Weekly Razor Review

[Errol]

Charcoal Goods Gen 3 Level #3 (USA)



As expected, the Charcoal Goods Gen 3 Level #2 razor performed magnificent, so I decided to follow up with the Charcoal Goods Gen 3, Level #3 this week. It bears the same features of the Level #2; chatter marked pattern on the cap, machined out back on the plate, diamond shaped blade posts located on the plate and corresponding holes in the cap. Where did that additional 30g of weight come from; the handle of course. Some of its additional bulk could be attributed to the Torpedo being a larger diameter than the Hammered handle, but more than 15mm of extra length has played havoc with the weight also.

I have always held firmly to the belief that the Charcoal Goods Level #2 was designed especially for me. Now that I’ve taken the time to review the Level #3, I’ve found it to be no slouch either, I could easily live with either razor. Efficiency was marginally higher than a Karve CB Level #D, but I feel there was less blade feel, making the morning shave so smooth and comfortable. The handle’s length and weight did not impress me especially when I know that Charcoal Goods had a range of much lighter handles. What a loss it was to the shaving community the day Charcoal Goods ceased production and closed their doors. Charcoal Goods delivered an honest performing razor that just kept on keeping on, it will be a long time before any other Artison steps up to deliver such perfection.

Blades Used – Gillette Super Stainless and Gillette Minora

Material – Brass

Weight – 120.7g

Blade Tab - Covered

Head Width – 44.48mm

Handle Length – 101.61mm

Handle Diameter – 12.56mm

Availability – Out of production

Final Word – Made for Errol

 

[LesC]

Charcoal Goods Gen 3 Level #3 (USA)



As expected, the Charcoal Goods Gen 3 Level #2 razor performed magnificent, so I decided to follow up with the Charcoal Goods Gen 3, Level #3 this week. It bears the same features of the Level #2; chatter marked pattern on the cap, machined out back on the plate, diamond shaped blade posts located on the plate and corresponding holes in the cap. Where did that additional 30g of weight come from; the handle of course. Some of its additional bulk could be attributed to the Torpedo being a larger diameter than the Hammered handle, but more than 15mm of extra length has played havoc with the weight also.

I have always held firmly to the belief that the Charcoal Goods Level #2 was designed especially for me. Now that I’ve taken the time to review the Level #3, I’ve found it to be no slouch either, I could easily live with either razor. Efficiency was marginally higher than a Karve CB Level #D, but I feel there was less blade feel, making the morning shave so smooth and comfortable. The handle’s length and weight did not impress me especially when I know that Charcoal Goods had a range of much lighter handles. What a loss it was to the shaving community the day Charcoal Goods ceased production and closed their doors. Charcoal Goods delivered an honest performing razor that just kept on keeping on, it will be a long time before any other Artison steps up to deliver such perfection.

Blades Used – Gillette Super Stainless and Gillette Minora

Material – Brass

Weight – 120.7g

Blade Tab - Covered

Head Width – 44.48mm

Handle Length – 101.61mm

Handle Diameter – 12.56mm

Availability – Out of production

Final Word – Made for Errol

@Errol I follow the Gen 1-2-3 models, can I just confirm the Level 2-3 etc are just the different plates and blade gaps? I’ve always “loved” the Gillette Aristocrat Gen 1-2 handles (and numerous copies, never quite there) but the handle on the razor from last week was a WOW factor for me. These 2 reviews of out of production razors were another “couple” I’ve pinned to revisit, your enabling skills are right up there