That's why a Parker Varent was actually in the running when I was looking for a razor. Crazy to compare the Parker with the Karve... but there it is. If the Karve does what I love as well as a R41 and smoother than a 41, my quest will be over. But I doubt it. That said - I got a birth-year slim coming in - maybe that'll do.I asked Chris that ? And he recommended 3 after looking at my face.
The one thing I don't like is the deal with the plates. Everyone is different. A endless question. If you bought all the plates you can go back and forth forever changing plates. I'd rather get a adjustable. Or if a old type works for you just get a old type. If you had one razor you would learn to use it. If you fell into the rabbit hole that is a different issue.
Remember. Guns do not kill people razors do. Just picture the headlines " California Man had a stash of 40 razors and thousands of deadly blades" It was clear he hated beards and had issues. California banned razor blades 4 years ago after a deadly attack. A local man shaved 21 snowflakes and clipped their man buns.