This review is about the Blackland Osprey Ti
Introduction
Blackland is the company that gave us the Blackbird and the Vector, two benchmarks in the world of razors. Whether they are benchmarks for their technical capabilities, aesthetics or innovation, each one can decide for themselves according to what appeals to them most.
Today we're reviewing another razor from the collection of the wonderful @J349, who generously sent me a few to review. I send him my warmest regards and a thousand thanks. The razor in question is the Titanium Blackland Osprey. Blackland offers all its base models in different materials, with stainless steel and titanium being the most common. Titanium, in my opinion, is a perfect material for a razor because it offers the greatest number of advantages with minimal disadvantages. However, the only disadvantage I see is a very significant one: its price.
Let's start with an open mind and try to answer a few questions. What's the technical background and how does it work? Does titanium add more than it takes away? Is this razor really worth the price? These are all relevant questions that we'll review and answer. A possible conclusion...at the end. Let's get started!
Construction
The Osprey Ti is a three-piece adjustable DE razor. We could say it has four pieces because the handle contains a 16.5 gram brass weight that can be unscrewed to further reduce the handle's weight and modify the balance. We'll discuss this piece in more detail in the handle section. This Blackland razor is adjustable but not in the same way as many other well-known models. The defining characteristic of an adjustable razor is that certain elements of the head's geometry can be adjusted. This means that either the base plate or the cap can be moved but in most cases, it's the base plate that moves. On some razors, you have to loosen the handle to make the adjustment, while on others, you don't.
The Osprey Ti works the same way; the base plate can be adjusted to create different gaps, shaving planes and exposure. When the dial is in position 1, everything is reduced: reduced gap, reduced shaving plane (everything is very close together) and negative exposure. When the dial is in position 9, everything is significantly increased. To change the dial, you have to loosen the handle, leave the blade unsecured, adjust the position using the dial and then tighten everything again to secure the blade into place. The difference between dial 1 and dial 9 is significant and, obviously, so is the difference in shaving performance. Finding a shaving position that suits the various preferences and needs of your shaving routine will be easy. The minimum gap is 0.50 millimeters, and the maximum is 1.90 millimeters. A huge difference.
The Osprey adjusts the gap using a large internal thread. The base plate (where the blade rests) is connected via a press fit to the dial thread. This dial thread fits into a thread on the underside of the razor’s head which houses the comb, the side guides for the base plate and the brand name. This internal thread interacts with the dial's thread. When we turn the dial to higher numbers, we are tightening the dial's thread and raising the base plate to which it is connected. This increases the distance between the base plate and the bottom part of the head.
When we turn the dial to lower numbers, we are unscrewing the dial, thus lowering the base plate towards the bottom part of the head. This system does not contain a spring, unlike, for example, the Rex Ambassador or the OliWorks Adjustable.
In these two razors, the spring maintains the distance between the base plate and the bottom of the head. The dial only adjusts an internal thread, allowing more or less space for the internal connection to move up or down. These two heads also have side guides that keep the base plate centered.
On the Osprey, these side guides keep the base plate parallel to the bar lengthwise. In other words, the sides of the base plate are always parallel to the bar because the longitudinal guides prevent the base plate from rotating around its central hole.
But when we look at the razor's head from the front, where the blade emerges towards us, if we look the animal into its mouth, we see that the side guides don't stabilize the base plate. There, we can see some space between the threads of the internal dial, allowing it to rotate. If we wanted a completely stable base plate, that internal thread couldn't have any play and the dial wouldn't be able to turn because the threads would be too tight. This is one of the things Shane Schwarzwalder (owner of Blackland) explained in the videos he made about creating this razor. They started with an internal thread with less tight tolerances, which created even more instability. They adjusted the thread tolerances while trying to maintain smooth action. On the razor we're reviewing today, the dial is very difficult to manipulate. More on that later.
Material: Titanium Gr.5
Finished: Mechanized
Total length: 102.3 mm (0.5 mm on dial)
Handle length: 82 mm
Total weight: 67 gr (with brass weight (~17 gr), 50 gr (without weight)
Head weight: 29.7 gr
Cap height 3.9 mm
Handle diameter: 12.5 mm (14.5 mm knob and top part below the dial)
Gap: 0.50 – 1.90 mm (own measurement)
Exposure: variable depending on dial
Now that I've explained how the adjustment mechanism works, let's look at the individual parts. We'll start, as always, with the top cap. The first thing you'll notice is how thin the cap is. It's also very low. This results in a flattened curve, which makes it easier to reach hard-to-shave areas but slightly increases the cutting angle.
On the inside of the cap, we see the central thread with two relatively small guides. They center the blade well at its edge and keep it aligned and there's no more material than necessary.
The central part of the cap also deserves mention. You can see that this section has been machined more to reduce weight and to create a little space for the blade to bend. There isn't much room, which also helps to further immobilize the blade but when you want to cut weight to reach 50 grams, you have to make the most of every possibility. The weight reduction in the cap is 5.1 grams, which may seem small, but is a very significant amount.
