Karve Shaving Co. A new DE Brass razor to market.

All of the Karve razors are machined, not cast.

CNC machined

I finally got around to trying out my new stainless Karve. I went with the 3.5” handle and safety bar C&D plates at after reading all the reviews I could. I originally loaded up the C plate but a few final reviews made me switch up to the D plate for first go around. I typically shave twice a week. I need a smooth but very efficient razor and appreciate moderate blade feel. The most successful razors I have come across so far are probably the WR2 in 1.15 and 1.25 SB. They get me 95% cleared out on my first pass with the utmost comfort leaving my full face XTG second pass as essentially one large cleanup pass if you will.

While I would say the first go around was a success...I don’t think I will ever use the C plate I have. The D plate to me offered up some blade feel and was pretty effective in handling my 3.5 days growth on the first pass. It is a smooth razor with very good blade rigidity. Feeling my face after the first pass I had noticeably more stubble than I’m used to but not an obscene amount. Final second pass went well but found myself craving more blade feel and efficiency ultimately. I immediately put in an order for a a SB E plate. In typical fashion it’s been a week or so since payment but the order is still unfulfilled. When it gets here it gets here. In the meantime I’ve put a WTT up the other day if anyone is interested in swapping a stainless C plate for a stainless F plate. I’m confident with what I’ve seen so far that with the right plate this razor can be a winner. Once I have on hand the plates I want I’ll try harder to give the razor the dedicated time it needs to give a thorough evaluation. The one other observation I have is that the surface of the stainless Karve (unsure if it’s a bead blasted treatment or due to the passivation) is definitively not as slick as a polished razor. There is a mild resistance in glide compared to a polished WM head for instance...and even when just rinsing the razor under water the water seemed to “adhere” to the head longer. I noticed in wiping the head down with a cloth after the shave that parts of the cap wouldn’t wipe completely clean and maintained the dull hue of soap residue. Not saying this as a positive or a negative, just trying to verbalize what I found regarding the texture of the Karve stainless surface compared to polished stainless heads like Wolfman as well as other 303 heads like the original ATT that are more of a brushed finish. This is a good and potentially great razor. Eagerly awaiting my next plate.

I immediately put in an order for a a SB E plate. In typical fashion it’s been a week or so since payment but the order is still unfulfilled. When it gets here it gets here.

It is wise to set your expectations low when it comes to Karve razor order fulfillment. There really seems to be no sense of urgency when it comes to timely delivery of a product for which one has paid. The implied message seems to be that one should be honored and grateful for the privilege of placing an order for a Karve razor that one will receive at some undetermined time in the not distant, but not near, future.

Does Karve have any SS parts at all? I was going piece meal to add the parts together when they became available. Everytime I check they are out of all SS.

Does Karve have any SS parts at all? I was going piece meal to add the parts together when they became available. Everytime I check they are out of all SS.

Only brass are in stock

Does Karve have any SS parts at all? I was going piece meal to add the parts together when they became available. Everytime I check they are out of all SS.

based on social media, stainless and aluminum should drop soon. I also like the raw aluminum he posted. Kinda wish he would skip the anodizing for some. https://www.instagram.com/p/B4k3YxunaO4/

A limited number of polished stainless razors, stands, all 8 SB plates, and 4 handle lengths will drop today at 12PM EST on the Karve site.

Finally getting into the territory I like with my first go around with the SB E plate. Efficiency was there and the blade feel I like was more apparent. I ordered a SB F plate today. The E plate while not as efficient or comfortable as my beloved WR2 1.15 ( the DE I use the most right now ) after the first pass...delivered the same final result after my standard second pass. I’m hopeful my quest will end with the F plate I ordered and then I can call it a day and get a lot more shaves under my belt. The whole point of my Karve purchase was to have a perfectly competent rigid blade travel razor that shaved and felt similar enough to my WM setups that I know I won’t travel with. The blasted stainless finish will hold up better to scratches as well compared to my polished Wolfmans. This is not to take away at all from the razor as a whole. It is a well designed great shaver once the right plates are identified. I would recommend anyone to give it a try. I also wouldn’t hesitate for a new shaver to buy one as well as there is something there for everyone and the price won’t kill you. I would have saved a ton of money and wasted time if as a new shaver years ago I jumped in with a nice used Karve off the BST with say a C plate as a starter and then worked my way higher or lower.

A limited number of polished stainless razors, stands, all 8 SB plates, and 4 handle lengths will drop today at 12PM EST on the Karve site.

As well as the regular matte SS and Aluminum. All are now available for ordering and immediate (well, supposedly) fulfillment.

I had the brass Karve with the E and F SB plates gotten second hand from a member on DFS. The F being good I bought a G SB and F OC from the Karve site. I found these to both be very efficient, and smooth enough.

So today the polished stainless came online and I went for the polished complete razor with the G plate. 

Afterwards I loaded up a 2nd use Feather blade in my brass G SB and had a great shave. I was second guessing myself as to whether I should have went for the polished stainless.

Turns out I am glad I did. Remains to be seen if I'll feel the same when I receive the new razor. I have high hopes.