Karve Overlander -- Thoughts And Impressions

Huge fan of the Overlander. I started with the Brass, and used it for a while. I am typically one who likes a lighter razor (though, for some reason, it seems to depend on which razor.).

Later, I bought the aluminum and loved it so much I sold my brass and got a backup Alum.

Fwiw, I also see less Aluminum for resale... but that could be due to less initial sales. I choose to think it's because folks like it more. Lol. I'm biased here.

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I am huge fan myself now. Now I know why I have seen so many of them all over the place in SOTD pics. The combination of smoothness and comfort with incredible efficiency is outstanding. I do prefer the heft myself so I'm happy with the brass, but I'm still warming up to aluminum. It always surprises me how light they are when I pick them up. I have to get used to the lightness because I'm so used to heavier razors, but I am a little bit better with titanium because it has that little bit of extra weight, so it's kind of in between.

Its my favorite razor that I've used so far and I would be curious to see if anyone who loves the razor has had another razor beat it out. I know there are people that love blade feel so this razor would not be for them, but if you love the smoothness of this razor, what out there is smoother and just as efficient? I've had the brass for over a year and half and just ordered the stainless option.

Beat is a strong word, and depends on the day, but two razors that I often like at least as much as my SS overlander, and probably reach for more often, in order: #1.  H&S Efficient Ti, just as smooth, more efficient. #2.  Design94 Ti, slightly more blade feel, more efficient, still smooth enough for me. I like Ti. If Karve made a Ti overlander I would buy in a heartbeat.


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I appreciate the way you worded this and added some details. I think those points are valid especially if you can tolerate more blade feel. The H&S sounds like an interesting option to try. Thanks for pointing it out.

The Aylsworth razors that shaveSymptomatic likes better seem to be more aggressive and if you can tolerate that, those also seem like nice options for the price. I am pretty sure he likes more aggressive razors than I do as well.

I'm using aftermarket Ti handles on my overlander and I find them to be the sweet spot for sure. Its too bad that he doesn't make Ti anything. I really like the look of the overlander handle.

I can't remember correctly...but didn't the derby change their blades and they are sharper now?

I can't remember correctly...but didn't the derby change their blades and they are sharper now?

I'm not certain. The Derby blades I have are older. I have had them probably easily a few years. They kind of got lost in a shuffle and I really hadn't been using them at the time.

I have an Overlander in SS coming later today.  I tried to order an ATT Windsor Pro Aluminum that Razor Emporium had listed as in stock.  Turns out is was an error.  They Were going to give me a deal on the Overlander in Brass for the same price but, I decided to upgrade to SS.  Razor Emporium really gave me great customer support  After reading through this thread I am excited for it to come!

I have an Overlander in SS coming later today.  I tried to order an ATT Windsor Pro Aluminum that Razor Emporium had listed as in stock.  Turns out is was an error.  They Were going to give me a deal on the Overlander in Brass for the same price but, I decided to upgrade to SS.  Razor Emporium really gave me great customer support  After reading through this thread I am excited for it to come!

That’s awesome! I continue to be impressed with my Overlander. I also have the ATT Windsor Pro Aluminum with the SB90 plate. It is also a fantastic razor, very efficient. I just personally don’t reach for aluminum much. ATT is pretty hard to get now since they sold stick off before closing down. Good news is Blackland Razors is bringing ATT back.

The Overland is on my short list for my next purchase. I lean toward brass and it would be my first razor in that metal. Generally I prefer the heft of stainless and stay away from razors made out of aluminum, as they feel too light. That being said I only have a Lupo and a The Razor Company razors in aluminum so my experience is limited.

What would be the advantage or disadvantage of either stainless or brass in the Overland? I know the brass will tarnish, but I don't care about that. Curious from those who have used razors in both materials what their opinions are.

Its my favorite razor that I've used so far and I would be curious to see if anyone who loves the razor has had another razor beat it out. I know there are people that love blade feel so this razor would not be for them, but if you love the smoothness of this razor, what out there is smoother and just as efficient? I've had the brass for over a year and half and just ordered the stainless option.

My Kopparkant plus and Apex (both by Aylsworth razors) beat the overlander.

Where are they made?

The Overland is on my short list for my next purchase. I lean toward brass and it would be my first razor in that metal. Generally I prefer the heft of stainless and stay away from razors made out of aluminum, as they feel too light. That being said I only have a Lupo and a The Razor Company razors in aluminum so my experience is limited.

What would be the advantage or disadvantage of either stainless or brass in the Overland? I know the brass will tarnish, but I don't care about that. Curious from those who have used razors in both materials what their opinions are.

The Stainless is about 8g heavier and around $80 U.S. more. The brass will patina over time if you like that. I'm not sure of there are any distinct differences in performance. I only have the brass as I prefer the heft and generally do not go for aluminum due to the light weight. I would possibly just go for the one you like most aesthetically at this point, unless you have a desired budget. The brass will serve you well.

I have an Overlander in stainless steel and it is one of my favorites. I've had a few aluminum razors and ended up selling them all. I've had one (unplated) brass razor, a Christopher Bradley with several plates, and didn't like the smell (which was only evident when shaving under my nose) or the polishing required to prevent patina, so it was sold as well.

I doubt I'd be happy with an Overlander in any other metal. I just prefer stainless steel razors.