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Blade recommendations for R41 as a daily driver

C

calgarychris

Hi,

While I am contemplating either a Henson AL13+++ or the Karve Overlander, I thought I'd ask the R41 users:

What blades are you using if you're using the R41 as your daily? I know I know, YMMV but I'm curious on which blades to try next. So far these are what I've tried, in order of preference by group:

Less frequent use (3-4 days)
Bic chrome - my go to with 3 days growth, super comfortable, fantastic shaves but more frequent use results in weepers
Gilette 7 o'clock black - great blade, feels sharper than Bic, but perhaps not quite as comfortable
Rungu Max - this is a great blade, similar to Bic but I don't like my odds of finding it again (purchased in Kenya)
Astra green - almost as good as Bic and able to shave more often
Nacet - very good, along the lines of Gillette Black
Bolzano Superinox - felt it was sharp but not comfortable enough for daily use
Muhle - provided good shaves but more frequent use ended in a bloodbath

Almost daily
Voskhod - my go to as I can *almost* go daily and I get good to great shaves. Anything more than 2-2.5 days growth and it struggles though

Nope, nope, nope
Gilette 7 o'clock yellow - felt harsh, not a go'er
GSB - did not enjoy - sharp but not comfortable at all
Personna blue - all the nopes, tried two blades and pulled them both out mid-shave and binned them

TBD
Feather - I had high hopes but it felt like it was vibrating. Might have been terror induced shakes, I will try again (this is the only blade I find I can use in my Merkur 34C and get close shaves)

Any recommendations for a daily pairing with the R41 before I splash out on a new razor?

Cheers!
 
ShavingPrimate

ShavingPrimate

I have a R41 head, which I swap in my KCG handle. I alternate between the standard R89 type KCG and the R41 version.

I use all of my same blades in either razor combination. I get good shaves with either head.

The R41 gives me a closer shave than the KCG. I don't pay any particular attention. All of the blades that I use in the KCG, I use equally in the R41 version.

This week I am using the Feather with the R41. It is perfectly fine.
 
C

calgarychris

Well, I've tried the Wilkinson Swords, Treet Dura-Sharp and Nacets and I'd say none of them pip the Voshkods as yet for me.

Wilkinson - Not bad, good shave, some razor burn
Treet - I felt it was a closer shave but with some significant burn
Nacet - strangely the shave wasn't as close (I've had better Nacet shaves if I recall) and the burn was probably between the first two

Next up, I'll try a Feather.
 
ButterfaceX

ButterfaceX

Yep, it is basically back to testing trying to find the best for your face, skin, stubble and R41. I use Feathers and get the best overall results ..no issues . Note thou, I do use a much heavier handle, with a light touch which equates to a smooth ride and a close, long lasting , enjoyable shave..
BFX

hope you find your blade soul mate..
 
Quaznoid

Quaznoid

I shaved today with an R41 with a Big Ben stainless. The R41 is too aggressive but can be tamed (barely) with a moderately sharp Lord family blade. I would think a Derby would be another good choice.
 
C

calgarychris

ButterfaceX said:
Yep, it is basically back to testing trying to find the best for your face, skin, stubble and R41. I use Feathers and get the best overall results ..no issues . Note thou, I do use a much heavier handle, with a light touch which equates to a smooth ride and a close, long lasting , enjoyable shave..
BFX

hope you find your blade soul mate..
Click to expand...
Yep, that's a nope with the Feather. It's the only blade I can get a decent shave with in the 34C but it absolutely murdered me this morning...onto the next one...
 
ButterfaceX

ButterfaceX

Personal choice as always, I have used the R41 as a daily driver. But it is ready up to you to do some testing. For me, I prefer to mixed up my razors. I find using a different razor ( & SR's) is better for my face when shaving daily. The variation of specs / designs - different angles, blade exposures.... gives my skin exfoliation a change and break. It also helps to keep me aware and adaptable for each shave. You also can mix it up but using a different blade . Maybe even a milder blade that works for you and the R41. Good luck on the quest for the best blade(s) that work for you and your R41.
I have four overall works for me (YMMV), Feather, Personna, Bic Chrome, G. Permasharp ...these work for all the razor in my den.
BFX
Enjoy the Shave..
Take Good Care of your Skin...
 
DesertIguana

DesertIguana

calgarychris said:
Hi,

While I am contemplating either a Henson AL13+++ or the Karve Overlander, I thought I'd ask the R41 users:

What blades are you using if you're using the R41 as your daily? I know I know, YMMV but I'm curious on which blades to try next. So far these are what I've tried, in order of preference by group:

Less frequent use (3-4 days)
Bic chrome - my go to with 3 days growth, super comfortable, fantastic shaves but more frequent use results in weepers
Gilette 7 o'clock black - great blade, feels sharper than Bic, but perhaps not quite as comfortable
Rungu Max - this is a great blade, similar to Bic but I don't like my odds of finding it again (purchased in Kenya)
Astra green - almost as good as Bic and able to shave more often
Nacet - very good, along the lines of Gillette Black
Bolzano Superinox - felt it was sharp but not comfortable enough for daily use
Muhle - provided good shaves but more frequent use ended in a bloodbath

Almost daily
Voskhod - my go to as I can *almost* go daily and I get good to great shaves. Anything more than 2-2.5 days growth and it struggles though

Nope, nope, nope
Gilette 7 o'clock yellow - felt harsh, not a go'er
GSB - did not enjoy - sharp but not comfortable at all
Personna blue - all the nopes, tried two blades and pulled them both out mid-shave and binned them

TBD
Feather - I had high hopes but it felt like it was vibrating. Might have been terror induced shakes, I will try again (this is the only blade I find I can use in my Merkur 34C and get close shaves)

Any recommendations for a daily pairing with the R41 before I splash out on a new razor?

Cheers!
Click to expand...

Having someone tell you the “X BRAND BLADE”, will be your perfect blade is a long shot.

Your Skin, Beard, and Beard Type is like your fingerprints. Unique to you.

Finding the. PERFECT BLADE is trail, and error.

Think Blade Sampler.
 
helicopter

helicopter

DesertIguana said:
Having someone tell you the “X BRAND BLADE”, will be your perfect blade is a long shot.

Your Skin, Beard, and Beard Type is like your fingerprints. Unique to you.

Finding the. PERFECT BLADE is trail, and error.

Think Blade Sampler.
Click to expand...
Some of the differences between blades work this way, like sharpness to mildness, or smoothness to feedback.

Other differences, like inconsistent batches, variance from one edge to the other, quality of the alloy, heat treatment, and abrasives, evenness of coatings, are going to provide similar experiences to a great majority.

You are better off trying several blades that are recommended by enthusiasts, than trying what many vendors stuff into a sample pack. I could make a sample pack of 5 blades that would be better for most users than a lot of 20 blade sample packs from many vendors.
 
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