If you are comfortable with the Vector SB why not try the OC plate?
Based on feedback and the Blackland metrics, the OC plate seemed to be a rather small bump in efficiency. I am also trying to explore more DE offerings.If you are comfortable with the Vector SB why not try the OC plate?
I have all those razors and you can’t make a bad decision with any of them. All great performers but my 2 favorites are the Blackbird and Yates H…superb performers.I am contemplating a higher efficiency razor purchase. I currently have a Blackland Vector SS SB, Blackland Era (level 4 and 5 SB), Blackland Sabre (level 1), and Razorock Hawk V2 (SB) and V3 (SB and OC). The Blackland Vector with a Feather Pro blade currently offers the most effective BBS outcomes with highest shave comfort. But it still requires a 3 pass + touchup to get there with my coarse beard hair in the usual suspect regions. And I remain a bit challenged on deploying the Vector ATG in the mustache region.
One of the superpowers of the Vector is its low head weight, which I feel allows me to achieve the least or no neck irritation when delicately shaving ATG. So I have been considering a higher efficiency option in the DE realm with a goal of modest weight (excluding aluminum). After reviewing a number of threads I think the following might be candidates for a higher efficiency razor that remains relatively comfortable/smooth for a daily shaving routine.
Since this matrix is just myself operating on intuition and forum member thread snippets, I was hoping those that might have used or contemplated these razors could offer some perspective (or maybe additional razors that should be considered)
[Estimated Scoring]
Blackbird Ti SB Yates 921 H Ti SB Lupo .95 OC (Ti handle) Efficiency
+++ + Smoothness o o - Aesthetics
++- + Weight - - - ? + Maneuverability o o o Cost ++ +
- -
Why
Reputation for high efficiency with low aggression. Overall design aesthetics.
Performance and head design approaching Blackbird but at a reduced cost. Lower profile head, efficiency, aesthethics, and low cost (relative to Blackbird and Yates). Concerns Head design may feel bulky vs Vector and Lupo. Cost. Head design may feel bulky vs Vector and Lupo. I don't love the razor aesthethics. Lower efficiency and comfort vs Blackbird and Yates
Comparative scale for the listed razors:
++ much higher, + higher, o same or neutral, - less, - - much less
that's helpful input. Thanks for sharing that.Hmm, just to muddy the waters here. I found the Lupo .95 OC superior in efficiency to the Blackbird OC. Mind you, I use the brass version, not sure if there would be any differences between this and the titanium one. I have the Yates in EH, but I do think that of the 3, it loses out on efficiency.
So my table looks like this:
Razor: Efficiency: Smoothness: Aggression:
Brassbird OC XX X XX
Lupo .95 OC XXX XX XXX
YATES EH X XXX X
All scores are relative to the other razors in the comparison table only (3X being highest level of said attribute).
A used bb Ti will cost almost the same as signing up for the email from Shane. I would just get a new one, it’s a 10-20 dollar difference. Machined is plenty smooth. A new Ti finish is rumored to be coming out end of this month.Well it has begun. I ordered the Lupo 95 OC last night, and I am planning to acquire a Blackbird Ti SB as one becomes available. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experience and suggestions on these razor options. And special thanks to @Iridian for his inputs and also making me realize I now need to acquire one of those Timeless handles
I agree. Although, the BB Ti has been out of stock at Blackland. I had been planning to reach out to Shane for any estimates on re-stock. If a new finish is in development, that would be interesting to wait for as well.A used bb Ti will cost almost the same as signing up for the email from Shane. I would just get a new one, it’s a 10-20 dollar difference. Machined is plenty smooth. A new Ti finish is rumored to be coming out end of this month.
Blackbird Ti en route@Rocket 1 Did you end up picking up a Ti Blackbird too from the recent restock?
Good choice! I'll have a custom Yates EH brass head (minus the dumb logo etched on top of the cap thing they do naturally) so I can't vouch for that but I'm....rather shocked some people rate the Lupo so highly let alone more than the Blackbird, I found it to be mediocre personally, but YMMV and all that obviously. Just head a shave with my Brassbird only a bit ago using my favorite blade the Lord 'Silver Star' and it was just exquisite.Blackbird Ti en route
Good choice! I'll have a custom Yates EH brass head (minus the dumb logo etched on top of the cap thing they do naturally) so I can't vouch for that but I'm....rather shocked some people rate the Lupo so highly let alone more than the Blackbird, I found it to be mediocre personally, but YMMV and all that obviously. Just head a shave with my Brassbird only a bit ago using my favorite blade the Lord 'Silver Star' and it was just exquisite.
I've never used the SS or Titanium versions so I can't compare it to those, nothing to say about it that hasn't been said by others, for me it's possibly the best razor I've ever used, shaves like a dream with the right bladeHow’s the Brassbird shave? My RAD says we’re looking for one of these for my next DE.
(I asked myself if I was crazy. We all said no)
I've never used the SS or Titanium versions so I can't compare it to those, nothing to say about it that hasn't been said by others, for me it's possibly the best razor I've ever used, shaves like a dream with the right blade
Thanks for sharing some data points on these. I was just curious, did your experience with the Lupo include the .95 OC plate? I only ask because I have had a relatively positive experience with the .95 OC and a Timeless Ti Crown handle, including smooth and efficient shaves. While I have less time in DE vs SE Artist Club, it is the first DE to have the potential to compete with my Blackland Vector. But in the end, I am still seeking an increase in efficiency over both razors. I am eager to see if the Blackbird Ti will provide that. I hope you'll share more on the Yates EH when it arrives. I am starting to think that may be the more appropriate plate if I end up trying out the Yates.Good choice! I'll have a custom Yates EH brass head (minus the dumb logo etched on top of the cap thing they do naturally) so I can't vouch for that but I'm....rather shocked some people rate the Lupo so highly let alone more than the Blackbird, I found it to be mediocre personally, but YMMV and all that obviously. Just head a shave with my Brassbird only a bit ago using my favorite blade the Lord 'Silver Star' and it was just exquisite.
Based on this thread and others, several individuals have shared a similar opinion on the Lupo .95 OC vs Blackbird. I am looking forward to finding out for myself with the inbound Blackbird Ti. One point that does give pause on the relative efficiency of the Lupo vs Blackbird is my own testing on side by side with the Blackland Vector and Lupo. The Blackland Vector just edges out the Lupo on efficiency, so far. The only reason I mention that is that Blackland rates the efficiency of the Blackbird higher than the Vector. Of course those ratings are themselves subjective. In any case I am glad you are enjoying the Lupo 05 OC. I have a had wonderful time with mine and definitely prefer the Timeless Ti Crown handle paired with it.You can learn a great deal about a particular razor from the reviews of other users, but ultimately even characteristics that might at first seem to be objective turn out to be largely subjective. I haven't used a titanium Blackbird, but I just sold my stainless steel SB Blackbird. That said, it is undoubtedly a fine razor, although I don't find that its shaving qualities justify its price. My newest razor is the Lupo .95OC, and I only have good things to say about it. It is as smooth and efficient as any other razor I've used - more efficient for me than the Blackbird - and it is very attractively priced. My current choice of handles for it is the RazoRock Titanium Halo, although I have to admit that the Timeless Crown handle is very tempting.