Paradigm Salient Razor; as compared to what?

Satin

Thanks and draebeard those both look nice. 
I think I'm getting where I like satin and machined  finishes more as time goes

Last week I bought a cheap ($8) copy of the Mühle R41 off eBay.  Everything about it spoke poor quality, but it shaved like a champion, and The Salient just couldn't keep up.  The Salient is likely still the better razor, but...

East Coast vs West Coast?

A side by side shave comparison of the Salient and Blackbird Ti

Only a few shaves in with the Salient, thoughts of a side by side comparison with the Blackbird Ti emerged. Prior to the Salient, my interest in DE razors had waned, as I continued to re-connect with SE options, seeking differentiated shaving experiences. And those first few shaves with the Salient were certainly differentiated from my existing DE options. And so a side by side shave was scheduled with the goal of clarifying how the Salient would relate to one of my top DE razors.

As each razor confidently stood at the ready, an enriched lather of Ethos Sandalo Artistico was easily developed. As the lather was applied, I contemplated apparent differences from individual shaving experience with each razor. The Blackbird Ti had enjoyed significant usage and brought a sense of strong familiarity with calm and consistent efficiency. The Salient delivered equivalent efficiency but required a somewhat different approach, and my technique was less developed as I continued to understand the range of the razor. Because of that reduced proficiency, the Salient would be used on the right side, while the Blackbird would be applied to the left. As the final strokes were completed for the initial WTG pass, the most significant difference between these razors would be confirmed: Face-feel and overall smoothness. I have read that some find the Blackbird off-putting because of blade feel. I personally have never felt that way, but I don’t mind blade feel and prefer to have some amount as a feedback tool during a shave. Others have described a slight suctioning effect or “drag” from the angular face of the Blackbird head. But again that had not been my perceived experience.

So to my surprise, I did begin to notice those elements in the Blackbird, with the Salient as a comparative benchmark. The Blackbird created a sensation of light suction with a mild amount of blade awareness that suddenly seemed a bit less refined than formally considered. This was contrasted by the Salient’s smooth efficiency that delivers an experience akin to an array of micro machines tumbling and reducing stubble with a satisfying crunch. In some ways, the Salient felt more alive and active, if that is even possible for an inanimate razor. The Salient also exhibited a slight echo of my experience with the Carbon Cx++ in SS during a pass around. The level of smoothness and face-feel was different, but there was something there reminiscent of my memories with the Cx. Now returning to the inspection of the completed WTG pass, there was no apparent visual or felt difference between either side.

With the razors again at the ready, I moved forward with a XTG pass and now the the Blackbird Ti would come to the forefront as its nimble agility easily navigated all undulating terrain. Certainly part of that was a significant amount of runtime using the razor, but the Salient is noticeably heavier, particularly as I typically gravitate to the Ti weight class. While the Salient is not difficult to maneuver, it was just at certain times, I sought the ease at which I could throw around the Blackbird across more challenging curvature. If given a choice a reduced weight version of the Salient would be a preference. It wouldn’t need to be reduced to a full Ti equivalent either. I do wonder if a reduction in weight might impact other aspects of the razor’s performance. Like so many attributes of razors, I was becoming accustomed to the increased weight and imagine in a few weeks it wouldn’t even be noticeable. And now completing the XTG pass, there was again no perceived difference in stubble reduction.

So one might think the final ATG would bring out any remaining differences, but for the most part it did not. The only difference of note was a sense of increased confidence tackling the mustache area ATG. Again, I feel part of that is runtime with the Blackbird. But the ability to safely modulate pressure with the lightweight nature of the Blackbird Ti also contributes to that confidence, when addressing some of my most challenging spots. Having said that, I was also rapidly refining my technique with the Salient in the mustache region with appreciable improvements in a matter of a few shaves. Looking over the results of the final pass, and carefully assessing by feel, I could find no discernible differences in shave outcomes. And from my perspective that is a positive outcome, as I prize the Blackbird’s effectiveness over most of my other DE razors. With a splash of Ethos Skin Food, a slight amount of feedback on the Salient side jawline was present but it faded quickly. Each successive shave with the Salient has resulted in reduced feedback, as I become more proficient with managing pressure and angles. And the proficiency has also shown up in BBS quality and duration. For this comparative shave I measured BBS duration for the Blackbird in the approximate 12 hour range with the Salient showing slight signs of regrowth maybe an hour or so earlier. Although I have to think some of that difference stems from limited experience with the Salient.

