Carbon Shaving Co. Cx-316L & Ti DFS pass around

Thank you CarbonShavingCo. Sean for the detailed insight, very very helpful. Can't thank you enough. 

I had another head shave with the minus (-) plate with the Carbon handle today and a face shave with the SS Cx original plate. I threw in my SS Karve Overland on one side of my face for context/comparison. I find this helpful when trying out new razors/plates to compare side by side with something I am familiar with. I realize the Overlander is a very different beast and this is not to pit one against the other. Rather, all the overland provides is a familiar benchmark for face-feel, efficiency and shaving angle.

Head shave: Carbon Minus Plate with the Carbon Handle
Face Left: Karve Overlander
Face Right: Carbon SS Cx (Original Plate)
Pre: PAA Cube
Soap: Lothur Tears
Brush: Paladin Badger
Blade: First use Kai in all 3 razors
Post: Witchhazel 

Shave impressions

Head Shave
This being the second shave with this plate, I already felt more familiar and had an easy with the grain pass. Feeling around, there was already not a whole lot left, which was surprising as I expected the minus plate to have less efficiency. I am guessing the Kai blade helps this plate a bit with efficiency. I really like the feel of this on my scalp, especially sensitive area. While being mild, it still does a great job removing hair without the need for going over the same area over and over, which for me leads to irritation.
For the second pass, I put on my own titanium handle to see how it felt. While the Ti handle is obviously heavier (almost double), I still had a very pleasant ATG pass on my head. No touchups needed.

Face Shave
I used the SS handle with the Original plate today. I wanted to keep the weight comparable to my SS Overlander. First pass, WTG, both super smooth, comfortable, and efficient. I two days growth. Both razors had no issues mowing through with the fresh Kai blades. Two differences: The Overlander had less audible feedback, and felt a bit heavier. I am not talking about actual weight of the razors, but rather, maneuverability. Not to say the Overlander is not nimble. But I felt that the Carbon was more noble. I was flying around with the Carbon and was not afraid to cut myself (the audio feedback helps).

On my second, XTG pass, again both razors sailed through effortlessly. Feeling around, I could not find a difference is efficiency on my face. I did get one small weeper on the Carbon side, which I am guessing was my own fault for going too fast over some bumps. I reminded myself that this is a new razor to me. And while deceptively smooth, it is still very efficient. 

On my final, ATG pass, I was careful to not finish one side before the other. I alternated between two sides to see how they felt. There is obviously more blade feel with the Carbon. But it did not feel uncomfortable at any time. Even on some very sensitive areas on my neck, the Carbon felt extremely comfortable. I should also note that in this one specific area, the Carbon was more comfortable than my Ti ++. Obviously no surprises in this regard with the Overlander. It had no issues going against the again even in the most sensitive areas. 

In terms of efficiency, after the third pass, both sides were very very close, perhaps 99% BBS with just a very small few areas left. I can not positively say that one is more efficient than the other, at least on my face. They felt equally as efficient. 

When I compare side by side, something I do is to switch up the sides to see if each razor can pick anything up for the other side, on a so called pick-up pass. I tried this with these two as well. Interestingly, I felt both razors picking up on the other's side - just a very small amount of stubble that was left over. Maybe my technique was not perfect. But I recall seeing @Zachlikestoshave use both the ++ and + plate on some of his shave videos on subsequent passes. Perhaps there is something to that - each plate, or razor being better at certain angles or areas or curvatures of our face?

Conclusion
I was already a fan of Carbon from my experience with the ++ plate. I am very tempted now to get the minus (-) and/or the original plate(s). With each shave, I am liking the original plate more, maybe even more than my ++ plate. Just goes to show how true to cliché we say all the time, YMMV. I had done my research, read hundreds of post here and elsewhere, when I picked my plate. Thanks all for giving me the opportunity to try out all the plates. I will do a few more shaves and post here if I have anything more to add. Happy shaving!

