Karve is the New Wolfman

Why does someone need more gap than the .98mm that the D provides??? That's seriously a lot of gap. It would a Rockwell 8 plate. All gap does is increase available angles.

It may be stated as having a .98 mm gap, but it surely doesn't shave like it. My Blackbirds seem to have more blade feel than the Karve D plate, yet their blade gap is supposedly .58 mm, or so. Thus, I can see why some folks would prefer a more 'aggressive' bottom-plate with the Karve razor.

Why does someone need more gap than the .98mm that the D provides??? That's seriously a lot of gap. It would a Rockwell 8 plate. All gap does is increase available angles.

It may be stated as having a .98 mm gap, but it surely doesn't shave like it. My Blackbirds seem to have more blade feel than the Karve D plate, yet their blade gap is supposedly .58 mm, or so. Thus, I can see why some folks would prefer a more 'aggressive' bottom-plate with the Karve razor.

I get the feel thing. Given the configuration of the Blackbird head (just like my Clix), that doesn't surprise me. What does surprise are some people talking about efficiency lacking with the D which is another thing entirely. It does appear from this photo that the Karve has negative exposure (large guard span) and pretty rigid clamping both of which would contribute to a relatively mild feel.

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Blade gap is just one factor in determining the efficiency of a razor, in my experience. As noted above, the Blackbird has a smaller gap but, in my hand, the Blackbird is much more efficient than the Karve with a D plate. I'm one waiting anxiously for the F plate. I love the look and feel of the Karve razor, but I just can't get the close shave I expect when I use the D plate.

Blade gap is just one factor in determining the efficiency of a razor, in my experience. As noted above, the Blackbird has a smaller gap but, in my hand, the Blackbird is much more efficient than the Karve with a D plate. I'm one waiting anxiously for the F plate. I love the look and feel of the Karve razor, but I just can't get the close shave I expect when I use the D plate.

Blade gap has very little to do with efficiency thus my comments. Typically a larger gap just allows the shaver to be less concerned about angle. If the blade is kept at its optimum angle blade gap (all else being equal) won't impact efficiency at all.

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Blade gap is just one factor in determining the efficiency of a razor, in my experience. As noted above, the Blackbird has a smaller gap but, in my hand, the Blackbird is much more efficient than the Karve with a D plate. I'm one waiting anxiously for the F plate. I love the look and feel of the Karve razor, but I just can't get the close shave I expect when I use the D plate.

Blade gap has very little to do with efficiency thus my comments. Typically a larger gap just allows the shaver to be less concerned about angle. If the blade is kept at its optimum angle blade gap (all else being equal) won't impact efficiency at all.

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What features of the razor head determine efficiency then?

Blade gap is just one factor in determining the efficiency of a razor, in my experience. As noted above, the Blackbird has a smaller gap but, in my hand, the Blackbird is much more efficient than the Karve with a D plate. I'm one waiting anxiously for the F plate. I love the look and feel of the Karve razor, but I just can't get the close shave I expect when I use the D plate.

Blade gap has very little to do with efficiency thus my comments. Typically a larger gap just allows the shaver to be less concerned about angle. If the blade is kept at its optimum angle blade gap (all else being equal) won't impact efficiency at all.

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What features of the razor head determine efficiency then?

A head design which maximizes rigidity of the blade and facilitates presentation of the blade at optimum angle (range of angles really). The first is a rather controversial subject as to what contributes to rigidity/stability, I won't go into that. Positive exposure generally (again all things being equal) will mean more efficiency in that the blade is more likely to remain in proper contact with the skin over changes in the surface being shaved. It also cuts you though when angle and pressure aren't respected. This is why good technique like skin stretching is so important in getting a good shave from a mild razor with negative exposure.

Blade gap contributes only indirectly to efficiency by helping maintain contact at less than optimum angles. At least that's my understanding. Efficient razors like the Fatips and R41s, and my beloved Shake Sharps, you will note, have tiny blade gaps (R41 said to be .23mm). The Ikon Tech and Barbasol Floating Head have larger gap but still very moderate in comparison to many modern (or vintage adjustable) designs.

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Great info, thanks jmudrick.

...A head design which maximizes rigidity of the blade and facilitates presentation of the blade at optimum angle (range of angles really). The first is a rather controversial subject as to what contributes to rigidity/stability, I won't go into that...

The best example is the ever so subtle difference between a pre-war & a post-war Gillette Tech with the latter having better blade rigidity and a more smooth shave IMHO. The blade gap is 0.025" on all Techs that I have measured. The pre-war is not more aggressive as many believe, but rather less smooth which fools many into thinking it is more aggressive when it is not. It is a trick upon one's senses.

...A head design which maximizes rigidity of the blade and facilitates presentation of the blade at optimum angle (range of angles really). The first is a rather controversial subject as to what contributes to rigidity/stability, I won't go into that...

The best example is the ever so subtle difference between a pre-war & a post-war Gillette Tech with the latter having better blade rigidity and a more smooth shave IMHO. The blade gap is 0.025" on all Techs that I have measured. The pre-war is not more aggressive as many believe, but rather less smooth which fools many into thinking it is more aggressive when it is not. It is a trick upon one's senses.

Ah....if you can't get a really good shave with a Postwar Tech..well you just aren't doing it right. All .25mm of it. Admittedly it requires paying attention which not everyone is into.



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I just got my Karve this past Thursday.  3" handle with D plate.  Only two shaves in so far, but I'm hoping this is going to replace my ATT H2 and Rockwell 6S.  More testing is needed.

I can't say enough good things about the workmanship.  The handle IMO is absolutely brilliant.  So smooth to the touch, yet no slip, and looks gorgeous.  I'm buying one for my wife before the price goes up.  Crazy good deal.

It was VERY EASY for me to replace the 6S with a Karve. The Rockwell was far too bulky and therefore, uncomfortable to me.