Moved on to R41 after less than a month of wetshaving

[Hohn]

So after breaking my DE89L by dropping it, I ended up ordering a replacement DE89BA and couldn't resist the allure of the R41 to go with it.

When the delivery arrived, I decided to go for broke and try the R41. It seems that I'd be better at using the R41 with more shaves on it vice the DE89. Keep in mind my only DE experience heretofore had been DE89l/feather.

First shave with the R41 was not so hot. I was using a LOT of angle (nearly normal to my skin) so as not to be too aggressive. The incuded Derby wasn't impressing me. Lots of tugging and skipping. It needed a lot more effort to push through my average beard than the DE89/feather combo. ATG was very scary-- lots of scraping. Not too much damage-- just a couple like pinpricks nicks and very little drama.

Next shave I decided to swap in an Astra. I also decided to only go WTG with this blade in the R41. Result? Amazing shave for only two WTG passes. Not BBS, but only my wife would ever know the difference.

Next shave I decided to get brave and do a full 3 pass W,A, and XTG. Result was more irritation and 4 or 5 nicks, with a particularly ugly neck weeper.

The R41 is a very capable razor-- far more capable that I am at getting the best out of it. But I think that in time I will master it because I have seen flashes of brilliance from it. (It's an especially marked improvement over the DE89 in the under-nose and lip-to-chin crease areas. That thinner head really improves the access to tighter spots.

So far I like the Astras almost as much as the Feathers. I haven't tried a Feather in the R41 because frankly that scares me a little. I'd like to get more "stick time" on the R41.

So far, so good. I think the R41 is a keeper, and that eventually it will be relaxing instead of fatiguing (from needing so much concentration) to use.

JH

[Sledgehammer39]

Congrats!

[mistervee123]

R41? I'm impressed.

[noahpictures]

Congrats! Along with Astra SP, the different Personna blades (Personna RP, Lab, Med Prep/Hospital Use) match well with the R41 in my experience.

[chrishall314]

Is the primary difference between those razors the fact that the R41 is an open comb?

[celestino]

Wow, you are a brave fledgling! You should try the Israeli Personna Blues. Very nice blades.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/100-Israeli-Personna-Double-Edge-Safety-Razor-Blades-/130583633583?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e67641eaf
Good luck with the R41!

[jamesspo]

No, the primary difference is in the amount of blade exposure (the amount of blade protruding past a line tangent to the cap and guard). The more exposed the blade, the less "protected" you are from the blade by the cap and guard. How much blade exposure one needs to get a really close shave is highly variable from person to person. All else being equal (including shaving skill), some folks benefit from having more blade exposure, depending on beard thickness, angle of hair growth, and many other factors.

Blade exposure can be had with both a solid guard bar and with an open comb, it's just a matter of the head geometry. Open combs are sometimes associated with being aggressive, but that's really a misnomer (and probably because the vintage Gillette open combs are relatively aggressive). There are open comb razors that are very mild, like the Merkur 11C, or the Merkur open comb travel razors. It just depends on the geometry of the head, and how much the blade "sticks out".

Here's a good thread that illustrates the effect of head geometry on blade exposure, and the range of effective shaving angles that results from that exposure.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/162987-Photo-Analysis-of-Razor-Designs


Is the primary difference between those razors the fact that the R41 is an open comb?

[Hoops]

The R41 takes some getting used to. Its my daily razor for my face. I still cant shake off the redness it gives on my neck so I use the DE89 for my neck. The set up works incredibly well for me.

Keep going and you will soon master the R41!

[dieselfuel79]

Great post on your experience.

[Hohn]

Just thought I'd update this.

Since I've been using the R41 (mostly) for about two weeks now, I pitched the Astra a put in a Feather. Yes, a Feather.

No, I did not instantaneously emit enough blood to supply the local hospital (I'm O-neg). It was actually pretty good. A couple tiny spots that the alum block instantaneously addressed, and on my way.

I'm happy with the R41/Feather setup. The trick seems to be using quick, short strokes. That's rather counterintuitive, since ever fiber of your being will say GO SLOW! But the slow strokes seem to make me want to push down, and I don't need to tell you want this razor/blade combo is capable of doing if you make that mistake.

Nope, short quick strokes with either MWF or Proraso seem to work rather well. I can do a three-pass with very little irritation.


I don't have a particularly tough beard, as far as I know. I have had good results with the Feather/DE89 as well, so I don't "need" the R41.

But I like the closeness of the R41. I can shave every OTHER day with the setup. With the DE89 I can (and should) shave every day.


I'm still learning the best techniques for the curvier parts of my face, but for the throat, jawline, and cheeks the R41/Feather is a winner.

[Calnell]

Congrats! I use an EJ89 and was tempted to get an R41 but decided against it. I'm not ready to play with the big boys yet

[dreadpirate]

My sympathies. I will send a case of styptic sticks. :biggrin1:

Just kidding ...