New Blackland Era

I used the Era for the second time this evening. This time, I used the 4 SB plate for the whole shave, which ended up a true BBS in 2 passes and no touch-ups needed.
This went as I had expected, based on my first shave (which was 3 SB plate for first pass, 4 SB plate for second pass)... and that is to say: AMAZING, EASY/BRAINLESS, EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE AND VERY CLOSE... and no weepers, and literally no irritation anywhere. Even my chin is completely smooth.
I think I'm right in saying that this shave was as good as any I've had in my 8.5 years doing this brush and DE thing.
I am surprised there is not more uproar so far for performance.

Ymmv.
And My mmv. (I really don't think so though.)
Hopefully neither!

Last night, had my 3rd shave with the Era.

This time I used the 3 SB plate for the whole shave, and again it went exactly as predicted: very easy and very capable.

I also confirmed that the 4 SB will be my preferred plate (at least until I get to use the 5 SB).

Not much more to add here, but this razor is definitely a winner.

Don't buy it because you're in awe of 3D printing... that's not the point. Buy it because the 3D printing allows the dimensions/shape to be something impossible in manufacturing without 3D printing.

Shane, might be too early for this but have to ask: when do you expect a restock on 5 SB plates and how will those be allocated? ...Are there already orders in to you for razors with 5 SB plates?

Last night, had my 3rd shave with the Era.

This time I used the 3 SB plate for the whole shave, and again it went exactly as predicted: very easy and very capable.

I also confirmed that the 4 SB will be my preferred plate (at least until I get to use the 5 SB).

Not much more to add here, but this razor is definitely a winner. 

Don't buy it because you're in awe of 3D printing... that's not the point. Buy it because the 3D printing allows the dimensions/shape to be something impossible in manufacturing without 3D printing.

Shane, might be too early for this but have to ask: when do you expect a restock on 5 SB plates and how will those be allocated? ...Are there already orders in to you for razors with 5 SB plates?

Thanks for the writeup Nero.  Two points you mentioned rang especially true for me.  First, I was also influenced by Shane's Blackland Razors  comments that the 3D printing allows tighter blade clamping and reduced flex. I really can't single out how much the clamping does, but it makes sense, and I do like the razor.  Liking the razor brings me to point #2, which is that I am also curious about when the #4 and #5 plates will be available. 

--  Thanks again for the writeup.

I'm finally going to get to take my era for its maiden voyage in a few days as my bathroom remodel should be wrapping up on Monday or Tuesday...finally!

I'm going to go with my level 3 OC plate as I haven't shaved in over 3 weeks. no, I won't judge the razor too harshly on how bad it might get clogged up as going 3+ weeks between shaves probably isn't normal for most people. lol

I'm finally going to get to take my era for its maiden voyage in a few days as my bathroom remodel should be wrapping up on Monday or Tuesday...finally!

I'm going to go with my level 3 OC plate and I haven't shaved in over 3 weeks.  no, I won't judge the razor too harshly on how bad it might get clogged up as going 3+ weeks between shaves probably isn't normal for most people.  lol

Video or photos, or it didn't happen!! 

I remember way, way back you commenting that you can clog just about every razor! Definitely wanting to stay tuned this week. 

I'm finally going to get to take my era for its maiden voyage in a few days as my bathroom remodel should be wrapping up on Monday or Tuesday...finally!

I'm going to go with my level 3 OC plate and I haven't shaved in over 3 weeks.  no, I won't judge the razor too harshly on how bad it might get clogged up as going 3+ weeks between shaves probably isn't normal for most people.  lol

Video or photos, or it didn't happen!! 

I remember way, way back you commenting that you can clog just about every razor! Definitely wanting to stay tuned this week. 

the gem clog-pruf was 1 such razor, lol.

Verdict: 4 SB is just perfect for me.

The 4 SB is an amazing base plate!

For those who used it.
Do any plate compares to Timeless .95 and Yates H?

as promised, I finally got around to using my era razor a few days ago. I bought a level 3 OC & SB plate, just to see how efficient it was before stepping up to the next levels if need be. I hadn't shaved in close to 4 weeks as my main bathroom was being gutted and then remodeled - it needed it badly.

I went with the OC plate as I knew it'd be a little more aggressive and more efficient for the amount of growth I was dealing with than the SB plate. shockingly, the razor did very well and I only needed to loosen up the head 1x to clear out all of the hair buildup. The shave wasn't as close as I normally like to get out of my 1 pass shaves with my blackbird, dart, etc., but it was pretty good.

I'm going to try 1 more pass with the level 3 OC plate with less growth on my neck/cheeks and 1 head shave using the level 3 SB plate to see how it goes before I decide to step up to the next level or not. I'm thinking I'll want to go up to the level 4 plates...

now some photos..