Member
Austin, TX
All, I received my Blackland Blackbird razor on 11 January and have used enough [two blade cycles] to share some preliminary thoughts.
Initially, the razor arrived packed well in a tin logo box packed with straw. Included was a pamphlet with some overview information. Mine was pristine in condition although in similar packaging I have most often found the inside of the lid to also be padded with foam or bubble wrap and in this instance it was not. Seemed to work out just fine as mentioned but in the way of constructive feedback wanted to include.
The razor itself is stout. Rugged. I heard a term during my No Shave November: lumbersexual. This is the type of razor they would use. Or Hugh Glass. Anybody that does or aspires to wrestle bears, swashbuckle on the open seas or otherwise engage in Dos XX type behavior.
I was going to get the Black Oxide but opted for the Raw at the last minute and the finish is intentionally rough, with swirls and striation. Much like a Fatip but with more intent. I very much like it as it feels and looks much more like a tool.
I typically like handles in the 80-85mm range but opted for the longer handle as 70mm seemed a bit short. It is well crafted much like the razor on the whole and the ribbed nature makes for great grip. Just feels good in the hand.
Loading the blade is a breeze as is with most three piece razors with a decent amount but not extreme level of bow in the blade itself and a secure fit. First shave, I didn't find the optimum blade angle to be difficult to find but not intuitive out of the gate. Still delivered a smooth result although I could tell that the angle was too steep overall, particularly on my neck.
Once dialed in, it was smooth and gave great audible feedback. One of the loudest razors I have, which feedback I also like a lot.
During the shave, the safety bar(s) are a little "edgier" than I am used to but with the right angle you don't feel it all that much. Just a very different face feel and the first couple of shaves I noticed it more. If they were slightly buffed or rounded it would likely make for a smoother feeling shave. Meaning the shave itself is not rough by any stretch but it can feel that way oddly enough without any sign of irritation, razor burn, etc.
Next factor: Customer Service. I had originally ordered the Black Oxide. Indecision set in. Emailed Shane Blackland Razors and he immediately changed it to Raw finish. He had also offered some recommendations on handle length for pre-sales support promptly. Using the long handle, I decided that I may like to have the shorter handle- he has shipped the unit out post haste. Overall, great communication and super support. Could not be better.
Overall, I give the razor a thumbs up and am happy to have it personally and in the community as a whole. I look forward to what's next coming out of the labs at Blackland Razors!
Initially, the razor arrived packed well in a tin logo box packed with straw. Included was a pamphlet with some overview information. Mine was pristine in condition although in similar packaging I have most often found the inside of the lid to also be padded with foam or bubble wrap and in this instance it was not. Seemed to work out just fine as mentioned but in the way of constructive feedback wanted to include.
The razor itself is stout. Rugged. I heard a term during my No Shave November: lumbersexual. This is the type of razor they would use. Or Hugh Glass. Anybody that does or aspires to wrestle bears, swashbuckle on the open seas or otherwise engage in Dos XX type behavior.
I was going to get the Black Oxide but opted for the Raw at the last minute and the finish is intentionally rough, with swirls and striation. Much like a Fatip but with more intent. I very much like it as it feels and looks much more like a tool.
I typically like handles in the 80-85mm range but opted for the longer handle as 70mm seemed a bit short. It is well crafted much like the razor on the whole and the ribbed nature makes for great grip. Just feels good in the hand.
Loading the blade is a breeze as is with most three piece razors with a decent amount but not extreme level of bow in the blade itself and a secure fit. First shave, I didn't find the optimum blade angle to be difficult to find but not intuitive out of the gate. Still delivered a smooth result although I could tell that the angle was too steep overall, particularly on my neck.
Once dialed in, it was smooth and gave great audible feedback. One of the loudest razors I have, which feedback I also like a lot.
During the shave, the safety bar(s) are a little "edgier" than I am used to but with the right angle you don't feel it all that much. Just a very different face feel and the first couple of shaves I noticed it more. If they were slightly buffed or rounded it would likely make for a smoother feeling shave. Meaning the shave itself is not rough by any stretch but it can feel that way oddly enough without any sign of irritation, razor burn, etc.
Next factor: Customer Service. I had originally ordered the Black Oxide. Indecision set in. Emailed Shane Blackland Razors and he immediately changed it to Raw finish. He had also offered some recommendations on handle length for pre-sales support promptly. Using the long handle, I decided that I may like to have the shorter handle- he has shipped the unit out post haste. Overall, great communication and super support. Could not be better.
Overall, I give the razor a thumbs up and am happy to have it personally and in the community as a whole. I look forward to what's next coming out of the labs at Blackland Razors!
Kevin