The entire assembly of the base plate and adjustable part is a work of art. Not only for its functionality but also for its lightness. This entire assembly weighs 24 grams. I know caps that weigh almost twice as much! Blackland has tried to combine functionality, practicality, innovation, and aesthetics all in one and they nailed it.
At the top, we see the base plate where the blade rests. We see the space for the central hole and the spaces for the guides, which are defined by the side guides (which rise from the bottom, the adjustable part) to keep the base plate parallel to the bottom.
We also see the two clamping surfaces next to the bars, followed by two surfaces where material has been machined to further reduce weight. If we look at the higher parts in the center, we see that they form a kind of "X". This X acts as a support for the blade and gives the entire piece greater rigidity.
Looking at the lower piece, where the head geometry is adjusted, we see a fine bar with a clearly defined shaving plane. Below the bar are two triangular surfaces that form the long sides of this piece. One side bears the name Blackland while the other side has a triangle indicating the dial position. The area with the word Blackland has a less pronounced lower point than the area where the selected dial is indicated.
The short sides of this piece house the side guides and have oval recesses just below them. This allows us to grip the head at these sides, which thus serve a dual purpose. They guide the base plate and provide a surface to hold onto when operating the dial. The oval recesses also enhance grip comfort and reduce weight slightly.
At the bottom of the adjustment piece, we see the most significant work done on this razor: weight reduction to the max. On either side of the central adjustment mechanism (which houses the central adjustment thread), we see two large holes. The spaces for the cap guides are visible and we see several recesses that add both decorative elements to this piece and weight reduction.
I can't overstate the incredible work Shane has done to reduce the weight of this razor from its prototype to the final version. When you buy a titanium razor, you know that, due to its physical and chemical properties, the same volume of material will have a different density. In other words, the same razors made of different materials will have different weights. When we use aluminum razors, we can expect a weight of 40 grams. Steel razors will weigh around 100 grams and titanium razors weigh about 70 grams if the manufacturer does their job properly. If it weighs 75 grams, I'd buy it too. But this razor weighs 50 grams... we're talking about a 33% reduction from the base weight for a titanium razor. And it gives us the option to increase the weight to 67 grams, which is still a miracle for an adjustable razor! This is if we want to influence the razor's balance a bit.
I emphasize the weight because to reach this level, one has to do things very well...besides being able to manufacture a machine that works well. We can all reduce the weight of a machine, for example, a car. We remove the seats except for the driver's. We remove the windows. We remove the air conditioning. And while we're at it, we can remove the brakes too. The machine will weigh less, but it won't work the same. I can tell you that this is not the case with this Osprey Ti. This one doesn't lack brakes, windows, or seats. It might even have an airco too...
The finish is the machined finish, where the razor is sold fresh off the CNC machine. It receives a brief polish to remove any roughness and is then boxed. I really like this finish for several reasons. First, it shows the grooves of the cutting heads used in the CNC machine, giving it a vibrant look that plays with the light. Second, it's a naturally shiny finish. And third, it provides a bit more friction in hand.
As with everything in life, every advantage has a disadvantage, and the machined finish is no exception. The fact that the polishing process is shorter leaves us with very noticeable edges on the handle. The handle consists of three parts, which we will describe in more detail in the next section, but for now, I'll focus on the central part with the openings.
These six supports are conical in shape. They are wider on the outside than towards the inside of the handle. This makes the outer edge very sharp. I don't want to use the word "sharp," but it's close. This might be somewhat bothersome and would be reflected in the comfort score. The edge is part of the finish, but it's not a bad finish; if anything, it's an extremely tight finish.
The extremely tight fit is also evident in the dial, which has grooves on its underside that provide grip for easy operation. And grip they do provide. They grip your fingertips firmly and it's quite noticeable that the grooves haven't been polished further to reduce their sharpness.
The markings on the razor aren't painted, but they're perfectly legible when held up to the light. I don't wear reading glasses and everything is clear, sharp, and well-defined. The numbers could be painted, or a line could be used to indicate the dial position, but I think it looks much better this way.
The corners are all well finished and nothing feels wrong on skin. The head is remarkably compact for an adjustable razor and to achieve this, it’s composed of many parts. None of these parts are uncomfortable. Everything is very well defined but doesn't cause any discomfort when moving the head across the skin.
I have penalized this razor in terms of tolerances. I understand that adjusting the dial requires loosening the head. It's a minor inconvenience but one that solves many technical design headaches with the adjustment system. All that's needed is an internal thread. No rotating mechanisms, springs, or double base plates that fix the blade and cap independently of the comb. I believe it's the most practical and elegant solution from a technical standpoint. But that's just the design. From there, you have to manufacture something that works equally well. And on this razor, the dial doesn't work well at all. @J349 had already warned me about this and I always try to be very careful with the razors I borrow and never force the mechanism but to reach dial 9 (unscrewing the internal thread as far as it will go), you have to use force. When you combine that with the fact that the dial has sharp grooves and that there's a blade nearby, you have to be very careful and accept some discomfort.
