Wet Shave Review: Osprey Adjustable Stainless Steel Safety Razor by Blackland Razors 👍👎 

I’ll be honest here. I’ve been shaving with the Osprey on setting 9 with a feather blade. I’ve been getting amazing shaves and no razor burn. I definitely understand everyone’s skin is different. I didn’t get butchered on this combo it was a BBS Nick free shave. Anyone on the fence about this razor it’s probably not the one for you. I’d recommend the Rex Envoy all day. That razor is one of the best I’ve ever tried it was great. The Osprey is a very different animal one you must learn to use the angle and the blade you choose makes the difference. I’ve got a video in the making that will show the performance I got with Osprey. I will say I have no regrets with the new Osprey and I’m super stoked I bought it.

Validated! Now Blackland is offering a polished Osprey. Kudos to Matt for calling out the "unfinished" razor and kudos to Shane at Blackland for accepting the criticism and making improvements to the Osprey. However $415 for a polished razor + $60 for a polished stand is too expensive for me. Aesthetically, it is gorgeous and belongs in a museum.

Hi Matt. Started to follow your advice and begun to shave cold after 50 years shaving with hot water. My skin feels a lot better, healthier and real fresh. My gosh why did'nt i remember that before?

Hello Matt! I am new to wet-shaving. In fact, I've only been wet-shaving for 2 weeks now. When I get into something, I do detailed research and am not afraid to pay top dollar to get the best. In my experience, you can "waste" a lot of money trying different products to find something you like. Which can be fun, but I prefer to jump right to the top end products to get the best experience. So, I purchased the Rex Konsul and have used it a few times. Let me tell you, when I dreamed about how wonderful a shave could be, I didn't realize that it could be that good. Thank you! I have tried a couple other razors, but the Konsul is king. I was considering the Osprey as well. Other reviews out there say that it works well as a daily razor, maybe it does better with less growth. But, the Konsul works well with whatever you throw at it. I can use it daily or after a few days. If I'm going to spend top dollar on something, I want to be able to use it whenever I want to. I don't want to be constrained or pay that much for a razor that I can't use in any situation. Just my 2 cents (or actually $350). Thank you for the honest review.

Nice review. I totally agree with the critique of the machined finish. The only thing that stood out as odd to me was the Fatboy razor waiting on the side to finish the shave. Looked to be almost set up to make an appearance.

I love my Rex Konsul and my Ambassador is being delivered this week. I can't wait to try out the Ambassador. The Konsul was very expensive, but you are getting what you pay for. I can see and feel the quality of the Konsul when you are holding it in you hand. It is very well engineered and the machining and polishing is flawless. I purchased the polished only Kosul razor and love it.

Love the honesty ,where all entitled to an opinion ,me personally I’m glad we have these reviews so we can see what we are buying before we let all that money go especially these days when anything you spend is a treat & well earned ,hope you have a great day sir !! 🙌🏻

Very honest review Matt. Perfect example of why I wouldn’t touch this caliber of razors. It’s simply too much of a gamble to try them & maybe not like it. It sucks enough when you don’t like a $30-$70 razor let alone these premium $$$ ones.

Whew!!! Thank you so much for this review! I was just about to buy this razor. You saved me a lot of money!

Hey, every razor is not made for everybody. Your Rex adjustable. I tried it’s a beautiful razor, but I had way too much blade feel it gave me a terrible shave on my sensitive neck. I gave it a try on my head, and it took a gouge out of my head. Healed up pretty quickly. Two years later, after head shaving with other products is come back to haunt me. And I haven’t been able to head shave for several months, and it still has a red mark on the scar… :( I do credit you for returning the razor after I was not happy with it. And a personal phone call as well. You exchanged it for a rhodium Gillette Fatboy. It’s a beautiful razor and I use it once in a while. On your stainless Rex razor, I noticed there was a drag. I don’t know if it’s from the stainless material or not. My everyday personal favourite is a chrome plated Rockwell 6S razor. I’ve watched other videos where the comment was made that the stainless Rockwell has drag as well. Wondering if there’s something to do with the SS material and drag.? Anyways, love watching your videos Matt, and although the Rex was not for me, I appreciated your customer service and care. Highly recommend your companies. Cheers

Watching the Blackland videos as development and design was happening I saw things about the osprey that I knew wasn’t going to be for me. Great video Matt!

Wow... Brutal!! Thanks for your frank and no bs review! Maybe try a different blade?

Come here for the Matt, stay here for the Matt.

