(11-14-2024, 02:47 PM)surfboat Wrote: Would the osprey be a good fit for someone completely new to DE razors? I am considering as a gift for a family member with the thinking that the flexibility that comes with an adjustable would be beneficial for a newbie.
Hello there
surfboat that is a most excellent question!
I was an early adopter of my Blackland Osprey Brushed SS razor. I personally was really surprised, by the fact that the Osprey not only shaves so smoothly, but also so mildly, in levels 1 through 3. My experience leads me to believe, that while this is a positive exposure razor head design, this would be an excellent razor for a wet shaving beginner, as long as they keep within levels 1 through 3. Once the user gains experience, such as light pressure, optimum blade angle, they should be able to start using higher levels of aggression, if so required.
I don't like some razors, because they tend to be head heavy, which requires more expert level skills, to produce a fine shave, without drawing blood. As long as you don't remove the brass insert in the handle, the weight of the razor is well balanced, so much so, you can balance it on one finger, once you find the balance point. These Osprey razors are made with extreme levels of precision. Unlike some other vintage razors, where the blade alignment is off, or the blade is wavy from improper clamping force, the Osprey clamps down on the blade very evenly IMO.
I have the brushed SS version of the Osprey razor, and its my best shaving razor, out of a dozen razors that I own! Infact, I would have considered it my holy grail razor, if I didn't already have a Timeless TI95 razor, which earns the classification of holy grail, simply due to the fact its made of Titanium. But let me tell you something, I would never recommend my Timeless TI95 razor to any beginner, they will tear their face up in very short order. This is why I love my Osprey, its lower mild range, coupled with its extreme precise machining, equals a very professional razor, that I think should be in everybodies wet shaving den.
IMHO, your friend or family member will very much absolutely love the Osprey razor, not only in its function to produce a quality shave and last a lifetime, but also in its aesthetic looks as well. If you look close at the center of it, which has the brass insert, looks like a warp core in Star Trek. So one could say, your supreme shaves, are powered by a warp core, how could you go wrong? lol I couldn't think of a greater shaving gift, then a BlackLand Osprey. The SS version weighs even lighter then a Merkur Futur. If you buy Titanium, it will be lighter still.
Now, as far as blades I would recommend you to buy. I feel that this razor works absolutely excellent with Wizamet blades. Having said that, any equivalent brand of blade that has the same sharpness and smoothness will work. For example, Wilkanson Sword blades and gillette Silver Blue blades, also excellent choices, if you can't get the Wizamet blades. Just make sure to set your friend up with quality shave soaps, you will always get a better result using those, then that cheap foam in the can, again, IMO. Alright, hope that helps!
I absolutely love this razor, and I can 100% recommend it.