Nice picture. I had my first shave with the black oxide this morning. I definitely noticed some drag, but it was still a good shave and too early to judge after one shave. I am starting to wonder if the OC might help a little with the drag or of I just haven't found the best angle yet.

I feel the same way you do. It's shaves wonderful but there is always drag, no matter what angle

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The "drag" is getting less with each shave. I sort of recall this when I first received the complete razor earlier this year. It took 4 or 5 shaves to get smoother. Today's shave was number 3 with the OC and it was smoother than yesterday. Maybe just have to smooth out the oxidized finish a bit.

I just had my second shave and I used a little steeper angle and payed a little more attention to pressure and I didn't notice as much drag. I think the OC would also make it a little smoother using the steeper angle since it would allow more lather to pass through.

I've noticed an issue with my Blackbird Open Comb - I get such good shaves that I might not actually need to shave 24 hours later! I wasn't sure that the original BB could be topped, but, for my face anyways, the open comb takes it to another level.

I just completed a little over a full month using my Blackbird OC and Feather blades exclusively. Outside of 1 blade that seemed to be just a touch too tight to fit over the pegs on the cap, it was a fantastic month. Every shave became smoother and was always close.

I finally received my polished Blackbird this past week with both open and closed combs!

That's a beautiful razor. I have the black oxide version, but I may have to get this polished version as well.

Thanks. I also like the black oxide from the photos. I went with the polished since the sale price, when offered, basically made the finish for free. I think with any of the finishes, you probably can't go wrong. I'm just extremely happy I finally received this great razor.
Steve

I've had five shaves with mine and still can't get a close shave.

Ride the cap. This razor is super angle specific. Hit the sweet spot it shaves as well as an R41, just gentler.

Agreed. It is angle specific. It took me a while to find it. Put it up for a week or so and go back to it. For me, the sweet spot is where just a little bit of the to cap touches my face and the safety bar is barely off of my face.

On 20170106 I received my Blackbird OC with standard 85 mm handle:



I like this razor very much, but decided I wanted a longer handle - so I contacted Shane at Blackland.
Shane sold me a 101 mm handle (actually NOS ), I received it 20170301:



Now I like it even better than before:



I also purchased the Blackland blades:



My request is: please may I join the BBB ?

My latest SOTD:

SOTD 20170308



Brush: Custom "Bethlehem" handle / Muhle silver tip fibre knot.
Shaving soap: Jabones by Luna "Dama de noche" .
Razor: Blackland "Blackbird" OC with long (101 mm) handle.
Blade: Ladas Super Stainless (7).
After shave: Figaro AS gel.

Shaving soap and after shave have a lovely smell.

Smooth !

Have a nice day, everyone !

That is one beautiful razor. I have to stop looking at these posts.

FWIW I haven't used my Blackland Blackbird in 8-10 months.

OK - first, let me introduce my Blackbird - received 20170106:



This one is with the currently standard hand 85 mm - but I prefer a longer handle.
So I contacted Shane of Blackland Razors. He supplied me with this:



A 101 mm handle, from previous edition of the Blackbird.
I did like the Blackbird with the standard handle - but with the longer handle I like it even more ...

Joshua Smith


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I have a BB, I'll need to take it out of storage, have they rounded the edges so it's not so sharp?
Kerry

I have a SB from last batch but can't get the hang of it. It's polished