Cx-Kojin — Limited Edition

Kōjin is a Japanese deity associated with fire—a force capable of both destruction and transformation.

That idea became the inspiration for the Cx-Kojin.

Fire has always been central to working metal. In the hands of the craftsman, heat transforms raw material into something entirely different. The Kojin takes that ancient relationship between fire, metal and the forge and interprets it through modern materials and finishing.

At its center is a custom-forged Stainless Damascus cap made from layers of 304 and 316-series stainless steel. The cap is etched to reveal its forged structure, treated with a dark Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating, and then individually hand finished to bring the Damascus pattern back through the dark surface.

It is paired with a High Polish 316L stainless steel Web base plate and a handle combining stainless steel and carbon fiber—a contrast of forged pattern, dark DLC, reflective steel and modern composite material.

The Cx-Kojin was produced in small numbers and is now being completed as a finite Carbon Limited Edition. Once the remaining pieces from this production have been finished, the Cx-Kojin edition will be retired.

Fire transforms the material. The craftsman determines what it becomes.

Damascus Beneath the DLC

The defining element of the Cx-Kojin is its DLC-finished Stainless Damascus cap.

The Damascus is custom forged in the USA from 304 and 316-series stainless steels, creating a layered pattern within the metal itself.

Each cap goes through multiple stages of finishing. The Damascus is etched to develop the forged pattern, treated with a dark Diamond-Like Carbon coating, and then individually hand finished to bring the underlying pattern back into view.

The result combines two very different surface characteristics: the dark character of DLC and the organic pattern of forged Stainless Damascus.

Because the Damascus pattern exists within the material rather than being applied to its surface, every Kojin cap is different.

The pattern is forged into the steel. The finishing reveals it through the darkness.

Kojin — Fire and the Forge

The name Kojin draws from Kōjin, a Japanese deity associated with fire.

That connection to fire made the name particularly appropriate for a Cx centered around forged steel and the tradition of the blacksmith.

Fire can be destructive, but under control it becomes a tool—used to heat, shape and transform metal.

That idea sits at the center of the Kojin: a modern Cx constructed from advanced materials, but with its visual identity rooted in one of the oldest methods of working metal.

Fire transforms the material. The craftsman determines what it becomes.

Four Materials. One Design.

The Kojin combines materials we normally use separately within the Carbon collection.

The Stainless Damascus cap provides the forged pattern.

The DLC treatment gives the cap its dark surface character.

The High Polish 316L stainless steel Web base plate creates a bright contrast beneath the dark Damascus.

And carbon fiber reduces weight while giving the handle a distinctly modern character.

Despite its stainless-steel construction, the complete Cx-Kojin weighs approximately 51 grams.

Dark and bright. Traditional forging and modern materials.

A Finite Limited Edition

The Cx-Kojin was produced in small numbers around this particular combination of materials, finish and handle design.

It is not part of our regular Cx production, and we do not intend to continue producing this configuration indefinitely.

We are completing the remaining pieces from this production as a finite Limited Edition. Once those pieces have been finished, the Cx-Kojin edition will be retired.

Unlike our numbered six-piece editions, the Kojin was not originally created around a predetermined numbered quantity.

Each piece does, however, receive its own unique Carbon serial number.

Small production. Individually identified. When the remaining pieces are gone, the Kojin is finished.

Availability

The Cx-Kojin is finished individually, one razor at a time. It is not produced or kept in continuous inventory.

When another piece is finished, we make it available on the website and email customers who have asked to be notified.

Because each release may consist of only a single razor, receiving a notification does not reserve the piece. The finished razor is made available to everyone on the notification list and remains available until purchased.

If this Cx is currently unavailable, enter your email below and we'll let you know when the next one is finished and available.

These are finite Limited Editions. Once the remaining pieces from each production have been completed and released, that edition will be retired.

Finished one at a time. Released when ready. Finished when they're gone.

Built Around the Cx

The combination of materials gives the Kojin its individual character, but underneath them it remains a Cx.

The thin head profile, Cx Pinch Design with close-edge blade support, and distinctive Web base plate retain the fundamental engineering of the platform.

