Brotherhood of the Open Comb

[fijiblue]

Hi guys:

I am having trouble with the harshness of the Muhle R41 Grande. I hear that the 2011 version of this razor is far more aggressive than 2010. I have tried different blades, have focused on no pressure, have tried different creams and soaps, but this razor is getting the better of me...especially on my neck. I don't get too many sweepers or cuts, it's just that sometimes I get a horrible shave: lots of red irritation on the neck and the shave isn't close (lots of little prickles left over). Any suggestions? Thank you.

The learning curve of the '41 is a bit steep but once you get it, its one of the best shavers out there. Try playing around with the angle of attack. For me the R41 takes a completely different approach than any of my other razors. I know its been mentioned before, but a heavier handle will completely transform the way this razor performs.

If you can't get it to work for you though, you will have no trouble selling it. I would encourage you to try a heavy handle, but if it really just doesn't work for you there there is no use beating up your face for a month or so.

[Spillproof]

Good god, after 11 days without shaving I would look like a member of ZZ Top!

How long have you lived in Monterey? I grew up there, and will be heading home to watch the Moto GP finale at Laguna Seca next week.

I've worked in the Monterey Bay area for about 12 years. Mostly commuted from La Selva Beach and Soquel, but have spent a few years in Monterey/PG as well. This stint I've been here about 6 months. I used to get free passes out at Laguna Seca because of wildlife studies I had going on there. Good times ;-) Enjoy the races, I may very well be there too.

[Dr Dulcamara]

Good morning friends.
As the book of Anne Geddes remains on the table, I thought about looking a picture to match my UFO Godzilla, chubby and soft, and I found that this fits well. The Calani Iberian Sun is great and the Coimbra Water, delicious.
Not an open comb shave, but it was good, with the Feather blade in its second use. I put the photo because I know you like to see my little monster, ha, ha.
Forza Alonso, Forza Ferrari!!!

[bluesbishop]

Welcome back brother!!!

You are a braver soul than I to attempt 11days growth without using something like a beard trimmer first to bring the beard down to stubble first !

Glad to hear though that our much loved Fatip was able to complete the task!
You know we can live with stories of a mountain man beard..... But that first pic....... If you had a mullet like that we probably need to do a BOTOC intervention and kidnap you and bring you to the barber............

Update: FaTip v Mountain Beard

The FaTip performed flawlessly against my 11-day growth. Yes, 11 days. Took a shower - used conditioner and glycerin soap for a soak on the beard - then 5 mins (or so) with a hot towel wrapped around my maw, then a few more minutes with the foamy brush and I let the lather permeate (Col Conk's and KMF cool mint super foam).


I went slow, very slow, and did very small bits at a time, but I got through it in essentially three passes (no AGT on my neck). I used the brush a lot to touch up areas I had just covered, and used as little pressure as I could muster - not a single cut. No blood. I had one tiny weeper - a pinprick really- and that's about it. Does this mean I should only shave every 11 days, and ONLY use the FaTip.

Here are some photos which illustrate the transition (note, the second photo doesn't really do me justice):
Before:
Attachment 259511

After:
Attachment 259513

[elderberry99]

AN ABSOLUTE FIRST THIS MORNING!
Yesterday morning's shave told me something that I was not sure would happen. Shave #4 on the same blade.
This may not be anything new to many here but for me it is just about an impossibility. I can get at the very most, 3 shaves from any razor blade.
I started using the Gillette 7 O'Clock Black a couple days back in my LC New.
Yesterday was shave #3, and the blade felt like I had just taken it out of the package. I could not believe how smooth the shave was, or how close the blade was cutting for me with no weepers or nicks. Blade irritation was ZERO!
I knew yesterday that the blade was going to go at least one more time to make it the impossible #4.
This morning's routine was usual. Soak the brush in my cup, take shower, brush teeth and then get ready for my shave.
I used a soap I have been given by a good friend to try out. Still not sure of the smell, but the soap is very good for slick lather. I used the MdC soap, VDH Boar Brush and face lathered. The blade was the 7 O'Clock Black with shave #4 coming up. I use the nickel plated long Open Comb New.
I did the first pass with slight hesitation, but quickly realized it was as if the blade just came out of the wrapper. I did my first pass and rinsed. I was completely shocked. I did not even have to do a second pass. A very slight and minor touch up would have been just fine, but I decided since the brush was loaded up and the blade was working so well I would give it one more go before discarding the blade. Second pass took care of the minor touch up that may have been needed, and my face felt super smooth. I actually got a full BBS shave this morning using two passes on a #4 shave with this amazing blade.
Final test came when I put a dab of 444 in my palm and gave a shake of the Clubman bottle and did the mix and splash on my face. I was bracing for the burn. THERE WAS NO BURN!
I rubbed and rubbed to get the AS into my skin and still no burn at all. I expected some irritation from a blade that has been used 4 times, but there was none. I am still quite amazed as I write this.
The blade was cleaned off as usual with every shave that is completed and still sits in the OC New for another round tomorrow. Yes, I am going to give this amazing blade a fifth try tomorrow morning (assuming I will even need to shave tomorrow with the BBS I got today).
I am sure many of you are saying "is he crazy, I get 6 or 7 shaves from some blades". Well, this has never been the case with me. I have had blades that will give me no more then one shave. I have had some give me two shaves and then rip me apart. Three is my average for the Astra and 7 O'Clock Green and Blue pack blades.
I would normally have the blade in the bank after yesterday's shave, but I am going to go another and maybe even a #6 after that if the blade stays as it is now. I do not care for blade testing because of the great irritation I experience from it.
All I can say is I feel this 7 O'Clock Black is amazing.
Frank

