Lambda Athena

[horizon]

Regarding the comparison between the Blackbird and Athena. I can express my opinion firsthand, because I have two Athena bronze and Ti, as well as the Blackbird SS. Definitely, the way these razors shave is fundamentally different, but the end result is very similar. I can get a perfect BBS from each, but with Athena it happens much easier and most importantly, pleasantly, just relaxing autopilot.

This does not mean that the Blackbird is a bad razor, quite the opposite. The rough feeling can be significantly reduced when the right angle is found, and it is shallow. If you try to shave at a steep angle, there is a high probability that you will not like it. Because the protective strip steals the soap and the blade goes almost dry.

However, given that there are two Athena and I am not selling either one, you can probably guess that I prefer Athena to Blackbird

 

[LRod]

Regarding the comparison between the Blackbird and Athena. I can express my opinion firsthand, because I have two Athena bronze and Ti, as well as the Blackbird SS. Definitely, the way these razors shave is fundamentally different, but the end result is very similar. I can get a perfect BBS from each, but with Athena it happens much easier and most importantly, pleasantly, just relaxing autopilot.

This does not mean that the Blackbird is a bad razor, quite the opposite. The rough feeling can be significantly reduced when the right angle is found, and it is shallow. If you try to shave at a steep angle, there is a high probability that you will not like it. Because the protective strip steals the soap and the blade goes almost dry.

However, given that there are two Athena and I am not selling either one, you can probably guess that I prefer Athena to Blackbird

I use an extremely shallow angle on the BB which is what Blackland recommends and how it was designed. Like you mentioned, it'll be smooth if you follow this technique. One thing to mention is the difference between "rough" and "blade feel". I think some people confuse the two! Those that are new to wet shaving might think that heavy blade feel is roughness and we know that's not the case. But eventually with experience, they'll figure out the difference.
The BB is very blade forward so it's got lots of blade feel. Either you like this or you don't.
I think the ones that don't like that heavy blade feel are the ones that post about not liking the BB.
I definitely like that feel!
The Athena is the total opposite but I guess it works for many as well.

 

[Phoenixkh]

I use an extremely shallow angle on the BB which is what Blackland recommends and how it was designed. Like you mentioned, it'll be smooth if you follow this technique. One thing to mention is the difference between "rough" and "blade feel". I think some people confuse the two! Those that are new to wet shaving might think that heavy blade feel is roughness and we know that's not the case. But eventually with experience, they'll figure out the difference.
The BB is very blade forward so it's got lots of blade feel. Either you like this or you don't.
I think the ones that don't like that heavy blade feel are the ones that post about not liking the BB.
I definitely like that feel!
The Athena is the total opposite but I guess it works for many as well.

I haven't tried a Blackbird, not because I think it's a poor razor. From all I've read, it's a very efficient razor and I just don't need more efficiency than I'm getting from my current Top Razor List... I sold 4 excellent razors, all of which were safely in my Top Razor List... I needed the funds for the upcoming TiThena....As you know, and as Aaron has pointed out a few times, all my razors are in that upper mild to lower medium efficiency range. The Blackbird, even with the Lite plate, is upper medium or higher in efficiency, as far as I can tell, without trying one. For some... the Athena isn't efficient enough.... for others, the Blackbird is more than we need. The right tool for the right job...

I've only used one of my 4 barber razors once... I think... but talk about blade forward... <eg>... I didn't have any problem finding the right angle to make it smooth and comfortable... But that's with an AC blade. So it might be an apples and oranges comparison.

 

[spacemonkey42]

The Athena and the Blackbird are both double edged safety razors. That is where the similarities end.

I'm so grateful that we have such a diverse set of options. That makes this chore into a hobby. Folks are sure to find something that works for them, more power to them! The Blackbird didn't work at all for me and the Athena is in my very top tier. Others are the opposite. Great, I want both Blackland and Lambda's business to flourish.