Thanks for the great comparison Ppshil. Excellent write up and very helpful. Comparing these two razors was a great start idea, they both get great reviews and have different style razor heads and geometry. Great work!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My apologies for the lack of updates. I have been extremely busy at work and also dealing with a plumbing situation at home. However, true to my commitment to this hobby, I have not stopped shaving. Here are some concluding thoughts after shaving multiple times with all four plates, sometimes comparing side by side, sometimes on their own. I used kai blades, and some of my best soaps throughout.

All four plates are very easy to use, give very comfortable and long lasting shaves. They are very similar in that you can tell they are variations of the same razor. They are different in that each have noticeably different face feel.

How do they compare?

Efficiency: Closeness of shave
You can get equally close shave with all four. The minus (-) and the plus (+) plates require more passes or a little more work with buffing. The original and the plus plus (++) plates get there sooner, albeit, with the right angle. This can be both a positive or negative depending on the user. For a new wet shaver, the ++ plate may end up resulting in weepers, if too much pressure is used on skin irregularities. with the other two plates, going over the same area too many times or buffing too much for BBS may result in irritation. However, with the correct adjustments, they all can and do get equally close.

Efficiency: Duration of smoothness
I have not observed any difference in how long the smoothness on my face/neck/head last with all four plates. They all delivered very close shaves that lasted 12 hours or longer. 

Efficiency: Ease of getting optimal angle/efficiency (pun intended)
I think this is very subjective and I can only describe my own experience and preference. I have mentioned before that I already own a Ti Plus Plus. Comparing the other three plates to this, I thought that the original was the closest in this category. Both are very easy to get to business with. Both can mow down multiple days of growth with ease. And both deliver irritation free shaves, even in tough spots on my jawline. On the flip side, if I am rushing too much, both can give me a weeper or two.
The minus and the plus plates, in comparison, have not given me a single weeper. However, with the minus plates, because it is so smooth, I tend to apply a bit too much pressure, particularly with the carbon handle. This has resulted in some irritation sometimes. I think it's similar with the plus plate too.

Which one should I get? (for the novice shaver like myself)
Get all four! I would if I could afford to. I may end up with all four eventually any way. But for now, I think I may try to get the original plate when I can. I enjoyed my shaves with this plate the most, and as much as my plus plus (++) plate. If you prefer the Blackbird over the Overlander, but wish the bird was slightly less efficient so that you could shave with it everyday - the original plate is your first bet (I have tried the Blackbird Lite plate; while I like it, I find it too close to the original to want to own both). Carbon has an excellent return policy, so if it does not work out, you can always send it back and try another. The plus plus (++) could also work just as well, albeit, with much less blade feel. If on the other hand, you like the Overlander, but wish it had more blade feel, go for the plus (+) plate. If that's too much, go down to Minus (-). I think between this bunch, everyone can find one that they like.

I want to thank Carbon Shaving Co. and DFS again for this generous pass around. I enjoyed my shaves greatly. I have also tried the Eleven soap once and liked it very much. Thank you!

I have already reached out to Time Bandit for his address and will ship out the package to him tomorrow.

Razor: Carbon Shaving Company Cx-316L /Web (.68mm original base plate) w/ R2 handle
Blade: Gillette 7 O'Clock (d4)

Soap: Van Yulay Soap of the Gods Lemoncello
Add: Menthol Dots Extra Strength
Brush: Omega Boar 10005/80005
Bowl: Bluff Cove Pottery

Post 1: P.A.A. Alum No-Slip Grip System w/ Dry Dock System
Post 2: Dickinson's Enhanced Witch Hazel Deep Cleansing Astringent w/ Menthol & Eucalyptus
Aftershave 1: Van Yulay Soap of the Gods Lemoncello (splash)
Aftershave 2: Van Yulay Soap of the Gods Lemoncello (balm)

So you could say I was feeling yellow today. And with that, there was no better choice than Lemoncello from Van Yulay.

This soap smells as you would expect, like the drink it's named after. It's not just a straightforward lemon scent as you may expect. It has a sort of sweet and sour vibe, but not in any obnoxious way. It's balanced and sophisticated with notes of Sorrento lemon, sugar cane, and some traditional lemon zest. It's quite pleasant if I do say so.

