Aggressiveness Vs. Technique

[Silence!]

In my quest to attain the closest possible shave, I went from my EJde89 to the pinnacle of the modern aggressive razor, the 2011 R41.

My first aggressive razor was the ATT Titan H1. What a difference it made in the closeness of my shaves at the expensive of great irritation. Then I moved onto the 2011 R41, which is about as aggressive as you can get.

Recently, I've gone back to the EJde89, only to discover that I can get just as close of a shave. It appears over the years my technique has improved drastically, and I can achieve the same results without the irritation I receive from an aggressive razor.

All of which is to say that technique is everything. I went from where I started (EJde89) back to using it again. I spent a great deal of money on a bunch of aggressive razors, only to find out it I can get the same results with my EJde89.

This post is for anyone who is looking at buying an aggressive razor, seeking a closer shave. Work on your technique and prep, and I guarantee you'll save a bunch of money on razors.

 

[alex2363]

In my quest to attain the closest possible shave, I went from my EJde89 to the pinnacle of the modern aggressive razor, the 2011 R41.

My first aggressive razor was the ATT Titan H1. What a difference it made in the closeness of my shaves at the expensive of great irritation. Then I moved onto the 2011 R41, which is about as aggressive as you can get.

Recently, I've gone back to the EJde89, only to discover that I can get just as close of a shave. It appears over the years my technique has improved drastically, and I can achieve the same results without the irritation I receive from an aggressive razor.

All of which is to say that technique is everything. I went from where I started (EJde89) back to using it again. I spent a great deal of money on a bunch of aggressive razors, only to find out it I can get the same results with my EJde89.

This post is for anyone who is looking at buying an aggressive razor, seeking a closer shave. Work on your technique and prep, and I guarantee you'll save a bunch of money on razors.

So, are you going to sell the other razors now that u mastered your technique and dont need the extra aggressive razors?

 

[brush-mower]

I very much agree that prep, technique, and lots of hydration during the shave make a huge difference.

 

[Mick]

This post is for anyone who is looking at buying an aggressive razor, seeking a closer shave. Work on your technique and prep, and I guarantee you'll save a bunch of money on razors.

I can get just as close a shave with a Gillette Tech as I can with the R41.

My comparison of both from last year

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/284877-The-absurdity-of-Aggressive-VS-Mild

 

[chris.hale]

I agree, I have a coarse beard and I can get a close shave with a Tech.

 

[rand77]

I agree, I have a coarse beard and I can get a close shave with a Tech.

Same here, I shaved with a tech this morning. It took a bit longer than an aggressive razor would though; I did 3 passes + touchup for a DFS.

 

[TerryF]

I have certainly noticed that shaving with a new razor seems to improve my technique with my older ones. For instance I shaved recently with a Slim and then returned to my Futur. Previous to the Slim I had the Futur at 4 but after the Slim I moved the Futur to a 1. I was surprised.

 

[Ron Scott]

I can get just as close a shave with a Gillette Tech as I can with the R41.

I can get the same results, and just as easy a shave, with a slant as a Super Speed or Slim set low.

Not understanding the need for "aggressive".

 

[Mick]

I can get the same results, and just as easy a shave, with a slant as a Super Speed or Slim set low.

Not understanding the need for "aggressive".

It's a "guy thang". sort of like driving a muscle car when all you need to get to work is a yugo....

Who needs a hemi when a 850cc 4 banger will chug through stop and go traffic at the same speed.

Who needs an R41 when a mild "gurl's razor" will shave you just as closely

 

[JaggerDragger]

I have noticed this same thing as the OP. When I started DE shaving over a year ago the aggressive side of razors seemed to be more efficient at the cost of irritation.

Now I can go to my blue tip and find the sweet spot blade angle and shave just as close as any other razor.

I think that it all has to do with technique gained from experience. In my opinion aggressive razors are easier to find the cutting angle on because the blade is further exposed and a wider arc of angle tolerances exist. The problem with irritation is when you still cut the whiskers but at an angle that is digging the blade into your skin and causing some chattering.

 

[Ron Scott]

It's a "guy thang". sort of like driving a muscle car when all you need to get to work is a yugo....

Who needs a hemi when a 850cc 4 banger will chug through stop and go traffic at the same speed.

Who needs an R41 when a mild "gurl's razor" will shave you just as closely

Guys who don't use a 41 are what? Effeminate? LOL!

Maybe a better comparison would be a Hemi-based Dodge Durango in a custom Lime Green to a Jet Black M3?

 

[Silence!]

So, are you going to sell the other razors now that u mastered your technique and dont need the extra aggressive razors?

I used to own 10+ razors. I'm down to just two now. My EJde89 and the 2011 Muhle R41. I'll be putting the R41 up for sale in the near future. I've also owned three stainless steel razors: ATT Titan H1, Tradere SB, and the Weber Bulldog. I think I'll repurchase the Weber Bulldog again since it's almost a stainless steel version of the EJde89.

I'm enjoying shaving again that I don't have to worry about cutting myself or dealing with irritation. =)

 

[TerryF]

I am thinking about buying more razors!

 

[Mick]

I think I'll repurchase the Weber Bulldog again since it's almost a stainless steel version of the EJde89.

It is more like the Sabi/Mariner head than the DE98 head. Much more blade exposure.

 

[vocalistbob]

I can get a BBS shave from any razor in my collection, including my mild Jaggers, if it's fitted with a Feather blade. During the winter, when my skin is dryer, I tend to favor my milder razors (and softer brushes) to avoid irritation.

 

[Haggises]

Yes, yes and yes!
I can get as close a shave out of a Slim on 9 as a Blue Tip SS. I couldn't a year ago, I just got better.
I have to admit to smirking slightly at posts that expertly proclaim My Beard Is Too Tough for Anything But A Diamond Edged Blade With a 1" Blade Gap.

 

[Ron Scott]

I used to own 10+ razors. I'm down to just two now.

This makes a lot of sense to me. i.e., product sampling to determine what you like followed by a thinning process once you figure it out.

 

[Silence!]

This makes a lot of sense to me. i.e., product sampling to determine what you like followed by a thinning process once you figure it out.

To be honest, I didn't need to try out so many razors. The first one I started out with (EJde89) was perfectly fine. That's the razor I'm using again exclusively.

 

[shave/brush]

After reading this thread and others with similar topics, "Aggressive vers Mild razors", it hardly seems worth it for most men to shave with an aggressive razor. Just pick a nice mild razor that catches your eye and use it. Who needs the irritation? ! ? ! ?

 

[dalecooper51]

The 2011 R41 was too much for me, but the 2013 is right on the money. I get fantastic shaves from it as I do from my other razors.

Use what makes the shave enjoyable for you.