by not causing the razor to sway, either due to gravity or your hand getting tired. In addition, the heightened precision reduces the need for buffing.