To be honest, for the first 2–3 weeks of owning the Blackland Blackbird (version 2, machined finish), I was thinking about taking advantage of the 30-day return window. The first two shaves drew some blood, and several shaves after that felt harsh. This was especially frustrating, as some other Blackbird owners had indicated that it is a smooth shaver that works especially well on the neck, which is a problem area for many.

On the other hand, even in the beginning, my post-shave skin felt smoother than it had ever felt after using any other razor (except perhaps the rather famous Mühle R41). So the question in the beginning was: Is the smooth result worth the harsh shave?

Then somewhere along, something just clicked. I realized that the Blackbird, which quite magnificently bends the blade inside the razor head, is an extremely efficient and smooth razor — provided that absolutely no pressure is used during the shave. The razor will get rid of stubble almost by just hovering over it. And that is the way to shave with the Blackbird — as if you were shaving a balloon covered with lather. It is simply amazing how well it cuts away hair with minimal pressure, even in difficult places, such as the neck area. After learning how the Blackbird functions best, I have come to appreciate it immensely, and I look forward to each time I am able to use it. A truly fantastic razor.

It may take some time, effort and patience to learn the optimal way to use this razor. After that, it becomes a very user-friendly razor.

If there is a weak point to the Blackbird, it could be the handle. While the aesthetic design of this handle is a significant part of the identity of the razor, the handle would be even easier to grip if it were just slightly larger in diameter.

The Blackbird utilizes the common three-piece razor design. The blade is easy to replace, and it aligns itself perfectly.

The matter of the rather thin handle presents itself again in this context, as the razor could be even better balanced if the (85 mm long) handle weighed just a few grams more — which it would, were it just slightly thicker.

The Blackland Blackbird is not an inexpensive razor by any means, but it is a stainless steel razor made in the USA. Coupled with its marvelous shaving quality, and the fact that the razor should last a very long time, the value is definitely there.

There are currently three different finishes of the Blackbird. Even the one that is “least finished,” the machined finish, is truly something to behold, touch and use. The second version of the razor has been altered ever so slightly to make it more user-friendly, and everything about it seems impeccable.

The Blackland Blackbird, version 2, is shipped in a tin that has a foam insert for the razor itself and a few blades that are included. The tin is both classy and protective of its contents.

I always loved the look of the Blackbird but because of many comments of “aggressive” I have been hesitant to try one. Sure, I could have recouped most of my investment in the aftermarket, but I have a few dozen razors and no need for more. When Shane had his brass discontinuation sale though, I bought and I’m glad I did. The razor has a pronounced positive exposure which might indicate harshness but I don’t find that to be the case. In fact with sharp blades, that I tend to prefer anyway, I find it to not have as much blade feel as a Merkur Futur not a Mulhe Rocca, both razors I adore. Here’s the surprise thoug, the darn thing seems to be as efficient as the two previously mentioned but it nudges them out in the smoothness category. I have shaved with this razor almost exclusively since it arrived a couple of weeks back so have about a dozen shaves on it. This works as a daily driver for me. Not as smooth as a Razorock Gamechanger nor a Merkur 34C but still plenty smooth. I applied alum after the first several shaves and have had zero sting. This razor is a true 2-pass whisker whacked. A third pass is just redundant. Wish I would t have waited so long.

Easy to load a blade. Easy to care for. Feels great in hand. Perhaps not a good choice for a beginner shaver though. Let’s say it’s user friendly for someone Ho has their DE game down.

I find zero issues with grip as the vertical grooves in the handle are deep and the edges are sharp. I also have the machined finish which may help with grip

Typical DE three piece. Blade tabs are covered

I though with the longer 101mm handle it might be head heavy as I rest the handle end on my pinky but the bit of additional head-forward weight seems to be exactly the weight I need to let the razor work.

Excellent value as it was on the brass close-out

Fit and finish are superb .

Black on black hard paper box with foam insert. It feels like premium.