Razor wars: Blackland Blackbird versus Lambda Athena

[Phoenixkh]

I knew I shouldn't have read this thread this morning..... I sold a few things on BST the other day and have the cash for an Ares. I was going to start saving up for an Atelier Durdan No. 7 but it will be months before the pass arounds are complete and I have no idea if that one would even work for me.

I did ask Theo about the razor stands, to see if he's had a chance to move that project along. He's been so busy, I doubt we'll see them for a while but it doesn't hurt to ask. <eg>

 

[Guido75]

That makes sense to me. There are many on this forum that think the same way. I just found the Ares a bit more efficient. You have to do what is most comfortable to you.

Absolutely and it is a marvellous razor. I am a daily shaver so there needs to be something to shave! (although I can shave daily with very aggressive razors too)

 

[muzichead]

I think its great that the Athena is the answer for many shavers but I find it hard to believe that any razor could get me the same, (16-20hr BBS), that my Ti Blackbird gets me every shave out!! My personal feeling is Theo could sell 3-4 more razors if he decided to make the Athena and Ares in Stainless or Titanium instead of only selling Bronze mostly... Big mistake in my opinion, but then he asks too much for the Stainless offerings though...

 

[Phoenixkh]

I think its great that the Athena is the answer for many shavers but I find it hard to believe that any razor could get me the same, (16-20hr BBS), that my Ti Blackbird gets me every shave out!! My personal feeling is Theo could sell 3-4 more razors if he decided to make the Athena and Ares in Stainless or Titanium instead of only selling Bronze mostly... Big mistake in my opinion, but then he asks too much for the Stainless offerings though...

I understand people wanting SS and titanium... For me, I love the warm look of the marine bronze. It hasn't been a hassle to keep shiny...... I have a couple micro cloth towels with Simichrome reside on them... I've only wiped down one of them once... It took less than 30 seconds.. Not bad for a two year old bronze razor. I've never had to do a complete polish.

 

[tomas1870]

Agree with @muzichead about materials and Lambda razors. Question is if Theo could produce so many razors himself (like now.. )It is probably much easier to keep company small with waiting list, few options (no materials, handles, plates options..) and he can do it all with nice gain and little risk and no pressure..

I'm still waiting for Ti Athena and will buy immediately when possible.

 

[walpan]

Agree with @muzichead about materials and Lambda razors. Question is if Theo could produce so many razors himself (like now.. )It is probably much easier to keep company small with waiting list, few options (no materials, handles, plates options..) and he can do it all with nice gain and little risk and no pressure..

I'm still waiting for Ti Athena and will buy immediately when possible.

Tomas, people keep forgetting that this is a side line for Theo. He has a full time stressful job. He is doing his best to keep the numbers up without diminishing the great quality of the products.

 

[Phoenixkh]

I've been emailing Theo about a couple things... He mentioned they are concentrating on an upcoming batch of SS and Titanium razors.... I didn't ask for a time frame.

He mentioned that when I asked him about the razor stands they are planning to release at some point.... They are back burnered due to the interest in SS and Titanium razors. I asked you guys to hold off buying SS and Titanium razors until I get "my" stands... to no avail, I might add. <eg>

 

[BigAlVista]

Agree with @muzichead about materials and Lambda razors. Question is if Theo could produce so many razors himself (like now.. )It is probably much easier to keep company small with waiting list, few options (no materials, handles, plates options..) and he can do it all with nice gain and little risk and no pressure..

I'm still waiting for Ti Athena and will buy immediately when possible.

A Ti Athena would be great, however, the bronze is a friggen museum piece. I LOVE that Razor.

I've not done a side by side against the Blackbird, but I find the Athena to be extremely efficient when paired with a really sharp blade (Day 1 Feather, BIC, Perma-Sharp, Nacet, Black Ninja...).

 

[Guido75]

I find the Athena to be extremely efficient when paired with a really sharp blade (Day 1 Feather, BIC, Perma-Sharp, Nacet, Black Ninja...

I think I will shave with the Athena later this week using a Kai blade. I’ll follow up on my findings.

 

[walpan]

A Ti Athena would be great, however, the bronze is a friggen museum piece. I LOVE that Razor.

I've not done a side by side against the Blackbird, but I find the Athena to be extremely efficient when paired with a really sharp blade (Day 1 Feather, BIC, Perma-Sharp, Nacet, Black Ninja...).

An Athena with a Permasharp or Accuforge or Wizamet is every bit as efficient as a Blackbird and far more comfortable.

