Blackbird v Konsul v Masamune

[Goblin]

Thanks, yes I don't want to go wildly aggressive after being hand held by Henson, but I do prefer the efficiency of the +++.. How intuitive and forgiving the razor is is defo a factor for me as part of the learning curve. I spotted a £100 preowned Masamune whereas a Ti BB was looking at £200+

Ah, okay. If you are using the +++ that's surely an indicator. I only tried the ++ Henson (before the +++ was available in anything other than Ti) and found it very inefficient compared to a traditional razor design, despite the stated gap / exposure specs. IIRC the Henson ++ specs are similar to a Gamechanger 0.84, but I struggled to get a shave with the Henson whereas the GC 0.84 is perfectly nice and efficient without being a monster.

You are going to pay a premium on any razor if you want Ti - probably double the price compared to brass / stainless. It is worth it to people who like Ti, and if you like the very light weight of the Henson you may feel more comfortable with it. Personally, I prefer the heft of stainless steel. Additionally, whilst technique counts for a lot, a heavier razor often feels more aggressive / efficient because you don't need to apply so much pressure to make it shave.

I have to say I am inclined to agree with @Mr Konrad Dundee on getting the Gamechanger 0.84. It isn't such a bargain in the UK and you will pay roughly double what a US customer pays for it, but it will still be 2/3 the price of any of the others on your list and it is a razor that almost nobody dislikes - mild enough to be a daily shaver for some, efficient enough to be a 2-3 day shaver for others. It could probably manage more, but I never tried!

I suspect you may find the Masamune a bit mild, whereas the Nodachi may be overkill. The GC0.84 sits in the middle. I can't comment on the Bird...I might buy one this month, but as happened last year, my eye is being drawn elsewhere.

 

[Rob72]

Thanks for sharing, I had no idea it had so many issues - scratched off my list!

Couple of thoughts, first being that you're comparing apples & grapefruits.

I will agree @helicopter, Razor Emporium plating is always too large a risk to pay for, I purchased a plated Konsul (used) with similar issues- but I knew what I was doing/getting. Personally, I have no issues with blade loading, shave angle, or cutting. Rex/RE designs are by nature aggressive, and I find the Konsul equal to the the Wunderbar, in a good way if you ride the cap. YMMV.

Regarding Blackland, if you are considering adjustables, the Osprey is top tier, and I could not suggest better. I usually try to stay on topic, when people ask about particular options, not adding to the confusion, but the Osprey will give you everything in the Blackbird, Konsul, and GameChanger fields, without the aggression of the Konsul.

I have a Muramasa, obviously covering Masamune territory and it is good, but not one I would recommend (Tatara in general) unless the design elements profoundly attract you.

 

[DesertIguana]

Blackland is doing some sort of sale now. Can tell you what to buy, as I don't know what is good, bad, or indifferent over a Vintage Razor.

 

[Mr Konrad Dundee]

Couple of thoughts, first being that you're comparing apples & grapefruits.

I will agree @helicopter, Razor Emporium plating is always too large a risk to pay for, I purchased a plated Konsul (used) with similar issues- but I knew what I was doing/getting. Personally, I have no issues with blade loading, shave angle, or cutting. Rex/RE designs are by nature aggressive, and I find the Konsul equal to the the Wunderbar, in a good way if you ride the cap. YMMV.

Regarding Blackland, if you are considering adjustables, the Osprey is top tier, and I could not suggest better. I usually try to stay on topic, when people ask about particular options, not adding to the confusion, but the Osprey will give you everything in the Blackbird, Konsul, and GameChanger fields, without the aggression of the Konsul.

I have a Muramasa, obviously covering Masamune territory and it is good, but not one I would recommend (Tatara in general) unless the design elements profoundly attract you.

I speak for myself, I tried to offer a slightly cheaper option than usual
Regarding the adjustable Osprey and Konsul, it's all very subjective "I speak for myself, the way I shave" I never use Osprey below 7, and I never use Konsul below 5
We don't necessarily need to encourage you to spend more, perhaps with time and experience it will come by itself

 

[helicopter]

Couple of thoughts, first being that you're comparing apples & grapefruits.

I will agree @helicopter, Razor Emporium plating is always too large a risk to pay for, I purchased a plated Konsul (used) with similar issues- but I knew what I was doing/getting. Personally, I have no issues with blade loading, shave angle, or cutting. Rex/RE designs are by nature aggressive, and I find the Konsul equal to the the Wunderbar, in a good way if you ride the cap. YMMV.

Regarding Blackland, if you are considering adjustables, the Osprey is top tier, and I could not suggest better. I usually try to stay on topic, when people ask about particular options, not adding to the confusion, but the Osprey will give you everything in the Blackbird, Konsul, and GameChanger fields, without the aggression of the Konsul.

I have a Muramasa, obviously covering Masamune territory and it is good, but not one I would recommend (Tatara in general) unless the design elements profoundly attract you.

It is a good point that Osprey / Konsul is the right comparison.

You could get an Osprey Ti and send the insert out to BRG for plating.

 

[Chaucer]

I've never tried a BB or a Rex. But Tatara razors are uniformly well designed and well-made. Plus, you can mix and match Masamune and Nodachi parts to find the right level of efficiency for you. FWIW, I'm using a Masamune handle and baseplate with a Nodachi cap--slightly but noticeably more efficient than a full Masamune (the smoothest DE I've ever used). The next (small) step up in efficiency is a Masamune handle and cap with a Nodachi baseplate. The full Nodachi head is a significant step up in efficiency from that. It's too much of a good thing for me, especially since I shave almost every day.

