H&SCo. Z074-ti

So I just had my third shave with the Z074-ti, and lemme tell ya', methinks I need more time with this before saying more things specific to it.

I've mentioned that I have rolled solo with the Blackland Vector for months, and even before that, the Vector got the vast majority of use. I think it has more or less become an extension of my hand at this point. It may sound odd, but my technique with the Z074 seems off. Stranger still, I had a friend's P076-ti for a while in April and it sure seemed my technique was fine when using that. Maybe the blade forwardness of the -76 covered for my bad technique? hrug:

So I just had my third shave with the Z074-ti, and lemme tell ya', methinks I need more time with this before saying more things specific to it.

I've mentioned that I have rolled solo with the Blackland Vector for months, and even before that, the Vector got the vast majority of use.  I think it has more or less become an extension of my hand at this point.  It may sound odd, but my technique with the Z074 seems off.  Stranger still, I had a friend's P076-ti for a while in April and it sure seemed my technique was fine when using that.  Maybe the blade forwardness of the -76 covered for my bad technique?  hrug:

Try using a shallow angle. It’s not going to be as efficient as your Vector initially, but the 3rd pass ATG is where I find the Z074 to really shine.  I can’t use my Vector as carefree while going ATG to finish off the shave.

I received the brand new Z074 titanium razor from Haircut & Shave Company yesterday and got my first shave in with it this morning. First impression is very favorable, dare I make the claim that this could very well be my favorite new daily DE razor.

I don’t want to label it as mild for risk of putting some people off right away, but it has to be among the most comfortable razors I’ve ever used. It maintains the almost impossible efficiency/comfort balance of the N075, but at 60% the weight it is extremely maneuverable and controllable.

I put it on par comfort-wise with the titanium Timeless .68 OC which is my current favorite daily DE razor, however, with greater efficiency.

More time will tell, but for now I can certainly say for many folks this will be a contender for a daily-use razor.  If you can get past the price tag.

Great images. Thank you for sharing.

For others that have picked up the Z074, are the machice marks on the underside of the top cap similar?

Mine has the same markings. Doesn't bother me, it's inside the cap and the whole outside is a really beautiful brushed finish.

Well, I was curious about this so I've spent the last three days in a row comparing the two razors' efficiency with my daily shave.  I used both razors each day with the new Bic blades and switched the sides and parts of the face they shaved every day.  And I've come to a conclusion:  the Z0 is a touch more efficient.  And the best way I can to describe the difference is to say that the Z0 side of my face, each day, was a few hours behind the N0 side in terms of growth coming back. I guess it's fair to say that's "a touch".  Note:  I used the aluminum plate on the N0; I've sometimes thought that the stainless plate is a bit more efficient (a "touch" less smooth but perhaps a bit more efficient) so perhaps the SS N0 and the Z0 might be awfully close.  

Interesting, and nice photo. I had a similar finding comparing the Z074 to the Timeless .68OC. I wonder if the increase in closeness of the shave has to do with the lack of blade feel allowing to “over shave” without actually over shaving and causing irritation. That was an impression that crossed my mind during the shave off with the Timeless, I felt like I could push a little harder with the Z074. 

My last 2 shaves have been with the Ti Blackbird and Vector, I’m going back to the Z074 tomorrow to see how easy it is to replicate results with 2 razors I’d consider to be more efficient.

I am following with interest your impressions of that trio of razors.  As you know, I am also a Blackland Vector stan.  I tried the SS Blackbird years ago and it was too much for me to want as a daily, and these days, if I don't want to use it daily, I don't want it period.  The Ti Blackbird, however, still beckons.  I'm actually glad it's been so hard to obtain one, hahaha.

Mine has the same markings. Doesn't bother me, it's inside the cap and the whole outside is a really beautiful brushed finish.

Pretty much same here.  Also don’t care. Outside works. If it was at a P0 price I might care but as is, no

So I just had my third shave with the Z074-ti, and lemme tell ya', methinks I need more time with this before saying more things specific to it.

I've mentioned that I have rolled solo with the Blackland Vector for months, and even before that, the Vector got the vast majority of use.  I think it has more or less become an extension of my hand at this point.  It may sound odd, but my technique with the Z074 seems off.  Stranger still, I had a friend's P076-ti for a while in April and it sure seemed my technique was fine when using that.  Maybe the blade forwardness of the -76 covered for my bad technique?  hrug:

Shaves completely differently than P0.  And I think the lack of blade feel takes more getting used to than I first thought. Took six shaves to really get dialed in for me. But, then, on the other hand, I liked it from the start and my reaction to the smoothness and lack of blade was “wow”. But I’m also used to and have used the N0 in my rotation for a while.

4th shave this morning, and it just clicked perfectly for me, a sudden meeting of the minds, LOL. An easy 2 pass (+ buffing problem area, upper lip/mustache area) BBS. One slight weeper (I always get a weeper in this spot when achieving BBS, without fail). Now, I rarely shave on Sundays, so this mornings shave was ~40 hours after my previous shave Saturday afternoon. Looking forward to tomorrow's shave, 24 hours later. I'll be shaving all week (every day) with the Z074.

Quick note on the handle: I normally have a strong preference for 85mm, 90mm max., handles, but this stock handle is terrific in my hand (95mm, I think?).

4th shave this morning, and it just clicked perfectly for me, a sudden meeting of the minds, LOL. An easy 2 pass (+ buffing problem area, upper lip/mustache area) BBS. One slight weeper (I always get a weeper in this spot when achieving BBS, without fail). Now, I rarely shave on Sundays, so this mornings shave was ~40 hours after my previous shave Saturday afternoon. Looking forward to tomorrow's shave, 24 hours later. I'll be shaving all week (every day) with the Z074.

Quick note on the handle: I normally have a strong preference for 85mm, 90mm max., handles, but this stock handle is terrific in my hand (95mm, I think?).

Any idea what clicked? I’ve been trying a shallow angle, but today I experimented and think a steep angle may work better.

4th shave this morning, and it just clicked perfectly for me, a sudden meeting of the minds, LOL.  An easy 2 pass (+ buffing problem area, upper lip/mustache area) BBS.  One slight weeper (I always get a weeper in this spot when achieving BBS, without fail).  Now, I rarely shave on Sundays, so this mornings shave was ~40 hours after my previous shave Saturday afternoon.  Looking forward to tomorrow's shave, 24 hours later.  I'll be shaving all week (every day) with the Z074.

Quick note on the handle:  I normally have a strong preference for 85mm, 90mm max., handles, but this stock handle is terrific in my hand (95mm, I think?).

Any idea what clicked? I’ve been trying a shallow angle, but today I experimented and think a steep angle may work better.

I intentionally went slightly towards riding the bar (I tend to favor that angle).

Shave #5 this morning and it seems the Z074 and I are reaching a certain synergy. I'll attribute my initial "just o.k." results to infrequent DE razor use over the preceding 6+ months or so.

I THINK the only DE razor I'd actively pursue at this point is a Ti Wolfman, but who knows if he'll ever open a list for that. I presume he has some deep-pocketed regular patrons for whom he'll make special orders, but as someone who has never owned a Wolfman, I'll be entirely dependent on an open list to purchase. The Tatara adjustable is interesting....and adjustables in general always have intrigued me. But, I'm more or less "over" SS DE razors. We'll see if some artisan produces something that changes my mind.

Meanwhile, as it sits today, the only real want I have is for Shane (Blackland) to release a true injector, hahaha. Barring that, I can roll indefinitely with only my Vector and Z074 in my arsenal.