2nd Shave with the Blackbird. 4 days growth, Polsilver blade with one use. Mystic Waters barbershop soap and a hot shave after 5 a side footy and a shower.
The problem was the soap on the first shave. The blackbird didn't like it at all. This time the mystic waters soap was nearly it's match and kept my face fairly slick in general. I'm sure there are better choices as I was still getting some drag. I'll try NSS next. A little bit of tug from the polsilver, half way through I wished I'd put a sharper blade in but it still produced good results. I took the advice and used negative pressure, holding near the end of the handle, feather light touch but still experienced a bit of drag from the head. I wander if this is intentional and acts like pulling the skin tight to make the stubble stand up …. ?
End result – BBS all over with 3 passes, no touch ups. Slight neck irritation but dramatically less sting from the alum block.
This razor is growing on me. It's a match for my SE's with regards to the end results. If you factor in the blade choices and their cost – it's probably the best razor I own. Not my favourite though, it's a very mechanical, rough looking beast and so far I still find the shave a little bit harsh.