#11
I have them both and think they are both fine razors, but they are very different shaving experiences.

The Rockwell is very well made, though as some have said, the finish is good but not perfect. I find the handle a little longer than what I normally prefer, but it is still easy to work with. With the multiple plates, it is very easy to find a level of aggressiveness that works best for you and it is very handy to be able to choose a higher plate to handle days with more growth.

It is very easy to get the correct angle with the razor and it is consistently smooth and comfortable. Overall it is a well made razor that performs extremely well.

The Blackbird is an entirely different shaving experience for me. I originally had the black oxide finish, but had Shane put the high polish on it, and the finished razor is a real work of art. Fit and finish are absolutely excellent and the look of the razor is stunning.

I prefer shorter handles, though I would say the short handle on my Blackbird is as short as I would ever want. It is very easy to control and maneuver, and the handle is very easy to hold on to despite the high polish finish.

The Blackbird requires a different angle to shave than any other DE I have used, but once you get the hang of it, it is extremely efficient. The razor feels aggressive, you can definitely feel the blade on your face and it commands attention and respect, though I have never had anything worse than the odd weeper. It just feels like it could bite of you became careless. That said, it is an incredible razor, very well made and a beautiful instrument.

If I had to choose between the two, I would go with the Blackbird, because the look and feel of the razor is so unique and impressive. That said, the Rockwell is a well made, excellent shaver. I'm happy that I have both in my den.

Hope this is some help.

clint64 and Aurelian28 like this post
#12
I'm still a newbie at DE shaving, but I have been able to amass nine razors (DE89, Slim, 40s SS, Black Beauty, Fattip Piccolo, Standard Razor, Maggard V3A, Merkur 23C, 6S) .   The Rockwell 6S is by far my favorite .   It is not an incredible razor because of  the stainless steel, the weight or the adjustability -- it just gives me perfect shaves each and every time (no matter which  razor blade I use).    This thing is amazing.  

I bought all these razors because I wanted to get a rotation going (to make shaving fun).   Once I started to use the 6S I found that it became hard to use the other razors.   I still use the them once in a while for laughs and giggles, but when I want a close, irritation-free shave, I always chose the 6S.

Aurelian28, GoHabs and scotte122 like this post
#13

Restitutor Orbis
(07-19-2016, 01:52 AM)Elver Gun Wrote: I'm still a newbie at DE shaving, but I have been able to amass nine razors (DE89, Slim, 40s SS, Black Beauty, Fattip Piccolo, Standard Razor, Maggard V3A, Merkur 23C, 6S) .   The Rockwell 6S is by far my favorite .   It is not an incredible razor because of  the stainless steel, the weight or the adjustability -- it just gives me perfect shaves each and every time (no matter which  razor blade I use).    This thing is amazing.  

I bought all these razors because I wanted to get a rotation going (to make shaving fun).   Once I started to use the 6S I found that it became hard to use the other razors.   I still use the them once in a while for laughs and giggles, but when I want a close, irritation-free shave, I always chose the 6S.

Haha likewise. The 6s is darn good shaver. Glad I got it when I did.

Curious about the model T though but it's a longggggggggg ways off.

Elver Gun likes this post
#14
I received my 6S and have shaved with it three times, using R2 plate. It is an excellent razor. Thank you all for your comments.

kwsher and Blagoja Rajevski like this post
Cheers,
Ted

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.  Winston Churchill

#15
(07-19-2016, 02:22 AM)Aurelian28 Wrote:
(07-19-2016, 01:52 AM)Elver Gun Wrote: I'm still a newbie at DE shaving, but I have been able to amass nine razors (DE89, Slim, 40s SS, Black Beauty, Fattip Piccolo, Standard Razor, Maggard V3A, Merkur 23C, 6S) .   The Rockwell 6S is by far my favorite .   It is not an incredible razor because of  the stainless steel, the weight or the adjustability -- it just gives me perfect shaves each and every time (no matter which  razor blade I use).    This thing is amazing.  

I bought all these razors because I wanted to get a rotation going (to make shaving fun).   Once I started to use the 6S I found that it became hard to use the other razors.   I still use the them once in a while for laughs and giggles, but when I want a close, irritation-free shave, I always chose the 6S.

Haha likewise. The 6s is darn good shaver. Glad I got it when I did.

Curious about the model T though but it's a longggggggggg ways off.

I'm keeping an eye out for the Model T  - it looks like a very nice razor.  But I want to make sure that the guys behind Rockwell are indeed razor making geniuses.  The first  6S was not an incredible shaver.   So is current version of the razor a fluke or did they truly engineer something special?  I'm kinda curious to find out.   If the Model T is another great shaver, then I'm buying everything these guys release in the future.

kwsher likes this post
#16
Plate #4 is shaving nirvana!!

kwsher likes this post
#17
(07-27-2016, 03:33 PM)scottb7862 Wrote: Plate #4 is shaving nirvana!!


+ 1 !

kwsher likes this post
#18

Super Moderator
Reviving an old thread b/c a great razor deserves it. 

The Rockwell 6S is my favorite razor...the #4 plate with a GSB, Israeli Reds, or a Kai gives me an amazingly smooth and comfortable shave with no fear of nicks/cuts.  The only thing about my 6S has been that it has sentimental value to me and I REFUSE to travel with it.  Work has required more traveling in the past couple years and I've been happy with other gear while on the road.  But it seems like every trip I find myself wanting the 6S for at least one shave...especially the days i have to give a presentation.  So the other day, I was able to pick up a 6S from a DFS member that will be my new travel razor.  Now I'm actually looking forward to traveling again Smile


[Image: XFSGj4E.jpg]

Dave in KY likes this post
#19
The 6S (R4) with GSB was my daily driver for 20 straight months. This is a razor I will never sell because it is so dependable, and, it's not like I can get much money, net of fees + shipping + fact they are readily available from Rockwell, out of it anyway.

It's an almost boringly dependable razor for me. While other prettier blade holders have, and will, come my way, the 6S will forever be one of the best consumer (not just shaving) purchases I have ever made.
#20
I too like the Rockwell 6S, and will probably never sell it. (never say 'never') I haven't shaved with mine in quite some time, but the # 5 plate is what is on it, so I'm guessing that was the one I favor. 

I researched it a bit before I bought it. Someone described the finish as 'industrial', and I think that is an apt description. I like the finish, the build quality, the shave. For bang for the buck it is a hard razor to beat.


Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)