Karve Base Plate Selection

Hi Folks,

With the Karve wait list currently at 200 (150 aluminum + 50 titanium), I thought I would start a new thread to discuss "plate selection".  Perhaps current Karve owners can help those on the wait list with their future purchase?

I will start ... my top 3 razors are:  Rockwell 6 S on plate #4, RazoRock Game Changer (0.84) and Edwin Jagger DE 89.

I am on the Aluminum wait list.  Any recommendation would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Hi Folks,

With the Karve wait list currently at 200 (150 aluminum + 50 titanium), I thought I would start a new thread to discuss "plate selection".  Perhaps current Karve owners can help those on the wait list with their future purchase?

I will start ... my top 3 razors are:  Rockwell 6 S on plate #4, RazoRock Game Changer (0.84) and Edwin Jagger DE 89.

I am on the Aluminum wait list.  Any recommendation would be appreciated.

Thank you.

I’ve only used Rockwell 6S from that list.
To me, Karve plate SB-C feels like plate #3, but has the efficiency of plate #4.
Karve SB-D feels more like #4, but has the efficiency of plate #5.


Having said that....
I’d suggest you go for the daily shaver kit, which comes with three baseplates: SB-B, SB-C and SB-D.
Obviously more expensive, but not by a huge amount for the aluminum one. It will give you more flexibility, and allow you to work out which plate works best for you, as there are so many factors involved... how often you shave, how many passes, etc, etc... YMMV and all that.
Considering you’re likely to wait a long time before you get it, it would be a shame to then realise the baseplate doesn’t suit you, if you only get one. Worst case scenario, you can probably easily sell the extra plate(s) after that, since there is always a wait for aluminum Karve parts.

Hi Folks,

With the Karve wait list currently at 200 (150 aluminum + 50 titanium), I thought I would start a new thread to discuss "plate selection".  Perhaps current Karve owners can help those on the wait list with their future purchase?

I will start ... my top 3 razors are:  Rockwell 6 S on plate #4, RazoRock Game Changer (0.84) and Edwin Jagger DE 89.

I am on the Aluminum wait list.  Any recommendation would be appreciated.

Thank you.

I currently own the Karve B plate and D plate and a Rockwell 6s.

For me, I would say the B plate is about a 3/4 and the D plate is a 6ish. To give you some real life examples, the B plate will be a mindless shave and has a low likelihood of cutting open zits/bumps. The D plate requires attention and can potentially cut open blemishes and leave you with weepers. I think the B plate will be closer to the #4 setting and the C plate will be closer to the 0.84 Game Changer.

Start with a Karve C plate and then go from there....if you need anything else.

I agree with B correlating with plate 3/4 on Rockwell and D being around 6 in terms of face feel. I think the daily shaver kit is a great recommendation. Karve have some questionable customer service but there is no question their product is top notch. Something to note is if you get more plates beyond D is that you can prolong the use of individual blades by upping the aggression as the blade dulls. It adds another fun aspect to wetshaving

I have the B and D plates, and for me C is likely the sweet spot. On the Rockwell, I use the 4 and get BBS ATG shaves with almost no irritation. To me a D plate is more similar to the 5 plate.

I was very new to DE shaving when I ordered my Karve brass razor. It was suggested that I start with the SB "B". So I ordered the B & C SB plates. For what ever reason I started with the C plate and have never used the B plate. I now have B-E plates in both SB & OC.

When I ordered the OC plates (B & C) it took me a while to work up the courage to use them. Once used I really like OC plates and ordered them in both of my Timeless .95mm (SS & Ti) and in my Blackbird SS.

As my technique improved I wanted more efficient plates. The E plates are probably as far as I will go, but I can now pick a plate from a relaxed shave to a more efficient one. The claim is the OC plate shaves about one more efficient than the SB plate or OC "C" = SB "D". I would suggest two plates SB "C" & OC "C". This gives you a nice variety, and you can always sell what ever you don't like.

I can only comment as a past owner, having sold my SS Karve but I was using very mild plates. A, B and A OC. I don't think I'd like the C plate but would be interested to try the AA plate.