[bluesbishop]

Frank.... Welcome to the 7 O'clock Black club my friend!! I have been preaching on the smoothness and sharpness of this blade since I first tried them! I can get more shaves from them and the SI than other blade. Some argue that they are too costly... But quality of shave and longevity have them up there as my top performer!

Glad to see you post brother! You' ve been missed here.....

AN ABSOLUTE FIRST THIS MORNING!
Yesterday morning's shave told me something that I was not sure would happen. Shave #4 on the same blade.
This may not be anything new to many here but for me it is just about an impossibility. I can get at the very most, 3 shaves from any razor blade.
I started using the Gillette 7 O'Clock Black a couple days back in my LC New.
Yesterday was shave #3, and the blade felt like I had just taken it out of the package. I could not believe how smooth the shave was, or how close the blade was cutting for me with no weepers or nicks. Blade irritation was ZERO!
I knew yesterday that the blade was going to go at least one more time to make it the impossible #4.
This morning's routine was usual. Soak the brush in my cup, take shower, brush teeth and then get ready for my shave.
I used a soap I have been given by a good friend to try out. Still not sure of the smell, but the soap is very good for slick lather. I used the MdC soap, VDH Boar Brush and face lathered. The blade was the 7 O'Clock Black with shave #4 coming up. I use the nickel plated long Open Comb New.
I did the first pass with slight hesitation, but quickly realized it was as if the blade just came out of the wrapper. I did my first pass and rinsed. I was completely shocked. I did not even have to do a second pass. A very slight and minor touch up would have been just fine, but I decided since the brush was loaded up and the blade was working so well I would give it one more go before discarding the blade. Second pass took care of the minor touch up that may have been needed, and my face felt super smooth. I actually got a full BBS shave this morning using two passes on a #4 shave with this amazing blade.
Final test came when I put a dab of 444 in my palm and gave a shake of the Clubman bottle and did the mix and splash on my face. I was bracing for the burn. THERE WAS NO BURN!
I rubbed and rubbed to get the AS into my skin and still no burn at all. I expected some irritation from a blade that has been used 4 times, but there was none. I am still quite amazed as I write this.
The blade was cleaned off as usual with every shave that is completed and still sits in the OC New for another round tomorrow. Yes, I am going to give this amazing blade a fifth try tomorrow morning (assuming I will even need to shave tomorrow with the BBS I got today).
I am sure many of you are saying "is he crazy, I get 6 or 7 shaves from some blades". Well, this has never been the case with me. I have had blades that will give me no more then one shave. I have had some give me two shaves and then rip me apart. Three is my average for the Astra and 7 O'Clock Green and Blue pack blades.
I would normally have the blade in the bank after yesterday's shave, but I am going to go another and maybe even a #6 after that if the blade stays as it is now. I do not care for blade testing because of the great irritation I experience from it.
All I can say is I feel this 7 O'Clock Black is amazing.
Frank

[celestino]

Congratulations, Frank. i did not have much luck with the Gillette Blacks, but the Super Iridiums are fantastic. Enjoy the shaves, sir.

[elderberry99]

I would love to trade every blade I own right now for any Black blades. Already got rid of 200 Astra yesterday. Still got some others to go yet.

[elderberry99]

Thanks Ken, It's been a little hectic around here with the heat and trying to get things done early and later in evenings when the heat is down a little.

[April Dawn]

OMG Another great picture!

Good morning friends.
As the book of Anne Geddes remains on the table, I thought about looking a picture to match my UFO Godzilla, chubby and soft, and I found that this fits well. The Calani Iberian Sun is great and the Coimbra Water, delicious.
Not an open comb shave, but it was good, with the Feather blade in its second use. I put the photo because I know you like to see my little monster, ha, ha.
Forza Alonso, Forza Ferrari!!!

[April Dawn]

Great review! I may need to pick up some for my sons to try!

