CarbonShavingCo. New company & razor in the works....

General Observations (May 2020)
My reviews of the original CX in the 2019 pass-around are numbers 259 and 274 on this thread (June 2019).

In my 2019 tests I used Personna Israeli Reds,  Astra SP and Nacet.  For the 2020 tests, I used Wizamets only.  IMHO, the CX can take any blade you like, and work well.  My personal favorite blades with this razor are the Wizamet and the Nacet.

In this 2020 round, I shaved 5 times.  One shave with each of the three plates.  Fourth shave with the original plate against the GC .84, half face each.  Last shave with the + against the ++ plate, half face each.

The polished finish on the 2020 articles is an order of magnitude better than the first article sent to DFS for review in 2019.  Great improvement and high quality.

The base plate corners on all three plates are not as rounded as the original plate I tested in June 2019.  Those rounded corners is what made the Carbon CX stand out different from all other premium razors.  That was my favorite feature of this razor.  I wish that Carbon had retained the smooth and rounded corners.  I have not seen that feature on any other razor and I do not understand why Carbon removed that “attention to detail” since they were the only manufacturer doing it.  When you have something that no one else has, it is a “core competency” that should be retained.  Maybe the extra time in finishing was not worth the cost?

Based on my recent shaves, the new + and ++ plates are only marginally more efficient than the original plate (IMHO).  The blade gap was increased, but the blade forward distance was reduced in both the + and ++ plates.  It seems that the advantage of the gap increase was offset by the reduction of the blade forward distance.  This appears to have lessoned the advantage of increasing the blade gap.  Yes, the new plates are more efficient than the original plate… but only slightly.  Also, I could barely discern a noticeable difference between the + and ++ plates.  That is why I did a second shave with those plates at the same time.  For me, the shaves were nearly the same with the new + and ++ plates.

The new + and ++ plates have more audible feedback and blade feel than the original.  I did not find them as smooth as the original plate.  The new plates are more efficient than the original plate, but require slightly more care.  Also, there is considerably more blade chatter in the new + and ++ plates.  I do not like that much blade chatter.  I do like a little blade feel.  On one of my shaves with the ++ plate I did experience a little skin irritation.  That could have been due to rushing or technique.  For many people, these new plates will be their daily shavers.

For me, the original plate of the CX is in my sweet spot and more comfortable and smooth than the new + and ++ plates.  Everyone is different, and I know many of you will really like the new plates.  They new plates are still “mid aggressive” and not even close to some of the more aggressive razors out there.

I am still not a fan of the Carbon original stainless handle, which came with the 2019 and 2020 tests.  I know that Sean is very proud of his designs and that is fine.  The Carbon handles are beautiful and unique.  I would like to eventually try the Carbon Titanium version.  Everyone has different tastes. I would very much like Carbon the sell the cap and plates separate from the handles.  Today, Carbon sells only the plates and handles separately.  You still need to purchase the entire razor to get a cap.  I love the original .68 plate, but not enough to purchase the entire razor and then need to sell the handle.

I have tried several other handles with the Carbon heads and my favorite is the Tibam Bobcat Titanium handle (12mmx90mm).  For me, this is the holy grail handle for the CX.  Balance is nearly perfect.  IMHO, handling with the Bobcat is 100% better than the Carbon original stainless handle.  This is due to the Bobcat balance, knurling and being slightly slimmer.  The Carbon CX stainless heads are small and light, which makes a lighter titanium handle a better fit for them.

I understand the Carbon “Prime Directive” is 100% eco friendly packaging, but I still do not like the burlap bag.  If the microfiber bag idea doesn’t fly, then get a nice knitted cotton fabric bag, which is soft and will not scratch the razor finish.