With the shave complete it was time to consider aesthetics. Holding each razor and considering overall preferences it simply becomes subjective. The Blackbird emits a strong sense of purposeful design in what many consider an iconic profile. While the Salient offers what I consider a more subdued approach. However, the Salient has a presence, a visual weight, that is distinguishing. Earlier on I mentioned the desire for other handle options from both an aesthetic and grip perspective. On grip, that has yet to be a real concern after multiple shaves. And on the aesthetics I wouldn’t mind other options. I also understand there is a balance between retail price targets and the machining costs of more elaborate designs. One note on handles is that I tried on a couple of alternatives with the Salient. And again to my surprise, I preferred the handle of the Salient. Interestingly, it just always felt more balanced and dynamic. But in retrospect, I shouldn’t be complaining at all when factoring in the accessible pricing of the Salient. And that is another difference when comparing the Blackbird, SS or Ti variant.

Ultimately this comparative shave became the deciding factor in placing an order for the Salient. And that decision wasn’t driven by a conclusion that the Salient was better than the Blackbird Ti. It was driven by the fact that the Salient shaves have delivered a differentiated experience when compared to the Blackbird. And that is something that I cherish at this point in my shaving journey, knowing that I will soon have a razor that can achieve efficiency levels I seek, while providing an experience that brings something unique and special. I am starting to better understand the appreciation for earlier Paradigm razors and hope we will soon be witnessing a revival of the brand and its offerings.

rocket

Dave , very nice detailed review my friend and I just got the BB Ti so it will be interesting to compare. I did try a Tibam Ti handle on the Salient and I actually liked it as it seemed to improve the maneuverability of the razor. I could see a SS Hollow handle as an alternative. I like the Satin finish now that I’ve shaved with both more for the aesthetics and the feel in hand. I notice no difference in the shave.

All the best

Frank

Dave , very nice detailed review my friend and I just got the BB Ti so it will be interesting to compare. I did try a Tibam Ti handle on the Salient and I actually liked it as it seemed to improve the maneuverability of the razor. I could see a SS Hollow handle as an alternative.  I like the Satin finish now that I’ve shaved with both more for the aesthetics and the feel in hand. I notice no difference in the shave. 

All the best

Frank

Thanks Frank. I have been considering a Tibam Ti handle as well. Finding one seems to be the tricky part.   

But, I am still enjoying the Salient with its standard handle. Just shaved this morning with it. I find myself reaching for the Salient quite a bit these days.

The Salient is stealthy efficient - outstanding quick 2 pass DFS+ shave with second use Nacent this AM!

I have really been enjoying the Salient (polished). Smooth and efficient, I would put efficiency between Overlander and Blackbird, leaning more towards Blackbird. YMMV.

I have really been enjoying the Salient (polished). Smooth and efficient, I would put efficiency between Overlander and Blackbird, leaning more towards Blackbird. YMMV.

Nomineee: Best Short Razor Review of 2023!

Oh that makes a nice looking razor.

I agree, with this particular razor, I fancy the satin.  At first I was indecisive, the polished is a handsome tool.  D-beard dispelled that for me quickly with this image.

East Coast vs West Coast?

A side by side shave comparison of the Salient and Blackbird Ti

You Sir have written a few reports in your time! Well done, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your review.  It certainly swayed my opinion of one of these two razors.

Cheers!

East Coast vs West Coast?

A side by side shave comparison of the Salient and Blackbird Ti

You Sir have written a few reports in your time! Well done, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your review.  It certainly swayed my opinion of one of these two razors.

Cheers!

Glad that you enjoyed it! Thank you for the kind feedback.