 

[Teutonblade]

An Athena with a Permasharp or Accuforge or Wizamet is every bit as efficient as a Blackbird and far more comfortable.

Wizamet is my go to.

 

[muzichead]

Tomas, people keep forgetting that this is a side line for Theo. He has a full time stressful job. He is doing his best to keep the numbers up without diminishing the great quality of the products.

So are you saying that if he were to start making Stainless and Titanium he would be diminishing the quality of his products? I think his sales would take off 10 fold if he changed over to either of those materials!! I don't think Bronze is exactly burning the doors down when he only released like 10 razors every couple months...

 

[BigAlVista]

I think I will shave with the Athena later this week using a Kai blade. I’ll follow up on my findings.

I'd be interest in that review. The Kai blade is not super sharp, but is a bit wider and seems to me a bit stiffer. I would think that it should increase the exposure a bit. The increase in exposure often creates the impression that it is actually on the sharp side, so I'm guessing it would be a good fit. You know what? I'll give that a try myself tomorrow. Should be a fun test.

 

[Phoenixkh]

So are you saying that if he were to start making Stainless and Titanium he would be diminishing the quality of his products? I think his sales would take off 10 fold if he changed over to either of those materials!! I don't think Bronze is exactly burning the doors down when he only released like 10 razors every couple months...

I understand your point, however, every batch he makes has sold out in a few days. And that’s with his marine bronze. My most expensive razors were purchased in bronze by choice, so razor metals are definitely YMMV.

I’m pretty sure polishing SS and Titanium increases the production time. They are also rougher on the machine tools. All these factor into how many razors he can make and the costs for each metal choice.

 

[BigAlVista]

I'd be interest in that review. The Kai blade is not super sharp, but is a bit wider and seems to me a bit stiffer. I would think that it should increase the exposure a bit. The increase in exposure often creates the impression that it is actually on the sharp side, so I'm guessing it would be a good fit. You know what? I'll give that a try myself tomorrow. Should be a fun test.

OK. I've used the Kai with the Athena these past two days. Compared with the same razor, soap, brush, etc. (ceteris paribus), between the BIC Chrome Platinum and the Kai, the Kai was a bit more aggressive and a bit less efficient. Don't get me wrong, they were both excellent shaves, but the BIC was just a bit closer and a bit smoother. With the BIC, I was super smooth with only a bit of touch up. With the Kai, i needed three full passes and my face had a bit more Alum feedback as a result. Also, each pass with the Kai felt just a bit rougher than a similar pass with the BIC.

Will need to try the Athena with some other really sharp blades, but the razor definitely appeared to be close to perfect for me with the BIC.

 

[Guido75]

Thanks Mark @BigAlVista. I shaved with the Athena and Kai today and I can confirm your experience. Rather excellent shave but it definitely had the Athena less mild in feel. I prefer the regular blade feel with the Athena. But a good shave overall nonetheless.

Cheers,

Guido

 

[walpan]

OK. I've used the Kai with the Athena these past two days. Compared with the same razor, soap, brush, etc. (ceteris paribus), between the BIC Chrome Platinum and the Kai, the Kai was a bit more aggressive and a bit less efficient. Don't get me wrong, they were both excellent shaves, but the BIC was just a bit closer and a bit smoother. With the BIC, I was super smooth with only a bit of touch up. With the Kai, i needed three full passes and my face had a bit more Alum feedback as a result. Also, each pass with the Kai felt just a bit rougher than a similar pass with the BIC.

Will need to try the Athena with some other really sharp blades, but the razor definitely appeared to be close to perfect for me with the BIC.

You might try PermaSharp, Nacet and Wizamet. The Accuthrive and Accuforge are also very sharp blades.

 

[walpan]

I thought all blades work in that razor?

the sharper the better, that's what I have found to be true.

 

[Teutonblade]

View attachment 1861167

I was almost exclusively using Wizamets but just got some Nacets. The difference is remarkable. The Nacet raises the efficiency of all my razors by half a step. For example with a Wizamet the Overlander delivers what I would consider a DFS+. With the Nacet it bumps up to a BBS-. I realize this all very subjective, but I feel a difference.

 

[walpan]

You went out of your way to step on my toes when I suggested the astra in the pass around thread so now I feel obligated when I see you suggest a blade for the Athena of what you said.

I am sorry, but i really don't remember that and certainly meant no offense. The Astra is a very good blade, I just found the ones i mentioned to work better. I did just now go back and reread your post and my reply. I can see how i was a bit flip with my reply. I, in no way meant to step on your post or opinion.