(This post was last modified: 05-30-2018, 08:47 PM by LOOT.)
My first shave with the Karve was today. I got the E and F plates. I used the F with a Feather and went after 3 days growth. My initial impression... blade feel was decent as was efficiency but it does not cut as close as a 17-4, CG Lvl 3, Blackbird, WR1 80, or the king in my den WR1 86. It seems very forgiving and not apt to bite even with a Feather. I'd imagine with an Astra it would come close to "mindless". That's not bad because so is my Timeless 95. It is indeed very smooth though, likely approaching T95 smoothness.
I was skeptical of the matte finish but it's quite a handsome razor. It looks and feels like a workhorse. The one you might throw in a travel bag and not be too terribly concerned about nicks and scuffs. I'll likely keep it just for that purpose but it will need to shine in subsequent shaves to be reached for very often when I'm home....which is always.
I'm obviously in the minority here and maybe some more time under my belt with the Karve will change my mind about it.
With that said...for the price, it shines.