(This post was last modified: 01-26-2021, 10:33 PM by Lesser.)
In November, I tried both the Blackbird and the N075 against one another, and also against a P076. To me, it wasn't even close. As to the N075 it was smooth, smooth, smooth but also efficient. Effortlessly got BBS shaves. Bought one; it's an effortless driver. And many folks here, if you poke around, you will see agree with that. Every time I use it (and I keep trying to find a blade that doesn't work with it - haven't yet) I end up smiling. And its finishing beats all the others you mention, substantially I think. It is a top drawer, top quality tool. As to the Blackbird, despite trying it for three weeks, I never came to like it. I found it harsh and I always felt as though I was having to be careful to avoid nicks. For a more efficient razor, I just found it uncomfortable and not in the league of others. I really tried to like it; spoke to Shane a few times but it never clicked. And in terms of simple quality, the H&S beats it hands down (at least for me). I particularly felt that because at the time I also got the H&S PO76 in titanium to try though the DFS pass-around and, to me, it outperformed the Blackbird in every respect for a more efficient razor. Easy but efficient, beautiful finishing, and I didn't have to hold my breath worrying about what might happen to my skin. But a P076 in any finish is pricey (I've ended up with a copper one to keep - amazing). I've not tried a Yates or a Timeless, so I can't compare those. Finally, I have also used a Karve and I found it acceptable but not special. Had borrowed it from a friend over the summer, and it just didn't seem that special (at least for me). I just yesterday got a Carbon in the DFS passaround and will be posting thoughts on that. I'll remember to come back here and update this. ONE final important point: with H&S, Blackland, and (I believe) Yates, you can try out the razors and return them if you don't like them. I don't know about the others. I'd really recommend going down that road: get two (or three) and swap them out day after day for two/three weeks. You'll have a much more informed opinion at the end and you can return the losers in your personal comparison!