Just my personal opinions here, nothing you couldn't find out digging and doing the research, but I try to do that for everyone willing to spend some time on our channel. I had dozens of people that didn't understand how the Osprey adjusted for example and it was just easier to talk to everyone like this. I personally enjoy adjustable razors, and I would love to see a more tame SS offering from one of our USA artisans. There's merit to it for sure if you ask me. Overall I really appreciate the concept, I admire the tenacity that Shane has with chasing new designs, and I look forward to seeing what the final iteration will look like for the Osprey. For me - it still needs a few things, and just yesterday Shane posted on Instagram that they will be offering other finishes now. All I can say is I am following the project closely. Thank you again for taking the time to comment and be a part of our channel 👍
Sūbs I got the Osprey.. and I like it a lot. Super smooth so far and I have used every setting other than 1 (2-9). I adjust during shave and the handle twist is nothing to it. Honestly intuitive.. if it’s added 4 secs to my shave I would be shocked. I have to tell you, it may be my favorite adjustable🤷🏼♂️. Currently trending as so. I’ll have to try the Konsul and Muramasa again, to confirm that.. but better than the ambassador imo, better than the Rocnel imo. If that changes I’ll try to let you know.
Hey now that's what we want right there! 👍 That's excellent to hear my friend, and nothing short of what is to be expected from a elite level adjustable. I never had any doubt about the quality of the shave, but I'm happy to hear you're loving it. Thanks for reporting back with your findings my friend.
Subie. What an honest and informative review. I am a big Blackbird Ti fan and was looking forward to the Osprey. But after looking at it and seeing some reviews and the PRICE, I decided to wait till it is perfected. With that said, the Lambda Ares and Athena razors are a step above.
The Lambada brand has really good stuff, with a stunning fit and finish. Definitely on the pricey side - but a worthy investment for sure from what I hear. I hope the review gives merit to both the pros and cons of the new Osprey, outlines what the razor is, and helps others make the choice that's best for them. Thanks again for the comment and support!
@@SubieShaves Subie the Lambdas are relatively cheap compared to comparable razors of like quality, I.e. Wolfman and Rocnel. If you are able to get one before the price goes up, you should.
Great video buddy, and as always we can rely on your honesty, which always comes with a thorough explanation behind your thoughts, making it even more relatable. The Minecraft reference got me though, man that made me giggle 😂 I can’t help but think about the price of these kinds of razors….when you can get a Rockwell 6S which will last you ten lifetimes and is basically 6 razors in one for less than 1/3 the price of some of these Blacklands etc it begs the question of diminishing returns. I understand there are differences I manufacturing etc but I’m not sure if any of that actually translates into a ‘better’ shave or whether it’s pure bragging rights for SOTD posts and the like. I also think there are now too many other stainless steel razors available, and very high manufacturing quality ones at that, for a fraction of the cost of some of these higher end brands to really be able to any longer use that as a means to justify the price tags. I mean, you could get 3 Yates razors for the price of that Ti Blackird….that’s mind bending considering the quality of Yates (and others like them). That being said, that looked like an epic shave and an equally great looking razor in the Ti Bird. Have an awesome one my man, keep it going strong 🤜🤛👏👍
Well that was very kind of you to say!! If nothing else, I just wanted to get some constructive thoughts out there and hope it helps others looking at the new razor. Honestly, I truly appreciate Shane's efforts - and the design alone is something he is very passionate about. Here's to hopin the best for those that did buy it! 🍻
Great Video and great insights on the Osprey. I did go ahead and buy the Osprey. I was able to pick it up for $315 by signing up for his email and text notification. Personally I like the looks of the machining marks. Loosing the handle to adjust the razor doesn’t bother me, I have to loosen my vintage Gillette razors to adjust them. This will be my first Blackland Razor.
See, this is exactly why I am all about having options! What would bother me daily may be perfectly fine by someone else's preferences. I find absolutely 0 issue in your reasoning to buy this, especially if you're ok with what was mentioned. All I had hoped to do was give the facts and let everyone make the choice that best fits them 👍 Between us.... if he had dropped both the TI and SS I would be sleeping on a couch. I had the $ squirreled away and a buy it now finger ready 😂😏
Fair thoughts on the Osprey, I’m not an adjustable user but that part about adjusting the aggression struck me as cumbersome as well. I’m good with my TiBird (OG & Lite).
