(This post was last modified: 06-19-2019, 11:51 PM by Captainjonny.)
Please keep in mind that these types of reviews are very subjective, and everyone’s physiology is different. This morning I had a 3 day beard, and shaved with the CX for the first time. I have a tough beard with hairs growing in all directions everywhere.
I share the same demographic as the last reviewer. I am retired, and my most expensive razor is the Rex Ambassador adjustable (DFS group buy). I do not have experience with CG, Timeless, or Paradigm as a basis for comparison. I do have 24 other razors with which to compare.
I prefer mild to mid aggressive razors. I have not found an “aggressive” razor which is effortless, smooth and does not require massive attention and careful technique. I usually find the proper angle and sweet spot quite easily with audio feedback, which I did with the CX.
IMHO this razor is most comparable to the RR Gamechanger (GC), since the heads are very similar. The RR Mamba and Babysmooth are totally different head designs, and that is why I chose the GC for my comparison.
The GC is larger and covers the blade tabs. I plan to do a side by side with the GC .68 and .84 against the CX for my next shaves. Then I will pass it on.
I did a 3 pass plus buff up. Used a new Astra blade, TOBS Royal Forrest Cream, and a Yaqi Cola 22mm Synthetic brush. Lucky Tiger Face Tonic and Shisheido Bravas to finish.
General: The CX polished finish to my eye is very good. The inside of the head is polished and I can live with some machining marking. The handle finish is superb. The handle screws onto the head very smoothly. The razor is of very high quality.
There is zero blade chatter and the blade is held tightly and with perfect alignment.
Exposed blade tabs are a non-issue for me, since the head is smaller and easier to maneuver and shave under my nose, which for me is a positive.
I love the rounded edges of the base plate safety bar and the 4 corners. This is attention to design detail and finish, which most manufacturers ignore. I have razors with edges I can cut myself on, before I load a blade!
Shave Positives: IMHO the CX is at the higher end of mid aggressive and requires attention to detail. This may have to do with my experience level. I was careful and produced only 2 minor weepers (under nose and on neck). For me, this razor is smooth and very efficient. I would compare the efficiency to my Rocca R96 or Supply Single Edge with the aggressive 3 plate. After 3 passes, I almost did not need any buffing!
For me, this is reason enough to consider a purchase (with the DFS discount, or better). At full price, it is still out of my range. I cannot wait until my next shave with the CX. I think with more shaves to understand this razor, it could be a daily driver.
Shave Negatives: I do not like the handle design. For me, it does not work. I plan to use my Tibam Sample 12 Titanium on my next shave. It has the exact same balance point as the CX handle, but has more knurling in the middle where I hold the razor. There is more blade feel than a milder daily driver, but it is not excessive or an issue when shaving.
Recommendations: Carbon should consider offering a second handle and also selling the head separately. This would give the buyer more options. This allows Carbon to understand what their customers want, and create metrics for future line expansion. Many “high end” sellers have these same options (head only, and different handle choices). The burlap bag has to go. I am sure it creates micro scratching on the product. I suggest they change to a heavy fabric microfiber bag which doubles as a polishing cloth. The tube box is unique and functional, but the bag has to go. I get the idea of environment and recycle, but if it has the "potential" to damage your product it is not worth it. Even fancy paper would be better.
Requests from future reviewers: Comparison to the Haircut and Shave Co. Neutral Exposure N075, a Karve with C/D plates and a ATT similar design and price.
Stay tuned for my side by side with the RR GC.