 

[Doubino1]

Athena is a great razor for me. I can’t really talk about all those technical terms, but I know that when I use the right blade for me, the shaving experience is super smooth and effortless, and I get a really great result. I heard from merovirginian that the Athena shaving experience is close to the WR2 1.15, and lately, I’ve been torn between 1.15 and 1.25. Looks like I’ve got my answer now.
Now, I’ve got a question: with the new 25% tariff on Canadian goods, will it affect my purchase of a Wolfman razor shipped to the U.S.? I’m also wondering if the original $800 duty-free policy is still valid.
It’s funny how I’m worried about international politics just to shave!

 

[LRod]

Athena is a great razor for me. I can’t really talk about all those technical terms, but I know that when I use the right blade for me, the shaving experience is super smooth and effortless, and I get a really great result. I heard from merovirginian that the Athena shaving experience is close to the WR2 1.15, and lately, I’ve been torn between 1.15 and 1.25. Looks like I’ve got my answer now.
Now, I’ve got a question: with the new 25% tariff on Canadian goods, will it affect my purchase of a Wolfman razor shipped to the U.S.? I’m also wondering if the original $800 duty-free policy is still valid.
It’s funny how I’m worried about international politics just to shave!

The tarrif's would start in February and my opinion is that it's a starting point for a negotiation. Meaning, some concrete deal
will probably happen before it's ever implemented!
So we really have no idea what's really gonna happen!

 

[Doubino1]

The tarrif's would start in February and my opinion is that it's a starting point for a negotiation. Meaning, some concrete deal
will probably happen before it's ever implemented!
So we really have no idea what's really gonna happen!

You're right, for now, I’ll just have to wait and see. But with only a week or two until my order, I’m hoping things get settled soon. Thanks again!

 

[LRod]

You're right, for now, I’ll just have to wait and see. But with only a week or two until my order, I’m hoping things get settled soon. Thanks again!

I'm on the same boat!
I got the "proceed" email yesterday from Wolfman!!
We'll both see what happens.

 

[Lambda Razors]

We are about to start the waiting list action soon. The razors are ready but we are waiting for the final details on DHL's front as we have decided to go with them as an alternative for those people who prefer a quick shipping service.

We have the following razors ready to be shipped:

Athena SS mirror polished
Athena Ti mirror polished
Ares v2 SS DLC mirror polished
Ares v2 Ti mirror polished

We are also happy to announce the new version of Athena and Ares v2 SS in DLC coating. I think most of you know what DLC means, but you can find more info here:

Lambda Ares v2 SS 316L – DLC - Lambda Razors

Lambda Ares v2 - SS 316L - DLC The classic Lambda open-comb Lambda Ares v2 is our second model released in late 2021. The original Lambda Ares has been redesigned and now there is a final version called Lambda Ares v2. It is an open-comb razor type. As part of the standard package, the razor

lambda-razors.com

Lambda Athena SS 316L – DLC - Lambda Razors

Lambda Athena - SS 316L - DLC A masterpiece in efficiency and smoothness Lambda Athena is our second model released in late 2021. As soon as it hit the market, we received numerous excellent reviews. In fact, it became so popular that we couldn’t even keep up with the demand. The main quality of...

lambda-razors.com

 

[Sascoman]

Ti Satin

 

[Doubino1]

I received the SS Athena today and was fortunate to get the 25-011 model displayed on the official website. The craftsmanship is impeccable. Using an iridium blade for the first time, despite the conservative blade exposure, it proved highly efficient for me. With a week's worth of beard growth, just two passes and some touch-ups achieved BBS shave.

A big thanks to Theo for bringing such a perfect product—at least, that's my experience. After all, YMMV.

By the way, the new Athena product brochure has a better texture and is 7.7g heavier than before.

 

[Iridian]

By the way, the new Athena product brochure has a better texture and is 7.7g heavier than before.

I usually don't even weigh my razors, now that's a thing!

 

[Doubino1]

I usually don't even weigh my razors, now that's a thing!