100% with ya - adjustables are most of the time a set it/forget it kind of thing for most people. That said....I don't know how my clumsy self would do unscrewing the handle every pass 😂. Thanks for the comment and sharing the shave!
Awesome shave and I appreciate your honesty and insight and you bring up some very valid points that I was taking into consideration as well and was the exact reasons why I didn’t pick it up. Cool design but just not for me.
Thank you for the comment my friend! I really appreciate you taking the time to watch the video. Hopefully this just outlines some pros and cons and helps others make the choice that's best for them. 👍
Thank you. I did buy it, but now I'm having second thoughts. I hope it does not disappoint when I get it. I have a lot of very efficient razors that I can compare it to. I hope it's not as disappointing as the Yates Merica Titanium.
Thanks for the comment my friend, and I truly hope nothing but the best - knowing Shane - I am sure it's a fantastic shaver. It's Hard to know just how efficient it will be without the specs to be honest, But with the range he mentioned, it sounds like it has quite a spectrum. Thank you for watching, commenting, and being here for the discussion! 👍
I’m not into adjustable razors. But I do have the Blackland Blackbird in bronze and love it: very smooth and very efficient. It’s a great daily shaver for me.
I'm telling ya - the thing is a measuring stick for other razors for me. What a beautiful, elegant, well designed razor right?? I had the privilege of trying a BrassBird and it humbled me. With good form and the appropriate angle - bulldozed growth with class. Absolutely thrilled to hear you love yours! 👍 Thank you for the comment my friend!
I cant imagine Blackland throwing something on the market what will shave just ok. I like machined finish razors and this machining looks def premium and thought out. Even the price is reasonable compared to the expenditure and other modern adjustables. Hollow handle, brass insert, design machine marks and not some bad swirrls, mechanism. I would rather spent 350$ on a Blackland Razor made in US then 150$ on a chinese one. I am wondering that this razor isnt sold out yet. Maybe they did a big first batch so nobody can complain afterwards or the market isnt ready to pay that amount of money on a new (unknown) razor (inflation, high prices...) Titanium will def go in the 500$ price range which I wouldnt be ready to spent.
Hey that's my thoughts too - but the quote from Shane really gave me pause personally. Everything I have heard has been good - so that's a positive and leads to our assumption that the razor will be great. I also agree - at least the lines are intentional. Them "selling out thing" I don't think will happen - as they are shipping in October. That gives them time to take money and start making them now - if they are doing a Work In Progress model (not sure if that's the case or not, but it would make sense to me). In the end, hey - credit where it's due, I think the design and concept has merit. Great points my friend 👍
LOL BlueSalmon... All I can think of is a can of tuna fish! Walk around smelling like an ocean all day HA HA that one got me laughting! It is a good scent though I've had a sample of the splash It was yummy! Just wish I could buy it one day maybe in the future if he goes back to his good bottles i'll start buying from Paa again!
Walk around with the smell of the ocean hahahahaha jk jk it's such a yummy scent!! Hopefully we see it released again this year! I would love to get a foil label for the splash!
Right on point Subie...too many issues of concern for $350....like you said on your previous video..there is someone the channel knows and repects is working on a titanium adjustible....that might be worth the wait!
Here is to hoping the Ti one is perfect 👍 thank you so much my friend for joining me!! I'M Just happy to get the chance to talk shave and enjoy a BBS with every one here!
Interesting thoughts on the Osprey, Josh! I did not know some of those details. Honestly, I tend to gravitate away from adjustables anyway, so I was not tempted by the Osprey (I am still looking for that adjustable Segal with safety bar though). I definitely would love to try a Blackbird though, preferably in brass or titanium.
