My review of the Blackland Razor Blackbird Razor Review I’ve coveted this razor for over a year now. I kept talking myself out of purchasing this due to having the Rockwell 6S. I sat down and looked at the grander scheme of things in my life and figured it was worth the splurge to buy this. I am glad I did. I learned from my previous purchase of the Blackland Sabre to go ahead and get both base plates knowing if I just purchased one I’d eventually purchase the other. I had talked to Mr. Shane Swartzlander about the purchase. He mentioned that the Blackbird is extremely efficient, but not R41 efficient. I was mentally prepared for an R41 junior aggressive shave. Pros; High quality build out of 303 SS Made in the USA Solid exacting machining Easy to clean and maintain Great knurling for a sure grip Efficient without being dangerously aggressive Great price for what you get (My opinion) Fantastic look Cons; Not for beginners Waiting for your razor to be made and shipped (Proof of the quality of the razor) First Shave Blade used Derby Premium (1) Soap Arko Puck Shave Soap Passes With the grain OC Across the grain SB Caddie Corner to the grain SB (From chin to upper ear) No pick ups needed Two nicks on the chin taken care of by an alum block I was a bit nervous with this razor. Every review I had seen and read stated that this baby bites, and bites hard. Even Mr. Swartzlander mentioned that this was a more efficient design than the Sabre I had purchased earlier in 2019. He did mention that it was not as efficient as the R41. I’ve used the R41 and still have it. I haven’t been bitten by it, but I know you can really feel the blade with it. I rarely do a three pass shave with the R41, but use the R89 for my third pass when utilizing the beast. My worries were unwarranted. Yes, it is an efficient razor, but it is not as scary as I was imagining. I went with the OC for my WTG pass. The XTG and Caddie Corner Pass were performed with the SB. I received two weepers under my chin. I am pretty sure they were two bug bites that are now smoothed down. So far I am more than happy with my purchase. Second Shave Blade Used Derby Premium (2) Soap Stirling Soaps Agar Passes With the grain OC Across the grain SB Caddie Corner to the grain SB (From chin to upper ear) No pick ups needed No nicks, cuts, or irritation Great shave. The razor is very efficient. I’m loving every stroke of this razor. Third Shave Blade Used Derby Premium (3) Soap Vintage Burma Shave Passes With the grain OC Across the grain OC No pick ups needed No nicks, cuts, or irritation Due to time and lateness of shaving for the day I only performed a two pass shave with the OC plate. DFS without any muss or fuss. Very nice shave. Fourth Shave Blade Used Derby Premium (4) Soap Captain’s Choice North Soap Passes With the grain OC Across the grain SB Caddie Corner to the grain SB (From chin to upper ear) No pick ups needed One nick on my lip. My fault. In a hurry. I was in hurry for this shave, and my lip was bitten. Nothing Gentleman Jon’s Alum Block couldn’t take care of, but still embarrassing. Other than that, a nice close shave. My next will be my Ender shave with the Derby Premium. Fifth Shave Blade Used Derby Premium (5) Soap Modern Williams Mug Soap Passes With the grain OC Across the grain OC Caddie Corner to the grain SB (From chin to upper ear) Underarms SB No pick ups needed Some weepers, nothing Gentleman Jon couldn’t handle This was an ender shave. The Modern Williams was worked into a thick, slick, wonderful lather. I just couldn’t get enough. If the shave wasn’t already super smooth I would have gone for more passes. The razor was able to take care of my sensitive area (armpits) without issue. My thoughts on the Blackbird; As I had stated before I have coveted this wonderful razor for over a year now. Now that I have it I now wonder why I waited this long to make the dive. Such an enjoyable shave. Though this razor isn’t R41 level of aggression, it will still bite if you aren’t paying attention. Is this better than my Rockwell 6S Jet Black? No, but very close. It’s now ranked up there with my Blackland Sabre. In other words I’ll fight you to the death if you try to take it. This is definitely in the rotation.
The Blackbird OC was my first DE. That was two years ago. The first shave with it after over 30 years of carts and electric razors was pretty brutal. I used it like a cartridge razor, too much pressure and too steep an angle. I think I was still bleeding when I ordered an EJ DE89 and styptic from Amazon. The EJ has been piffed and the Blackbird is a favorite in the rotation.
You gotta remember, Shane uses Feathers or Personna med prep blades in his. I don't find it overly aggressive, just very sensitive to angle and pressure. It has the narrowest "sweet spot" of any razor I've ever used.
I like the Blackbird. It provides a different experience than any razor I’ve tried. I have the 70 mm handle and it fits the razor perfectly. I’m surprised the long handle was more popular.
