Blackland Blackbird

In woodworking, a chisel, drill bit, scraper, and knife all work best when sharp, but they are honed differently for different applications. The scalpel-like edge of an Xacto knife would be nearly useless on a chisel or plane, but a properly-sharpened plane can slice off tissue-thin ribbons of wood you can read through.

I was thinking that a plane iron blade, with adequate engagement, might be a good match for the Blackbird.

I love seeing those short handles and original boxes. Off the top of my head I think there are only about 20-40 wooden boxes out there.

I wish I could get my hands on one of those boxes...

I love seeing those short handles and original boxes. Off the top of my head I think there are only about 20-40 wooden boxes out there.

I wish I could get my hands on one of those boxes...

They’re out there! I only have one left for myself otherwise I’d hook you up.

Rodger that! If you for some reason decided to part with yours, I am just a PM away!

Happy Holidays ‘
Alex

I decided to pick up the open comb baseplate and I’m glad I did. It adds just a touch more efficiency without any change in comfort. I broke it in on about 3 days of stubble, which it went through without any tugging at all. It also does great on the trouble spots.

The OC baseplate rinses even better than the SB (which was already a standout) - hold either one just right, and water comes shooting out the ends, clearing the soap and stubble easily. The open comb clears a little quicker though (better than anything else I have). With my hard limestone water, that’s a big deal, because the calcium turns shaving soap into sticky gunk.

Wish I’d bought this razor sooner!

I'm starting to get that feeling again...... It's non-stop this razor acquiring thing. The Brass Bird. I think I have my name on one.....

I'm starting to get that feeling again...... It's non-stop this razor acquiring thing. The Brass Bird. I think I have my name on one.....

I'm really looking forward to these. The heads are back on the CNC next week to finish up so we should be done in a couple weeks. Release will probably be late Jan or early February if all goes well with machining and packaging.

I'm starting to get that feeling again...... It's non-stop this razor acquiring thing. The Brass Bird. I think I have my name on one.....

I'm really looking forward to these. The heads are back on the CNC next week to finish up so we should be done in a couple weeks. Release will probably be late Jan or early February if all goes well with machining and packaging.

That's awesome, Shane.
Out of curiosity, I'm assuming you have shaved with one or at least a prototype of one. How does it shave compared to your SS version? Not in terms of efficiency or blade feel but, rather does the razor feel milder or softer on the skin since Brass is a milder alloy? And, price wise I'm thinking it will be close to the SS version?

I'm starting to get that feeling again...... It's non-stop this razor acquiring thing. The Brass Bird. I think I have my name on one.....

I'm really looking forward to these. The heads are back on the CNC next week to finish up so we should be done in a couple weeks. Release will probably be late Jan or early February if all goes well with machining and packaging.

That's awesome, Shane.
Out of curiosity, I'm assuming you have shaved with one or at least a prototype of one. How does it shave compared to your SS version? Not in terms of efficiency or blade feel but, rather does the razor feel milder or softer on the skin since Brass is a milder alloy? And, price wise I'm thinking it will be close to the SS version?

I haven't had a shave yet so I can't comment on performance. We opted to not do full prototypes since it's not necessary as we're not adjusting geometry at all. We've been carefully checking at each step to ensure the same finish and (obviously) dimensions as the stainless version. Then I examine the first parts as they go through each step of the process to approve or disapprove before the rest are run. The final step of the heads should start in a few days so I'll get the first completed head in a week or so and get a shave in then. I don't expect a significant difference in performance aside from the small bump in weight as brass is 5-6% denser than stainless.

I'm really looking forward to these. The heads are back on the CNC next week to finish up so we should be done in a couple weeks. Release will probably be late Jan or early February if all goes well with machining and packaging.

That's awesome, Shane.
Out of curiosity, I'm assuming you have shaved with one or at least a prototype of one. How does it shave compared to your SS version? Not in terms of efficiency or blade feel but, rather does the razor feel milder or softer on the skin since Brass is a milder alloy? And, price wise I'm thinking it will be close to the SS version?

I haven't had a shave yet so I can't comment on performance. We opted to not do full prototypes since it's not necessary as we're not adjusting geometry at all. We've been carefully checking at each step to ensure the same finish and (obviously) dimensions as the stainless version. Then I examine the first parts as they go through each step of the process to approve or disapprove before the rest are run. The final step of the heads should start in a few days so I'll get the first completed head in a week or so and get a shave in then. I don't expect a significant difference in performance aside from the small bump in weight as brass is 5-6% denser than stainless.

Thanks again Shane. That's why I keep going back to Blackland. Keep'em coming Shane.......