Karve Overlander Review – Built for Comfort

[MaineYooper]

I was reticent to part with my Overlander #2, but it made a minor contribution toward funding a bicycle rebuild (too many hobbies), and I'm glad it found a new home. I'm thrilled that you love it as much as I do.

I've thinned the herd down to two razors - my Overlander #1 and a Masamune. Ever since arriving at these two, I've surfed this forum with much less frequency.

There are great folks here, but since I came here with a gear focus, nothing even remotely tempts me since these two razors made my final cut (pun intended).

I have to confess to one exception. I keep looking at the Glacier Bison ... that color knocks me out

This would only be "retail therapy" however, and I must resist ;-)

... Thom

While I have not pared down my razors, I am in full agreement with you on the Overlander and the Masamune. I started with a brass OL, as my previous #1 razor was the Christopher Bradley, and I loved the addition of the wide body top cap, covering the exposed tabs. That razor (the CB) had me trim down my DEs to 3 vintage Gillettes and the CB! When Chris announced the Overlander, I bought it as soon as I heard it was out (yeah, I have been accused (by myself!) of being a Karve fanboy!).

Bad osteoarthritis had me sell my brass OL and get a SS version with a 3.25" handle. This is The One. But then I bought a used Dark Masamune and liked it so much that I bought the Nodachi head. But I don't use that much in any configuration, as if I pay attention to the razor, the Masamune shaves perfectly. I still gravitate towards the OL when I want close and comfy, and I don't know why. I have never done a shave using both the Masamune and the OL.

On a side note, as a gift to myself for a work-related issue, I bought an aluminum OL. Very light, and good looking, and totally redundant! And the vintage Gillettes have added one more, a Super Speed in what I call my "Shave Year," the year I started shaving but started with a cart that came as a direct mailer.

 

[Dov Shaves]

I find myself leaving a thin trail of soap after a pass. It might be the density of my lather, or that I don't lean on my razor too hard.

I face lather, and if anything, I tend to start with lather that's on the under-hydrated side. Previously, I was erring on the over-hydrated side of things and decided to approach my lather from the dry side - inching up to it.

After the first swipe, I'll gauge it and if it feels to dry/sticky, I'll hydrate my brush a bit and re-lather. As of late, I've taken to using a spray mist bottle for this purpose which is quicker.

I think Shane (Blackland) is one of the real good guys in our hobby, but I've yet to try any of his razors.

... Thom

Yeah, Shane's one of the good ones. Interesting that you mentioned erring on the under-hydrated side. I've been erring the other way the last year or so. I'm always experimenting, though.

 

[Galibier_Numero_Un]

... I have never done a shave using both the Masamune and the OL.

I've thought about using my Overlander for a first pass and then the Masamune for subsequent ones, but haven't done so yet. II'd estimate that the Masamune is a quarter to a half "click" milder than the Overlander.

When I've been using the Masamune for several days in a row and then shift to the Overlander, I find my muscle memory has me leaning into the Overlander (pressure) just a wee bit more if I don't pay attention.

Yeah, Shane's one of the good ones. Interesting that you mentioned erring on the under-hydrated side. I've been erring the other way the last year or so. I'm always experimenting, though.

I found it easier to add water with precision than to add more soap.

... Thom

 

[Dov Shaves]

On second thought, I might pass on the Masamune. I don't think I would want something milder. In fact, during my shave this morning with the Overlander, I was wishing that the Overlander was a wee bit more efficient or aggressive. I do prefer the 30 degree shave angle of the Overlander vs. the Christopher Bradley, though.
+

 

[Galibier_Numero_Un]

On second thought, I might pass on the Masamune. I don't think I would want something milder. In fact, during my shave this morning with the Overlander, I was wishing that the Overlander was a wee bit more efficient or aggressive. I do prefer the 30 degree shave angle of the Overlander vs. the Christopher Bradley, though.
+

I've only played with the full-on Masamune, along with a Masadachi (Masamune cap / Nodachi base plate). I'd say this latter combo was a half "click" more aggressive and efficient than the Overlander. It reminded me a bit of the Athena - which started to wear me down a bit by the third daily shave in succession. That might be what you're looking for.

From what I'd read, the reverse combo sounded to me as if it would be more like the Overlander (Nodamune - Nodachi cap / Masamune base plate). After my above experience, I suspect this combo would be another quarter to half "click" more aggressive yet.

There are some conversations on the "Samuari" thread about the Masamune and Nodachi blade angles. I don't notice a difference. I seem to adjust to 5 or 10 degree changes. 10 degrees is less than 2 minutes on a clock dial. Are we really that precise as we navigate a bumpy, curvy face?

... Thom

 

[Dov Shaves]

I sometimes enjoy having a razor on the horizon to try, but I'm typically a one, maybe two razor person. And, at the moment, I'm pretty satisfied with my Rockwell, and now the Overlander. But who knows, maybe I'll try another next year. Also, I honestly can't justify a >/= $250 razor when there are good $100 razors available. In terms of blade angle, I can't speak from a technical perspective. All I know is that all of the razors I've owned or tried have the standard 30 degree blade angle. When I tried the Christopher Bradley, which has a steeper angle, it was a little tricky to get a comfortable shave. For me, I prefer razors with a reasonably wide success window.

 

[Dov Shaves]

I discovered a very unexpected conclusion since I bought my Overlander in early August. I've been using it almost exclusively since then. It's a top performer for sure, it's precision as hell, and it's quite beautiful. But I found that it's secondary to my favorite razor, which is a Rockwell 6C. I'm surprised because the Overlander is so much more refined, and precise compared to the Rockwell. But I think the Rockwell, whether intentioned or not, is a more forgiving shaver. The design somehow accommodates stretchy, uneven skin better. I also like the Rockwell plates that offer more than one blade gap, and because they're a bit large, they're easy to flip over mid-shave. I always get a smooth, close shave from my Rockwell 6C, and it's forgivingness closes the deal for me.