Interchangable Baseplate Razor August (IBRA 2024)

[JAHE]

Hi folks!

There is the Adjustable April, the Slantember, the OCtober... and many other monthly events that focus on a single type of razor. But to my knowledge, there is no event that exclusively focuses on razors with interchangeable baseplates. As yet.

This new event is intended to exclusively feature DE/SE razors with interchangeable baseplates in the month of August - therefore let's call it Interchangeable Baseplate Razor August (IBRA), shall we?

Here are the "rules" of IBRA 2024:

#1
All it takes is to give your razor(s) with interchangable baseplates some spins. This thread is open for every type of razor (DE/SE), vintage or modern, pricey or affordable - every razor is welcome, IF the baseplate of the razor is interchangable (one top cap but more than one baseplate is available - you get the idea) and YOU own MORE than one baseplate meant to use for said razor.

We'll start off on August 1st. In case you are late to the party just join in later, pls refer to rule #4

#2
The idea of this thread basically is to shave exclusively with razors that feature interchangable baseplates for the entire month of August (at least that's what I'll be doing again), but YOU don't necessarily have to participate every day (I likely won't either). This means that some will only participate with a couple of shaves, while others will do 31 shaves in a row. It's fine to participate every now and then, too. Whatever your plan is, you do you... see rule #4.

#3
Whenever you use a IBR, please post your shave. It's doesn't have to have a SOTD pic (although we REALLY love pictures), just tell us something about your shave and the razor... take the chance to compare different baseplates of your IBR and tell us about the differences in terms of efficiency and bladefeel. Tell us which is your preferred baseplate - and why.

#4
Have fun!

So, who's in?
Just copy & paste the list of the next post and add your name...

 

[JAHE]

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[Beto Salatini]

Great idea!
I’m in!


1) JAHE
2) Beto Salatini
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[Iridian]

I just wondered, how about baseplates that get flipped around?
Right now my only razor that has multiple plates is the Rockwell 6S, one could also argue one can exchange baseplates for the Game Changer and Lupo.

 

[JAHE]

I just wondered, how about baseplates that get flipped around?

Yeah, in the spirit of rule #4, let's count these razors in!
Bohemian: GO!

Right now my only razor that has multiple plates is the Rockwell 6S,

The Rockwell likely is the godfather of all IBRs, isn't it?

one could also argue one can exchange baseplates for the Game Changer and Lupo.

I'd absolutely say a Karve CB razor, Greencult 2.0, all those Razorock razor variants which offer the use of different baseplates with just one single top cap (Lupo, Game Changer, Mamba, BBS), Yates Model 921, Blackland B'Bird and Timeless razors (and some more models) shall be considered as IBRs in terms of this event and do quality if one has more than just one baseplate handy. The idea of the thread is to make use of the different baseplates and share some thoughts on the differences noted.

Cheers!

 

[Trollky]

Nice one @JAHE This sounds like a great idea so count me in.

1) JAHE
2) Beto Salatini
3) Trollky
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[Iridian]

OK, I am in then!

1) @JAHE
2) @Beto Salatini
3) @Trollky
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[DesertIguana]

Cool idea, but don’t own IBPR.

 

[Cafebarian]

Karve, RR gamechanger, Homelike Start all ready. (The only ones that I have other plates)

1) @JAHE
2) @Beto Salatini
3) @Trollky
4) @Iridian
5) @Cafebarian
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[JAHE]

It's great to have you all in, Gents!

 

[Trollky]

What will you guys be wielding for your debut IBRA shave? I shall be kicking off my month with the Lupo and the 58 plate. The 72 and 95 will follow as the weeks progress. I might sneak in a few 6S shaves too.

 

[JAHE]

I'm torn.

I'll either pick my Greencult 2.0 or I'll go down the whole Karve alphabet road

In any case, tomorrow's the day...

 

[JAHE]

Ok, let's kick off the event, shall we?

