Next Step Up: Blackbird or Timeless?

I've tried all the timeless offerings and blackbird. Blackbird is #1 in my den. I dont get why it works but nothing else has a better balance of smoothness and efficiency with a light touch. highly recommend the Personna blade they come with as well. very little glue on the blade and incredibly smooth.

I've had the Timeless Ti95DC and have the Ti Blackbird and the Timeless has been gone for around 2yrs now although I just received a Wolfman WR2 Ti 1.25DC and it may rival the Ti Blackbird for most shaves to come!!

I have the Black Bird SS in both SB and OC, and the Timeless SS and Ti .95 OC. I also have the Timeless bronze .78 OC which is efficient/aggressive to the extreme. Disregarding the bronze, Timeless owns smoothness and is also very efficient. Black Bird owns efficiency and is also pretty smooth. You can’t go wrong with either razor depending on what you like best smoothness or efficiency.

I would make one other suggestion. You said you want a challenge, so think about this. You can find a new Muhle R41 head for about $25. I’m not a fan of their handles, so you could use just about any other handle on the head. When first starting out give it some respect and take your time. I did this and in a very short time I was getting incredibly efficient shaves with very satisfactory smoothness. I only have 2 other razors that are more aggressive than the R41 and that is the Timeless bronze .78 OC and the Sterling SS with the HA plate. If I had not gotten the R41, I would never have thought about the Bronze or the Sterling. These two are a challenge every time they rotate up, and I just love them.

There are so many great razors available to us and for $25 you can have your challenge, and pretty much have no fear of buying a razor that is too aggressive for you.

TheBurgh how often do you shave and how often do you want to shave?

TheBurgh how often do you shave and how often do you want to shave?

I always shave every other day and will rarely vary that schedule.

TheBurgh how often do you shave and how often do you want to shave?

I always shave every other day and will rarely vary that schedule.

Then I think the BB Ti would be better if you can shave and your skin stays comfortable with the H plate Yates.

TheBurgh how often do you shave and how often do you want to shave?

I always shave every other day and will rarely vary that schedule.

Then I think the BB Ti would be better if you can shave and your skin stays comfortable with the H plate Yates.

Thank you for that direct recommendation.

Since I have had my best overall shaving results from heavier/steel razors (TWR, GC, LUPO, Overlander, Gillette Slim and Yates), I'm leaning to the polished steel Bird with my Ti Crown handle.

I always shave every other day and will rarely vary that schedule.

Then I think the BB Ti would be better if you can shave and your skin stays comfortable with the H plate Yates.

Thank you for that direct recommendation.

Since I have had my best overall shaving results from heavier/steel razors (TWR, GC, LUPO, Overlander, Gillette Slim and Yates), I'm leaning to the polished steel Bird with my Ti Crown handle.

But the BB in SS is a beast to handle.   Somehow the extra weight in the head along with geometry (blade exposure) make it a much more difficult shave (for me) than the BB Ti.  

I think I understand what your thought process is here, but this razor is one that I definitely would say, Ti only in my den.  

I’ve owned i believe 5 BB’s and have only kept Ti’s.

Just my experience.

Then I think the BB Ti would be better if you can shave and your skin stays comfortable with the H plate Yates.

Thank you for that direct recommendation.

Since I have had my best overall shaving results from heavier/steel razors (TWR, GC, LUPO, Overlander, Gillette Slim and Yates), I'm leaning to the polished steel Bird with my Ti Crown handle.

But the BB in SS is a beast to handle.   Somehow the extra weight in the head along with geometry (blade exposure) make it a much more difficult shave (for me) than the BB Ti.  

I think I understand what your thought process is here, but this razor is one that I definitely would say, Ti only in my den.  

I’ve owned i believe 5 BB’s and have only kept Ti’s.

Just my experience.

Same experience for me. I know everyone is different but the SS and Brass BB's got moved along and the Ti was night and day better for me also.

+1 Blackbird Titanium