Karve Overlander -- Thoughts And Impressions

I have the Overlander in Al, Brass, and Stainless. They all work great and very similarly. All are very good.

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 brass and stainless. The brass is the heavier one by a few grams but it's imperceptible when actually shaving. If you want to get an Overlander for cheap... Get brass. If you mind patina get stainless. Or you can get brass and have it plated. I felt that both had drag and polished both top caps to get them smoother and the drag went away. The brass polished very fast. The stainless took a bit and it's still not mirror.

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 brass and stainless. The brass is the heavier one by a few grams but it's imperceptible when actually shaving. If you want to get an Overlander for cheap... Get brass. If you mind patina get stainless. Or you can get brass and have it plated. I felt that both had drag and polished both top caps to get them smoother and the drag went away. The brass polished very fast. The stainless took a bit and it's still not mirror.

     I have the brass one and I picked it up already plated in rhodium. It is only an 8 g difference between brass and stainless so I'm sure you're right that it's imperceptible. I did get a bit of a shine on my top cap and plate for my Christopher Bradley when I polished it lightly. I don't know how much more difficult stainless is to get a shine on, but the brass was simple and I wasn't even aiming for that.

How is the rhodium holding up? From the emporium?

How is the rhodium holding up? From the emporium?

I haven't had it long, but nicely so far. It still looks new and has a nice, high shine. I don't know how long it has been plated, though. I was told it was done by Razor Emporium. It is beautiful.

How is the rhodium holding up? From the emporium?

I haven't had it long, but nicely so far. It still looks new and has a nice, high shine. I don't know how long it has been plated, though. I was told it was done by Razor Emporium. It is beautiful.

It does look very nice!

How is the rhodium holding up? From the emporium?

I haven't had it long, but nicely so far. It still looks new and has a nice, high shine. I don't know how long it has been plated, though. I was told it was done by Razor Emporium. It is beautiful.

It does look very nice!

Thank you. I agree!!!

Those are nice!!

Rhodium will hold up well.  Look at the old Gillette President razors.  

My opinion - best finish on a razor.

As I look at those plated razors... I think the clincher may be if you want the mirror polish... You should go with plated. The problem is that the plated brass is very close to the cost of stainless, which is a better metal (at least for me). But man... That mirror plating is nice. I wonder if nickel could get that nice?