Blackland DART

Blackland Dart
Gillette Nacet (2)
Brad Sears DFS LE
Declaration Grooming Colonia Balsamic 

I picked up The Dart this morning. First impressions. The packaging is excellent. A strong thick cardboard box with foam cut to hold the razor firmly. 

Fit and finish. There are some machine marks on the baseplate and the inside of the top cap. These are minimal though. No shape edges or corners like the V2 Blackbird I owned. A big thumbs up.

With the mixed reviews of the Dart I started the shave with some trepidation. 
The loading of the blade had a faff factor of zero BTW. Another thumbs up.
Looking at the blade exposure I struggled to see how it could be (reportedly) so aggressive. 
Time to find out...

Have read a number of reviews. A steeper angle (riding more towards the safety bar) seemed to be the way to go. This worked for me too, along with a very light touch. 

I didn't think the blade feel was too excessive, for the most apart, apart from on my top lip. I found it very tuggy and struggled to find the right angle. This is the only area of concern I have with the razor.

Rising off after the first pass was the first shock. WOW! Super close apart from on my neck. 
I did 3 passes and two small touch-ups either side of my Adams Apple and that was it!

Is this the most efficient razor I've ever used? YES! "Even more efficient than the R41?" I hear you cry. YES!
It's not the smoothest and it's a razor you need to take great care with. Get the angle wrong and it will bite you.

The finished results were spectacular.

This is my first use and first impressions but it shows great promise. 

Cheers
Rob

More efficient than an R41? High praise. Lucky for me, I have a Dart en route to try (thanks, Gus!). That's a high bar you've set, my friend.

On a different note, we've got Johnny Marr performing in-studio at my place of employment in Seattle in a couple of months. PM me if you want VIP treatment during your visit...

Hi Scott,
               Many, many thanks for your kind offer to meet God . Unfortunately I’m from the UK so regrettably I won’t be able to take you up on your offer #gutted.

As for Morrissey? Well I’ve been brought not to say anything unless you have anything nice to say. It’s all a bit sad isn’t it. I’ll leave it there.

Cheers
Rob

Personally, I like the as-machined finish, but there will be a polished version available later (at a higher cost).

I do like the Razorock tumbled/vibratory semi-polish, but I don’t really care for the bead-blasted or brushed finish that some use to reduce and obscure the tooling marks.

I find the machined finish beautiful as-is, and I think it’s kind of cool to be able to look underneath the head and see a hint of how it was made. I suspect the machined finish also enhances the wet grip of the handle.

A mirror finish doesn’t really appeal to me either. The razor is a tool to be used, not stared at, and I like the depth and character the machining adds. I understand why some would like it though.

I do appreciate the option of NOT paying for the finishing steps that I don’t even want.

As for Morrissey? Well I’ve been brought not to say anything unless you have anything nice to say. It’s all a bit sad isn’t it. I’ll leave it there.

Yeah Morissey's shtick is to be an asshat, which sucks because he is a decent vocalist.  All that being said, I've always felt that Johnny Marr is one of the most underrated guitarists of all time.

As for Morrissey? Well I’ve been brought not to say anything unless you have anything nice to say. It’s all a bit sad isn’t it. I’ll leave it there.

Yeah Morissey's shtick is to be an asshat, which sucks because he is a decent vocalist.  All that being said, I've always felt that Johnny Marr is one of the most underrated guitarists of all time.

I hear you Brother.

4th shave with the Blackland Dart tonight. Paladin soap and brush. I must admit I do not find this razor too aggressive at all it is giving me a very smooth consistent shave. There is definite blade feel but not anywhere near a Charcoal Goods Level 3 or a R41. I did a WTG and XTG pass holding the razor between 25 - 30 degree angle, handle to the face ( Steep ) and I had minimal alum sting and BBS. For me this is what I hoped the Gamechanger would be. Shane has created a very durable well made SS razor that I would put in the slightly over mid aggressive razor that gives a smooth, comfortable, efficient shave. If you like the Timeless Bronze .38 SB, Mamba, gamechanger or mild Gillette razors this would not be a choice I make but if you are using the Karve E or F plate, Gillette Old Type or New SC I would recommend this razor for you.

SOTD July 27th


Stirling Mentholated Pre-Shave Soap
Blackland Dart
Astra SP (3)
Stirling Boar (24mm, Frigate Class)
Stirling Satsuma soap and Glacial Satsuma AS

The more I use the Dart the more I appreciate it aggressiveness/efficiency. This razor is not for the faint of heart, it is just as efficient and aggressive as the ATT H, Fatip OC, RazoRock Wunderbar, Futur (Clone). It demands your full attention and a feather light touch. I am doing two passes with the Dart WTG and then ATG with some light buffing in the trouble spots and it just annihilates any and all stubble, BBS finish. No burn from the AS and no detectable irritation. The post shave from the Stirling products is amazing and my skin is soft and smooth.