That is the most detailed review of the Osprey that I have seen. The design is beautiful but clearly it is not ready for prime time. They have work to do much like you did when you first introduced the Ambassador. And like you said, in the end it’s a shaving instrument. I hope your neck settles down.

Excellent honest review really appreciate that

Thank you for the review Matt! Appreciate the honesty and genuine criticism to help further the industry. Huge fan of your channel!

Thanks for a great review. I know it’s hard to compare someone else’s razor to one you designed and produced. Thanks for your honesty

Hi Matt, I appreciated your detailed review, nicely done. I have the Blackland Osprey and you raise fair points, especially about the occasional razor drag. But I wanted you and your viewers to know that I have shaved with the Osprey on the “1”, “2” and “3” settings, and I have gotten a good shave on each (closer shave on the 2 and 3 of course - but the 1 setting is fine for me as a daily driver). Now I realize that everyone’s face and skin sensitivities are different and YMMV - personally, I tend to favor mild razors, but I just wanted you to know that the Osprey gives me a good-for-going-to-work shave at a 1 or 2 setting. That said, I’m very impressed by your razors on your website (they look amazing!}, and I’m curious which of your Rex Razors you would recommend to a shaver like me who would favor the 1,2,3 settings on the Osprey. Many thanks and my appreciation to you, and to Shane, for both being amazingly innovative artisans in the wet shaving community who manufacture their razors in the USA. That means a lot to me. Thank you!

Thanks for the honest review

These days I haven't been tempted by high price-point razors anyway (get good shaves with my Merkur, Super Speed vintage, etc). Fortunately that leaves more cash in my budget to try new soaps and splashes from Razor Emporium 😜

Thanks fir the honesty! I still love the $1.95 Fat Boy I purchased from you! Still my favorite razor!

A razor blade is a thin, bendable, precision cutting tool, further subjected to the designed, engineered precision of the razor blade holder. There are variables. Certainly, skin type and beard density are also variables not within the control of the engineering process. Just looking at Shane's razor, it is a beautifully executed piece of metal artwork; created, designed, engineered, and produced by a craftsman of unique insight and vision. It may well be Shane's razor will shave wonderfully well on my thin, mild growth beard. Nevertheless, in such engineering variables as human skin and beard types, there is no such thing as "One size fist all." Matt, I do appreciate your sincere efforts to give your customers an objective review as possible, considering your own vested interest in this industry. Thank You! Dave, A Dedicated Emporium Customer.

Thanks for the review!

Great review. I bought one of the Osprey razors and I wanted so much to like it. I think I have been spoiled buy the Rex Ambassador and the Rex Konsul. Thanks for taking the time to offer up your comments. Your review was 'First Class.'

Matt, what did Gillette do to make the Fatboy so good after all these years? One hears a lot about “blade chatter.” Do the best 1960s Gillette slims and Fatboys have this issue. I love the refinished Gillette adjustable razors I’ve bought at at RE. Thanks for this review!

I like razors that are well designed, impeccably finished, are mild, are easy to clean, have no moving parts, have a great grip, and shave marvellously. One such razor is the Karve Overlander. I call it “Black Beauty”.

Thanks for the honest review Matt.

Very honest and good review ❤

Thank you for your honesty 🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻

Loved the video! Don’t think I can swap away from my Konsul 👌🏻

Great review Matt, I appreciate an honest review.

Nice honest review. I didn't have issues with drag like you did, but I got irritation after every shave with the Osprey, regardless of setting or blade.

This was a well done detailed review. Not every razor works for everyone. Some say Osprey is a great razor some have returned it after some shaves. Rex Ambassador is cheaper and I think Ambassador looks better.

Good honest review. 👍🏼

Thanks Matt 🙏

That is quite an interesting review. I like "static" razors within adjustment so there is nothing to wear out. I own a Blackland Blackbird Lite that I love as well as a Rex Envoy. Happy to see well made USA razors. The Konsul may be my first adjustable though.

I honestly like Blackland's Blackbird. But when it comes to an adjustable i will stick to the Rex Ambassador and Konsul, or vintage Gillette

Nice video, Matt! I have the Konsul on my list 👍🏻

I am still in love with my Ambassador, in fact I had a wonderful shave with and a Voshkod 😮 BBS setting six. Good thing I just bought 100 of them from u, because there’s just something about them and your razor that just works.

It's a nice razor, but I had a hard time seeing the setting numbers, my unit had machine marks on the top too, was hard to turn past 7 to 9 positions, and it was an ok shave for me. But it may work for others. It is made very well, I loved the handle, great grip, locks the blade down well too. I wanted to keep it, but just returned it. But, others may love this razor!