The remaining tolerances are well resolved. The handle (un)screws smoothly. The adjustment weight fits perfectly in its place, and the cap covers the head perfectly with very little space in between. Everything's top-notch there.
Score: 18 points
Material/Construction: 5
Finish: 5
Tolerances: 3
Head/comb shape: 5
Grip
Let's talk about the handle. The handle without the weight weighs less than 20 grams. In fact, there's only a 3-gram difference between the handle and the weight. Look at the differences in materials and shape. Speaking of shape, the handle's design is very intuitive for gripping. I've already mentioned that the machined finish provides a bit more friction but even polished, the shape of this handle is spectacular in terms of grip.
The six columns in the central section provide two different levels of grip: the columns themselves and the space between them. This ensures a secure hold.
Next, we have a pommel that provides additional grip for the ring finger and a hollow handle (with enough length to rest on the little finger).
All of this is the technical side of things, of course... but don't tell me this handle couldn't be one of the towers from Minas Tirith, Minas Morgul or Orthanc itself. It's simply gorgeous. I understand the technical aspect of the weight but without the adjustment weight, the tower... excuse me, the handle takes on an incredibly spectacular appearance. It's absolutely stunning.
While the grip is excellent in all situations, comfort suffers somewhat due to the sharp edges of the pillars in the center. These very edges also contribute to the grip, but they do detract from the comfort somewhat. I can't ignore this, no matter how much I like the handle and how well it performs.
The control of the handle and the razor in general is also excellent. Both the reverse grip and the horizontal grip benefit from the same advantages as the intuitive grip and the super-low weight also greatly helps maintain perfect control over the entire razor. There’s less mass to move around or to control.
The glide of the razor head is also very smooth. Even though the machined finish produces some friction, on the cap, the machining creates a surface where it's not easy to create a vacuum something that's easier to achieve the more polished the surface. And why is this important? We're going to use the cap a lot in certain situations. We'll see this in the shaving section.
Score: 19 points
Dry/Wet: 5
Comfort: 4
Control: 5
Head slide: 5
Handling
From any perspective, the weight and balance of this razor are simply sensational. There's nothing else like it on the market that I know of. I repeat, there's nothing like this razor on the market. Let me give you an example from the same brand. The Vector Titanium weighs 44.5 grams. That's 5.5 grams less than a razor with an adjustable head and a much wider handle. Want another example? The only razor I can compare it to based on technical specifications is the Tatara Muramasa Titanium. That one weighs 59 grams and is a tiny razor that you can only use with two tiny fingers (I'm using a bit of a dramatic exaggeration to explain myself...).
If we use the razor without the brass weight, the balance point is located at the grip point just below the dial. When we place the weight inside the handle, this grip point doesn't change significantly because the weight is positioned exactly at that balance point and, consequently, only increases the weight at its center of gravity but doesn't change the balance.
The adjustment weight is an innovative touch that I really like. I would have made weights of different lengths to change the balance. Perhaps also personalized weights with names, dates, or whatever one wants to personalize the razor even more. The weight is very easy to remove and replace; you can simply attach or remove it using a small screwdriver. I've used the razor both ways and I prefer it without the weight. I like the handle better and the lighter weight doesn't bother me at all; quite the opposite.
Changing the blade requires some practice. When placing the blade in the cap, the blade is flush with the guides.
When placing the base plate on top, there is a good amount of space where the blade is not yet curved and the guides have not been inserted into their place on the base plate.
So, when clamping the blade, we need to push the cap towards the base plate to curve the blade, secure the guides in their corresponding holes and screw it all in. Before putting everything in place, we always need to select the dial so we don't have to change it once the blade is inside. But there's an easier way to do it.
When we place the base plate onto the blade and cap assembly, the central thread protrudes one thread from the dial. Since the handle is a high-precision tool, it only needs this single thread to screw on and assemble the razor comfortably using the thread and handle. It's not entirely intuitive, and I imagine many people simply press down on the cap but this method also works very well. Better, I'd say. Blackland say they’ve done everything possible to make cleaning the razor easy. I admit the wide holes in the bottom help and the surfaces of the cap and base plate are quite smooth and flat but it's not the easiest thing. The inside of the handle requires a brush to clean and we'll probably never see the inside of the razor. It's not easy to take apart at all.
Score: 18
Balance: 5
Weight: 5
Model: 4
Cleaning: 4
Shaving
An adjustable razor should offer usable dials for everyone. From 1 for someone with sensitive skin to dial 9 for someone with skin as thick as a rhinoceros. This Osprey titanium razor offers just that. I've tested it on different dials, and the ones I find most useful are between 4.5 and 6.5. Below 4, I lose efficiency; above 7, I lose peace of mind.