I have a couple of shaves under my belt with the Dart, so I will add MHO.

I happen to receive an Ikon Tech at the same time I received my Dart. I had three shaves with the Tech before rotating in the Dart for three shaves. To my face, The Dart and the Tech were equal in efficiency and aggression, but the setups were different. The Tech is a lighter head and I used the RR halo Ti handle. Generally I use the handles that came with the Razor since alot of time and energy are spent matching, I do not often see the need to re-invent the best combination. The Ikon Tech is one of the few exceptions since the aggression level is so high, a lighter handle can tame it down.

The Tech is either on the way out or gone. The Dart just rolled out. It is priced most excellently, does an amazing job at cutting one days growth (usually tougher to do for a razor based on sesitivity of skin vs. razor aggression), and puts most of my other razors on notice.

How does it compare to the Karve E (priced about the same)? The Dart and the Karve are two different animals that get to the same destination. The Karve is low key, unassuming, and smooth. The Dart is a shiny precision tool that once respected, will give an excellent shave all day every day, but coffee is required. I toyed with the idea of selling my Blackbird, but it has been with me too long (since the long handles were offered), and has given too many excellent shaves to send it out into the wild.

The Game Changer is a Mamba 2.0 IMHO so not in the Dart or Tech class. I understand IB is working to change this so I may reconsider my position at that time.

Would I recommend this razor? Absolutely if you regularly use;

The Blackbird,
RR Slant,
Muhle R41,
Ikon Tech,
Fatip Grande (Old Model)
Toggle or Fatboy on 7 and up or the Rex 5 and up,
MMOC,
Asylum RX.

(I do own and use the above, but again MHO only)


If so, step right up you will enjoy this offering. If you run from aggression, this may be a once a week razor and then you need to consider the cost/benefit.

I have now used the Dart for 3 shaves, it's a nice razor with good blade feel, it's not overly aggressive, it gives a good smooth efficient shave with good feedback (the blades I use are Wizamet Polsilver, Super Iridium, and Wizamet Iridium Super, sometimes a Gillette Yellow). I've read some of the reviews that compared the Dart against the Bird. The Dart gives as good a shave if not better (depends on the day) as the Blackbird or standard Wolfman. As far as blade and feedback it has less blade feel than the Blackbird, but more blade feel then the standard Wolfman. Will the Dart bite? if your not careful any razor will bite.

The info I'm providing here will give insight on my razor preferences. I use aggressive razors CG L3 DC, the CG L3 CC and Asylum Brass XL T for fast smooth shaving, Old Types like the 1910 and 1928 Ball end (the 1928 has a slightly thicker head than the 1910). With the Old Types (Ball end) I put in a shim to raise the blade and change out the handle (added length, dia, weight) for better maneuverability which makes the head a better shaver,(smoothly aggressive and efficient) Now on weekends when I want to feel a big blade I take out the RX.

The Dart is a good looking razor well made, finding the shave angle is easy which gives a good close, smooth and efficient shave along with accurate feedback. The Dart is well priced and gives razors twice the price a run for their money. Now, remember what I've written is my opinion, YMMV.

5th shave with the Dart.  I was able to wait 2 1/2 days to see how it would do.
Soap- La Shaving 1st time using this and it was very nice, slick, easy to Lather and good cushion
Brush- Wolf Whiskers Badger  
Blade-  Polsilver 3rd use
AS- LA Shaving
First pass WTG and Wow I was DFS it took down the beard like nothing! Still some blade feel but very smooth.
Second pass- XTG A little more blade feel but still very smooth and I was BBS minus 2 spots on each side of my Adam’s apple just under the chin that needed a few buffing touch ups.
AS gave minimal sting.  I feel like I now have a good handle on this razor and it is one fine razor. The Dart and the Karve F plate would be my recommendation for a well built sub $100 razor if you like 6-7 out of 10 aggressive razors.

SOTD July 30th


Stirling Mentholated Pre-Shave Soap
Blackland Dart
Gillette 7 O'Clock Permasharp Stainless
Doug Korn Stubby (35mm, Carrier Class)
Jeeves Of Hudson Street "Bay Rum"
Drydock Lather Bowl
Stirling Glacial Lemon Chill PSB

It's becoming a broken record with the Dart, two pass BBS, no irritation. Stirling Glacial Lemon Chill to make it a Menthol Monday. Have a great day my friends!