Blackland Razors - does finish matter?

So . . . Blackbird or Paradigm?

I wish I could give you a definite answer, but on my face they are both equally spectacular...

Love my Blackbird SB/OC in Black Oxide, it’s one of the best shavers in my Den. The Polished Blackbird is on my short list, just hoping they’ll still be available come payday. Blackland Razors I’ve been looking forward to your Slant for quite a while, I can’t wait! I would also definitely purchase a Blackbird in Bronze. I only have one Razor in my Den made of Bronze, but it’s one of my favorites, it looks amazing! I think a Blackbird would look outstanding in this material!

I was just creeping Blacklands FaceBook page and wow the new finishes coming soon look outstanding! I’m interested in knowing more about it and it’s long term durability. Love the growth we’re seeing in this market, from both soap makers and razor makers it just keeps getting better and better.

I wonder if it’s a DLC coating, diamond hardness!

My pocketbook likes that razor finishes are not yet one of my ADs. I’ve got machined, matte, polished, antiqued, titanium, and every other sort of finish I’m aware of, in bronze, Zamac, brass, several grades of stainless, aluminum, and likely others. On my face, the material matters (heavier is generally better), but finish does not.

I prefer the polish finish but I suspect I wouldn’t have an issue using any now that I have my technique down with it.

The B.B. is the only razor that has unseated the 17-4 for me.

Can’t wait to try the AC SE format razor coming out. I’m sure it’ll be great.

While I think I know what people mean by “drag,” I’m not sure it has to do with the finish. If you place a relatively flat surface against a wet surface, that’ll sometimes create suction.

I have a black oxide and a machined finish Blackbird. Sadly, no experience with the polished finish. If I try to “ride the top cap” to find the shallowest possible angle, there will be a little bit of this suction effect. It happens with my Mongoose, as well. (Look at the flat surface on that thing!)

However, if I set the angle myself (usually a slightly steeper angle) and use a light touch, there is no suction. This makes me wonder if the drag that people sometimes talk about is in fact created by the shape of the Blackbird rather than the finish…

I am somewhat new to DE shaving. I usually set my angle by placing the base or guard on my face then moving the razor handle up just until I can feel the blade cut my beard. As understand it, this creates a steep angle. Is this a good approach for Blackbird? If not, then what technique would you recommend? I am expecting delivery on a polished Blackbird in a week or so and would definitely like to avoid nicks, cuts and razor burn. Any help would be appreciated.

Starting at the sideburn, I set the handle so that the cap, blade and guard are on the skin. I then bring that cap ever so slightly off the skin. The bird shaves best with a shallower angle than most IME.

I did a side by side with a black oxide and a polished. Yes, finish matters. The polished is much smoother. I really hate to be contrary to the man who designed the thing, but there is a difference. Now, I had no issue with the black and actually preferred the look. I'd gladly take and use either.

I am somewhat new to DE shaving.  I usually set my angle by placing the base or guard on my face then moving the razor handle up just until I can feel the blade cut my beard.  As understand it, this creates a steep angle.  Is this a good approach for Blackbird?  If not, then what technique would you recommend?  I am expecting delivery on a polished Blackbird in a week or so and would definitely like to avoid nicks, cuts and razor burn.  Any help would be appreciated.

The Blackbird is not picky about the angle, in my experience. Your skin may be, though.

I’d suggest starting with a shallow angle. One way to gauge that is to place the flat part of the razor head against your skin (handle level with the floor), and then start bringing the handle down until the blade makes contact with the beard.

However, by using this method, you may experience some “drag” or “suction” from the razor.

The other approach is the one you described (a relatively steep angle). This can work well if you remember to keep the pressure against your skin at an absolute minimum. The Blackbird will do its job even with the lightest of contact.

One more thing. Definitely map the growth of your beard and start by just shaving with the grain.

I hope this helps. Good luck, and I hope you enjoy the Blackbird!

Thanks to you and Kehole. I appreciate the advice. I am glad I asked--this is the opposite of what I was going to do.