Hey than I am happy we did the content! I have had many people that didn't know how it adjusted, or that it will be offered in other finishes - that bought the razor. My hope was just to get all the details laid out so everyone can make the choice that's best for them. Yesterday Shane posted that they are going to have other finishes so that has me super excited that the project is going well. The adjustable Segal - what a beauty!!! Definitely one to watch for! Thanks for joining me for the shave!!
Subie you need to take this level of critic with more imo, it’s not a bad thing. However, I will say this may be “just a smidge” too over the top on a razor you haven’t reviewed, all valid points but came across like a slap in the face, with a kiss to make it better, immediately followed by another smack again🤣 As you know I have purchased the Osprey, really just to support innovation in the hobby. I hope I like it, and glad I’m not letting all of your opinions make me feel like crap for being such a complete idiot by making the purchase🤣 Do me a favor and at least applaud my support, and wish me “good shaving” as I try to build myself back up for being a total loser🤦🏻♂️🤣
Applaud, slow clap, and raising a toast to you my buddy!! Sorry that the discussion was a little too on the nose - again this is just my thoughts prior to the release, not a review or anything formal. I am sure, knowing Shane it will shave VERY good. Like I said, anytime we can support our artisans the better! 👍 And I did see, yesterday Blackland posted they WILL be offering other finishes and other materials, so the launch sounds successful!
I agree with you about the Osprey. Wouldn't buy it because it cannot be disassembled and the fact they don't give you specs. Pass on this razor people.
I am sure they won't notice myself and a few other people not buying it. Shane himself said he understands some of the difficulties/limitations I mentioned and that the razor may not fit some people's preferences. Ultimately, buy what you like, and love the shave you have daily right? That's what it's all about. I personally had too many red flags to jump at buying it - but I wish everyone that did NOTHING but the best. I truly hope to hear how it is the best razor of 2023 - especially since 350$ is so comparable to the Rex and Konsul. I am ALL for options and perhaps this will work for the people those who have been waiting for a milder Rex. Thanks for the comment here and for being part of the discussion 👍
Excellent shave with the Blackbird Subie, it’s a very efficient razor, the Osprey is definitely a beautiful razor but you bring up some good points on the adjustable attributes of the razor, seems like a pain to constantly loosen the handle.
I have to say, it always bugs me when I have to unscrew the handle with my Gibbs to adjust it... it's not a make or break it for me - but something I really wanted to call out. I was actually quite surprised to hear from several people now who didn't understand that is how each adjustment works - even though it's been pretty well outlined. Overall, I just wanted to answer some of the questions I've been getting DM'd, give my thoughts based on what I've read, and I hope the information was helpful. Thanks again for watching my friend!
After looking at the cost of other stainless adjustable razors such as the razors from Rex Supply company, the Rocnel and the Tatara I think the Osprey is priced fair. I love the removable insert. I often think SS razors are too heavy. I can remove the insert and get a lighter razor.
And to be frank, making that insert really work takes some forsight. I actually think the fact the weight is added dead center is quite smart, allowing for a well balanced razor regardless of the additional weight added. And you're not wrong in the slightest - the price for the Osprey is definitely inline with other's for sale (and much cheaper than the to Rocnel). Shane has now stated other finishes will be releasing at a later date, as well as a variety of other materials, so this is still very much in the works. All good things if you ask me 👍 Thanks for the comment my friend!
Nope this one is from last year!! I don't think Doug will drop this one till sometime mid October, but I honestly have no idea. There is always a chance it never gets released sadly. Unfortunately I can't really be of more help with drop dates. Thank you for the comment!
Nice shave Josh! Well as far as modern adjustables out there, I'd probably go with the Homelike Shaving before the other ones I'm seeing. The Osprey has an interesting head design, but the hollow tube with windows isn't doing much for me. I guess you could put a glitter tube inside there and watch the glitter floating around. Secret time isn't going to protect anything in these technologic times and once someone has a razor, you're basically giving the design away. I'll probably have to see some more on this razor, but so far it's not really doing much for me.
So you're saying I should PAY THE PLUG and talk with Olga? 😂 😭😏 Thank you so much for taking your time today to watch my review and be apart of the discussion!!! I always enjoy hearing your thoughts and I think you make some valid points! That new Homelike Slant has also been calling my name...