Dial 9 is similar to dial 6 on the Rex Ambassador. A super-exposed shave with a gap like that of the Grand Canyon. Sure, there are people who need a gap like that but I’m not one of them. This also means that the different levels of efficiency could be defined in three groups: groups 1 to 3, groups 4 to 6 and groups 7 to 9. Within these groups, we have the low and high extremes. Anyone can achieve the shave (and closeness) they want and need. It's simply a matter of testing and finding the right balance.
I mentioned the cap earlier and how much we'd use it. Now is the time to provide some more context. The Osprey's razor head is very flat, which offers many benefits for shaving because it makes the razor more maneuverable. However, it also prevents the blade from bending as much, creating a slightly steeper cutting angle. Especially at higher dial settings, the blade emerges quite straight from the head. To mitigate this effect, we can use the cap for riding the cap and with this cap, its reduced weight and the smooth glide, this isn't a problem at all. The head control is a delight, especially considering this is an adjustable razor. The best adjustable razors (Tatara Muramasa, Rex Ambassador, OliWorks OliBlade) have a fairly small and flat cap. The Tatara even has a tiny head (like the rest...), but the mechanisms have to be housed somewhere, and that requires space and weight. This is noticeable in the overall construction and affects the movements when controlling it.
With this Blackland razor, the shape of the head, the adjustment mechanism and the overall reduced weight completely eliminates any hint of difficulty in controlling the razor. The head glides over all surfaces like a silk robe over a woman's body and reaches any hard-to-shave areas with ease. I'll say it again: the reduced (but not entirely eliminated) weight and the well-designed handle help to showcase the head.
The Derby? Well, it's just like a Lord, a BIC, or any other razor blade. I've used the Derby on a fairly open dial (6.5) and it performed perfectly well. I have no doubt that any blade can be used satisfactorily on any dial. There will be better and worse combinations but I can't imagine this razor delivering a bad shave. The indulgence is also adjusted with the dial, just like the efficiency. In theory, all adjustable models should offer this margin in efficiency and indulgence but that's not always the case. The Merkur Futur has a narrower operating range. However, it does allow you to clean the inside with a stand-up pressure lance... the opening is wide enough.
Score: 20 points
Score: 5
Head control: 5
Blade: 5
Indulgent: 5
Quality/Price
This razor is really beautiful. In hand, it's even more beautiful than in photos, in my opinion. The proportions never seemed ideal to me in pictures but after holding it in my hand, I've changed my mind. It has perfect proportions. The handle is fantastic, both aesthetically and functionally. The adjustment system is equally impressive. The cap, which is simply a cap, has a striking visual appeal thanks to its machined finish. I love the look of this razor. "Beautiful" doesn't even begin to cover it.
And now we come to something that might break my heart. Is this razor worth it? Can we justify its price in relation to what it offers? The razor costs 500 Euros in the titanium and mechanized versions. That's a lot of money. Does it offer a great shave? Yes, it does. Does it offer an innovative adjustment system that works well (perhaps with a little oil)? Yes, it does. Does it offer jaw-dropping aesthetics? Yes, it does. But 500 Euros is a lot of Euros.
Let me explain. Right now, I own two of the best adjustable razors: the Rex Ambassador and the Tatara Muramasa (which I always examine with a magnifying glass... just kidding... I use a digital microscope because it’s tiny!). They're both fantastic razors. But if someone offered me 250 Euros for each of them today and I had to add another 100 Euros to order this Blackland Osprey Titanium from Shane, I'd do it without a second thought. Yes, I'm completely willing to trade them for the Osprey. And I'll even include an adjustable Parker in the deal! It has impressed me and I'd be willing to sell some razors to make room for it. I don't usually do that.
Its value in 25 years will still be high. It's too good not to maintain, and even increase, its value. It's beautiful, works very well, will last for several lifetimes and it already starts at a high price. This is a jewel in any razor's crown.
A single razor for life? I just said I'm willing to sell razors to buy this one. What more do I need to say? Without a second thought, I'll tell you.
Score: 20 points
Aesthetics: 5
Reward: 5
Value in 25: 5
Single razor: 5
Conclusion
The Blackland Osprey Ti has really impressed me. I like its novel adjustment system, although I think it needs a bit more lubrication than other systems that incorporate springs, internal fittings and nuclear power plants inside.
I love its handle and head. They work together to give your fingers a ride on a water park slide or a leisurely Sunday morning stroll. It adapts to your needs and preferences.
But what has impressed me most (and I use that word deliberately) is its weight. We're talking about a razor that couldn't possibly weigh so little and it truly benefits from that weight. It's not extremely light, although for me that limit is still far off but it's balanced and light enough to allow for a smooth, effortless shave, making everything incredibly easy and comfortable.
The only criticism I have of this razor is also the greatest compliment I can give it. I'd be willing to sell razors from my collection to get it. Two, three, even four razors if necessary. I think it has earned its place on its own merits and in this titanium version, it is currently the best adjustable razor I know. Better than anyone and that's saying something.
