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New Above The Tie S1

Well, I ended up purchasing a new Blackland made Above The Tie S1 (machined stainless) and let me say it is a great razor. When I opened the box the first thought that came to mind was this is definitely an Above The Tie razor. Shane did an outstanding job keeping the ATT character while mildly updating the razor. I had an older ATT S1 a few years back so memory may be a tad foggy, but the new S1 head covers the blade tabs, looks to be slightly more torqued, and definitely has more of a ramp on the base plate moving up to the scallops which I really like (hopefully you can see this in the pictures below). He kept the tiny blade locator pins, and the handle is basically a Kronos with a couple of lines engraved at the bottom for more aesthetics.

I've had two shaves now with this razor back to back. I can tell the efficiency has been improved a little while still keeping a very smooth shave. The S1 would be a great daily shaver for anyone looking for a smooth, efficient shave. It's not Blackbird efficient, but it's not too far behind. For me the Blackbird is a 9 in efficiency....the S1 is coming in at around 7.5-8 on the efficiency scale so far. It is providing a close shave, but it doesn't last as long as the Bird. Blade feel seems like it may be more neutral as I can barely detect any blade at all. Shaving angle is very broad. I am able to get nice cutting from steep to shallow so should work for the majority of folks style. I haven't felt any blade chatter, only smoothness. Overall quality is probably better than the original (less machine marks) and most definitely on the typical Backland level.

I think Shane did a great job with the S1. I really feel like it's an Above The Tie razor and not some knock-off Blackland product. If I didn't know Backland was linked to the ATT brand, I would never know by looking at this razor....so nice job here. I'm going to use it for the week daily to see how well it does....but I have a sneaking feeling I won't have any issues. My first couple of shaves yielded close, smooth, no irritation shaves. One last thought, I really like the downsized razor stand. I always thought they were way too large.


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very interesting...I still have a pre-Blackland S1 I may sell at some point soon because it wasn't as effective a shaver as I wouldve liked for my course whiskers, an improved efficiency version peaks my interest
It’s been a few years since I owned the S1, but I remember selling it due to not shaving as close as I’d like. The new S1 doesn’t leave me with that same feeling. I can tell it’s more efficient than the original but it’s not like night and day different. I thing it gained just the right amount of effectiveness while still remaining nice and smooth.
 

Phoenixkh

I shaved a fortune
Thanks for the review.... This confirms to me that the new S1 is a little bit more efficient than the original.... I was only able to get 8 hour shaves or so with the original and I get 12 hour shaves with all the razors I've kept around... It did provide an extremely comfortable and smooth shave and it looks like Shane was able to retain the positives and bump up the efficiency where it will be perfect for me.

I agree with your take on the stand... It's much more refined.
 

Iridian

Cool and slimy
As I love razor stands, even more so fitting razor stands, this stand will also fit a lot of other SS razors nicely.


Unfortunately only the outside diameter (not so useful) is given, can someone tell the diameter of the hole?
 
Thanks for the review.... This confirms to me that the new S1 is a little bit more efficient than the original.... I was only able to get 8 hour shaves or so with the original and I get 12 hour shaves with all the razors I've kept around... It did provide an extremely comfortable and smooth shave and it looks like Shane was able to retain the positives and bump up the efficiency where it will be perfect for me.

I agree with your take on the stand... It's much more refined.
The shave is lasting about 8 hours or so before I start feeling stubble if that helps you any. The Blackbird will give me about 12 hours. I know our shaving needs are a little different but I think you will like the S1.
 
As I love razor stands, even more so fitting razor stands, this stand will also fit a lot of other SS razors nicely.


Unfortunately only the outside diameter (not so useful) is given, can someone tell the diameter of the hole?
I don’t have a micrometer but my tape measure shows roughly 17/32”….maybe in between 1/2” and 9/16” hole diameter.

Side note….the new stand does not fit my older ATT Kronos handle. The older handle is a little fatter apparently.
 
I went to the Blackland site to look for one of these, but nope, not there. So I googled for Above the Tie and found it. The corporate identities have been kept separate, just so you know.

I've had an S1 in regular rotation for a long time, but now I'm tempted to try Shane's up-grade (it looks like he made the slant a little slant-ier). The original gives me a smooth and satisfying shave. I had tried at least half a dozen different slant razors, and the S1 was the winner for me.

Glad to know it's still a smooth shaver.
 
I went to the Blackland site to look for one of these, but nope, not there. So I googled for Above the Tie and found it. The corporate identities have been kept separate, just so you know.

I've had an S1 in regular rotation for a long time, but now I'm tempted to try Shane's up-grade (it looks like he made the slant a little slant-ier). The original gives me a smooth and satisfying shave. I had tried at least half a dozen different slant razors, and the S1 was the winner for me.

Glad to know it's still a smooth shaver.

Yes, the brands remain separate and distinct, despite the corporate consolidation.

The S1 can be found here.
 
As I love razor stands, even more so fitting razor stands, this stand will also fit a lot of other SS razors nicely.


Unfortunately only the outside diameter (not so useful) is given, can someone tell the diameter of the hole?

Sorry I missed this comment. The stand fits 12.5mm diameter handles.
 
Third shave today with the S1. My opinion is still very positive. All 3 shaves have been very comfortable and irritation free. Efficiency is good and the razor just glides over my skin. Balance is nice and the handle has good grip. The S1 is a very well rounded performer…..it’s not aggressive or an efficiency monster, but it does offer a great shave with no drama…..a very well mannered razor.

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