The soap base itself is firmer than most other common-day artisan soaps. This is kind of nice in that is easier to work with. I find it easier to scoop the exact amount of soap I'd like to use and just a little bit easier to deal with when cleaning up at the end.

The soap builds up into a nice lather. What really stands out to me though is how slick this soap's lather is. It's up there with the best of them in the slickness category so definite points there.

The 316L Carbon razor is a damn fine razor. I have all of the base plates including the Ti ++ plate and the Carbon Fiber handle. Today though, I wanted to go with the standard R2 handle and the original base plate. This was a great starting point as I'm new to Carbon Shaving Co. and their offerings.

The first thing I noticed is the audible feedback. It's unmissable and loud. I myself am a fan of this kind of feedback so this quality was a welcome surprise.

The shaving action was also a welcome surprise. The original base plate is very efficient with a small to moderate amount of blade feel. The positive blade exposure with the .68mm gap allows this razor to be quite versatile.

I did a four-pass shave because I wanted more exposure to this razor and soap. With the addition of half a Menthol Dot, I was red-eyed and frosty. These new double-strength Dots are addiction worthy for all you Menth heads out there. Trust me, these are the real deal!

With today's choices I easily achieved a bbs shave. I finished up with some matching aftershave splash then some balm. Each was a fine product in its own right. Being a splash guy, I was more impressed by the balm. The post shave feel after applying some is really good! Its definitely a strong recommendation from me when buying Van Yulay soaps.

Alrighty, my friends. That's it for today. I hope you like reading and I want to thank you for doing so.

Take care and enjoy your shaves!

Razor: Carbon Shaving Company Cx-316L /Web (.88mm “+” base plate) w/ R2 handle
Blade: Dorco Titan (d4)

Soap: Night Watch Soap Company Midnight Moods
Brush: Yaqi Purple Haze
Bowl: Fine Accoutrements Fine Lather Bowl

Post 1: P.A.A. Alum No-Slip Grip System w/ Dry Dock System
Post 2: Dickinson's Enhanced Witch Hazel Deep Cleansing Astringent w/ Menthol & Eucalyptus
Aftershave: Barrister & Mann 42

Round two... Today I used the "+" base plate and man was it good. I was impressed with my initial run when I used the "original" but this one was a noticeable step up in efficiency. I wouldn't feel bad if I only had the original to use but given the choice, I'm on board with the plus.

My software for today comes from a new artisan, Night Watch Soap Company in the form of Midnight Moods. It has scent notes of pineapple, citrus, geranium, limewood, sage, cedar, musk, and vetiver. As you can see it has some fruit and floral notes blended together but to me the overall accord is floral. I find it bright, clean, and pretty with an attractive quality.

With a soft Yaqi Purple Haze synthetic brush and a well-designed Fine Accoutrements Fine Lather Bowl, I whipped up a nice big bowl of fluffy lather. The soap is vegan in case you're wondering and though thirsty, it easily blows up when worked and is very slick on the face. If you're looking for a unique, pleasant-smelling, slick soap you can't go wrong with Midnight Moods from Night Watch Soap Company.

I did a four-pass shave appreciating my time with both the razor and soap. Each was a pleasure in its own right and helped me achieve a sweet bbs face.

Being in the floral wheelhouse, I chose the also beautiful 42 from Barrister & Mann. Though not with the identical notes as Midnight Moods I still felt it was a fine match. Turns out I was right based on the compliment I received afterward.

I want to wish you all a great day. Thanks for reading and as always, enjoy your shaves.

