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Blackland Dart

Dagwoodz

Dagwoodz

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I know Gus (GlazedBoker) has talked about the Blackland Dart other places, but looking at one right now and trying to decide on going in on one of these. Just not sure that it's going to be a good fit for me. So I'm looking for some feedback.

I'm looking for a smooth shaver, but efficient. I currently have a Timeless Bronze OC, and the blade feel is just a little too harsh for me, though it is an efficient razor. Would the Dart be about the same, feel wise, as that?

If I'm looking for a smoother shave, would going with a Karve C or D plate set-up be a better option for me? I love the look of the Dart, but don't want to drop the $$ if it's not going to be a good fit.
 
Dagwoodz said:
I know Gus (GlazedBoker) has talked about the Blackland Dart other places, but looking at one right now and trying to decide on going in on one of these. Just not sure that it's going to be a good fit for me. So I'm looking for some feedback.

I'm looking for a smooth shaver, but efficient. I currently have a Timeless Bronze OC, and the blade feel is just a little too harsh for me, though it is an efficient razor. Would the Dart be about the same, feel wise, as that?

If I'm looking for a smoother shave, would going with a Karve C or D plate set-up be a better option for me? I love the look of the Dart, but don't want to drop the $$ if it's not going to be a good fit.
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After testing out Dave in KY's Karve razor i can honestly say that "D" plate is very smooth and efficient with the right blade. Havent used and Blackland razors so cant comment on those but am testing the Rockwell 6S next.
 
Rockwell 6S buddy! Although that whole YMMV things screws up with giving advice.
 
Josh, you mentioned 2 really good razors that get it done very, very well. Though they both feel and shave differently and go about it a different way, they both get you to a great shave.

But, let me ask you this. What's the most efficient/aggressive razor that you have experienced that you can get with or tolerate to get a good close shave? Also, what's the mildest razor you can shave with that gets you the results your chasing?

The Dart is very efficient with very good balance and feel in the hands. It can shave on either end of your attack angle whether it being shallow or steep. Shavers have been successful with either technique. I prefer a shallow angle (so that we're on the same page, shallow for me is leaning more towards the cap, steep is leaning more towards the guard) as I like the feel of the blade and just feels more comfy and natural when I'm shaving. Others have had good results and excellent shaves riding the guard. Either way, you will feel a bit more blade with the Dart than you would with the Karve.

The Karve comes in different handle lengths so, it can be customized to give you the balance and feel thst works best for you. I had both the 3" & 3.5" and the 3.5" felt better for me. The Karve is just a bit smoother feeling razor at the expense of losing a bit of blade feel. But, that's not a bad thing. In my experience I can be a little more lax on technique with the Karve and it will deliver a smokin' shave that is very close, comfy and smooth. Now, that's with the F plate, it's most efficient/aggressive setting. And I still feel the Karve is behind the Dart in terms of blade feel and efficiency but, not by much.

Here's what I would do if I were you. Order up a Karve in your preferred plate settings, any combo but make sure you order 2 plates. And pick the handle size that would work best for you. There is a lead time now of about 45 days to get your Karve to the door. While you're waiting on that, if you can get yourself a Dart. I know, it's some bucks to spend but, the Dart will be in your hands within 2-3 days and a bonus is you get to try it for 30 days. Don't like it just send it right back, no questions asked. That's a win win from Blackland.
 
Thanks Gus...

So the most aggressive razor I own would be the Futur...I've shaved off of it on setting 6 without issue, but prefer it on about 3. Even on setting 6, it's more comfortable a shave, for me, than the Timeless Bronze OC.

The most comfortable shaver I have right now is the Brass General...regardless of whether I have a pro-guard or Pro super in it. Smooth and efficient...I was looking for something in the DE realm that would give the same level of both. The weight of it makes it just a thoughtless shave for me, just letting the razor do the entirety of the work. With the Timeless, I'm constantly searching for the correct angle that reduces the blade feel...if that makes any sense.

FYI...just pulled the trigger on a C and D plate Karve...debated getting the B and E plate as well, but wanted to see how these two felt first. I'm still debating on the Dart, but if the blade feel is similar to the Timeless, then I might pass on it...

