Cx-316L / Web

The Carbon Cx was designed around a simple principle: use material where it matters and remove it where it doesn't.

Precision machined from premium 316L stainless steel, the Cx combines a thin head profile, close-edge blade support and our distinctive Web base plate in a stainless-steel razor designed for precision, balance and maneuverability.

At approximately 88 grams with our full-length 92 mm / 3.6-inch R2 handle, the Cx retains the substantial character of stainless steel without unnecessary mass.

Designed, precision machined and individually hand finished in Minneapolis.

Made in Small Batches

We produce the Cx 316L in small batches, which means it will sometimes be temporarily out of stock.

We'd rather take the time required to machine and finish each razor properly than rush production simply to keep every configuration continuously available.

As new razors are finished, we make them available.

If the Cx you're looking for is currently sold out, enter your email below and we'll let you know when the next pieces are ready.

What Makes the Cx Different

The Cx was developed as a complete razor. The cap, base plate, handle and blade geometry were designed and balanced to work together, with material carefully controlled throughout the razor.

The Web Base Plate

The distinctive Cx Web plate began with a simple idea: remove material that isn't structurally necessary.

Its open architecture reduces weight, allows water, lather and shaving debris to move freely through the head, and gives the Cx one of its defining visual characteristics.

The concept was partly inspired by the openings found in vintage Gillette Tech base plates, but the Cx Web geometry was developed through CAD design and multiple rounds of prototyping.

Less material. Not less structure.

A Thin Head Profile

Vintage stamped safety razors could achieve remarkably thin profiles because their components were formed from sheet metal rather than machined from solid metal.

That compact geometry helped inspire the Cx.

Both the cap and base plate are deliberately machined thin, creating a slim, compact head that allows easier access beneath the nose and around detailed areas of the face.

Machining thin components from solid 316L stainless steel is more demanding than simply leaving additional material in place.

The Cx is thin by design, not by convenience.

The Cx Pinch Design

In many traditional safety razors, including vintage designs, the blade is curved into position between the cap and base plate but remains unsupported from beneath as it approaches the cutting edge.

The Cx Pinch Design uses a different approach. The cap and base plate clamp—or “pinch”—the blade from above and below close to the cutting edge, providing additional support where the blade is thinnest and most exposed.

The result is a more rigidly supported double-edge blade—an approach intended to bring some of the stiffness associated with a straight razor to a much thinner DE blade.

A thin blade benefits from solid support.

Designed Without Unnecessary Weight

A stainless-steel razor doesn't have to be excessively heavy.

The thin cap, thin base plate, Web architecture and R2 handle all remove material strategically while maintaining the balance, geometry and structure required by the Cx.

The full-length 92 mm / 3.6-inch R2 handle was designed to provide secure, comfortable control without unnecessary bulk. Its approximately 13 mm diameter provides a substantial gripping surface while maintaining the balanced proportions of the razor.

The complete Cx 316L weighs approximately 88 grams.

The objective wasn't simply to make a lighter razor.

It was to use material efficiently while creating a razor that feels balanced and natural in the hand.

Why 316L Stainless Steel?

Not all stainless steels are the same.

Grades such as 303 and 304 are commonly used for machined stainless-steel products. We chose 316L because we wanted a premium stainless steel particularly well suited to a razor that will spend its life around water and humidity.

316L contains molybdenum, which contributes to greater resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion than 303 and 304, one reason we consider it particularly well suited to a product routinely exposed to water and humidity.

That performance comes with a manufacturing tradeoff. 316L is more difficult and more expensive to machine than either 303 or 304 stainless steel.

For us, that tradeoff is worthwhile.

316L is widely used in demanding applications, from medical equipment and devices to premium stainless-steel watches, where corrosion resistance, durability and surface quality matter.

We chose the material for the product, not because it was easier to machine.

Finished by Hand

Precision machining establishes the geometry of the Cx. The final surface is created afterward.

Each Cx is individually hand finished in our Minneapolis shop through multiple stages of surface refinement.

Through our experience working with different grades of stainless steel, we've found that properly prepared 316L develops an exceptionally bright, deep and highly reflective polished surface.

That character is particularly apparent in our High Polish finish.

The machine creates the form. Refinement creates the experience.

Choose Your Finish

High Polish

Our most refined stainless-steel finish.

Each razor is progressively finished by hand to create the bright, highly reflective surface that has become characteristic of a polished Carbon Cx.

This is not simply a machine finish followed by a quick buff. Multiple stages of surface preparation are required before the final polish is achieved.

Fine / Brushed

Each razor is first refined to a near-polished surface before receiving a fine directional brushed finish.

The result is quieter and more technical in appearance while retaining the same underlying preparation and Cx geometry.

The underside of the cap in both finishes receives a contrasting satin finish.

Minor machining characteristics may remain on functional and non-cosmetic surfaces, particularly on critical dimensions surfaces.

Built Around the Cx

The material determines much of the weight, balance and tactile character of the razor.

The selected Cx base plate determines the fundamental shaving characteristics.

Mild (–) | .71 mm

Our mildest option. Recommended for those who prefer less blade feel, shave frequently or have sensitive skin.

Original | .68 mm

The original Cx configuration, with more noticeable blade feel and considerable control through shaving angle.

Plus (+) | .88 mm

A versatile balance of efficiency and reduced blade feel. A strong choice for denser growth or shaving every few days.

Plus Plus (++) | 1.08 mm

Our most efficient option, intended for heavier growth, longer intervals between shaves or those who simply prefer greater efficiency.

Learn how Cx blade gap and exposure change the shave →

Technical Details

Material: 316L stainless steel
Construction: Three-piece double-edge safety razor
Design: Carbon Cx with Web base plate
Designed & precision machined: Minneapolis, USA
Finishing: Individually hand finished in Minneapolis
Handle: R2 ergonomic handle
Weight: Approximately 88 grams / 3.1 oz
Handle length: Approximately 92 mm / 3.6 in
Handle diameter: Approximately 13 mm / 0.5 in at its widest
Base plates: Mild, Original, Plus and Plus Plus
Blade exposure: Positive; varies by selected base plate
Finish options: High Polish or Fine / Brushed
Matching stand: Optional

316L or Grade 5 Titanium?

Choose 316L if you prefer a more substantial, planted feel and the bright, traditional character of finely finished stainless steel.

Choose Grade 5 Titanium if you prefer significantly less weight and the distinctive feel of titanium.

Both share the fundamental Cx design: a thin head profile, Web base plate, close-edge blade support and four base-plate choices.

Same Cx engineering. Different character in the hand.

Explore the Grade 5 Titanium Cx →

Made in Minneapolis

The Cx is designed, precision machined and individually hand finished in Minneapolis.

From the original CAD design and prototypes through machining and final surface refinement, we've intentionally kept the Cx rooted in the city where Carbon began.

That allows us to stay close to the product, continually evaluate the details and refine the Cx as our design, manufacturing and finishing processes evolve.

The result is a razor shaped by both precision manufacturing and hands-on finishing.

Designed here. Machined here. Finished here.

Caring for Your Cx

After shaving, rinse the razor thoroughly and allow it to dry. There is no need to disassemble the Cx or remove the blade after every shave as part of normal care.

For periodic cleaning or when changing blades, disassemble the razor and use warm water, mild dish soap and a soft toothbrush.

For High Polish razors, avoid abrasive cleaners or polishing compounds unless you specifically intend to alter the surface finish.

If your preferred configuration is currently sold out, enter your email below and we'll notify you when more are available.