Final score: 95 points
Introduction
Blackland is the company that gave us the Blackbird and the Vector, two benchmarks in the world of razors. Whether they are benchmarks for their technical capabilities, aesthetics or innovation, each one can decide for themselves according to what appeals to them most.
Today we're reviewing another razor from the collection of the wonderful @J349, who generously sent me a few to review. I send him my warmest regards and a thousand thanks. The razor in question is the Titanium Blackland Osprey. Blackland offers all its base models in different materials, with stainless steel and titanium being the most common. Titanium, in my opinion, is a perfect material for a razor because it offers the greatest number of advantages with minimal disadvantages. However, the only disadvantage I see is a very significant one: its price.
Let's start with an open mind and try to answer a few questions. What's the technical background and how does it work? Does titanium add more than it takes away? Is this razor really worth the price? These are all relevant questions that we'll review and answer. A possible conclusion...at the end. Let's get started!
Construction
The Osprey Ti is a three-piece adjustable DE razor. We could say it has four pieces because the handle contains a 16.5 gram brass weight that can be unscrewed to further reduce the handle's weight and modify the balance. We'll discuss this piece in more detail in the handle section. This Blackland razor is adjustable but not in the same way as many other well-known models. The defining characteristic of an adjustable razor is that certain elements of the head's geometry can be adjusted. This means that either the base plate or the cap can be moved but in most cases, it's the base plate that moves. On some razors, you have to loosen the handle to make the adjustment, while on others, you don't.
The Osprey Ti works the same way; the base plate can be adjusted to create different gaps, shaving planes and exposure. When the dial is in position 1, everything is reduced: reduced gap, reduced shaving plane (everything is very close together) and negative exposure. When the dial is in position 9, everything is significantly increased. To change the dial, you have to loosen the handle, leave the blade unsecured, adjust the position using the dial and then tighten everything again to secure the blade into place. The difference between dial 1 and dial 9 is significant and, obviously, so is the difference in shaving performance. Finding a shaving position that suits the various preferences and needs of your shaving routine will be easy. The minimum gap is 0.50 millimeters, and the maximum is 1.90 millimeters. A huge difference.
The Osprey adjusts the gap using a large internal thread. The base plate (where the blade rests) is connected via a press fit to the dial thread. This dial thread fits into a thread on the underside of the razor’s head which houses the comb, the side guides for the base plate and the brand name. This internal thread interacts with the dial's thread. When we turn the dial to higher numbers, we are tightening the dial's thread and raising the base plate to which it is connected. This increases the distance between the base plate and the bottom part of the head.
When we turn the dial to lower numbers, we are unscrewing the dial, thus lowering the base plate towards the bottom part of the head. This system does not contain a spring, unlike, for example, the Rex Ambassador or the OliWorks Adjustable.
In these two razors, the spring maintains the distance between the base plate and the bottom of the head. The dial only adjusts an internal thread, allowing more or less space for the internal connection to move up or down. These two heads also have side guides that keep the base plate centered.
On the Osprey, these side guides keep the base plate parallel to the bar lengthwise. In other words, the sides of the base plate are always parallel to the bar because the longitudinal guides prevent the base plate from rotating around its central hole.
But when we look at the razor's head from the front, where the blade emerges towards us, if we look the animal into its mouth, we see that the side guides don't stabilize the base plate. There, we can see some space between the threads of the internal dial, allowing it to rotate. If we wanted a completely stable base plate, that internal thread couldn't have any play and the dial wouldn't be able to turn because the threads would be too tight. This is one of the things Shane Schwarzwalder (owner of Blackland) explained in the videos he made about creating this razor. They started with an internal thread with less tight tolerances, which created even more instability. They adjusted the thread tolerances while trying to maintain smooth action. On the razor we're reviewing today, the dial is very difficult to manipulate. More on that later.
Material: Titanium Gr.5
Finished: Mechanized
Total length: 102.3 mm (0.5 mm on dial)
Handle length: 82 mm
Total weight: 67 gr (with brass weight (~17 gr), 50 gr (without weight)
Head weight: 29.7 gr
Cap height 3.9 mm
Handle diameter: 12.5 mm (14.5 mm knob and top part below the dial)
Gap: 0.50 – 1.90 mm (own measurement)
Exposure: variable depending on dial
Now that I've explained how the adjustment mechanism works, let's look at the individual parts. We'll start, as always, with the top cap. The first thing you'll notice is how thin the cap is. It's also very low. This results in a flattened curve, which makes it easier to reach hard-to-shave areas but slightly increases the cutting angle.
On the inside of the cap, we see the central thread with two relatively small guides. They center the blade well at its edge and keep it aligned and there's no more material than necessary.
The central part of the cap also deserves mention. You can see that this section has been machined more to reduce weight and to create a little space for the blade to bend. There isn't much room, which also helps to further immobilize the blade but when you want to cut weight to reach 50 grams, you have to make the most of every possibility. The weight reduction in the cap is 5.1 grams, which may seem small, but is a very significant amount.