Comparison of the CX with the GC .68 and GC .84
The original CX .68 plate is way more efficient than the GC .68.  There is no contest here.  The CX .68 has more blade feel and audible feedback than the GC .68.  IMHO the smoothness of both razors is a push.  The heads on both the CX and GC are small, very maneuverable and have great handling.  The CX head does not cover the blade tabs and has a very slight blade tab exposure at the ends.  This gives the CX a slightly smaller head profile and smaller size than the GC.  This makes the CX easier to shave under the nose.  I know the issue of covered blade tabs is very personal, and has to do with tabs hitting the ears and ease of removing the blade.  I personally like the CX smaller head and it’s handling advantage over the GC with covered tabs.

The original CX .68 plate is more comparable to the GC .84, when measured by efficiency.  This leads me to believe that “blade forward” has more to do with efficiency than blade gap.  For me, the original CX .68 has a slight advantage in efficiency over the GC .84.  Both the CX .68 and GC .84 are smooth and can be daily shavers.

The new + and ++ plates are more efficient than the GC .84.  IMHO, the CX + and ++ plates are not as smooth shaving as the CX .68 or GC .84.  The + and ++ plates have way more audible feedback and blade chatter than the CX .68 or GC .84.  You need to have good technique and be careful with the new + and ++ plates, due to the increased gap and blade forward design.

There is no contest in the quality of the finish between the CX and GC.  CX wins, hands down.  The quality of the machining is very close between the two razors.

Conclusion
I would like to thank Carbon Shaving for providing the DFS wet shaving community the opportunity to try out their new CX plates.

I truly think the Carbon CX is a winner in the field of premium high quality razors available today.  It is made in the USA.  This increases the cost, but should allow better quality control for Carbon.  The bottom line is whether the CX shave is worth 3+ times the cost of the GC?  That question can only be answered by each potential customer’s needs and desires.  It is all in the details, and what details you value the most.

The efficiency of the CX should provide a quicker shave with less buffing, that lasts hours longer than most other razors.  The CX for me is a true BBS shaver.  Smoothness of the shave is very close between the CX and GC.  For me, there has to be that “one magic thing” that justifies the cost difference.  Those rounded plate corners, which are now missing from the CX, may have been that one thing for me.

Question on those who have had different handles from Carbon. I have the Ti handle (straight handle) and the knurling is not crisp or sharp enough for me to be able to comfortably grip it. Can anyone compare the feel or knurling on the stainless handles such as an R2? I may want to give that a shot but also have concerns that I am going to need something wider in diameter. It's pretty hard for me to hold the handle with confidence. Not to say the Ti handle is bad but I've found the handle that works best for me and I haven't thought about needing or wanting to try more handles in years. It's worth giving the head a shot with one of Carbon made handles.Thanks for your help guys.

I have the R1 (still my favorite) and a T1. I just used the R2 on the pass-around. On the T1, as you commented, I rate the knurling as good but not great. The R2 handle would be ideal for you. I also found he R2 handle restores the excellent balance with the SS heads.

If ever offered, I would enjoy trying a Ti head/cap with my T1 handle. A lighter head with lower weight may help with perceived grip issues.

I have the R1 (still my favorite) and a T1.  I just used the R2 on the pass-around.  On the T1, as you commented, I rate the knurling as good but not great.  The R2 handle would be ideal for you.  I also found he R2 handle restores the excellent balance with the SS heads.

If ever offered, I would enjoy trying  a Ti head/cap with my T1 handle.  A lighter head with lower weight may help with perceived grip issues.

Thank you for the reply. I will likely have a chance to hold an R2 in hand sometime this summer but really enjoy the weight of the Ti. I didn't mention that in my comment. The balance is great but as you mention, seeing photos of the R2 stainless handle, the grip looks a tad sharper. We shall see what happens but maybe Sean at Carbon can consider some aluminum handle options. Honestly, I'm sure he has already but likely there isn't much demand for light handles. I would understand if it isn't feasible or profitable.

Thank you for the reply. I will likely have a chance to hold an R2 in hand sometime this summer but really enjoy the weight of the Ti. I didn't mention that in my comment. The balance is great but as you mention, seeing photos of the R2 stainless handle, the grip looks a tad sharper. We shall see what happens but maybe Sean at Carbon can consider some aluminum handle options. Honestly, I'm sure he has already but likely there isn't much demand for light handles. I would understand if it isn't feasible or profitable.

