Two Titans Standing Together
Carbon Shaving Evaluation Series
Session 6: Cx-316L/Web ++ & Blackland Blackbird Ti
SESSION SETUP
LEFT SIDE:
Razor: Carbon Cx-316L/Web [SB++ plate]
Blade: Kai [1]
RIGHT SIDE:
Razor: Blackland Blackbird Ti [SB]
Blade: Bic Chrome Platinum [1]
BOTH SIDES:
Brush: Brad Sears Wanderer 26mm
Lather: Ethos Blue Note
Post: Fine Accoutrements Santal Absolut Aftershave
PREFACE
The purpose of this session is not to find a “winner” as much as it is to provide a set of experiences in comparison to a razor that is often a reference baseline for many, including myself. Both of these razors offer compelling design, craftsmanship, performance, and are borne by artisans that care about creating a differentiated shaving experience…
AESTHETICS
Two wonderfully designed razors that project alternative voices in aesthetic. The Blackbird exudes subtle power as it prepares to punch through the upper atmosphere, leaving a wake of propulsive ejecta from the misty clouds. The satin finish is relatively new, but I find it to be an appropriate complement to the clean and modern lines of an iconic handle and head that few would confuse for any other razor. In contrast, the Carbon Cx delivers an unmistakable hallmark with its webbed base plate, an intricate and subtractive design that somehow suggests luxury and strength. The R2 handle offsets the baseplate with a foundation of rugged and dynamic elements that appear prepared for any encounter.
HANDLING
The Ti Blackbird is perfectly balanced and weighted, ready to turn at a moments notice, while sublimely delivering on a cutting force that seems fully connected with delivered pressure from a shavers hand. The gear ratio is one to one. A incremental application of pressure feels fully translated to the head of the razor in a way that is equally commensurate. I feel in control and completely connected with every millimeter of movement and application of pressure.
Now becoming more acquainted with the Carbon Cx 316L, I feel a trusted comfort in allowing the razor to do more of the work versus the Blackbird. The Carbon Cx has enough weight and balance to maintain effective momentum through a directional stroke but still provides enough responsiveness to rapidly shift to a new line. The incremental weight also provides just enough mass to smooth out any jittery inputs from the shavers hand, while carving through the tightest of turns.
And while low on the list of priorities, I do want to make note of a small difference: blade tab reveal. While I prefer the aesthetic of a fully enclosed blade, I generally am indifferent to whether a razor exposes blade tabs. In the case of the Cx razor I do feel as if the blade tab reveal is a bit more pronounced than other razors in my current rotation.
PERFORMANCE
Today’s session was prefaced by two days of growth, an unplanned situation that is serendipitous for this comparative shave. As I developed the lather, the Ethos Blue Note provided top notes of clean leather backed by a calming base that welcomed me to an early morning start. One misstep that would revisit me later in the shave was under estimating the amount of starting material needed for the still breaking in Wanderer brush. While the lather appeared sufficient, I would ultimately encounter a small deficit in the final pass.
With a saturated coating applied of Blue Note, I began the right side WTG pass. The Blackbird has been absent from my rotation with the Cx evaluation a full time focus this past week. I quickly re-connected as we worked together in removing that first layer of stubble. The Blackbird overcame all resistance with poise and ease. The ability to modulate pressure and speed was evident as I traversed undulating plane changes across the beard terrain.
Now it was time to engage the Cx-316L. I initiated the WTG pass on the left side when a bit of turbulence was encountered. The first set of strokes were slightly rough with an increase in audible feedback compared to both the Blackbird and all of my previous 316 sessions. I began to explore angle choices and found an adjusted sweet spot. And just like that, the quiet smoothness returned. I am going to attribute that turbulence to a lack of use with heavier growth and the Kai blade pulling me out of my intuition on shaving angle.
Before the session started I set an intention to reduce pressure and speed for this shave. I wanted to minimize risk of mishap but also ensure a full engagement across all strokes. As I continued through the XTG pass, both razors were delivering on performance. In particular the 316L was reaching a new level of smoothness and comfort as I held strict vigilance on pressure application. I was in a flow state with both razors. The handle interface disappeared, and I was just experiencing each stroke directly. After pausing to re-lather for the final ATG pass, a tinge of anxiety emerged. I became aware that I was on track for a perfect shave from both razors, but also one of my top shaves in recent months. Simultaneously, the lather bowl was rather bare as I squeezed out the remaining amounts in the brush. The result was a fairly thin application.
However, the Blackbird was non plussed and deftly handled the finishing pass with strong results. I then switched to the Cx-316L. It too seemed to offer little concern with lather condition. Inspired by the results, I decided to attempt a more direct S-N (Fools pass) on the left side mustache area. And this would result in the one error of the shave. I pulled the Cx-316L from the corner of the mouth to the philtrum, with one long stroke progressively moving northwards. The result was a string of small weepers. Pride cometh before a fall. I clearly do not have enough run time with the Cx for this type of maneuver, but I remain confident that this would ultimately be conquered.
After applying post shave care, no strong feedback was experienced from either side. And with a close inspection, the overall level of BBS was difficult to differentiate from either razor. I did miss a small patch on the right side but chose not to do any clean up to keep this comparison balanced. The post shave shadow may have been ever so slightly higher on the Cx side vs the Blackbird. And of course the upper mustache area on the Cx side was not quite perfect BBS in a few small sections due to the mishap. However the Blackbird side was in excellent condition. I also noticed, a slight amount of redness in a small section adjacent to the Adams apple on the Cx side.
Thirteen hours later: The Blackbird side is presenting a small amount of re-growth really starting at about the 11-12 hour mark in the broader cheek area (in part from the missed section mentioned earlier). The Cx side is just showing signs of regrowth but only on the jawline. Right now I would have to give the edge to the Cx for overall BBS duration. Having said that, the Blackbird performance on the right side upper mustache area is superior compared to the Cx. And I would also give a slight edge to the Blackbird for comfort post shave, particularly in the sensitive neckline.
This was a compelling shave session thanks to the performance of both razors. I am planning a full wrap up in the next day or so to consider all experiences over the shave sessions and some concluding thoughts on the Cx razor configurations.
![[Image: FNMTcIp.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/FNMTcIp.jpg)
![[Image: yjvzkFU.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/yjvzkFU.jpg)
