Well, thanks to the B/S/T (DFS) and a great forum member I was able to pick up a Karve CB razor with the C & D plates paired with a 3” handle. Big thank you to
gregcss for getting it to me pronto.
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I ordered one back on June 3rd but, with the delays and knowing that I probably would not see my razor for at least another month, I jumped at the opportunity in acquiring one. The one I ordered will come with the E & F plates with the 3.5” handle. Whenever that is. For now I’m thrilled and excited to have gotten this one and try it out.
So the kit came in yesterday and I had already shaved the night before with the Brass General that produced an excellent, BBS shave. I didn’t have my usual stubble after 10-12 hours as the shave was that close but, I was on my way to the regular 5 O’Clock shadow right about 7-8pm and decided to give it a go with the Karve. Actually I just had the itch to try it out and couldn’t wait until Sunday mornings shave.
As everyone else has stated here and elsewhere once or a thousand times before, the build quality, fitment and preciseness is absolutely magnificent. The handle has excellent texture with great feel and it would be hard to believe that someone could say that the razor is difficult to hold when water or lather is running off of it. The knurling is that good. Installing the blade between the blade tabs is secure and precise once it’s locked in and tightened down with the smooth handle action turning onto the top cap screw stud. One of the smoothest actions I’ve felt. Quality workmanship here Gents, plain and simple with high attention to detail.
So, how was the shave? Very good, thank you. I went with the D plate for the trial run and a used Gillette SP 7 O’Clock (6-7 shaves on it) blade that produced a smooth, comfortable 3 pass shave without a single issue. Like I said before, I had very light stubble from the previous shave but, the Karve went through the stubble with a shave that was effortless and honestly I was done in 2 passes. I just threw in a 3rd pass for a very, very light touch up around Sir Adam’s Apple that the Karve cleaned up nicely. Through out the whole shave I felt that the razor was properly balanced and weighted with excellent maneuverability anywhere on my face and neck and was easy and intuitive in getting the right angle from stroke 1 on. I can’t tell you about the upper lip area or stache as I’ve always maintained a stache for the past 10 years. But I can’t see anyone having an issue with the razor head as it does have a slim profile for getting underneath the nose and cleaning this area up.
How does it compare shave quality wise? I really hate doing comparisons between razors. I’d rather say similar too because shave feel in terms of mildness, aggressiveness, efficiency and smoothness varies for every single individual. What it feels like to me is a cleaner, smoother feeling Rockwell 6s/6c with a bit more efficiency. I have both of those razors and the Karve shaves similarly close to an R5 plate only somehow smoother, light blade feel yet deceptively efficient. It reminds me also of another brass razor that is smooth, mild and deceptively efficient. Yup, the Brass General that I shaved with a couple of days ago. Also similar in shave feel to the Rex Ambassador when dialed in between 2-3, perhaps closer to 2.
It’s only one shave with it but, it was a very good shave. I’m going to get a full weeks worth in with each of the plates, C&D respectively. I see good shaves ahead......
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