I had somewhat of an epiphany today, or more like was struck by something. The polished finish is lauded as the optimal BB due to glide vs the drag (in various degrees) of the machined and black oxide. Now, shave wise, I find the BB with both OC and SB (more so with the former) to call for exceptionally little pressure. The little drag that the machined finish may give in fact serves as an indicator on the right level of pressure or lack thereof: no pressure, no drag, ultra smooth shave. Equals I'm a happy camper and Bob's my uncle.
That's exactly what I like about my Blackbird. I have the black oxide version and I know if I'm using too much pressure because I can feel the drag. I've also noticed the drag if too much of the cap is in my face. It takes some time to figure it out, but it's more than worth it once you do.
Yesterday's shave. Not having shaved the day before and not having used the OC plate in some time, that was the one to reach for. Whipped up a Desmond's Barrow Lavenders with a Brad Sears Manchurian. Astra SP with a couple of uses on its back in the razor and off we go. The lightest touch and the OC sings while dancing across my face with the gentlest moves. Practically a BBS result. Finished off with unscented Lucido aftershave and a spray of Oxford &a Cambridge. All fabulous products, a fabulous shave
SOTD 20170411 Brush: Cadman with finest knot (24 mm - loft 50 mm). Shaving soap: Tcheon Fung Sing "Tabacco Verde Forte". Razor: Blackland "Blackbird" OC with long (101 mm) handle. Blade: Rockwell Razors Swedish Stainless Steel (6). After shave: Tcheon Fung Sing "Tabacco Verde Forte" ASB. Lovely scent, that Tabacco Verde. Very smooth with the Blackbird ! Have a nice day, gentlemen !
Received it on Wednesday and have used it everyday since. I'm finding it very loud and aggressive. I haven't yet found the correct angle but I won't give up. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
SOTD 20170512 Brush: J&T® bamboo / Tuxedo synthetic 24 mm. Shaving soap: TFS Barba Verde. Razor: Blackland "Blackbird" OC with long (101 mm) handle. Blade: Racer Super Class Platinum (5). After shave: Arko Men Cool after shave cream.
SOTD: 11MAY17 Razor: Blackland Black Bird SB Blade: Perma Sharp (2) Brush: Cadman Malachite Tuxedo 30m Soap: Midnight & Two "The Cabin" Post: Thayers' Witch Hazel "Cucumber" & Midnight & Two "The Cabin" ASB Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Just discovered the BB and it has become my go to razor. Smoothest BBS shave I have ever had with no irritation. This blows away all my other razors. It's the first razor I could consider as a RAD killer. I have the black oxide SB, but want to get the other finishes as well since this is such an amazing razor. Please add me to the list.
Thursday, June 15, 2017 Paladin El Dorado Fine Fresh Vetiver Blackland Blackbird OC Polsilver Super Iridium Fine Fresh Vetiver AS Tom Ford Grey Vetiver
SOTD 20170623 Brush: J&T® black walnut / APShaveCo synthetic STF 26 mm. Shaving soap: Jabones by Luna "Geranio romero y clavo". Razor: Blackland "Blackbird" OC with long (101 mm) handle. Blade: Rapira Platinum Lux (1). After shave: Cella after shave lotion.
SOTD 20170624 Brush: J&T® black walnut / APShaveCo synthetic STF 26 mm. Shaving bowl: Epsilon. Shaving cream: Arko Men Fresh. Razor: Blackland "Blackbird" OC with long (101 mm) handle. Blade: Rapira Platinum Lux (2). After shave: Arko Men Cool after shave cream.
Hey friends! I'm happy to be back! Obviously a lot has been going here at Blackland HQ, but I'm happy to be among the Brotherhood once more. The Blackbird is still going strong as ever and the Sabre GEM razor is taking off. Anyways, just wanted to pop back in and say "Hi". I'm hoping to be active here again. Thanks!
Just received my Blackbird. After years of straight shaving, I may be a fledgeling DE guy after a super shave with the BB...
Shane do you know when you will have some polished open comb plates back in stock or save me one next batch haha?
I have some now, actually. Shuffled the way inventory is represented on the site so we have a couple polished OC base plates as well as a few polished OC razors.