My offer still stands for you to review the early Rex Ambassador that was tearing people up!! (I call it the Angry Ambassador) I'm not jumping in on any new razors without letting others be the beta testers. The only time I did it was with the Aylsworth Kopparkant because it was just a brass version of an existing design that people loved. I'll buy the Winning razor when it comes out as well because I know a mild 3 piece is hard to screw up, and Yates just makes great stuff. I think the brass insert looks awesome, but I would prefer something plated/coated so I don't have to deal with patina. It looks like a great razor, but I think it's the Toggle to his Fatboy, and the razor 2 generations from this will be perfect.
Excellent points Lee - truly, I doubt highly that the Osprey will shave anything short of amazing, and I truly hope everyone that ordered one has nothing but BBS Shaves with them. The sooner they have it dialed in, the sooner a Ti can come out 😂 I also am watching for the Winning razor update!!! I would love to see what Jake has done to improve his design! I appreciate you taking the time to watch the content and share your thoughts! Thank you again for your support and enthusiasm my friend!
@@SubieShaves I'm hoping a gen 2 or Ti comes along sooner as well so I can pounce on one of these early ones on the used market! Everything I've seen tells me they shave great. I'm actually hoping a few new Osprey owners will be selling their Blackbirds soon. That's one I've been wanting to try for a while now.
@@Leenunes007 I think the 30 day money back option may limit the used market at first - which is a really amazing gesture from Shane. To be honest, many companies would just say - this is a trial you get what you buy. It says a lot about Blackland to stand behind their product. That said - I am definitely hopeful that the release goes as intended and we do in fact get the chance to own a TI version, even with some of the limitations. As always my guy thanks for bring here and for always adding a smile to my day 👍😀
Awesome shave and information provided. I like the look of the Osprey but Im just not into shaving with DE's on my head as i tend to adjust the angle too soon and get myself most of the time even though i do use a few. I like to see the specs before i buy a razor so i can see if its for me or not. Have a great week buddy
My guy!!! Thanks for watching and for dropping me a comment on Instagram!! That was really cool of you, I always appreciate you being a part of the channel! So thankful for the people here!! Y'all make the #squadgoals a reality!!
If you found the discussion useful than I feel like this was a success. I really just wanted to lay out all the facts, share what I have read and seen posted, and give my reasons for waiting to purchase the Osprey. At the end of the day, I'm just one person, and while it may not appeal to me based on some of the issues I mentioned - that doesn't mean it won't be a great razor for many people. Thank you again for your comment and for adding your nsights to the discussion!
Guilty as charged! I've also put an order for a titanium Yates with the EH plate and I'm definitely going to polish it. I also enjoy my titanium Blackbird more than any other razor in my collection and I'm thinking about trying a couple of new razors and somewhere next year I'm going to keep at least two or three of my favorite shavers and sell everything else and pretty much be done with buying new razors. It's a fun hobbie, no doubt about it, but after trying countless razors, I'm starting to see that most razors don't really offer that much in terms of shaving and it's all about the look and the design and at some point I have to stop buying new razors. Oh and at first I wanted to just wait and buy the titanium, but after I saw that the stainless versions is going for $350, that means that the titanium versions would go for around $500. That's too much for me and I don't want to cross that line, because if I do that, I might buy some of the 1k Rocnel razors too.
