How to increase blade feel

[Eben Stone]

OK seriously. Not a joke. I am using a Muhle R41 and I think I could improve my blade angle if there was more blade feel.

For the angle I try to adjust until I cannot feel neither the comb nor the cap. But I can't say I can actually feel the blade.

Is the best solution to try a Kai blade?

 

[Blackland Razors]

There isn't much you can do. The Kai will help slightly. Otherwise your only option is to add a shim or two. The problem with that, of course, is that you'll also increase the blade gap.

Blade exposure isn't something that can be readily changed so if it's a real problem you'll eventually just have to get a different razor.

 

[thombrogan]

For the angle I try to adjust until I cannot feel neither the comb nor the cap. But I can't say I can actually feel the blade.

That’s the angle I‘ve been using lately and blade and the very edge of the cap (not on purpose, I swear!) are what I feel.

Maybe add a few more drops to your lather to thin out just a wee skosh? When I first tried what you’re doing, I had to frequently rinse the razor to keep feeling the blade.

 

[KrstGor]

OK seriously. Not a joke. I am using a Muhle R41 and I think I could improve my blade angle if there was more blade feel.

For the angle I try to adjust until I cannot feel neither the comb nor the cap. But I can't say I can actually feel the blade.

Is the best solution to try a Kai blade?

Put a Feather blade in your R41, then give it a go, see how you feel about that.

In the end all roads lead to rigid and exposed blade (aka SR)... I know, I know, stropping, honing, gear, etc... so you want to pick up a Feather Artist Club... or maybe one of those SE razors that uses AC-type blade, like Blackland Vector or Colonial General...

 

[samhain666]

You don't feel blade in R41? You might have nerve damage

 

[Invicta]

OK seriously. Not a joke. I am using a Muhle R41 and I think I could improve my blade angle if there was more blade feel.

I understood the R41 has significant blade exposure so you must be using it wrong. Perhaps your lather is far too thick or you are not using the razor at a neutral angle.
Most people use the razor at a steep blade angle.

You don't feel blade in R41? You might have nerve damage

That sounds very possible.

 

[BigJ]

You might consider a straight if you want more blade feel than the R41!

 

[KeenDogg]

A devette would do it.

 

[Aidah]

I'd consider re-evaluating your technique and looking at the angle you're using. @Invicta gave good suggestions above.

 

[Eben Stone]

Maybe add a few more drops to your lather to thin out

Perhaps your lather is far too thick

I think that is my problem. I'm using SV and I put on a layer thats just thick enough to no longer be translucent. I can feel the blade on my 4th pass if I use only water.

 

[ajkel64]

As mentioned previously, maybe a shim might increase blade feel for you. Whatever method that you try please keep us informed of your results.

 

[Eben Stone]

Put a Feather blade in your R41, then give it a go, see how you feel about that.

I've used a Feather a few times before with poor results. Today I rode the cap and it turned out well I think:

What did you use today? +Rate the shave 1-10 (10 best)

Perfect cream and razor 10/10 Pre-shave:- Argan Oil liquid soap Bowl/Scuttle:- None Brush:- Synthetic Soap/Cream:- TOBS Razor/Blade:- Gillette Tech and Treet Post/After-shave: Cocoa Butter and night cream mix to keep my allure Fragrance:- Lacoste

www.badgerandblade.com

I still can't say for sure if I can feel the blade with any lather on my face. Maybe the soap is too cushiony? I'll try a different soap next shave...

 

[Eben Stone]

Whatever method that you try please keep us informed of your results.

Ikon Tek has the blade feel I've been looking for. Problem solved.

BTW, I tried a Kai in the R41 and it did *not* increase blade feel, at least not enough for me to notice.

 

[AimlessWanderer]

Another vote for lather. I only use enough soap or cream to lubricate the skin. It's a razor I'm using, not a snow shovel.