I got one of the first to go out so I've had it for a while now. I agree they should have had better finishing for the price and I think the razor head is really heavy and if you like to hold the unit from the middle or lower the balance is really way off however I find the shave itself is butter smooth. I usually shave every other or third day and I have a heavy almost wire like beard. I use either feather or a Kai of Personna Hospital blade. I use setting 6 for the feather and 7 for the others. I use either MDC or Castle Forbes for soap/cream. There is no irritation at all and the shaves are just about straight razor close. Why the reviewer had that experience is strange. Maybe the blade, maybe the soap, maybe he used too much pressure which is really easy to do because of the weight. It's probably a razor more for the experienced DE user. I think once they offer a Titanium version that should address the weight issue but the price might be really up there.

Well this certainly increases my appreciation for just how difficult it is to produce a really good American made razor at anything approaching an affordable price. Thanks for an honest review.

Do a video on the Karve overlander please ... I love this razor I would like to hear your opinion on it!!

I own the Osprey, Konsul and Ambassador… and actually get way more blade feel and drag feel with the Rexes. As of now the Osprey has been my go-to.. but Shaving is subjective based on your soap, shaving style and so . Love Matt’s razors, but the Osprey is very efficient for me and smooth. I have all three in my rotation though.

Cool looking doesn't always give out the best shave. My next razor will be the Konsul. I like mild razors and your Konsul looks to be just that. I own a Henson mild Titanium, a T2 Gunmetal, and a Twig. The Henson is my every day shaver though.

I do think it’s hilarious that the guy who created (what I feel is) one of the most blade feely razors on the market (Ambassador), thought this one was too blade feely! 🤣😜

In this category (stainless steel adjustable) Yaqi has also released a model quite recently.

What blade are you using? That will affect to some degree how close a shave you’ll get (other things being equal).

Matt has always said that an adjustable should shave at the lowest setting, and if it doesn’t then we have a problem. I’m paraphrasing, of course.

Actually Matt I use the technique you have just shown and I find the sloppy lather used from the excess left on my face and I find that this gives me a close shave and I follow up that with Thayers Medicated witch hazel which further lifts any residual stubble and I shave that of with my go to razors a Feather ASD2 or the Merkur slant with a feather blade (occasionally use the Fatboy or Black Beauty I got from you) and I find that they all work about the same. At this time I am waiting for that Henderson razor you featured a while ago which will interesting to use and hopefully will be here in Australia soon. The razor you have featured is not looking that great and thanks for the heads-up in this video as I am usually a sucker for new stuff although my collection is now very extensive I cannot help myself LOL!!

I definitely got thay drag sensation too. Its very efficient at 8 or 9 but not very comfy and a good amount of irritation

Thank you for the info. Staying with my Envoy and Gillette adjustables for now :)

I certainly considered buying this,but the price point and lack of ability to disassemble it and clean it discouraged me. Now I’m glad I didn’t. These reviews coming out for it are shining the light on how much of an “unfinished” version this is. I truly hope he revises this and fixes the loads of issues with it. Maybe I’ll grab one down the road

Appreciate you putting your face on the chopping block for us. Patiently waiting for your tto.

Any concerns with the use of 303 stainless steel vs. 316L?

I have Rex ambassador and konsul also and I'm very happy with this two exceptional safety razors. Depending of my shaving mood and the days of growth is super; Greetings from Athens Greece. Keep going.

Good review. The tricky part of all reviews - razors blades soaps brushes etc. - is the YMMV part as our faces are different, water is different, technique may differ and so on. You like the Rex razors; I find them too blade forward and aggressive for my own personal taste. That does not mean they are 'bad' just not for me with my skin, my age and so on. This was a good review because you focused on the engineering design and less so on the personal interpretation of your own personal experience.

Hey Matt, I'm a big fan and used your advise to enter into the vintage / wet shaving world. Love the Gillette's and have many, including the toggle. I own Blackland's Tredere open comb and I'm pleased with it. My favorites seems to change, but at the moment, in the adjustable world, I think Murkur Futur is it, 5 stars. Viking makes a lot of fantastic razor, and I do like their blades as well. I find the Chieftan to be extremely smooth and efficient! To the point, though. I own the Osprey, purchase it in the very first shipment. Your review was spot on, and the feedback I have given shane matches your review exactly. Beautiful razor on it's stand on my bathroom counter. My shave experience was exactly the same as yours. I've shaved at least a dozen time with it. I've gone to other razors and come back, tried different blades, and every technique I know. Rough shave great look and style but a poor shave. Keep up the good work you have given me loads of shaving knowledge.