That Titanium Yates is my go to DE....to be perfectly honest that razor broke me 😭😂 it's just so darn good. You'll have to tell us all which one you prefer, and how they both shave for you! It's good to see people supporting this new razor and concept - hopefully it's fantastic!! Thank you so much for the comment - I totally get the "need to stop buying things" 😂😂
I own 2 Rocnel Razors and 0 complaints on either of them. The Rocnel isn’t for everyone especially price wise. Design and functionality are superb. The Osprey is up to Par with Rocnel in my opinion. I’m noticing a lot of people are focusing on the price and not the fact that the R n D department did such a fantastic job designing a first of its kind. By that I mean a true 3 piece adjustable that goes to 9. I only know of the Gillette Fatboy that goes to 9. I’m guilty for purchasing the Osprey but that’s because I own Rocnel razors and definitely see the quality. I’m not a fan of titanium razors. Too light in weight for my taste. I prefer a tank weighted razor in stainless steel. Anything is disassemble-able it’s only a matter of time before someone digs into the Osprey. I think that this design has been vetted regardless of anyone’s thoughts. Especially if you haven’t took the plunge and bought one. Long story short expensive luxurious razors are not for everyone. There are plenty of razors out there that are much cheaper and do a fine job at shaving. It’s like the watch game depends on how deep your pockets are and what your willing to spend on for quality and luxury. Just my 2 cents ✌️
@@shwayjayy Thanks for the comment and for sharing your thoughts. I agree with you on many of your thoughts - and I also see the merit of the design. I doubt highly anything made by Blackland Shaves anything less than extraordinary 👍
I also have a Rocnel Hybrid on it's way. I don't know why, but the Hybrid version is getting a lot of hate on the shaving forums for no reason at all. A few people make bold claims that the finish and detail quality isn't on par with the regular Sailor models as well as the fact that the rounded top cap is somehow inferior compared to the regular one. The hate comes from people don't own the Hybrid version and who are upset that they are making more affordable models.
I definitly agree with you brother. I'm not on the forums at all due to the fact that I don't know of any. I alway's say try it before you knock it. Then I usuallly think to each there own as a way of making it known that there is unreasonable people around. This video touches on light points nothing that would make me not want to buy. That Rocnel Hybrid I bet is a gonna be a sweet piece of hardware. I'm going to look into this razor as i didn't know of it's exsistence. Don't focus on the hate enjoy your new buy and give us possitive wet shaver's an honest review on it. I enjoy watching reviews. Affordable is great now a days nothing wrong with a top notch razor at a great price. enjoy that razor brother Rocnel Rules and so does Blackland. "Try it before you knock it" I always say. 👍🤟@@Foxtrot-jr5qu
Subie any tips on how to get the back of my head baby smooth? I always feel some hair even though i shave it all angles. What am i missing? Tried it on the leaf, twig and the defender.
Just practice brother!!! But some quick checks -If you are following a 3 pass method and it isn't getting close enough, you could try doing like 1 XTG / 2ATG. Or start ATG and work backwards. If the standard pass method is failing it could just mean you need to alter yours to fit your needs. You'll see I usually do 1 ATG pass on my neck as that is what works for me - your shave may take some tailoring. Another thing with the back of the head - your hair may grow in crazy directions (my growth pattern is painfully difficult as well) so I find I have to do some angled passes with some razors. I would say mastering your growth pattern, while maintaining good form, using a good razor is essential to a perfect shave on the back of the head (at least for me). Always here my friend to help where I can! Keep at it!
Like you say, I also found some concerns about the use of osprey, such as the inability to completely disassemble and whether there is room for improvement, but I still clicked to buy 😂, Look forward to its arrival.
I can ONLY imagine the excitement. It has some merit to it, the cap alone looks very slim and would probably fit in hard to reach spots. The clamping also looks fantastic. Here's to hoping it's TOTALLY worth it!! Thanks for the comment and for watching!
hmmmm. i dont quite know what to make of this video because it's not a review. You don't own one or have physically held one in your hands. ill start by sharing that i'm actually a proud owner of an Osprey. my thoughts: 1) price tag - i get that this razor may be on the pricier side, but this an original design that Shane has been working on and perfecting for YEARS. if you're looking for a knock-off, "made-in-China" special, i would wait for Yaqi to rip-off yet another one of Shane's creations. 2) material - if you absolutely have to have all of your razors machined from titanium, go ahead and wait. if you want to hold off until a titanium version is available simply because you think that this razor will be heavy, dont wait. even though this razor is machined from stainless steel, it's surprisingly light-weight. This is most likely due to the head design and hollow handle. Again, Subie doesn't own this razor, but i can speak from experience. 3) making it in-house? Subie....none of his razors have ever been made in-house. NEVER. Shane isnt a machinist. He's a razor designer and business owner. I dont know why this is an issue. These razors are expertly crafted from experienced machinists in the USA. Why should Shane have to machine these by hand to justify the cost? 4) you said something about a first batch or waiting for an improved version later? this doesn't make sense. Shane doesn't release half-baked products. the Osprey is complete. It's done. You wont see an improved version. He literally waited YEARS to perfect it before releasing it. TLDR; Subie isnt reviewing the Osprey. He's just formulating an opinion of the razor from what's been shared on various forums. I own the razor and think its one of the best, if not THE best adjustable razors that I've ever used.