The entire assembly of the base plate and adjustable part is a work of art. Not only for its functionality but also for its lightness. This entire assembly weighs 24 grams. I know caps that weigh almost twice as much! Blackland has tried to combine functionality, practicality, innovation, and aesthetics all in one and they nailed it.
At the top, we see the base plate where the blade rests. We see the space for the central hole and the spaces for the guides, which are defined by the side guides (which rise from the bottom, the adjustable part) to keep the base plate parallel to the bottom.
We also see the two clamping surfaces next to the bars, followed by two surfaces where material has been machined to further reduce weight. If we look at the higher parts in the center, we see that they form a kind of "X". This X acts as a support for the blade and gives the entire piece greater rigidity.
Looking at the lower piece, where the head geometry is adjusted, we see a fine bar with a clearly defined shaving plane. Below the bar are two triangular surfaces that form the long sides of this piece. One side bears the name Blackland while the other side has a triangle indicating the dial position. The area with the word Blackland has a less pronounced lower point than the area where the selected dial is indicated.
The short sides of this piece house the side guides and have oval recesses just below them. This allows us to grip the head at these sides, which thus serve a dual purpose. They guide the base plate and provide a surface to hold onto when operating the dial. The oval recesses also enhance grip comfort and reduce weight slightly.
At the bottom of the adjustment piece, we see the most significant work done on this razor: weight reduction to the max. On either side of the central adjustment mechanism (which houses the central adjustment thread), we see two large holes. The spaces for the cap guides are visible and we see several recesses that add both decorative elements to this piece and weight reduction.
I can't overstate the incredible work Shane has done to reduce the weight of this razor from its prototype to the final version. When you buy a titanium razor, you know that, due to its physical and chemical properties, the same volume of material will have a different density. In other words, the same razors made of different materials will have different weights. When we use aluminum razors, we can expect a weight of 40 grams. Steel razors will weigh around 100 grams and titanium razors weigh about 70 grams if the manufacturer does their job properly. If it weighs 75 grams, I'd buy it too. But this razor weighs 50 grams... we're talking about a 33% reduction from the base weight for a titanium razor. And it gives us the option to increase the weight to 67 grams, which is still a miracle for an adjustable razor! This is if we want to influence the razor's balance a bit.
I emphasize the weight because to reach this level, one has to do things very well...besides being able to manufacture a machine that works well. We can all reduce the weight of a machine, for example, a car. We remove the seats except for the driver's. We remove the windows. We remove the air conditioning. And while we're at it, we can remove the brakes too. The machine will weigh less, but it won't work the same. I can tell you that this is not the case with this Osprey Ti. This one doesn't lack brakes, windows, or seats. It might even have an airco too...
The finish is the machined finish, where the razor is sold fresh off the CNC machine. It receives a brief polish to remove any roughness and is then boxed. I really like this finish for several reasons. First, it shows the grooves of the cutting heads used in the CNC machine, giving it a vibrant look that plays with the light. Second, it's a naturally shiny finish. And third, it provides a bit more friction in hand.
As with everything in life, every advantage has a disadvantage, and the machined finish is no exception. The fact that the polishing process is shorter leaves us with very noticeable edges on the handle. The handle consists of three parts, which we will describe in more detail in the next section, but for now, I'll focus on the central part with the openings.
These six supports are conical in shape. They are wider on the outside than towards the inside of the handle. This makes the outer edge very sharp. I don't want to use the word "sharp," but it's close. This might be somewhat bothersome and would be reflected in the comfort score. The edge is part of the finish, but it's not a bad finish; if anything, it's an extremely tight finish.
The extremely tight fit is also evident in the dial, which has grooves on its underside that provide grip for easy operation. And grip they do provide. They grip your fingertips firmly and it's quite noticeable that the grooves haven't been polished further to reduce their sharpness.
The markings on the razor aren't painted, but they're perfectly legible when held up to the light. I don't wear reading glasses and everything is clear, sharp, and well-defined. The numbers could be painted, or a line could be used to indicate the dial position, but I think it looks much better this way.
The corners are all well finished and nothing feels wrong on skin. The head is remarkably compact for an adjustable razor and to achieve this, it’s composed of many parts. None of these parts are uncomfortable. Everything is very well defined but doesn't cause any discomfort when moving the head across the skin.
I have penalized this razor in terms of tolerances. I understand that adjusting the dial requires loosening the head. It's a minor inconvenience but one that solves many technical design headaches with the adjustment system. All that's needed is an internal thread. No rotating mechanisms, springs, or double base plates that fix the blade and cap independently of the comb. I believe it's the most practical and elegant solution from a technical standpoint. But that's just the design. From there, you have to manufacture something that works equally well. And on this razor, the dial doesn't work well at all. @J349 had already warned me about this and I always try to be very careful with the razors I borrow and never force the mechanism but to reach dial 9 (unscrewing the internal thread as far as it will go), you have to use force. When you combine that with the fact that the dial has sharp grooves and that there's a blade nearby, you have to be very careful and accept some discomfort.
