These are my four most efficient Double Edge razors, and I wanted to see how they stacked up against each other in a direct side by side comparison. Up first for this morning's shave was the stainless steel Blackbird vs. the brass Karve Christopher Bradley with the G safety bar base plate. It is perhaps a slightly unfair competition as I have used the Karve dozens of times and the Blackbird has only been used for a half dozen shaves so far. Both razors had Personna Israeli blades with 5 shaves on them before this morning's shave. I lathered up with my Yaqi Moka Express 2 Band Badger brush and Shannon's Haymarket Vetiver Soap and started in on the right side with the Blackbird. For the past few shaves with the Blackbird I felt that the handle was a bit too short, but I seem to have adjusted to it and had no problems controlling the razor through the first pass. I find the Blackbird to be very smooth with just the right amount of blade feel. After completing the first pass on the right side of my face, I switched to the Karve for the first pass on the left. The difference in mass is quite noticeable, but I don't find the Karve cumbersome at all. I have used it for weeks at a time while travelling overseas, and I love using it. It isn't as nimble as the Blackbird, but it's a very solid and competent feeling tool in my hand. Like the Blackbird, it is very smooth with perhaps a tiny bit more blade feel than the Blackbird, but perhaps not. They are that close (to me). The second, and last, pass proceeded much like the first. Touchups, likewise were uneventful.
So what about the results? Honestly I cannot tell any difference; I couldn't right after the shave, and I still cannot tell any difference some 8-9 hours later. If I had to pick just one of these two, I might very well flip a coin. The brass Karve, of course, is a relative bargain, but only if you want a brass razor. I'm still not convinced how I feel about brass, mainly because I don't like patina and thus need to periodically polish the Karve. For that reason, I am seriously considering having it plated. But since I really like the feel of the razor as it is, and it looks great when it's freshly polished, I will probably keep it as it is. As to the Blackbird, I would still like a handle that was closer to 90mm, which they do not make. I think the 100mm handle would be just too long. Since I don't have to pick just one, both of these excellent razors will be used on a regular basis.
Winner: Me! As far as the razors go, I would call it a draw.
So what about the results? Honestly I cannot tell any difference; I couldn't right after the shave, and I still cannot tell any difference some 8-9 hours later. If I had to pick just one of these two, I might very well flip a coin. The brass Karve, of course, is a relative bargain, but only if you want a brass razor. I'm still not convinced how I feel about brass, mainly because I don't like patina and thus need to periodically polish the Karve. For that reason, I am seriously considering having it plated. But since I really like the feel of the razor as it is, and it looks great when it's freshly polished, I will probably keep it as it is. As to the Blackbird, I would still like a handle that was closer to 90mm, which they do not make. I think the 100mm handle would be just too long. Since I don't have to pick just one, both of these excellent razors will be used on a regular basis.
Winner: Me! As far as the razors go, I would call it a draw.