(07-29-2024, 02:32 PM)RayClem Wrote: Southsider You have raised an excellent point.
The performance of a blade will be affected by the razor in which it is used. Likewise, the performance of a razor will be affected by the blades with which it is paired.
While I love super sharp blades like the BIC CP in mild to moderate razors, I would never attempt to use it in a more aggressive razor. I love using BIC blades in my Timeless TI 0.68. I can use that combination for ATG buffing strokes without issue.
I have never used a Blackbird, but from everything I have heard, I know it to be aggressive. While the blade gap is not that large, the blade exposure makes it efficient. I do have two more aggressive razors: Muhle R41 and Karve E -plate. While the Karve E-plate is not overly aggressive, it is as aggressive as I want to use for routine shaving. I use it for WTG passes using a very sharp, but not super sharp blade. If I am not careful shaving my chin, I will get weepers. I would not use it for ATG passes. A Karve F-plate or G-plate would be more aggressive than I would enjoy for routine use, even for WTG passes.
On those rare occasions in which I decide to pull out my R41, I like pairing it with the 7 O'Clock SharpEdge yellow blade which I find to be on the less sharp side of the mid-sharp group and quite smooth. You might want to pick up some of the SharpEdge blades to try with your Blackbird. While they are not quite as sharp as the GSB blades, I think you will find them to be smoother.
I am now embarking on a series of shaves with my mild H&S Z074 Ti 5 paired with a BIC CP. I'll see how that goes.