I am often asked which Carbon base plate is best for me. Each of our base plates offers a unique shaving solution depending on your skin type, hair type, shaving frequency, and preference.
When it comes to achieving the perfect shave, the right tools are paramount. As a purveyor of luxury safety razors, we understand that shaving is highly personal. That’s why our base plates—Original, Mild, +, and ++—are designed to meet diverse grooming needs. This guide will help you navigate these options and also consider how razor blade selection further refines your shaving experience with Carbon Shaving Co.
Why Base Plate and Blade Pairing Matters
Choosing a base plate is only half the story. Blade choice can dramatically expand the range of performance. Finding a combination that works for you will reduce razor burn, ingrown hairs, and deliver smoother, healthier skin.
Note: While this guide focuses on hardware, don’t overlook quality software. A slick shave soap, pre-shave oil, and nourishing aftershave balm complete the experience. See our skin care line here(link: https://carbonshavingco.com/collections/skin-care )
Understanding Our Base Plates
Each Carbon base plate is precision machined to tolerances as fine as 0.001mm. Subtle differences in blade gap and exposure lead to dramatically different performance. Our Cx single-edge DE razors use a “pinch design” that holds the blade tightly at the top and bottom, letting the unique qualities of each blade shine.
Original Base Plate
- Blade Gap: 0.68mm
- Blade Feel/Exposure: Most positive, most blade feel
Best for coarse hair and experienced shavers. Delivers strong blade feel and efficiency. Adjusting the angle can help make it more comfortable on sensitive skin.
Mild Base Plate
- Blade Gap: 0.71mm
- Blade Exposure: Least blade feel
Ideal for daily shaving, sensitive skin, or those new to safety razors. Offers a smooth and gentle experience.
+ Base Plate
- Blade Gap: 0.88mm
- Blade Exposure: Medium
A well-balanced plate. Smooth with enough power for coarse or dense hair. Great for every 2–3 day shavers.
++ Base Plate
- Blade Gap: 1.08mm (Largest blade gap)
- Blade Exposure: Medium to low blade feel
High-efficiency for those who shave infrequently or have thick growth. Great when paired with a sharp blade for maximum performance. This plate works well for those who shave infrequently(1-2x per month).
Matching Razor Blades to Base Plates
Gillette Nacet
- Feel: Mild
- Best With: Mild, Original
Excellent for sensitive skin. Tames aggressive base plates like the Original.
Astra
- Feel: Balanced, affordable
- Best With: All plates
Reliable and budget-friendly. Our benchmark blade for testing new razors.
Kai
- Feel: Sharp, slightly wider, stiff/thick blade
- Best With: Mild, ++
For users seeking maximum cutting power. Ideal for tough growth and infrequent shaving.
Gillette Blue
- Feel: Mild
- Best With: Original, +
Balances high-exposure plates while still delivering smooth results.
Try a sampler pack to explore more blade options like Feather, Shark, Bic, or Personna. I talk a lot more about DE razor blades here(Link: https://carbonshavingco.com/blogs/resources-and-blog/razor-blades-for-your-safety-razor )
Recommended Combinations
1. Sensitive Skin, Fine Hair (Daily)
Combo: Mild Base Plate + Nacet or Gillette Blue
2. Coarse Hair (Every 2–3 Days)
Combo: + Base Plate + Astra or Kai
3. Thick Growth (Every 4–5 Days)
Combo: ++ Base Plate + Nacet or Kai
4. Versatility Seekers
Combo: Original or ++ and a sampler of blades for adjusting as needed
Conclusion
The right base plate and blade combination transforms shaving from routine into ritual. Whether you want a gentle daily shave or a high-efficiency tool for coarse hair, Carbon Shaving Co. offers precision solutions built to last.
Still unsure? Reach out—we’re happy to help and find the plate that works for you.