The remaining tolerances are well resolved. The handle (un)screws smoothly. The adjustment weight fits perfectly in its place, and the cap covers the head perfectly with very little space in between. Everything's top-notch there.
Score: 18 points
Material/Construction: 5
Finish: 5
Tolerances: 3
Head/comb shape: 5
Grip
Let's talk about the handle. The handle without the weight weighs less than 20 grams. In fact, there's only a 3-gram difference between the handle and the weight. Look at the differences in materials and shape. Speaking of shape, the handle's design is very intuitive for gripping. I've already mentioned that the machined finish provides a bit more friction but even polished, the shape of this handle is spectacular in terms of grip.
The six columns in the central section provide two different levels of grip: the columns themselves and the space between them. This ensures a secure hold.
Next, we have a pommel that provides additional grip for the ring finger and a hollow handle (with enough length to rest on the little finger).
All of this is the technical side of things, of course... but don't tell me this handle couldn't be one of the towers from Minas Tirith, Minas Morgul or Orthanc itself. It's simply gorgeous. I understand the technical aspect of the weight but without the adjustment weight, the tower... excuse me, the handle takes on an incredibly spectacular appearance. It's absolutely stunning.
While the grip is excellent in all situations, comfort suffers somewhat due to the sharp edges of the pillars in the center. These very edges also contribute to the grip, but they do detract from the comfort somewhat. I can't ignore this, no matter how much I like the handle and how well it performs.
The control of the handle and the razor in general is also excellent. Both the reverse grip and the horizontal grip benefit from the same advantages as the intuitive grip and the super-low weight also greatly helps maintain perfect control over the entire razor. There’s less mass to move around or to control.
The glide of the razor head is also very smooth. Even though the machined finish produces some friction, on the cap, the machining creates a surface where it's not easy to create a vacuum something that's easier to achieve the more polished the surface. And why is this important? We're going to use the cap a lot in certain situations. We'll see this in the shaving section.
Score: 19 points
Dry/Wet: 5
Comfort: 4
Control: 5
Head slide: 5
Handling
From any perspective, the weight and balance of this razor are simply sensational. There's nothing else like it on the market that I know of. I repeat, there's nothing like this razor on the market. Let me give you an example from the same brand. The Vector Titanium weighs 44.5 grams. That's 5.5 grams less than a razor with an adjustable head and a much wider handle. Want another example? The only razor I can compare it to based on technical specifications is the Tatara Muramasa Titanium. That one weighs 59 grams and is a tiny razor that you can only use with two tiny fingers (I'm using a bit of a dramatic exaggeration to explain myself...).
If we use the razor without the brass weight, the balance point is located at the grip point just below the dial. When we place the weight inside the handle, this grip point doesn't change significantly because the weight is positioned exactly at that balance point and, consequently, only increases the weight at its center of gravity but doesn't change the balance.
The adjustment weight is an innovative touch that I really like. I would have made weights of different lengths to change the balance. Perhaps also personalized weights with names, dates, or whatever one wants to personalize the razor even more. The weight is very easy to remove and replace; you can simply attach or remove it using a small screwdriver. I've used the razor both ways and I prefer it without the weight. I like the handle better and the lighter weight doesn't bother me at all; quite the opposite.
Changing the blade requires some practice. When placing the blade in the cap, the blade is flush with the guides.
When placing the base plate on top, there is a good amount of space where the blade is not yet curved and the guides have not been inserted into their place on the base plate.
So, when clamping the blade, we need to push the cap towards the base plate to curve the blade, secure the guides in their corresponding holes and screw it all in. Before putting everything in place, we always need to select the dial so we don't have to change it once the blade is inside. But there's an easier way to do it.
When we place the base plate onto the blade and cap assembly, the central thread protrudes one thread from the dial. Since the handle is a high-precision tool, it only needs this single thread to screw on and assemble the razor comfortably using the thread and handle. It's not entirely intuitive, and I imagine many people simply press down on the cap but this method also works very well. Better, I'd say. Blackland say they’ve done everything possible to make cleaning the razor easy. I admit the wide holes in the bottom help and the surfaces of the cap and base plate are quite smooth and flat but it's not the easiest thing. The inside of the handle requires a brush to clean and we'll probably never see the inside of the razor. It's not easy to take apart at all.
Score: 18
Balance: 5
Weight: 5
Model: 4
Cleaning: 4
Shaving
An adjustable razor should offer usable dials for everyone. From 1 for someone with sensitive skin to dial 9 for someone with skin as thick as a rhinoceros. This Osprey titanium razor offers just that. I've tested it on different dials, and the ones I find most useful are between 4.5 and 6.5. Below 4, I lose efficiency; above 7, I lose peace of mind.