Razor: Carbon Shaving Company Cx-316L /Web (.71mm “-” base plate) w/ R2 handle
Blade: RK (green)

Soap: Stirling Soap Company Tsuka
Brush: Heritage Collection Ever-Ready w/ High Mountain White Badger
Bowl: Bluff Cove Pottery

Post 1: P.A.A. Alum No-Slip Grip System w/ Dry Dock System
Post 2: Dickinson's Enhanced Witch Hazel Deep Cleansing Astringent w/ Menthol & Eucalyptus
Aftershave: Stirling Soap Company Tsuka
Finish: Stirling Soap Company Tsuka EdT

Today I went with the mild base plate for the Carbon Shaving Co. Cx-316L. You might say to yourself why? Why choose a less aggressive base plate after using the original, +, and ++ base plates? Why not just use one of those again and skip the mild? Well, let me tell you. I'm a very curious person, always have been, so I want to try everything I can at least once. I mean, why not?

I started off with a brand new RK blade which is a brand I've never used before. The blade wrap was green and it fit with my theme today so I figured what the heck. To my surprise, this razor and blade combination worked out quite well.

The blade feel was toned down but I didn't find the razor any less capable. I did do a four-pass shave so I didn't leave much room for anything less than a bbs shave. But I still felt that this razor (with the - plate) wasn't any less worthy of owning. It may be titled mild but it's not mild in the absolute sense. It's more in comparison to the other base plates in my opinion.

I felt Tsuka was a good choice for software today as it has a sultry warmth about it that's really good for a cold rainy day. With its top notes of citrus and lavender, middle floral notes of jasmine, iris, lily of the valley, and Bulgarian rose followed by base notes that are a rich composition of moss, cedar, tonka, vanilla, chocolate and amber, you can see what I mean by sultry and warm.

When done with the whisker whacking I splashed on some Tsuka aftershave and sprayed on some matching EdT. This left me enveloped in Tsuka goodness and was a great way to end my shave.

All in all, I think the mild base plate for the Carbon Shaving Co. razor is a good one. Especially if you have sensitive skin. And when paired with a quality shaving soap like the kind Stirling Soap Co. make, you have a recipe for success.

Thanks for reading everyone and enjoy your shaves.

Razor: Carbon Shaving Company Cx-Atlas (1.08mm “++” base plate)
Blade: Wilkinson Sword (d5)

Soap: The Sudsy Soapery / Chatillon Lux Delor De Treget
Brush: Yaqi Black and White
Bowl: Fine Accoutrements Fine Lather Bowl

Post 1: P.A.A. Alum No-Slip Grip System w/ Dry Dock System
Post 2: Dickinson's Enhanced Witch Hazel Deep Cleansing Astringent w/ Menthol & Eucalyptus
Aftershave: Spearhead Shaving Company Seaforth! Black Watch

To change things up while doing my Cx razor testing, today I decided to roll with the Cx-Atlas titanium and carbon fiber. I wanted to see how this thing would sing considering its low weight at 30 grams!

Software-wise I went with the ever-gorgeous Delor De Treget. This collaborative soap was produced by The Sudsy Soapery, while its scent was crafted by Chatillon Lux.

Its notes of bergamot and cedarwood are rounded out by the sweet smell of orange and calming lavender. Underneath it all, a brooding undertone of labdanum supports the accord. It really is a nice scent that I wish I could have enjoyed more via a splash.

With a day 5 Wilkinson Sword blade installed, I went to it. The Carbon Cx-Atlas did a great job. It was very lightweight and therefore very nimble and maneuverable but with the "++" plate's ever-so-subtle positive blade exposure and its large gap, its efficiency really shined. I could feel the blade but it wasn't as irritating as some other blade forward razors I've used.

I did a three-pass shave and easily walked away with a bbs.

I have to take a moment to call out this soap again. A lot of you know what residual slickness is and how it really helps when doing any amount of buffing with a razor. You also know that you can feel it, especially when trying to rinse your face clean. There's something different about this soap that not only has that residual slick feeling but there's this sort of protective coating feel to it. I don't know if it's the clay, butter, or the oil. Either way, it's quite remarkable and I have to say, I just loved it! It feels great!

To round things out I opted for some Black Watch aftershave. This stuff is the definition of a "Banger" and is a favorite of mine. If you've been sleeping on this one, you're really missing out. It's a 10/10 for sure!

