Rusty Bridges
Owns a betacord/betamax
Blackland have now made the Brass version of the Blackbird a new standard offering that will be available all year round but not only that it now has a different finish which is said to help create a more consistent patina on the razor in time. They have also now made available lite base plates in brass too.Blackland Blackbird Brass OC (USA)
If you’re looking for a brass Blackbird, start checking BST and other outlets for second hand razors, Blackland have deleted the Brassbird from their range. Both my brass Blackbirds (SB and OC variants) were purchased at their release in 2019. A 100mm handle was released at the same time, and as I didn’t have a 100mm Blackbird handle I selected it for this razor. Polished versions of the brass Blackbird came along well after I purchased mine, therefore my brass Blackbird OC is the machine finished version. There is nothing to complain about with the machine finish, it is very well executed and gives the razor a satin look and positive feel. All parts fit together perfectly as is expected from a premium supplier such as Blackland. Other than being machined from brass and the additional length on the handle, there is no visual differences between it and the stainless steel or titanium versions.
Ahh!! Now that’s a Blackbird. It’s no wonder I have such fond memories of shaving with a Blackbird, this razor meets my parameters as to how a razor should perform. With a little more than Karve CB level #D efficiency and a generous amount of positive blade, the Brassbird simply mows down every whisker. For some reason (maybe the Personna blade) this Brassbird feels more aggressive than the other Blackbird versions previously used, not much, but it is noticeable. There is little sensation that an open comb razor is being deployed, the shave was reasonably smooth and there is no need to declare that it was close. In general, I would not choose a 100mm long handle when there is a shorter option, but the extra length in the 100mm long handle had little effect on the shave. Every time I use a Blackbird I’m impressed by its consistency in delivering a superb shave, the Brassbird is no different.
Blades Used – Personna Platinum and Gillette Super Thin
Material – Brass
Blade Tab - Exposed
Weight – 118.7g
Head Width – 42.09mm
Handle Length – 101.25mm
Handle Diameter – 10.88mm
Availability – Out of production
Final Word – That’s a Blackbird
Happy days for brass and Blackbird lovers alike.