Blackland Blackbird Titanium Finally!

Blackland Razors I’m sure you have considered it, but I’m curious where you stand on brushed a Blackbird Ti? I’m guessing machined or polished makes the most sense business wise.

Any update on the polished while I’m at it?

Had another shave today on 3 days growth. The best shave I've had yet with this razor, they just keep getting better. When I first finished my face felt glassy smooth, but after some Ethos aftershave splash and a little rejuvenating oil it's like velvet. Absolutely zero alcohol burn, no nicks or weepers, really incredible. I don't know how the razor can be so smooth with this level of efficiency, but it is. The angles of the head work perfectly with my technique and while it isn't thoughtless shaving, it is very relaxing and doesn't require stressful levels of concentration. The BB blows through my trouble areas so easily that I just don't require much in the way of touchups or buffing, I think that's part of what makes it so smooth for me.

+1 Same experience for me. Sometimes I fathom how easily the BB Ti mows through my growth. The angle for the BB is so intuitive for me.

Blackland Razors I’m sure you have considered it, but I’m curious where you stand on brushed a Blackbird Ti? I’m guessing machined or polished makes the most sense business wise.

Any update on the polished while I’m at it?

Brushed isn't my thing and it doesn't make sense to have both brushed and machined finishes.

Polished finish won't be stocked until we can maintain inventory of the machined finish.

How hard would it be to do the brushing ourselves?

How hard would it be to do the brushing ourselves?

It depends on your skill level and tool access. It's not overly difficult, but I wouldn't personally recommend learning a new skill on a $300 razor. If you do, make sure you share some pics!

So I have been using the Blackbird Ti since I got it and I have to say it’s a damn good razor. I really like the weight and the machine finish in my opinion complements the razor aesthetics very well. I have used the razor everyday and also tried it with multiple days growth and really like the results, no harshness or irritation, just some minor weepers. I have noticed a “drag” but I have noticed this in other razors with a lot of positive blade exposure and my lack of a light touch, as soon as I apply less pressure the drag goes away, so it’s user error on my part since I’m used to mild razors and I shave quickly and without care. I have used a Crystal blade which is very forgiving but drags a bit and today I used a GSB and the result was amazing, very close and gentle shave without any irritation.

Well I can honestly say that I really enjoy shaving with this razor and it’s not going anywhere.

So I have been using the Blackbird Ti since I got it and I have to say it’s a damn good razor. I really like the weight and the machine finish in my opinion complements the razor aesthetics very well. I have used the razor everyday and also tried it with multiple days growth and really like the results, no harshness or irritation, just some minor weepers. I have noticed a “drag” but I have noticed this in other razors with a lot of positive blade exposure and my lack of a light touch, as soon as I apply less pressure the drag goes away, so it’s user error on my part since I’m used to mild razors and I shave quickly and without care. I have used a Crystal blade which is very forgiving but drags a bit and today I used a GSB and the result was amazing, very close and gentle shave without any irritation.

Well I can honestly say that I really enjoy shaving with this razor and it’s not going anywhere.

I agree with you. The shave is excellent but I also feel a little drag. I find drag on all Blackbird Only the polished SS has no drag

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

I agree with you. The shave is excellent but I also feel a little drag. I find drag on all Blackbird Only the polished SS has no drag

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

Interesting, I personally don’t like polished razors much and prefer a bead blasted, machined or brushed finish on my razors. Polished razors have a weird feel I don’t like.

I have been doing a little hand sanding of my Blackbird Ti. Hand sanded from 400 grit up till 2,500 grit - taking a pause now because I have surrendered to the idea that I will never get to where I want without a rotary tool. The challenges I have encountered so far are: (1) eliminating ALL machining marks, especially in the curved areas, (2) lather channels, (3) grooves in the handle.

Cut my "losses" with the above hand sanding exercise, and have ordered a mini rotary tool, wool felt shanks, and diamond lapping paste (40 micron to 0.5 micron, roughly equivalent to 320 grit to 10,000 grit) to restart the entire endeavor.

For reference, this was after 1,500 grit sandpaper - looks pretty brushed to me. The challenge here would be sanding in a single direction to achieve this finish.



For further reference, this was after 2,500 grit sandpaper, reminded me somewhat of the Yates stone-washed finish. The remaining machine marks were truly devastating.

As much as I would love try a Ti BB, the offered length of handle is not my cuppa tea. I’m also NOT the consumer who “just returns it”  should the supplied handle not work out for me.  I know the offered handle won’t work for me, just like I know I won’t get up without hitting the snooze button at least twice tomorrow

If a 101 Ti handle is NEVER offered I won’t EVER be disappointed.  My Polished SS 101 Bird is one of the most enjoyable razors (Top 5) I own and I have a couple to choose from.  I hated this razor when I first received it. Sat in my shaving “junk” drawer for 18 months? Finally acquired the 101 handle (and stand) and fell in love with the razor. For “ME” it’s a very aggressive razor and it’s weight is where it’s at!  The lighter the razor, the MORE I want to PRESS, it’s just the way it is. THE WEIGHT OF MY RAZORS DO THE WORK, all I do is guide it to where I want it to go

I’m very finicky when it comes to balance of these instruments.  I don’t think I would be satisfied sacrificing balance of the instrument by mixing and matching metals to achieve the length of the handle I desire

Should Shane ever do a custom run of 101 handles I’ll take one and a Ti Kit. In fact I’ll take a kit with both handles, a stand and both SB and OC plates