Sorry that the Osprey didn't work for you. I have not had a problem with this razor. I do have 2 of the Rex razors and enjoy them also. Maybe it was the blade you used. Do keep up the great videos you put out.

I look this razor price up. $350!!!!!!! These people are OUT OF THEIR MIND!!!!!!!

Rex Konsul and Ambassador are still my favorite razors. I just lresrned of Blackland razors and I own the Osprey and Blackbird and I think they are awesome! I do agree that the Osprey does have drag, but it’s still fun to shave with, and delivers a nice comfortable shave. The Blackbird Ti is super nice-reminds me of the Ambassador in terms of blade feel. Something I really don’t appreciate on the Osprey is how the numbers are etched in but not colored or highlighted. I don’t like wearing my glasses when I shave so it is tough finding those numbers when you’re making adjustments. Anyhow, thanks for the review. I appreciate everything you guys do.

It's time i watch videos/Emporium from Matt....TRUST & HONEST are the words behind my mind. Matt it's a guy i have never met. But i known behind each review of a razor, it's been built on honestly. I much appreciate his channel and his reviews. Thank you again Matt!

Ruffled feathers... well I bet Shane can take some genuine professional criticism. I had the Blackland Dart and couldn't use it, way to aggressive for me. The Blackbird was supposed to be even more aggressive so I decided against that as well. I did get a Tradere which is a totally different shave, smooth and efficient with beautiful polish. I had the same thoughts about my REX Ambassador, couldn't use it on settings above say #3.5 but learned to go low and slow. The Konsul on the other hand is a much easier, more comfortable razor to use which is efficient and smooth, a great tool for me. So I'm sure some constructive criticism won't hurt too much. Thanks Matt.

Well, what I would really like is to see a comparison between the Rex Embassador and the Yaqui Última SS, because the little that there is about the Yaqui Última SS is not very illuminating and as the owner of a Yaqui Última I would like to know how much of a difference there is between these

The M4 Ambassador is much better than you give it credit for. I prefer the current one, but that M4 on 1.5 is an incredible shave! I think the Osprey is like the Toggle. It was a great innovative razor, but it was the thing before the thing. I think his next version will be awesome.

Glad saw yours first.

What you said about having the right geometry is exactly what I think about when I’m using my Rex… how perfectly the head clamps down on the blade is what I have noticed to be the best out of ANY razor it’s just the perfect geometry!! The blackland’s clamping surface just is not as good as my Rex in my opinion and I think it may be what leads to the dragging of the blackland

Interesting take. My only worry is how can I trust your review. You are a direct competitor in the boutique razor market.

What non-razor blade product gives you the closest thing to a clean shaven result without the risk of scratching yourself? I'm diabetic and have sensitive skin and have tried different products and wear a beard so I don't have to deal with abusing my skin regularly.

Thank you for your honest review. I feel that the Blackland Osprey guys will accept your constructive criticism and be better for it in the long run.

I have the ambassador and the Konsul. I believe the best of the best out there. Amazing shaves everyday.

Absolutely enjoyed your candid review Matt, you were also honest about your journey in tweaking the Rex. Everyone will have their take on the razor, but I agree on some of the mechanics of the razor as you mentioned the wobble in the base plate and also adjusting it is not the most innovative design. That said, it’s hard to beat a perfect razor (Fatboy) that is still timeless in my opinion:)

speaking of Gibbs, did you ever review the Heritage Shaving replica?

Great review! It looks like a nice razor but is pretty pricey. Like you said at that price point it should be better. That said it still looks nice.

Great review/opinion 💛

Great video. Why don’t you list the products in this video in the description with links? I think you can also have a little list pop up with the products in the video. It’d make it convenient to just buy the product if we like it.

I live in Belgium and the Blackland Razors are not available here, but I find it all very interesting to follow. It seems that with this review from Matt, certain pieces of the puzzle fit together. When I saw Shane himself using this Osprey in one of his videos a few months ago, I thought it looked like a very uncomfortable shave. He himself indicated in this video that he is not a professional shaver but a designer. I already had some mixed feelings about it at that moment.

Can you review The Blackland Vector? Please and thank you! 😊

I’m a daily shaver with it on 6-7 and get great shaves with zero irritation.

The goodfellas Valynor has the same type of inserted piece of brass in the handle.

For that price it should be 316L steel like the Ambassador. I have the Osprey and the Ambassador, and the Rex is a much better product overall. More comfortable handle, can be adjusted without disassembly, more usable settings, and better finished.