The materials determine the weight and character of the razor. Your 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

Edition: Finite small-production Limited Edition
Cap: Custom-forged Stainless Damascus with DLC treatment
Damascus composition: 304 and 316-series stainless steel
Base plate: 316L stainless steel
Handle: Stainless steel and carbon fiber
Construction: Three-piece double-edge safety razor
Design: Carbon Cx with Web base plate
Weight: Approximately 51 grams
Handle length: Approximately 92 mm / 3.6 in
Handle diameter: Approximately 13 mm / 0.5 in
Base plates: Mild, Original, Plus and Plus Plus
Blade exposure: Positive; varies by selected Cx base plate
Finish: DLC-finished and individually hand-finished Damascus cap; High Polish 316L Web base plate
Identification: Individually serialized
Production: Finite Limited Edition; this configuration will be retired once the remaining pieces are completed

Because of the nature of forged Damascus and individual finishing, pattern and surface characteristics will vary from piece to piece. Small machining or finishing characteristics may be visible under magnification or on functional surfaces where preserving critical dimensions takes priority.

Caring for the Cx-Kojin

After shaving, rinse the razor thoroughly and allow it to dry.

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

Avoid abrasive cleaners, metal polishes or aggressive compounds on the DLC-finished Damascus cap and carbon-fiber components, as they may alter the finished surfaces.

 

 

Kojin is the Japanese god of Fire. Kōjin embodies fire controlled, blacksmiths and sword makers historically have revered Kōjin because controlled fire was seen as a sacred power. He is said to destroy all impurity.

A combination of innovative materials makes this piece both beautiful and light. 316L stainless steel, carbon fiber and Diamond-like coated stainless steel Damascus, all USA sourced. Forged stainless steel damascus by master blacksmith at Chris Ploof Designs from his studio in Massachusetts. We chose this material and pattern special for our damascus Cx line.

Material: Stainless Steel Damascus (Grades 304/316), 316L stainless steel, Diamond-Like Coating(DLC) and Carbon Fiber. All USA sourced

Finish:

• The cap is individually etched, coated in a DLC coating, hand sanded and polished.
  
• High polished 316L stainless steel "web" base plate
• Each piece is marked with its own unique serial number
• High Polish Finish/forge marks - Some machine marks are visible. Some scratches also exist. These can be seen under the cap, on critical dimensions and when magnified.

Technical Specifications:

• ~51 grams total weight
• Positive blade exposure
• ~92 mm handle length (3.6 inches) - 13 mm handle diameter (.5 inches)
• Your choice of base plate 

Maintenance:

• We recommend keeping your razor clean, remove blade, use a soft tooth brush with dish soap and water to gently clean your razor. Pad dry your razor thoroughly after with a paper towel. Air drying is also OK.
  
• Periodically we also recommend sonic cleaning your razor in soap and water for 20 minutes(boiling also works), followed by a 10 minute soaking in alcohol to disinfect your razor.

What Base Plate is Right For You?

See how blade gap and blade exposure affect shave feel and efficiency.

Here are some additional notes to help you pick your Base Plate:

-/Mild Base Plate -  If you have sensitive skin, prefer less blade feel, have fine hair or just enjoy a mild shave, this is the one. Head shavers have enjoyed this one. This plate has our least blade exposure and a .71mm, our smallest blade gap. If you have sensitive skin, straight hair, curly hair or shave everyday...this is a nice choice.

Original Base Plate -  This was our first design configuration, what makes this plate unique is the added blade feel. It has a .68mm blade gap with positive blade exposure. This design offers a lot of user control with this exposure and gap configuration. For a milder shave, you can change the angle or “ride the cap” for sensitive parts like the neck. For other areas, you can still have a good amount of efficiency. I would not recommend this one if you have sensitive skin as it has blade feel. If you have course hair this could be a nice choice.

+ Base Plate -  We reduced the blade exposure from the original but increased the gap to .88mm. This is a nice option if you prefer less blade feel, yet still enjoy a higher efficiency in a razor. This plate is also a nice option if you have dense hair or only shave every 2-3 days...if you are unsure what base plate is right for you, this is probably the one. You still have a good amount of user control with the positive blade exposure to adjust the efficiency with technique and blade choice.

++ Base Plate -  This one is for those who like a very efficient, yet smooth option. This plate is still with positive blade exposure, but has less exposure than the + Base Plate. This razor has a larger 1.08mm gap. If you have coarse hair, shave every 4-5 days or just like an efficient razor, this would be the one.