SM29
Shave Member
I have seen very few threads discussing this razor. I purchased this razor shortly after my failed Janus Toggle razor arrived and departed. It wasn’t really on my radar and seemed to be very delayed because of Covid logistical delays. Anyway I’m now 84 shaves in and don’t need to buy another razor.
My Blacklland Tradere SB showed immediate potential to me, but it took about 10 shaves to really believe that the potential was there. It is unlike any other razor I have used. As I am a daily shaver and generally use milder razors, the gap looked large and even a little intimidating. I was unable to actually find the gap published anywhere and I have neither calipers or the skill to use them. The large gap is offset by what I can’t confirm but believe to be a very neutral blade exposure. The blade has no bend and is held flat. The weight is heavier than any of my other razors and the handle is longer. The most important thing I did after about 5 shaves was to stop fighting the razor. I stopped choking up on the handle and found a much better balance. Changing to an overall shallower angle also seemed to change the performance from scraping stubble to cleanly slicing it away.
After almost daily use except for an 11 day business trip (my Timeless Titanium 0.68 is now my very excellent travel razor), everything seems to just click. The first blades which I thought must have been off are just fine. I have noticed that Nacet blades which are one of my favorites seem to last about one shave less but cannot say the same for other blades I use.
My first pass is North to South with a very shallow angle and this pass alone provides what once upon a time I would have considered a very good shave. My next pass ear to nose direction is mostly XTG but ATG on my neck which is my toughest area. Finally I finish South to North on my cheeks and chin to ear on my neck and mustache area. Slight touch ups on my neck are then South to North at a ver shallow angle. These passes are comfortable and close. But it took some time, I fought through some weepers and nicks on the earlier shaves but am glad that I made the investment.
For me, the Blackland Tradere SB is as comfortable or more comfortable and shaves closer than (in age order) my Gillette Old Type, Gillette Goodwill #164, Gillette New SC, Gillette New SC, Gillette A4 Red Tip Superspeed, Gillette C1 Tech, Gillette C4 Flare Tip Superspeed, Gillette E4 Fatboy, Merkur 34C, ATT Atlas M1, and my prior favorite Timeless Titanium 0.68.
The fit and finish is outstanding. The knurling in the handle seems to shimmer, but at a small trade off in grip. Sometimes I need to run my wet or damp hands across the alum block.
I’m just surprised that with how happy I am with this razor, I’m seeing next to nothing written about it.
My Blacklland Tradere SB showed immediate potential to me, but it took about 10 shaves to really believe that the potential was there. It is unlike any other razor I have used. As I am a daily shaver and generally use milder razors, the gap looked large and even a little intimidating. I was unable to actually find the gap published anywhere and I have neither calipers or the skill to use them. The large gap is offset by what I can’t confirm but believe to be a very neutral blade exposure. The blade has no bend and is held flat. The weight is heavier than any of my other razors and the handle is longer. The most important thing I did after about 5 shaves was to stop fighting the razor. I stopped choking up on the handle and found a much better balance. Changing to an overall shallower angle also seemed to change the performance from scraping stubble to cleanly slicing it away.
After almost daily use except for an 11 day business trip (my Timeless Titanium 0.68 is now my very excellent travel razor), everything seems to just click. The first blades which I thought must have been off are just fine. I have noticed that Nacet blades which are one of my favorites seem to last about one shave less but cannot say the same for other blades I use.
My first pass is North to South with a very shallow angle and this pass alone provides what once upon a time I would have considered a very good shave. My next pass ear to nose direction is mostly XTG but ATG on my neck which is my toughest area. Finally I finish South to North on my cheeks and chin to ear on my neck and mustache area. Slight touch ups on my neck are then South to North at a ver shallow angle. These passes are comfortable and close. But it took some time, I fought through some weepers and nicks on the earlier shaves but am glad that I made the investment.
For me, the Blackland Tradere SB is as comfortable or more comfortable and shaves closer than (in age order) my Gillette Old Type, Gillette Goodwill #164, Gillette New SC, Gillette New SC, Gillette A4 Red Tip Superspeed, Gillette C1 Tech, Gillette C4 Flare Tip Superspeed, Gillette E4 Fatboy, Merkur 34C, ATT Atlas M1, and my prior favorite Timeless Titanium 0.68.
The fit and finish is outstanding. The knurling in the handle seems to shimmer, but at a small trade off in grip. Sometimes I need to run my wet or damp hands across the alum block.
I’m just surprised that with how happy I am with this razor, I’m seeing next to nothing written about it.
