Thanks for the plug Dave. Anyone here interested in trying out the Rex is more than welcome to sign up over at the other (Evil Empire?) if you’d like.
Now concerning the best modern DE, I can’t say much because I don’t happen to own some of the higher end or heavy hitters such as Timeless, Wolfman, Charcoal Goods and the like. The only upper end DE that I own is the Rex Ambassador Adjustable and a Blackbird SB. So, what I’m about to say here is just my personal experience with a particular razor that I’ve been using for the past couple of weeks that has given me just superb results. It has given me some of the best shaves from a safety razor that I have experienced in my shave journey.
A quick rundown of what I like in a razor. Blade feel, efficiency and relative smoothness. Doesn’t have to be buttery smooth, just not harsh. My more efficient Razors in my den are the Ikon Tech, the R41 Post 2011 (had a 2011 R41 but the cap post lost it’s coating and, well it was tossed into the shaving mortuary), PAA DOC EVO SS and the Kampfe Brothers Modern Brass Razor. All of these are efficient to very efficient at the cost of perhaps losing some smoothness with a step up required from the user in care to technique and touch. I get great shaves from all of them and they give me long lasting shaves rivaling some shaves from my straights.
What’s the razor? The Karve razor by CB. I must say Gents that this razor and shave system has gut punched me and has left my jaw clanging on the floor every time I use it. I had ordered a razor from Karve but it was delayed because of an increase in demand that was not expected by the small razor manufacturer. But, I got lucky about 3-4 weeks ago and purchased a kit from the b/s/t with the 3” handle that included both the C & D guard plates. Got in about 5-6 shaves with that set up that were excellent. Exceedingly smooth with good efficiency with minimal blade feel, a tad bit more with the D over the C guard. About a week and a half after purchasing that set, my order came in from Karve with the 3.5” handle and both E & F guard plates. Switched to that kit and it has been an amazing week and change with superb shaves that have left me speechless. Both offer a bump up in efficiency and blade feel yet, still stay relatively smooth and docile, especially on the F plate relative to the blade exposure and immense blade gap. Just amazing shaves one right after the other without sacrificing comfort or feel. That’s a tall order for any razor manufacturer to accomplish or attempt to achieve and I think, humbly that the Karve has meet that criteria. Fitment is precise, quality to machining specs are exacting and the overall presentation and feel of the product is top notch. Sure, it’s not as beautifully done as a Wolfman with it’s superb attention to detail and a polish that is second to none not to mention the amazing look and feel of the Timeless and Paradigm offerings that are modern works of art. But, what the Karve gives up in beauty aesthetically, it more than makes up for in form and function.
What I’m saying here is that it is a superb shaving system that delivers results comparable to the higher end razors, at least to those in my shave den. And the kicker? The price of admission is significantly lower than that of the other razors mentioned above. It kicked all their rear ends and took their lunch money when it comes to the $$$ to performance ratio.
I’m not saying it’s the best to date, just saying that in my den and shave tool regime, it’s making a strong case for itself in being the go to razor for whatever and whenever a shave is required whether it’s daily or after a couple days or more of growth. It’s a hell of a performer, hands down...