I have the Rex Ambassador but even on a low setting I find it quite aggressive

Favorite part of this review was learning Matt drives a Ford. Smart man. I knew I liked you, Matt. #BuiltFordTough

Hello Matt, I'd like you to reply to me. The Blackbird Osprey. I think it is much more slippery than Rex Ambassador, I don't like its tube-like construction (it is hard to maintain with its holes on the handle). You are right: it is ridiculous that you need to unscrew the handle if you want to change the dial. And you gave us great feedback, you can't feel anything with 1 and 2 dials, and you can cut your throat with 7. Dragging of the skin, too much blade, and a really bad finish of the top cap. The price of this razor is ENORMOUS. The standard version is 350$. Polished (which you need, because of the bad finish) is 415$. The new TITANUIM version is 560$, and if it is polished, it is 660$! The world record. Your Rex Ambassador XL. I like how it looks. I like its grip, you can't drop this thing. You can change the dial without any other loosing or screwing. Your finish is great. I don't mind your package is not luxurious. I like that every product has its serial number. My questions: 1. REWIEVS FROM YOUR PAGE (questions 1 and 2). A guy claims that his Ambassador rusted after two weeks of use. I guess, he left his blade in the razor and he keeps the razor close to the shower. But, how it rusted so fast??? 2. The other guy claims that the Ambassador is TOO AGGRESSIVE, no matter what dial. WHAT DO YOU SAY? I can see in this video that your razor is not as aggressive as Osprey, or you are accustomed to it? 3. Does the Ambassador have too aggressive or too mild first 2 settings as Osprey?

I enjoyed watching the Blackland RU-vid videos showing how they broght this product to market. It does look gorgeous and aesthetics alone, it should be in a museum. I did consider buying one, but decided against it because of the price point. Currently, the razor sells for $350, plus a $50 stand is $400. Pass. Thank you for your honest review.

Setting one...nothing 🤣Shame really considering the price. I like the Blackbird and Vector but I won't be looking for this one. I'll stick to my F@tboys and recently purchased Rex razors. Nice honest review Matt 🤙

Great review matt, i just bought that brush from you, so if you send me the razor and a nordic set, i can replicate the shave and give my opinion 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣, worth a try 👍👍🤣😎😁

I am no expert but it seems as though Blackland razors have very little bend in the blade when tightened down compared to many razors. That may account for the loud scraping sound as you shave along with the pronounced blade feel. All my razors bend the blade considerably. Does that make sense?

what's the wristwatch?

Just honestly, the Murkur Vision is the best adjustable. Unfortunately not available anymore. I have one and a NOS in the box.

6:00 Wagner Machine Company does the CNC for them (not sure whether for all models) Also it would be great if you review Blackland Blackbird

It left irritation no matter what setting I used. It needs fine tuning. You describe it as “drag”.. I am curious if you get irritation as well.

Hearing the same feedback from couple sources now. I'm sure blackland will figure it out

This is quite an interesting video -- thank you for posting it. I had wanted to see you review a high end razor at about the same price points as your own Rex Supply razors. I think I saw the Osprey dragging on your face. Your skin definitely did not like it. I kind of wonder what the Osprey would be like if you apply rhodium plating to it. That is just me innocently guessing -- I have no knowledge of metallurgy, jewellry, CNC processes, and so on. I am sorry your face got irritated, but thank you for posting the review.

Went to their website, saw the price, stopped the video

"Weird drag sensation" that reminds me of the Parker Variant. I hate the way the Variant feels. I do like the Rockwell T2 that razor really reminds me of the Gillette Super Adjustable. But the Rockwell isn't made in America or Canada.

Interesting review, to say the leas. I buy a lot of stuff from Razor Emporium so I would definitely trust Matt on this. Quite possibly, the razor needs some version changes before the final level is arrived at. Was surprised at the finishing issues- have all the razors that Shane has produced till date (including the Dart and the Tradere) and they were all finished to another level.

Aesthetically, this adjustable razor with its 2-toned metals utilizing a brass shaft insert, reminds me of the new Valynor razor by Goodfellas Smile. Both razors have an almost architectural, decorative appearance. In all honesty, an adjustable razor... something like the tried & tested Merkur Progress... absolutely NEEDS to be useful at every single setting... not starting to cut halfway up the dial scale. Some "going back to the drawing board" is most definitely needed in order to get those measurement calculations "dialed in" correctly. Otherwise, it would be a misnomer to call this existing implementation of the Osprey an "adjustable" double edge safety razor. 🧔

Like the honesty. Too bad you did not find it enjoyable. It certainly is a looker. Hopefully criticisms will make it a better product.

Konsuls Rule the world of adjustable razors! 😁