 

[ButterfaceX]

There are so many out there...
Really comes down to a buy and a smart try.
Our great members have added many fantastic options.


A quote by Bruce Lee : "Absorb what is useful, discard what is not, add what is uniquely your own".

Some may know these by now...

BFX

 

[Prorazzle]

I've never tried a BB or a Rex. But Tatara razors are uniformly well designed and well-made. Plus, you can mix and match Masamune and Nodachi parts to find the right level of efficiency for you. FWIW, I'm using a Masamune handle and baseplate with a Nodachi cap--slightly but noticeably more efficient than a full Masamune (the smoothest DE I've ever used). The next (small) step up in efficiency is a Masamune handle and cap with a Nodachi baseplate. The full Nodachi head is a significant step up in efficiency from that. It's too much of a good thing for me, especially since I shave almost every day.

They look like masterful workmanship. I trust Japan when it comes to blades (a view validated by the Feather), it seems a matter of national pride.

 

[gdawg55]

Out of those razors listed I would suggest the Blackbird…awesome razor.

 

[helicopter]

They look like masterful workmanship. I trust Japan when it comes to blades (a view validated by the Feather), it seems a matter of national pride.

Tatara is Portuguese, inspired by Japanese Samurai and sword smiths. They are not Japanese.

 

[Prorazzle]

Tatara is Portuguese, inspired by Japanese Samurai and sword smiths. They are not Japanese.

Whoops I've been living a lie!!

 

[No1Up]

Hi all, pretty new to wet shaving, got into it with the Hensons. I'm looking for a blade that is a step up in efficiency while not being too unforgiving.

I hear good things about the above 3, and ideally looking to get a consistently close shave WTG & XTG with minimal irritation - so which of these fits the bill?

I can’t speak for the others but Ti Black bird is absolutely, positively, unimaginably amazing… I am a BIG fan! And it’s 25% right now. With a 30 day return policy I believe. But you won’t return it.. just watch the videos on how to use it for best technique And you’re in for some amazing shaves.

 

[No1Up]

Hi all, pretty new to wet shaving, got into it with the Hensons. I'm looking for a blade that is a step up in efficiency while not being too unforgiving.

I hear good things about the above 3, and ideally looking to get a consistently close shave WTG & XTG with minimal irritation - so which of these fits the bill?

You should read my review on Ti Henson ++ vs Ti Black bird. You might find it very interesting.

 

[Prorazzle]

So... game changer 84-p vs black bird 25% off..? Seems the open comb GC is much easier to get hold of than CC... would this be too advanced until I get hold of a closed plate? What's better value out of these if the stainless BB is 2.5x more pricey than a used GC?

 

[Goblin]

I may be wrong but I got the impression you were in the UK. You should be able to get any GC model you want from rasiogoodfellas.eu, and the price should be enough to qualify for free shipping.

 

[Prorazzle]

I may be wrong but I got the impression you were in the UK. You should be able to get any GC model you want from rasiogoodfellas.eu, and the price should be enough to qualify for free shipping.

Yes it's there, but could get a used OC for half the cost... and I love a saving

 

[Prorazzle]

Bonus question... black bird lite... how would this fare in efficiency compared to, say, the Henson +++

 

[Goblin]

Yes it's there, but could get a used OC for half the cost... and I love a saving

Speaking personally, I love an OC razor (I ordered two yesterday) but there is no doubt that going OC adds a chunk of efficiency to a razor for it's given gap / exposure settings. I haven't used the OC 0.84 but assuming the rule holds good then it might be a leeeeetle too much of a good thing.

Maybe someone who owns the 0.68 OC and 0.84 SB can chime in on the similarities / differences. I would expect the 0.68 OC to be almost as efficient but with less blade feel.

If you are looking on eBay, that's not the OC, it's the JAWS, which is said to be more aggressive. Coming from a Henson I would probably pass. You might love it, but i think it's more of a high risk punt than the regular SB.

If you want to try OC without breaking the bank, I would say what I always say: Fatip.

It's a shame you weren't bidding last week - I literally just sold a razor on Sunday that would have been a solid option for you.

 

[Prorazzle]

Thanks @Goblin yes in my Henson position the advanced OC, even scary sounding JAWS makes me hesistate...

Perhaps I wait for the 25% BB... @No1Up your review is bossing and I am getting more and more sold.

You veterans are stars by the way, thank you so much for all the input today.

 

[Prorazzle]

Couple of thoughts, first being that you're comparing apples & grapefruits.

I will agree @helicopter, Razor Emporium plating is always too large a risk to pay for, I purchased a plated Konsul (used) with similar issues- but I knew what I was doing/getting. Personally, I have no issues with blade loading, shave angle, or cutting. Rex/RE designs are by nature aggressive, and I find the Konsul equal to the the Wunderbar, in a good way if you ride the cap. YMMV.

Regarding Blackland, if you are considering adjustables, the Osprey is top tier, and I could not suggest better. I usually try to stay on topic, when people ask about particular options, not adding to the confusion, but the Osprey will give you everything in the Blackbird, Konsul, and GameChanger fields, without the aggression of the Konsul.

I have a Muramasa, obviously covering Masamune territory and it is good, but not one I would recommend (Tatara in general) unless the design elements profoundly attract you.

Is the Osprey essentially an adjustable BB that gives the same top-tier performance but customised aggression?