Dial 9 is similar to dial 6 on the Rex Ambassador. A super-exposed shave with a gap like that of the Grand Canyon. Sure, there are people who need a gap like that but I’m not one of them. This also means that the different levels of efficiency could be defined in three groups: groups 1 to 3, groups 4 to 6 and groups 7 to 9. Within these groups, we have the low and high extremes. Anyone can achieve the shave (and closeness) they want and need. It's simply a matter of testing and finding the right balance.
I mentioned the cap earlier and how much we'd use it. Now is the time to provide some more context. The Osprey's razor head is very flat, which offers many benefits for shaving because it makes the razor more maneuverable. However, it also prevents the blade from bending as much, creating a slightly steeper cutting angle. Especially at higher dial settings, the blade emerges quite straight from the head. To mitigate this effect, we can use the cap for riding the cap and with this cap, its reduced weight and the smooth glide, this isn't a problem at all. The head control is a delight, especially considering this is an adjustable razor. The best adjustable razors (Tatara Muramasa, Rex Ambassador, OliWorks OliBlade) have a fairly small and flat cap. The Tatara even has a tiny head (like the rest...), but the mechanisms have to be housed somewhere, and that requires space and weight. This is noticeable in the overall construction and affects the movements when controlling it.
With this Blackland razor, the shape of the head, the adjustment mechanism and the overall reduced weight completely eliminates any hint of difficulty in controlling the razor. The head glides over all surfaces like a silk robe over a woman's body and reaches any hard-to-shave areas with ease. I'll say it again: the reduced (but not entirely eliminated) weight and the well-designed handle help to showcase the head.
The Derby? Well, it's just like a Lord, a BIC, or any other razor blade. I've used the Derby on a fairly open dial (6.5) and it performed perfectly well. I have no doubt that any blade can be used satisfactorily on any dial. There will be better and worse combinations but I can't imagine this razor delivering a bad shave. The indulgence is also adjusted with the dial, just like the efficiency. In theory, all adjustable models should offer this margin in efficiency and indulgence but that's not always the case. The Merkur Futur has a narrower operating range. However, it does allow you to clean the inside with a stand-up pressure lance... the opening is wide enough.
Score: 20 points
Score: 5
Head control: 5
Blade: 5
Indulgent: 5
Quality/Price
This razor is really beautiful. In hand, it's even more beautiful than in photos, in my opinion. The proportions never seemed ideal to me in pictures but after holding it in my hand, I've changed my mind. It has perfect proportions. The handle is fantastic, both aesthetically and functionally. The adjustment system is equally impressive. The cap, which is simply a cap, has a striking visual appeal thanks to its machined finish. I love the look of this razor. "Beautiful" doesn't even begin to cover it.
And now we come to something that might break my heart. Is this razor worth it? Can we justify its price in relation to what it offers? The razor costs 500 Euros in the titanium and mechanized versions. That's a lot of money. Does it offer a great shave? Yes, it does. Does it offer an innovative adjustment system that works well (perhaps with a little oil)? Yes, it does. Does it offer jaw-dropping aesthetics? Yes, it does. But 500 Euros is a lot of Euros.
Let me explain. Right now, I own two of the best adjustable razors: the Rex Ambassador and the Tatara Muramasa (which I always examine with a magnifying glass... just kidding... I use a digital microscope because it’s tiny!). They're both fantastic razors. But if someone offered me 250 Euros for each of them today and I had to add another 100 Euros to order this Blackland Osprey Titanium from Shane, I'd do it without a second thought. Yes, I'm completely willing to trade them for the Osprey. And I'll even include an adjustable Parker in the deal! It has impressed me and I'd be willing to sell some razors to make room for it. I don't usually do that.
Its value in 25 years will still be high. It's too good not to maintain, and even increase, its value. It's beautiful, works very well, will last for several lifetimes and it already starts at a high price. This is a jewel in any razor's crown.
A single razor for life? I just said I'm willing to sell razors to buy this one. What more do I need to say? Without a second thought, I'll tell you.
Score: 20 points
Aesthetics: 5
Reward: 5
Value in 25: 5
Single razor: 5
Conclusion
The Blackland Osprey Ti has really impressed me. I like its novel adjustment system, although I think it needs a bit more lubrication than other systems that incorporate springs, internal fittings and nuclear power plants inside.
I love its handle and head. They work together to give your fingers a ride on a water park slide or a leisurely Sunday morning stroll. It adapts to your needs and preferences.
But what has impressed me most (and I use that word deliberately) is its weight. We're talking about a razor that couldn't possibly weigh so little and it truly benefits from that weight. It's not extremely light, although for me that limit is still far off but it's balanced and light enough to allow for a smooth, effortless shave, making everything incredibly easy and comfortable.
The only criticism I have of this razor is also the greatest compliment I can give it. I'd be willing to sell razors from my collection to get it. Two, three, even four razors if necessary. I think it has earned its place on its own merits and in this titanium version, it is currently the best adjustable razor I know. Better than anyone and that's saying something.
Final score: 95 points