Are you one of the chosen few testers of the razor or someone close to the owner of Blackland razors, because no one else has this razor yet. Also, I'm not defending Subie, but all his criticism regarding the razor come from things that we know about it like the fact that it can't be disassembled, you have to loosen up the handle in order to adjust the razor, the razor comes with machined finish, we don't have the specs of the blade gaps and exposures of the different settings. So your argument that he doesn't own the razor to make those claims is absolutely invalid, since he's not speculating or making things up, but rather than pointing out things that are confirmed and true about the razor. Also, he's not the only one who has conserns about the quality of the razor, since adjustable razors are much more complicated and have way more parts and even the smallest mistake will affect the overall performance. Absolutely every modern razor that we have on the market from the countless Chinese clones/replicas, Parker Variant Rex Ambassador, Pearl Flexi, Rocnel, HLS Taiga etc. had issues with their first batch/batches and some even to this day continue to do from time to time and all of those designs have been changed slightly at least once. I don't think this is personal towards the brand or the owner of the company and everyone is aware that even if something goes wrong with their Osprey, they are going to get a replacement/refund without a problem, but some folks just don't want to deal with that, so Subie is very smart by waiting for the razor to get released to the public, so he can see the reviews and then test it from some of his friends/fans and then make up his mind. And just for the record, I've ordered my Osprey almost immediately when they were available on the website, but it's going to take a while before I can actually get my hands on it and test it, but I do agree with what Subie said and I think his concerns are valid and now I'm not 100% sure if it was a good idea to buy it without waiting for a few reviews.
Thanks for the thoughts and the response my friend. I appreciate you coming to us owning one. You must have been one of the few lucky testers. This is not a review - this is as per my title, "why I am not buying the Osprey". Plain and simple, laying out the details as stated by Shane / his website and my thoughts on why I skipped it. Honestly, I had enough people ask me if I was buying it that I felt I needed to say why I wasn't. I apologize if you feel that wasn't clear. My only intention was to get the info out so people had the full story on what this razor even is, how it works, and the nuances around it's functionality. That said: 1) Price tag didn't/doesn't bother me personally. I know some have issue with it, but it's comparable to the Rex and Konsul - both which I own. I have/had the $ set aside since the day he talked about it months ago on RU-vid 2) Well Shane stated (as I quoted) they want to make sure they do 1 thing well first. I doubt it will be anything but the best but... if Shane has pause so do 3) right - but many people believe he is making these by hand. Much like Yates, which I wanted to clarify on. That is all. I mentioned it to help provide disclosure to others that didn't know that fact. 4) Yes, correct, that is what Shane said. They could have released both versions hypothetically but want to make sure the SS goes as well as they think it will. My hope is it goes smoothly. Again, I want to be clear that is NOT the only reason I am not buying one - which you didn't mention? My real issue lies in: 1) the not being able to be disassembled/serviced by the end user. First and foremost. The more I think about not having access to dry the spring the more I really pause even getting a TI. That to me is a serious flaw. 2)The Handle having to twist open to be adjusted. That is just clunky to me - we should have improved past what Gillette did IMHO. Rex has a dial that can be adjusted mid shave, so should this one. Again IMHO. I am sure it's easier said than done. 3) No specs offered to showcase the range of adjustment (and what the exposure and gap are). If the Exposure is really changed that's super nifty - but we don't have the proof of it/nor any idea how aggressive the 0 is to the 9. Hey I appreciate your thoughts and appreciate the chance to make myself clear 👍
