Charcoal Goods Level 3: Aggressive Beauty
- Thread starter pbrmhl
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- #42
It was offered for sale to me by a kindly gent on this forum who knew I was into aggressive razors. I've not seen one for sale but, then again, I've never looked.
CzechCzar
Use the Fat, Luke!
Reason I ask is, I emailed Charcoal, and this is the response I got from Brian:
If you like the Ikon Tech you want my machined level-3 closed comb. I designed it with the iKon tech in the other hand. My only complaint with the Ikon was that i felt it often tugged too much. My design is a bit different in a number of areas but I feel like it is just as aggressive as the Ikon and mine's a bit smoother too, IMHO. I've had a number of guys agree with that assessment also.
I can't shave with my level-3 open comb. it's too aggressive for me, but again, I'm getting good feedback from aggressive junkies. A couple of early testers, myself included tried shimming my level-3 and we all agreed it was too much. turns out there is a limit!
If you like the Ikon Tech you want my machined level-3 closed comb. I designed it with the iKon tech in the other hand. My only complaint with the Ikon was that i felt it often tugged too much. My design is a bit different in a number of areas but I feel like it is just as aggressive as the Ikon and mine's a bit smoother too, IMHO. I've had a number of guys agree with that assessment also.
I can't shave with my level-3 open comb. it's too aggressive for me, but again, I'm getting good feedback from aggressive junkies. A couple of early testers, myself included tried shimming my level-3 and we all agreed it was too much. turns out there is a limit!
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- #45
Mine is an open comb. I suspect Brian is recommending the closed comb because that's what the Ikon Tech is. My open comb L3 is not noticeably more aggressive on my face than the Tech. I also just happen to like open comb razors.
Beautiful razors! Glad to see they are out of my price range. 
Ikon Tech is all I use anymore and while looking a bit utilitarian after visiting the Charcoal site, gets the job done quite enjoyably.
Thanks for the review!
Ikon Tech is all I use anymore and while looking a bit utilitarian after visiting the Charcoal site, gets the job done quite enjoyably.
Thanks for the review!
I should have ordered a Charcoal Goods razor when Brian was able to do custom length handles. I really want a hammered handle but he only makes that one 3" long and I want a 3.5" long handle. I also like the Stars and Stripes which is 3.5" long and may consider that one instead. The magnum hammered handle is just too large in diameter for my needs/wants.
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- #49
The Asylum RX has become my favorite SE, but I still think I get a closer, if more aggressive, shave with my Charcoal Goods Level 3 and PAA DOC Evo in stainless. I'm really enjoying all three, but I still use many others as well!
CzechCzar
Use the Fat, Luke!
thanks for your input. Do you have to be more careful with one or the other?
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- #51
For me, the PAA requires the most care, and the RX the least. The Ikon Tech requires more care than any of my other razors except the current Mongoose with a Super Pro. The latter combo is a beast on my face. Based on your responses, czechczar, I suspect you find the PAA more aggressive than the Ikon Tech?
CzechCzar
Use the Fat, Luke!
Much more aggressive. Though the Tech for me feels toothy, I don't find it particularly aggressive. I have cut myself once in the past year or so. The PAA was like walking a minefield - I think I might be able to get used to it but I am not sure...
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- #53
I haven't used the PAA DOC Evolution in stainless for well over a month but, based on today's shave with my Charcoal Goods Level 3 open comb in antique brass with a Kai blade, I've determined that the Charcoal is king of the hill. For me, it even outperforms the Asylum RX. I might change my mind tomorrow or the next day, but I doubt it.
CzechCzar
Use the Fat, Luke!
- Thread starter
- #56
For any of you planning to attend the meet-up in Seattle at the Collins Pub tomorrow: I'm planning to bring my Charcoal Goods Level 3 open comb in antique brass, and some blades. If you want to bring your gear, you're welcome to try it in the Collins bathroom. I've been there many times; it's not the best, nor the worst, of the public bathrooms you'll experience.
How's the finish holding up? Did you clear coat it ?
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