I finally tried the loaner 2013 R41 this morning. My observations may not be terribly original, but I was very excited about this adventure and can't resist writing about it.
First, I'm very pleased that I will never try the 2011 R41. The 2013 version is enough for me.
Living up to its reputation, the R41 is the most aggressive DE I have ever used. I loaded it with a Personna Med Prep that already had 2 shaves under its belt. I can easily get 4 shaves from a Med, and I wanted a blade that I knew would be sharp, sans defects, and perhaps a bit more forgiving than one fresh out of the wrapper.
The shave was strangely rough, although not in an unpleasant way. It seemed like the lather was not doing its job (I was using superlather made from Erasmic and MWF). Frequent re-latherings did not ameliorate the sensation.
The shave was about as close as any I have ever experienced, but not noticeably better than other aggressive razors. I did manage to avoid any nick, cuts, or weepers. I have a tiny bit of irritation in one spot, which sometimes happens with other razors.
I cannot shave with this beast 2 days in a row, but I will eventually try it out with some other blades and do a side-by-side with my Joris or Cadet OC.
Do you like aggressive razors? Do you wish you could dial your Fatboy up to 11? The R41 may just what you are looking for ...
First, I'm very pleased that I will never try the 2011 R41. The 2013 version is enough for me.
Living up to its reputation, the R41 is the most aggressive DE I have ever used. I loaded it with a Personna Med Prep that already had 2 shaves under its belt. I can easily get 4 shaves from a Med, and I wanted a blade that I knew would be sharp, sans defects, and perhaps a bit more forgiving than one fresh out of the wrapper.
The shave was strangely rough, although not in an unpleasant way. It seemed like the lather was not doing its job (I was using superlather made from Erasmic and MWF). Frequent re-latherings did not ameliorate the sensation.
The shave was about as close as any I have ever experienced, but not noticeably better than other aggressive razors. I did manage to avoid any nick, cuts, or weepers. I have a tiny bit of irritation in one spot, which sometimes happens with other razors.
I cannot shave with this beast 2 days in a row, but I will eventually try it out with some other blades and do a side-by-side with my Joris or Cadet OC.
Do you like aggressive razors? Do you wish you could dial your Fatboy up to 11? The R41 may just what you are looking for ...
