R41 - Going back to the Slant Tomorrow

[cfender]

I've used the new R41 exclusively for a month (give or take). I characterize my skill as competent but I don't think I've achieved the level of familiarity and skill that I had with my Slant.

Yes, I get BBS shaves and it seems like my initial passess are more complete and efficient but I still struggle with the touch up strokes and this is almost always where I give myself minor nicks or weepers. The ATG south to north strokes above my upper lip and under my nose are the most difficult to execute without weepers or nicks. The topography of my chin is also troublesome real estate.

I went for the R41 after I posted my question of whether anything could be more satisfying than the Slant. I was pleased with the Slant but still adventurous and the responses came back loud and clear GET A 2011 R41.

It's been a longer learning curve - especially since I'm still in it - than even when I transitioned from carts to my first DE (23c). The transition from the 23c to the Slant was also cake in comparison.

Despite my acceptance that I still don't really know the R41 I think that I'm experienced enough with it to now do a fair A/B with the Slant. I've been on the R41 now long enough that I don't remember what the Slant was like. Will it feel woefully mild and inadequate? Will it deliver the same results as the R41 but without the same danger of bloodshed. Will it be better for touching up but less effective for the full passes?

[Codfish]

...I still struggle with the touch up strokes and this is almost always where I give myself minor nicks or weepers. The ATG south to north strokes above my upper lip and under my nose are the most difficult to execute without weepers or nicks. The topography of my chin is also troublesome real estate.

For what it's worth, a couple of things: I found that the R41 does not like tentative strokes. If you're using them during touch-ups, you may have problems with weepers.

ATG (S to N) under the nose has always been a problem for me, no matter what razor I use. I solved the problem with horizontal (out to in) strokes on one pass, and diagonal (inverted 'V') strokes on the next pass. I have never had a closer shave in my upper lip area than with the R41.

As far as the chin, my XTG pass (diagonal, ear to chin) and second XTG (horizontal) pass do 90% of the work. A very light S to N pass completes any clean-up needed.

Good luck!

[El Dingo Satanico]

Some razors work better for some people. I don't have the cabbage to justify buying a $60 razor right now, but all this talk about the R41 has me looking on the BST boards for a good deal.

I had very similar problems to yours before I went to the slant I received as a gift last month. Before that, my go-to razor was a Sheraton. Now, the Sheraton is the best and most consistant razor I'd used up to that point, but it's not even in the swame time zone as the slant. But I also know there are folks that are reduced to a bloody mess just being in the same room as a slant. Could be technique issues, could be the fact that everybody's face and skin are different.

Like the OP, I wonder if when I go back to using the Sheraton, if it will feel harsh in comparison to the smooth-as-glass shaves I've been getting from my new razor.

[cfender]

I don't have the cabbage to justify buying a $60 razor right now, but all this talk about the R41 has me looking on the BST boards for a good deal.



.

FYI - These R41's are available online for about $37-39 from UK sites.

[ackvil]

FYI - These R41's are available online for about $37-39 from UK sites.

And the service is fantastic. Got my razor from Traditional Shaving in just a few days.

[El Dingo Satanico]

FYI - These R41's are available online for about $37-39 from UK sites.

And the service is fantastic. Got my razor from Traditional Shaving in just a few days.

Thanks for the info. I'll have to look some of those UK suppliers up.

[poidawgie]

And the service is fantastic. Got my razor from Traditional Shaving in just a few days.

Just priced one with the registered shipping - $43. I'll be in the corner kicking myself if you would all like to join in. Good to know for future purchases, and there will be more, I'm sure.