Pass Around Carbon CX-316L including two new base plates

Ventastic

Forum GOD!
After a few more shaves in varying combinations, I think I have made up my mind.

Firstly, let me say that the only way to know what works for you is to try each of these plates yourself, there are no shortcuts here. The differences are so small that I can't imagine everyone experiencing them the same way.

Whereas initially I was quite fond of the + plate versus the ++ plate, I have since done some testing with the + versus the regular plate and have found the regular plate to offer similar blade feel, whilst being less harsh. I very much like the blade feel in the carbon. the combination of blade and smoothness I have found in the regular plate is what makes the razor so unique and fun to use. The + plate offers that carbon feeling, with some added efficiency and the tradeoff of feeling a bit harsh at times. If I had to choose one here, it would be the regular plate.

Onto the ++. For me, less blade, a nicely smooth shave and slightly more efficient (in most areas) than the regular plate. I have a trouble spot on my neck where the hair grows very flat. In the past, I have had better results in this area with more blade forward razors. I can't however do an ATG stroke here as it causes irritation and ingrown hairs. A WTG/XTG shave in this area with the regular and + plates leaves me with a good result, the ++ razor leaves considerably more stubble. HOWEVER, with the ++ plate and the reduced exposure, I can attempt a more ATG type stroke in this area and get a better result overall. This, in my eyes, makes the ++ plate extremely versatile.

If I could have only one plate, I would stick to the regular, as the combination of blade feel and smoothness is something I don't want to miss out on. Again, it is what makes the Carbon Cx so unique. Between the + and ++, I have to say that I prefer the ++ plate now. Whether I am willing to purchase the ++ plate depends on the next 2-3 shaves, where I will be comparing to other razors I currently have in my possession. It should feel different to those at least, as I like to have a bit of variety.

One more thing to those on this passaround that may not have had the chance to try the Carbon Cx regular yet. I would first try a few different blades to see which one works best. Until I found a good match, I didn't like the razor. Now it has become my favourite. I am nevertheless looking forward to my shave tomorrow, when I finally get to shave with something different again :happy:

So, 2-3 more days and comparison shaves with the ++ and some other razors. Wednesday/Thursday I'll be passing this onto @morr. I'll keep you all updated.
 

CarbonShavingCo

Forum GOD!
Artisan
Ventastic/Nishy/All - Thank you for the insight and perspective...keep us posted Ventastic! Thank you for the taking the time to share your thoughts...
 

Ventastic

Forum GOD!
Testing complete with the ++ plate. The last few shaves I have matched this with a few razors I have here. I have to say, for the level of efficiency offered, this is a very smooth operator.

When comparing the ++ to the regular, I mentioned missing the blade feel. A few days of using the ++ plate exclusively, there is no doubt that it still feels very much Carbon Cx. I like that an ATG stroke is an approachable endeavor due to the reduced exposure. The shave, for me, is nicely efficient and carefree.

So, who was this plate made for? Someone like me.
Will I purchase one? Very probable.

I missed the postman today, but the package goes out to @morr tomorrow, promise.

Thank you kindly for the opportunity offered by this pass-around.
 
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WildVieLong

Forum GOD!
I had the opportunity back in April to try the two plates from Sean directly. I won't go into all the details, rather told him I looked at this as a private opportunity to provide feedback. But I will share a little.

I see a few of you liked the ++ plate. It ended up being my preferred plate. It was the easiest, or most forgiving to do the necessary buffing with and not get irritation. I'm glad some of you are liking that plate too.
I'm generally a cap rider, but with the CX I get my best shaves being more of a bar rider. I used a very steep angle with the ++. I am a two pass daily shaver, WTG, ATG.

I see Sean is currently out of the new plates. I think someday I want to see if he will make me one in copper or damascus and I'd go with the ++ plate on that without question.
 

morr

Forum GOD!
Gentlemen, firstly I apologize for my absence from this thread and forum in general. I've had some things to sort, mostly related to repairing the damage due to recent flooding. Add a 4-month-old baby and a tireless 3-year-old that doesn't go to kindergarten to the mix as well as that I'm not working from home anymore...you get the picture.

I've had the Carbon with the extra plates for some time now and I'm ready to pass it along to the next person. I'll be PM-ing @ajc347 to arrange things further and I'll post my experiences as soon as I find some time (I'm writing this from my work, shhhh).
 

Ventastic

Forum GOD!
Gentlemen, firstly I apologize for my absence from this thread and forum in general. I've had some things to sort, mostly related to repairing the damage due to recent flooding. Add a 4-month-old baby and a tireless 3-year-old that doesn't go to kindergarten to the mix as well as that I'm not working from home anymore...you get the picture.

I've had the Carbon with the extra plates for some time now and I'm ready to pass it along to the next person. I'll be PM-ing @ajc347 to arrange things further and I'll post my experiences as soon as I find some time (I'm writing this from my work, shhhh).
Give me one of your Wolfmans and I‘ll write the review for you :roflmao:
 

ajc347

Forum GOD!
The razor is now with me and I had my first shave with it last night.

I used the ++ head as I had 7 days worth of growth to get through and thought I'd see how it fared as a head shaver at the same time. I ened up with mixed results.

I chose the R1 handle (as I have already found this to be the best of the handles with my standard plate razors) and used a Sputnik blade with the ++ plate shave through my stubble without issue. It gave a really smooth shave and this was quite unexpected given that the blade gap is1.08mm. I was expecting much more blade feel and was very impressed with my first use of this plate. I will have another shave with it either tomorrow or Monday.

The head shave was, unfortunately, not as good. I haven't used the R1 handle for a head shave before and it felt fiddly when shaving the back of my head. The razor struggled to cope and reminded me very much of the original Tradere SB in this respect. It just didn't feel efficient enough for the task and I had to make a final pass with a Head Blade to finish things off.

Thank you again to @Nishy and Sean for organising this pass around. I'm really looking forward to seeing the results I get with both of these plates over the next week. :)
 
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