AN ABSOLUTE FIRST THIS MORNING!
Yesterday morning's shave told me something that I was not sure would happen. Shave #4 on the same blade.
This may not be anything new to many here but for me it is just about an impossibility. I can get at the very most, 3 shaves from any razor blade.
I started using the Gillette 7 O'Clock Black a couple days back in my LC New.
Yesterday was shave #3, and the blade felt like I had just taken it out of the package. I could not believe how smooth the shave was, or how close the blade was cutting for me with no weepers or nicks. Blade irritation was ZERO!
I knew yesterday that the blade was going to go at least one more time to make it the impossible #4.
This morning's routine was usual. Soak the brush in my cup, take shower, brush teeth and then get ready for my shave.
I used a soap I have been given by a good friend to try out. Still not sure of the smell, but the soap is very good for slick lather. I used the MdC soap, VDH Boar Brush and face lathered. The blade was the 7 O'Clock Black with shave #4 coming up. I use the nickel plated long Open Comb New.
I did the first pass with slight hesitation, but quickly realized it was as if the blade just came out of the wrapper. I did my first pass and rinsed. I was completely shocked. I did not even have to do a second pass. A very slight and minor touch up would have been just fine, but I decided since the brush was loaded up and the blade was working so well I would give it one more go before discarding the blade. Second pass took care of the minor touch up that may have been needed, and my face felt super smooth. I actually got a full BBS shave this morning using two passes on a #4 shave with this amazing blade.
Final test came when I put a dab of 444 in my palm and gave a shake of the Clubman bottle and did the mix and splash on my face. I was bracing for the burn. THERE WAS NO BURN!
I rubbed and rubbed to get the AS into my skin and still no burn at all. I expected some irritation from a blade that has been used 4 times, but there was none. I am still quite amazed as I write this.
The blade was cleaned off as usual with every shave that is completed and still sits in the OC New for another round tomorrow. Yes, I am going to give this amazing blade a fifth try tomorrow morning (assuming I will even need to shave tomorrow with the BBS I got today).
I am sure many of you are saying "is he crazy, I get 6 or 7 shaves from some blades". Well, this has never been the case with me. I have had blades that will give me no more then one shave. I have had some give me two shaves and then rip me apart. Three is my average for the Astra and 7 O'Clock Green and Blue pack blades.
I would normally have the blade in the bank after yesterday's shave, but I am going to go another and maybe even a #6 after that if the blade stays as it is now. I do not care for blade testing because of the great irritation I experience from it.
All I can say is I feel this 7 O'Clock Black is amazing.
Frank

[April Dawn]

LOL Amazing!!

Update: FaTip v Mountain Beard

The FaTip performed flawlessly against my 11-day growth. Yes, 11 days. Took a shower - used conditioner and glycerin soap for a soak on the beard - then 5 mins (or so) with a hot towel wrapped around my maw, then a few more minutes with the foamy brush and I let the lather permeate (Col Conk's and KMF cool mint super foam).


I went slow, very slow, and did very small bits at a time, but I got through it in essentially three passes (no AGT on my neck). I used the brush a lot to touch up areas I had just covered, and used as little pressure as I could muster - not a single cut. No blood. I had one tiny weeper - a pinprick really- and that's about it. Does this mean I should only shave every 11 days, and ONLY use the FaTip.

Here are some photos which illustrate the transition (note, the second photo doesn't really do me justice):
Before:
Attachment 259511

After:
Attachment 259513

[BigBull]

2011 R41 - 1
BigBull - 0

[zenless]

Yeah my New LC keeps beating me up. It's like i'm re-learning how to shave, again. Still trying though, I like the results when I do it right. Still looking at Old's and other vintage OCs!

[Winblows]

Heard ! They will never die, even more, they will probably serve forever. I'm actually looking for a Gillette 7 o'clock

[kf4tqj]

Love the icon!

[kf4tqj]

Hi guys:

I am having trouble with the harshness of the Muhle R41 Grande. I hear that the 2011 version of this razor is far more aggressive than 2010. I have tried different blades, have focused on no pressure, have tried different creams and soaps, but this razor is getting the better of me...especially on my neck. I don't get too many sweepers or cuts, it's just that sometimes I get a horrible shave: lots of red irritation on the neck and the shave isn't close (lots of little prickles left over). Any suggestions? Thank you.

The Merkur 12c comes to mind. I traded my R41 for a Futur. The Fatip is a bit easier to get used to than the R41

[alex2363]

2011 R41 - 1
BigBull - 0

get up like rocky....hit the r41 in the middle dont let it hit back

[bluesbishop]

The 2010 is one of the mildest razors, while the 2011 R41 is one of the most aggressive.....that being said, the 2011 R41 is one of my favorite razors.

Good prep! Make sure you are using a good quality cream or soap, use a good blade ( even something cheap like the Astra SP performs well in the R41) and most importantly.....NO PRESSURE!!!!!

Hi guys:

I am having trouble with the harshness of the Muhle R41 Grande. I hear that the 2011 version of this razor is far more aggressive than 2010. I have tried different blades, have focused on no pressure, have tried different creams and soaps, but this razor is getting the better of me...especially on my neck. I don't get too many sweepers or cuts, it's just that sometimes I get a horrible shave: lots of red irritation on the neck and the shave isn't close (lots of little prickles left over). Any suggestions? Thank you.

[syngent]

2011 R41 - 1
BigBull - 0

Haha keep at it man