PL rank these popular razor brands

Hello to very supportive and knowledgeable DMS members,

I need your help rank the following razor brands (any of them you've tried) in terms of 'efficiency' and 'smoothness' for removal of thick stubble as I shave once every 3 - 4 days.  

I know that each of the followings brands have their very own various specifications in terms of aggressiveness.  It is mainly the ranking or your preference for the brands that I'm looking for.  But please feel free which model / baseplate of a specific brand you prefer the most.  

I plan on acquiring 2 - 3 razors before I own a Wolfman in a distant future.  

1.  Tatara (Masumane or Nodarchi) - I'm just in love with the looks of this razor.  

2.  Karve

3.  Razorock Lupo Stainless Steel

4.  Timeless

5.  Blackland Blackbird 

Thanks a bunch!

Question. Are we ranking just quality of shave, or shall we take into consideration other aspects like customer service?

Ranking efficiency and smoothness at the same time is difficult, as these two concepts more or less contradict each other. Inevitably, you‘re going to have to try them all sooner or later. The Blackbird is a must try, also considering the 30 day trial period. It is quite polarising however and just doesn‘t work for me, despite my really wanting to love it.

So, of those brands listed that I have tried and in an efficient configuration.

SMOOTH:
1. Karve e-oc; Karve f-oc
2. Tatara Nodachi
3. Timeless 0.95 SB
4. Blackbird SB

EFFICIENCY:
1. Blackbird
2. Karve (both plates mentioned above)
3. Timeless 0.95
4. Nodachi

Thank you Ventastic,

It was helpful that you made the distinction between 'smoothness' and 'efficiency' and the difficulty for me is to find the right balance between these two essential but contradictory qualities of a razor for my particular needs.

I'm tempted to get the Blackbird as my research over the past few months tends to suggest that it is considered as one of the most efficient razors. I'm not just sure how my sensitive skin will take it. I have to inquire whether their 30-day trial period will apply to Canadian customers.

I have to inquire whether their 30-day trial period will apply to Canadian customers.

It applies to everyone! International shipping makes it more difficult, but shipping to/from Canada in particular isn't such a big deal.

I'm also interested in this as the four listed are my consideration for a future purchase. It's very subjective, ask four people and invariably four different answers and confounding any decision. The Karve offers more flexibility with the option of separate plates....a conundrum.

For me the Timeless .95 and the Nodachi are very smooth and deliver easy 3 pass BBS shaves. The Blackbird Ti has more blade feel but is very smooth and consistently gives me a BBS in 2 passes with minor touch ups. I wanted to like the Karve and tried for a long time with plates from C-G SB and C-F OC but by the time I got the desired efficiency I really lost the smoothness

My current favorite razor is the Ti Blackbird. There is some blade feel but I find it to be very smooth despite that. The stainless version is too harsh for me to use on a daily basis (I have sensitive skin, too). But the titanium version is somehow gentler while it maintains the efficiency of the original. I love this razor.

I really like the Tatara. It’s very smooth and makes for an easy shave.

The Karve is a solid razor but I don’t love it. I agree with Shavemd above. I’ve tried a few plates and it’s either too harsh or I have to really pay attention to get close enough.

I’ve never hit it off with the Timeless.

Smoothness and efficiency are so individual. Everyone is going to give you different answers.

I love the Tatara Masamune but if it doesn't align with your face, beard and technique you might consider it low efficiency. I find it smooth and efficient but you may require the Nodachi to get a similar result. For me the Nodachi is efficient but not as comfortable. Of course this is why Tatara offers a choice of plates and caps.

I tried and sold the Karve, Tatara worked better for me.

The only Timeless I tried was the .38 bronze, very smooth but I prefer a lighter razor and keeping patina at bay was a hassle.

Not tried RR or Blackbird.

My current favorite razor is the Ti Blackbird. There is some blade feel but I find it to be very smooth despite that. The stainless version is too harsh for me to use on a daily basis (I have sensitive skin, too). But the titanium version is somehow gentler while it maintains the efficiency of the original. I love this razor.

I really like the Tatara. It’s very smooth and makes for an easy shave.

The Karve is a solid razor but I don’t love it. I agree with Shavemd above. I’ve tried a few plates and it’s either too harsh or I have to really pay attention to get close enough.

I’ve never hit it off with the Timeless.

I'd prefer titanium, lighter weight and smoother/softer shave - which seems to be a unified opinion. Ideally something that could be a used daily, 
I fully recognise any razors aggression is personnel with so many variables, stubble, skin types, technique....and certainly not a one size fits all.
All part of the hunt for the unicorn I suppose

My current favorite razor is the Ti Blackbird. There is some blade feel but I find it to be very smooth despite that. The stainless version is too harsh for me to use on a daily basis (I have sensitive skin, too). But the titanium version is somehow gentler while it maintains the efficiency of the original. I love this razor.

I really like the Tatara. It’s very smooth and makes for an easy shave.

The Karve is a solid razor but I don’t love it. I agree with Shavemd above. I’ve tried a few plates and it’s either too harsh or I have to really pay attention to get close enough.

I’ve never hit it off with the Timeless.

I'd prefer titanium, lighter weight and smoother/softer shave - which seems to be a unified opinion. Ideally something that could be a used daily, 
I fully recognise any razor's aggression is personnel with so many variables, stubble, skin types...certainly not a one size fits all. All part of the hunt for the unicorn lol

Based on a Titanium and daily shaving I love my Timeless Ti .68 OC