I'm a post-Kickstarter owner and glad to share my two cents!
First off, as others have indicated, Shane is an absolutely responsive and kind vendor. I had some comments and questions, and he was extremely fast and friendly on those topics - which I can only imagine is difficult given all the e-mail traffic he must be encountering.
The razor itself: It first struck me as "wow, there is blade feel here." I own the iKon ShaveCraft Tech; to me, my initial reaction was that this provided a similar shave. And, as others have indicated, there are most definitely some sharp corners.
Fast forward: Shane responds to my e-mail with appreciation for the feedback, and some suggestions. The Tech (for me) works with a steep angle; in fact, the Blackbird, while its blade gap shaves at multiple angles, really works best with a shallower angle. At that sweet spot, you don't feel the sharp corners; you also get more efficiency and less drag (for me, on the ATG passes). While I'm still fine-tuning the chin ATG strokes, the razor actually occupies a kind of unique niche for me - VERY audible feedback, but actually little or no chance of getting cut, and when I get the right angle, it's - guess what - like the RR Baby Smooth, except a bit louder. And we know the RRBS isn't probably coming back soon, so in that regard, what you get is a beautiful razor that actually can be purchased.
I'm very happy with the Blackbird. I am still figuring out some of the nuances on a razor that provides ample options, but just a few positions where you'll really get the best it has to offer. Oh, for what it's worth, my switch to a Gillette Silver Blue had an incremental positive impact. Voskhod (per Shane) is next on the list.
First off, as others have indicated, Shane is an absolutely responsive and kind vendor. I had some comments and questions, and he was extremely fast and friendly on those topics - which I can only imagine is difficult given all the e-mail traffic he must be encountering.
The razor itself: It first struck me as "wow, there is blade feel here." I own the iKon ShaveCraft Tech; to me, my initial reaction was that this provided a similar shave. And, as others have indicated, there are most definitely some sharp corners.
Fast forward: Shane responds to my e-mail with appreciation for the feedback, and some suggestions. The Tech (for me) works with a steep angle; in fact, the Blackbird, while its blade gap shaves at multiple angles, really works best with a shallower angle. At that sweet spot, you don't feel the sharp corners; you also get more efficiency and less drag (for me, on the ATG passes). While I'm still fine-tuning the chin ATG strokes, the razor actually occupies a kind of unique niche for me - VERY audible feedback, but actually little or no chance of getting cut, and when I get the right angle, it's - guess what - like the RR Baby Smooth, except a bit louder. And we know the RRBS isn't probably coming back soon, so in that regard, what you get is a beautiful razor that actually can be purchased.
I'm very happy with the Blackbird. I am still figuring out some of the nuances on a razor that provides ample options, but just a few positions where you'll really get the best it has to offer. Oh, for what it's worth, my switch to a Gillette Silver Blue had an incremental positive impact. Voskhod (per Shane) is next on the list.
Toby from Triad whipped up a gorgeous custom Blackbird with a Ti handle. It sold in a few minutes, but he has four more he's working on that should be coming in the future.
More pics at the link below:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/273258364/s...-blackbird
More pics at the link below:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/273258364/s...-blackbird
(03-22-2016, 03:12 AM)Blackland Razors Wrote:(03-22-2016, 03:11 AM)hrfdez Wrote: A beauty Shane, just like my newly received polished Blackbird :-)
Glad it arrived safely! Get a chance to shave with it yet?
Just got back from a little trip, but I will be giving this baby a spin in the morning. I will report
I'll echo the positive comments, both with the razor, and Shane's excellent communication and service. I was a Kickstarter backer, and the communication from Shane throughout the process was outstanding. I had some tough questions for him before I committed and his responses were fast, thorough and professional.
The razor itself is excellent. I have the black oxide with the short handle, and as others gave mentioned, the feel of the blade is definitely there and it feels like a razor that demands attention to technique and focus on what you are doing. That said, I have experienced nothing but excellent shaves, and personally have not noticed any drag from the black oxide. It is a beautifully made razor that looks fantastic and performs very well.
The razor itself is excellent. I have the black oxide with the short handle, and as others gave mentioned, the feel of the blade is definitely there and it feels like a razor that demands attention to technique and focus on what you are doing. That said, I have experienced nothing but excellent shaves, and personally have not noticed any drag from the black oxide. It is a beautifully made razor that looks fantastic and performs very well.
(03-22-2016, 03:14 AM)KellyS Wrote: I'll echo the positive comments, both with the razor, and Shane's excellent communication and service. I was a Kickstarter backer, and the communication from Shane throughout the process was outstanding. I had some tough questions for him before I committed and his responses were fast, thorough and professional.
The razor itself is excellent. I have the black oxide with the short handle, and as others gave mentioned, the feel of the blade is definitely there and it feels like a razor that demands attention to technique and focus on what you are doing. That said, I have experienced nothing but excellent shaves, and personally have not noticed any drag from the black oxide. It is a beautifully made razor that looks fantastic and performs very well.
Thanks, Kelly!!
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