Alright good people, there you have it. Another great shave. Thanks for reading and enjoy your shaves.

Razor: Carbon Shaving Company Cx-316L /Web (1.08mm “++” base plate) w/ R2 handle
Blade: Eddison Super Stainless (d14)

Soap: Bufflehead Elephant Walk
Brush: Vikings Blade White Knight
Bowl: Fine Accoutrements Fine Lather Bowl

Post 1: P.A.A. Alum No-Slip Grip System w/ Dry Dock System
Post 2: Dickinson's Enhanced Witch Hazel Deep Cleansing Astringent w/ Menthol & Eucalyptus
Aftershave: Shannon's Soaps The Warrior
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream Extra-Dry w/ Hyaluronic Acid

The saga continues... With the ++ 316L base plate attached to the Cx R2 handle I installed an Eddison blade that's been a champion at 13 uses, with today being its fourteenth shave.

As it's still Samples Week today was a perfect opportunity to continue with the unobtainium soaps I have. So today I present to you Elephant Walk from Bufflehead. Right away I'm going to say it. It's a damn shame this artisan isn't still producing software. This duck tallow soap is top-tier that just explodes into a fluffy, slick lather when hit with a brush.

Elephant Walk is hard to nail down scent-wise but if you're familiar with Smoking Bishop from Barrister & Mann then you have an idea of what this one is like. The scent of Smoking Bishop is a touch stronger and the grape note is at a higher volume. With that said, this scent is technically a floral but there's a lot more character to it. Overall the accord is just fantastic. I can't see many of you not liking this one.

I did a four-pass shave and felt a good bit of irritation today due to the razor's high blade feel. I did walk away with a true bbs but was in real need of some post-shave love.

When finished with my shave I splashed on some more unobtainium in the form of The Warrior from Shannon's Soaps. Again, this one is hard to nail down but it is floral and sweet and felt like a great match to the Elephant Walk soap.

Okay good people. Thanks for reading. Have a great Saturday and enjoy your shaves.

Pre: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Cleanser w/ Hyaluronic Acid

Razor: Carbon Shaving Company Cx-316L /Web (.88mm “+” base plate) w/ R2 handle
Blade: Gillette 7 O'Clock

Soap: Hendrix Classics & Company Year of the Tiger
Brush: Van Der Hagen Pure Badger aka Scritch Monster
Bowl: Fine Accoutrements Fine Lather Bowl

Post 1: P.A.A. Alum No-Slip Grip System w/ Dry Dock System
Post 2: Dickinson's Enhanced Witch Hazel Deep Cleansing Astringent w/ Menthol & Eucalyptus
Aftershave: Hendrix Classics & Company Emperor Oud
Post 4: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream Extra-Dry w/ Hyaluronic Acid

After working my way through all of the available base plates for the Cx-316L, I now want to work my way back down so that I can get a really good idea of exactly how each feels and which I truly like most. So with that said, today I went with the "+" plate.

With a Gillette 7 O'Clock blade tightened up in the razor, I got on with making some lather.

Today I went with Year of the Tiger from HC&C. If you're not familiar with this one let me just say, it's fantastic! This is HC&C's first ultra-premium fragrance offering and is absolutely worth every penny. It does costs a little more than their other offerings, but if you let that get in the way, you're really going to miss out on one of the all-around best scents and soap bases available today!

The scent is a build of green top notes, resins, woods, tobacco, and coffee middle notes all on top of a base of oud and incense. It really is an addicting accord. So much so, that I wish I could find the accompanying EdT (made and sold by Strike Gold Shave) because I would absolutely want to smell like this all day. And in case you're wondering if this scent is a dupe. It is. It's an homage to Black Afgano by Nasomatto. It's just outstanding if you ask me.

With my Van Der Hagen Pure Badger brush and my Fine Accoutrements Fine Lather Bowl, I whipped up a nice luxurious bowl of shaving protection goodness.

I did a easily enjoyable four-pass shave and walked away a happy man.

Thanks for reading and enjoy your shaves!