Haha,I’m weigh the product brochure not the razor!!

 

[Space_Cadet]

The Athena and the Blackbird are both double edged safety razors. That is where the similarities end.

Exactly.

 

[Lambda Razors]

I usually don't even weigh my razors, now that's a thing!

I might need to include the brochure weight on the spec-sheet!

 

[Wgg2017]

Has the specific type of bronze used in Lambda’s razors been disclosed? I tried google but didn’t have any luck beyond nickel aluminum bronze.

 

[avrora]

 

[walpan]

NEW BRUSH/NEW SOAP AND TOP OF THE LINE TITHENA

On @Mr. Shavington recommendation, I purchased the KaliFlower Citrus/Cedar shave soap. I did that cause he is almost never wrong. The soap was a very mild citrus scent off the puck and gets a bit stronger while being lathered. At no time is the scent greater than 4. I am still experimenting with the water to soap ratio but it appears to have good slickness. It is just not a high lather soap. The Brush was the Oumo Exceed 5 with the 29mm ST1 knot. This is just a fantastic brush. It creates lather quickly, has good backbone and is very soft on the skin, eg STF quality, maybe better.
But as always, the STAR OF THE SHAVE WAS THE TITANIUM ATHENA. Using a shallow angle, the razor just mows down the stubble with zero irritation. There is very slight blade feel, but, if you start to go with a steep angle, you will experience more blade feel. The great thing about @Lambda Razors Titanium Athena is that even with the steeper angle and increased blade feel, the shave is smooth and efficient with no irritation.

PRE: PRORASO BLUE
BLADE: DORCO PRIME
SOAP: KALIFLOWER CITRUS/CEDAR. (on Etsy)
RAZOR: TITANIUM ATHENA
BRUSH: OUMO EXCEED ST1 29MM
BOWL: NORTON CUSTOM DESIGN
POST: WARM/COLD RINSE. LATHER WASH, ALUM (zero burn), WITCH HAZEL
A/S: SPEICK A/S

SCORE: 9.5/10. BBS (only the soap kept it from being a 10)

 

[taiga]

NEW BRUSH/NEW SOAP AND TOP OF THE LINE TITHENA

On @Mr. Shavington recommendation, I purchased the KaliFlower Citrus/Cedar shave soap. I did that cause he is almost never wrong. The soap was a very mild citrus scent off the puck and gets a bit stronger while being lathered. At no time is the scent greater than 4. I am still experimenting with the water to soap ratio but it appears to have good slickness. It is just not a high lather soap. The Brush was the Oumo Exceed 5 with the 29mm ST1 knot. This is just a fantastic brush. It creates lather quickly, has good backbone and is very soft on the skin, eg STF quality, maybe better.
But as always, the STAR OF THE SHAVE WAS THE TITANIUM ATHENA. Using a shallow angle, the razor just mows down the stubble with zero irritation. There is very slight blade feel, but, if you start to go with a steep angle, you will experience more blade feel. The great thing about @Lambda Razors Titanium Athena is that even with the steeper angle and increased blade feel, the shave is smooth and efficient with no irritation.

PRE: PRORASO BLUE
BLADE: DORCO PRIME
SOAP: KALIFLOWER CITRUS/CEDAR. (on Etsy)
RAZOR: TITANIUM ATHENA
BRUSH: OUMO EXCEED ST1 29MM
BOWL: NORTON CUSTOM DESIGN
POST: WARM/COLD RINSE. LATHER WASH, ALUM (zero burn), WITCH HAZEL
A/S: SPEICK A/S

SCORE: 9.5/10. BBS (only the soap kept it from being a 10)

View attachment 2004615

I would be interested to hear your thoughts later down the line regarding the soap. I've been interested in purchasing a bin for awhile now.

 

[esi]

This is the rack that I use to show off and store my razors. It was made by NortonCustomDesign on Etsy.
View attachment 1803807

This is the best solution I've found so far https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B09GVRN7LV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o01_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1