The Carbon website full titanium razor photo has a handle that looks close to the R2 stainless.  Might be your new ideal handle.  For grip characteristic, the R1 and R2 are close.  Good question for Shawn.

I personally prefer the lighter razors including titanium and aluminum.  A SS head and aluminum handle may create a head heavy razor.  For me, not a good combination.

Really quick review.  I basically had time for one shave with each.  My goal was to decide which head to buy or wait for the titanium razor with new heads.

Trying not to sound like a Carbon Shaving fanboy, the original Cx razor quickly became my favorite.  The ~3.5" handle, under 100 grams (close to 90 is even better) matched my physical specs.  The balance felt excellent in the hand and very nimble or maneuverable.  My mild Pils razor has encouraged me to rank audible feedback and blade feel lower on the  attributes list.  My technique (or lack there of) was perfect match for the Carbon.  Excellent daily razor and can handle 2-3 days of growth.

As a reference, I probably have 75 shaves with the original head (both in SS and Ti handles).  Both new heads have increased audible feedback and blade feel.  Both heads seemed more efficient than the original head.  No irritation with either head.  The ++ head did  good job on 3 days of growth (normally reserved for my Wolfman WR2 OC).  The optimum angle seemed to be very slightly different - may have been the increased blade feel and aggressive nature.  The new heads did not impact my perception of balance and nimbleness.

Conclusion:  Many people will prefer the more aggressive ++ heads  - I am still debating which one to order for my shaving needs.  Nice seeing companies listen to users and improve their products!!

Edit:  I was impressed with the quality and finish of the razor.

Hi all,

Here's the current pass around list for the Carbon razor. This pass around will include 1 handle, 1 top cap and 3 base plates: the original base plate plus 2 new base plates Carbon has designed.

Since there's only 1 razor being passed around, please try to get the razor sent out to the next person via priority mail after 7 days of usage so things move along at a decent pace.

**Please spray the complete razor down with alcohol or something similar before shipping it out to the next person and upon receiving it!**

Pass around list:

andrewjs18 (Pennsylvania)
CK89 (Indiana)
Captainjonny (Washington)
Standard
bobmsp (Minnesota)
Shavemd *removed at the user's request*
shaveSymptomatic (Florida)
keto (Missouri)
rawfox1 (Nevada)
Darktrader
Calm_Shaver
gvw755 (Washington)
MarsEnglish
AJSharp (New York)
Oasisdave (California)
CzechCzar
george1906
Marhos24 (Michigan)
IanG513 (California)
Jimmyfn (Oklahoma)
MaxP (Iowa)
fmalpartida (California)
Whisker_whacker
andrewjs18 (Pennsylvania)

FYI, the razor arrived today from Standard Looking forward to tomorrow’s shave!

Question on those who have had different handles from Carbon. I have the Ti handle (straight handle) and the knurling is not crisp or sharp enough for me to be able to comfortably grip it. Can anyone compare the feel or knurling on the stainless handles such as an R2? I may want to give that a shot but also have concerns that I am going to need something wider in diameter. It's pretty hard for me to hold the handle with confidence. Not to say the Ti handle is bad but I've found the handle that works best for me and I haven't thought about needing or wanting to try more handles in years. It's worth giving the head a shot with one of Carbon made handles.Thanks for your help guys.

I’ve got the R1 R2 and RCu (copper R2).  

The knurling on all 3 handles are very “super grippy diamond knurl.”  It’s my opinion the knurl on the SS and Cu are equivalent to the knurl of a Weber handle.  Obviously doesn’t say much if you’ve never used a Weber handle. You can put as much soap as possible on your hands, pick these handles up, they will NOT slip-n-slide ever, not possible.  

I’ve been using my Carbon handles with other heads specifically because of their grip (Gillette NEW on a Carbon RCu). 

I cannot speak for the Ti, I’m about a month away from that purchase. 

That copper handle is beautiful.