I really enjoy my EJDE89L and am looking for something similar with maybe a tad more "bite". The R89 heads looks to be extremely similar to the DE89 so I am wondering if the modified open comb-like R41 is more aggressive or just "different".
The new R41 is pretty much in a class by itself in regards to aggressiveness. If you want a tad more bite without kissing a chainsaw (R41) - maybe a Gillette Old would be in order or even a Gillette New OC. I find my Gillette Old (1910 model 102) to be a good balance of aggressiveness. My R41 on the other hand, takes a good bit of finesse (which is actually fun in itself).
Something to think about - a Gem Open Comb Micromatic (SE) is also a great razor with a fair amount of aggressiveness. Blades are easy enough to come by as well - and going to an OCMM single edge (quite a bit stiffer blade than a DE) will provide you both aggression and "different" and do it rather cheaply.
Well then...R41 it is. No real danger in needing a 4th pass with that.
R41 is a nice razor but like the Feather AS-D1 it takes a lot of skill to get a close (uneventful) shave.
If you are looking for something "different" from your DE89 grab a slant
The R89 head is the DE89 head. Muhle makes the same head for both makes/models.The R89 heads looks to be extremely similar to the DE89
Some opinions:I am wondering if the modified open comb-like R41 is more aggressive or just "different".
...and got healed from my RAD!
Greetings
I came from the Merkur HD (similar to DE89) and went straight to the R41. The R41 will reduce your number of passes by 1 and it will also get rid of whiskers you didnt even know existed (yep, it's true). Go for it and buy it right now. shaving.ie has it for $30 shipped to US.
The R41 has saved me from RAD. There is seriously nothing to be afraid about. It's a wonderful razor and I am sure you will appreciate it.
I really enjoy my EJDE89L and am looking for something similar with maybe a tad more "bite". The R89 heads looks to be extremely similar to the DE89 so I am wondering if the modified open comb-like R41 is more aggressive or just "different".
Forget the R41 2011 model; you won't care for it if you love the DE89L. The R89 is alleged to be identical to the DE89 so there may be no difference. For more "bite" I would go with a Fatip Grande, or Gillette Red Tip, Gillette New Tech Long Comb, or any of the Gillette adjustables. The adjustables will allow you to tailor the bite to your preference.