Day 1 - Karve CB SB-A baseplate

When I woke up this morning I decided to start IBRA 2024 with some shaves with the Karve CB. As pictured, I'll start off with the safety bar version of the baseplates and work my way "up" in the alphabet, up to the G-baseplate.

In order to be able to compare the shaves a bit better I have decided to use a fresh Wizamet blade for every shave. It's a upper mild to middle of the road blade in my books. Two passes (wtg / atg) will be done, no additional touch ups. Finally, I'll stick to one soap base as long as the IBR doesn’t get switched. So I'll use TGS soaps as long as the Karve CB is on duty.

I'll post my impressions later today...

Cheers!

 

[Trollky]

Lupo 58 today:

 

[Cafebarian]

First shave of IBRA 2024! Also photographic proof of multiple plate ownership (OC B-E)
Karve OC E plate in copper.

 

[cranewarrior]

I have the Game Changer. I think the AX-SE also qualifies..

1) @JAHE
2) @Beto Salatini
3) @Trollky
4) @Iridian
5) @Cafebarian
6) @cranewarrior
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[JAHE]

Day 1 - Karve CB SB-A baseplate

So the race is off. Overall, I had a very good start into IBRA '24.

Today's set up:
A fresh Wizamet Super Iridium w/ Karve CB SB-A baseplate. Two passes [wtg/atg], one day worth of growth were to be tackled.

Here's my "in a nutshell" shave evaluation:

Blade feel
● 0.5/10

Efficiency - whilst shaving
● 3.5/10

Efficiency - longevity of results
● 4.5/10 (daily driver)

Ease of use whilst shaving
● 11/10 ️

Ease of use to achieve the desired DFS+/almost BBS result:
● 4.0/10

JAHE's enjoyment score:
● 8.0/10

Final thought:
Sooo smooooth!

Here's why:

The SB-A baseplate basically is not a favourite of mine in the Karve alphabet of baseplates, because it requires some sort of a quite focused shave. No, I'm not talking about the risk of nicking myself (I'd say it is almost impossible with the combination of this blade and this mild baseplate), but I have to shave in a very precise way with it. What I'm trying to say is that it is quite easy to miss out a few spots, if you don't pay full attention or whenever you skip the third pass... especially if your beard growth has some weird swirly pattern as mine does on the neck and the jaw line.

On the other hand, and this is where the combo shined ever so brightly, this combo shaved soooooo damn smooth. Definitely a wow moment. I almost dIdn't feel the blade. Neither did I hear the whiskers being cut. Just a very muted humming when the perfectly clamped blade hit the hair.
So I decided to even apply some pressure to compensate the slightly negative blade exposure. That worked out free of redness and smallish weepers on my sensitive neck.

Overall, it was a remarkably easy DFS shaving result today. Had I added a third pass, the result would have been even closer. I would have achieved my desired shave result (DFS+ / almost BBS), without a doubt. So I would definitely have done that if it hadn't been for my IBRA test. But in August, I'm going to limit all my shaves to two passes - thus I called it a day. For today.

Cheers!

 

[Cafebarian]

Can't imagine using the SB-A, I find the OC-B light on the efficacy.

 

[JAHE]

Can't imagine using the SB-A, I find the OC-B light on the efficacy.

Well, my preferred mode of operation with the SB-A baseplate is a three pass shave and a very keen blade (read: a fresh Feather blade). This shave will last just until the end of the day, but isn't this what a daily driver should behave like anyway?

But, for sure, everyone's growth is different.

 

[Cafebarian]

Well, my preferred mode of operation with the SB-A baseplate is a three pass shave and a very keen blade (read: a fresh Feather blade). This shave will last just until the end of the day, but isn't this what a daily driver should behave like anyway?

But, for sure, everyone's growth is different.

As a once a week or more shaver, you make an excellent point.
*Full beard, shaving needs are neck and cheek lines along with head shaving