I'm a big fan of the Razoroc SLOC, which is a medium aggressive razor. You can pick up the head only for $8.00. If you decide to go more aggressive, I'd vote for the Fatip Grande.
If you're set on the R41, keep an eye on the BST forum; they show up there with remarkable frequency. One word of caution for the R41, mine tugs worse than any razor I have ever owned. It literally makes my eyes water sometimes. The more days since my last shave, the worse it is for me. A lot of guys swear by them though, so you might like it.
Yes. Or the Fatip or Gillete or other open combs mentioned. I can't even get through one day of growth with the R89/DE89. I've had my DE89 for eight years; I still try it occasionally, and I still can't get a close shave with it, so it's not lack of experience. On the other hand, the R41 virtually guarantees BBS closeness every time.Do you guys think I should buy a Muhle R41 for the times when I have longer gaps between shaves.
I have the Yaqi, just wanted to say it doesn't shave around the chin area all that well. I get a closer shave with Merkur 37C, albeit slower, but there eventually.I am going to contravene those who say that BBS is attainable with any razor. It is most definitely not. The R89 couldn't get me to BBS no matter how hard I tried. I have facial hair like yours, and sensitive skin to boot.
I opted for a much more efficient head, and my problems were solved.
May I present:
Yaqi Top Cap Aggressive Slant Safety Razor Head
Less than $10.
P.S. Also, maybe think about GEM SE blades and razors, which will mow down any and all stubble always, especially the older and open comb versions.Yes. Or the Fatip or Gillete or other open combs mentioned. I can't even get through one day of growth with the R89/DE89. I've had my DE89 for eight years; I still try it occasionally, and I still can't get a close shave with it, so it's not lack of experience. On the other hand, the R41 virtually guarantees BBS closeness every time.
How do you make shimsWhoa! Time out. Let's re-think this for a moment.
Before I would suggest a forum brother spend $75 or so on an R41, that he may or may not like, I would first suggest he make 2 shims for pennies from 2 old DE razor blades and see if the R89 then cuts the mustard.
I speak from experience. I have tough whiskers and the R89 is hopelessly useless, way too mild, though it's a finely crafted razor that I admire. But loaded with 2 shims under the working blade, no razor shaves my mug better (comfort and closeness) and I have 70 DE, SE, and injector razors in my arsenal.
If a double shimmed R89 works for brother KJI as well as it works for me, I predict he will forget about the R41.
Google it. Essentially you take an old pair of scissors and snip off just the 2 cutting edges on an old blade. (Wear glasses to protect the eyes from flying shrapnel.) Place the shim/s below the working blade. The result is the cutting blade is then elevated slightly from the razor's safety bar, resulting in a larger blade gap for the working blade. The larger blade gap makes the razor more aggressive.How do you make shims
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Agree on the RR SLOC, especially if you do a lot of blade-buffing.We have a similar starting point. I started out with a DE89, and started looking for a new razor because it tugged so badly if I missed a few shaves.
I'm a big fan of the Razoroc SLOC, which is a medium aggressive razor. You can pick up the head only for $8.00. If you decide to go more aggressive, I'd vote for the Fatip Grande.
If you're set on the R41, keep an eye on the BST forum; they show up there with remarkable frequency. One word of caution for the R41, mine tugs worse than any razor I have ever owned. It literally makes my eyes water sometimes. The more days since my last shave, the worse it is for me. A lot of guys swear by them though, so you its definitely a YMMV thing.
I think you'd be wrong. Plenty of experienced shavers like myself do well with aggressive razors but don't appreciate other's love for the R41. It's particular combination of exposure, gap and lack of blade support/rigidity I suspect doesn't do well with certain beard/head stubble or growth patterns.Agree on the RR SLOC, especially if you do a lot of blade-buffing.
As for the R41, I struggle to see how it'd tug, given you load it with a fresh (Feather) blade and apply a proper shaving technique.
I for one don't think it's YMMV, rather a poor blade choice, inadequate technique or an unfortunate combination of both.