I'm also looking at another SE razor...and haven't read too much about it; the Cobra. Not sure if this is an AC style razor, or takes half DE's...any thoughts on that?

With all that being said, I only use a DE about 20-30% of the time, a SE (usually the General Brass) 20-30% of the time, and straights the rest of the time...and it's hard to get more blade feel than a straight. But when I grab a safety razor, it's generally because I'm in the mood for a drama free, thoughtless and comfortable shave.
 
I'm guessing you will want an F plate Josh. I could send mine to you to try if you want. I would have sent the whole shabang if you wanted before ordering....
 
Sorry about the name cross up Josh. I saw NurseDave and somehow did a switcheroo.... Eyesight ain't what it used to be.

Anyhow, I agree with Dave in Kentucky about the F plate. The blade feel is not overly done. I'd take him up on that offer, just to try it. If you like that F, you can always change your plate sizes with Chris. He'll send you an email to confirm before he ships and ask if you want to change things up or not. You can do the change then.

Plus, I'll up the bid. My Dart is out on loan. Should be in my hands within a week or so. If your still interested in giving it a shot, just let me know. That way you don't put out the $$ and tie up funds. My Karve is out also but, that ain't coming home anytime soon.

One thing for sure will happen. Either the Dart won't be to your liking or it kicks butt and RAD is seriously engaged.... Again.
 
The Cobra is a feather AC style razor. In fact, it was the first one of that style. It’s pretty aggressive. You’d probably like it.
 
TJ has my Karve with C,D and F plates and I could have him send to you and you can ship to me when done Josh. Just say the word. From my reading you're in for more of a wait then you think for delivery from them.
 
Dave, that would be awesome! I am APO, so it will take some time to get back to you once done. I'll shoot you and TJ an address if that is fine with you.

Thanks for the info KJ...I'm still debating on the Cobra. It's an attractive razor for sure...very tempting.

And thanks again Gus for the insight. There's someone here on camp who has a Dart and might be willing to swap for a short time so I can test drive it.
 
Dagwoodz said:
Dave, that would be awesome! I am APO, so it will take some time to get back to you once done. I'll shoot you and TJ an address if that is fine with you.

Thanks for the info KJ...I'm still debating on the Cobra. It's an attractive razor for sure...very tempting.

And thanks again Gus for the insight. There's someone here on camp who has a Dart and might be willing to swap for a short time so I can test drive it.
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?
 
Well over a month since my last shave with the Dart. Completed a smooth, comfy and BBS finish in 3 passes. The Dart is an excellent shaver that is at mid-level in terms of blade feel and comfort. Yet, gives a pretty nice angle of adjustment depending on how much or how little blade feel you want. I’ve learned that using a shallow angle you get a wee bit more blade feel that gives an extremely close and rather comfy shave. Go a bit steeper and the shave is almost GC .68 smooth with light blade feel that gives a super comfy shave. Trade off for me is that it’s not as close a shave as when I use a shallower angle. That angle produces an exquisite shave that just requires a bit more attention to technique & pressure, which is none.

Just a real easy razor to get an awesome shave with. It delivers.......

 
I was a fan of that razor too. Just required a lot of attention to the shave cleanly. Exctremly close shaves from is.
 
GlazedBoker said:
Well over a month since my last shave with the Dart. Completed a smooth, comfy and BBS finish in 3 passes. The Dart is an excellent shaver that is at mid-level in terms of blade feel and comfort. Yet, gives a pretty nice angle of adjustment depending on how much or how little blade feel you want. I’ve learned that using a shallow angle you get a wee bit more blade feel that gives an extremely close and rather comfy shave. Go a bit steeper and the shave is almost GC .68 smooth with light blade feel that gives a super comfy shave. Trade off for me is that it’s not as close a shave as when I use a shallower angle. That angle produces an exquisite shave that just requires a bit more attention to technique & pressure, which is none.

Just a real easy razor to get an awesome shave with. It delivers.......
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Is there one of you newer razors you regret buying?

And now the impossible question...if you could keep just one of the newer razors you’ve gotten, DE/SE/whatever else together, which would it be?
 
GearNoir said:
Is there one of you newer razors you regret buying?

And now the impossible question...if you could keep just one of the newer razors you’ve gotten, DE/SE/whatever else together, which would it be?
Click to expand...
Gus buys razors with flying abandon and no regrets
 
GearNoir said:
Is there one of you newer razors you regret buying?

And now the impossible question...if you could keep just one of the newer razors you’ve gotten, DE/SE/whatever else together, which would it be?
Click to expand...
Dave in KY said:
Gus buys razors with flying abandon and no regrets
Click to expand...

My sincerest apologies Gents. I missed your two posts and honestly I don't know how that happened.

To Dave's point, he is 100% on the money. I haven't met a razor that I'll say no too if it interest me. Sad but, true. It's more of a let me try it myself and see if it's a legit razor or not and worthy of hanging on to.

Anyways, to Chris's question it's not an easy one to answer for me. There have been some great releases as of late and truthfully, there are no bad razors anymore. I mean you can actually get a decent to real good shave with a $10 Weishi or $25 Fatip. With all the new artisans pumping out quality razors at premium prices, I think that the major razor makers have upped their game in production and quality gains. Makers like Parker, Merkur, Fatip, Muhle and others I believe have taken notice over the last 18-24 months on the niche upscale razor market and have made adjustments for the better. Trickle effect if you will.

Now, if I were told only to keep one razor which includes either a de or se razor, it's a straight up tie with the Gamechanger in both plates .68/.84 sizes and the Blackland Vector. The GC covers the spectrum on a smooth, comfortable yet nicely efficient shave. And a bargain of a price when you consider the alloy, craftsmanship and ultra tight tolerances. It's not a Wolfman or a Timeless but, it's 90-95% of them at nearly a quarter of their price and more so against the Wolfman. It's the deal of the year. The Vector is just an amazing razor that brings the almost perfect weight and balance from any previous se razor I've ever tried before it. That includes the Paradigm Ti SE. The shave is nearly identical to a Cobra Classic in smoothness and efficiency yet feels milder on my face. Downside? It's nearly $200. But, it's a hell of a razor.

The Gamechanger gets the nod as the deserted island razor and I'll somehow try to smuggle or hide the Vector in the first aid kit.....

*I reserve the right to change my preference without notice or reservation. It's a good time to be a wet shaver. Nothing should be set in stone.
 
You're killing me with the Vector. Just not sure if it's weight would work for me. Sounds like it may be a better fit for me then the Rx. Will revisit this after the sabbatical.....
 
GlazedBoker said:
My sincerest apologies Gents. I missed your two posts and honestly I don't know how that happened.

To Dave's point, he is 100% on the money. I haven't met a razor that I'll say no too if it interest me. Sad but, true. It's more of a let me try it myself and see if it's a legit razor or not and worthy of hanging on to.

Anyways, to Chris's question it's not an easy one to answer for me. There have been some great releases as of late and truthfully, there are no bad razors anymore. I mean you can actually get a decent to real good shave with a $10 Weishi or $25 Fatip. With all the new artisans pumping out quality razors at premium prices, I think that the major razor makers have upped their game in production and quality gains. Makers like Parker, Merkur, Fatip, Muhle and others I believe have taken notice over the last 18-24 months on the niche upscale razor market and have made adjustments for the better. Trickle effect if you will.

Now, if I were told only to keep one razor which includes either a de or se razor, it's a straight up tie with the Gamechanger in both plates .68/.84 sizes and the Blackland Vector. The GC covers the spectrum on a smooth, comfortable yet nicely efficient shave. And a bargain of a price when you consider the alloy, craftsmanship and ultra tight tolerances. It's not a Wolfman or a Timeless but, it's 90-95% of them at nearly a quarter of their price and more so against the Wolfman. It's the deal of the year. The Vector is just an amazing razor that brings the almost perfect weight and balance from any previous se razor I've ever tried before it. That includes the Paradigm Ti SE. The shave is nearly identical to a Cobra Classic in smoothness and efficiency yet feels milder on my face. Downside? It's nearly $200. But, it's a hell of a razor.

The Gamechanger gets the nod as the deserted island razor and I'll somehow try to smuggle or hide the Vector in the first aid kit.....

*I reserve the right to change my preference without notice or reservation. It's a good time to be a wet shaver. Nothing should be set in stone.
Click to expand...

Good desert island scenario. I’m sure we could ditch some aspirin in favor of the Vector.
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