But I did pay a small price in irritation. I'm a relative newbie here on B&B, but at 64 years old am not a new shaver. I returned to DE about 9 months ago.
Received my new R-41 from Connaught yesterday ($37 including shipping); 11 days after placing the order. I used it for the first time this morning for my "Sunday go to meetin'" shave. Prepped with a hot shower and my home made pre-shave oil. Face lathererd using Opus 1870 from a tube and gave this bad boy a whirl. Connaught sent a 5 pack of Gillette 7 O'clocks (yellows) with the razor so I loaded it up with one of them.
I treated the R41 with the respect it deserved - slow short strokes. Wow, what feedback from the sound of the blade taking off the whiskers. I did feel some irritation on second pass - probably need to take more care on the re-lathering. Only two small nicks on a usual trouble spot on the side of my chin. I really need to pull the skin over there to smooth out some 64 year old wrinkles. So the nicks were not the fault of the razor - more user error. With this blade exposure I really had to take my time and be extra mindful of the no pressure rule.
I usually do four passes. After two with the R-41 I was feeling a bit of irritation (but a smooth shave) on all but the sides of my cheek so I did a 3rd pass (ATG) on the cheeks and nowhere else.
Final result is outstanding. I have never had a face this smooth after adolesence. I hit the face with Witch Hazel and that pretty much took care of the nicks (no styptic required). Quite a bit of burn all over my face with application of Pinaud A/S. Nivea balm quieted that down though. I'm thinking I won't need to shave again until Wednesday!
All in all, I am extremely happy with the results (BBS to the max). Maybe with time and experience with the R-41 I will feel more comfortable and relaxed. For now, though it takes a lot of concentration and slowing down to keep my face in one piece. Final decision will depend on my comfort level going forward. This was more like work than the fun I've been having with Fat Boy and Slim. This is not a razor I will be using for my 5 am going to work shave.
Received my new R-41 from Connaught yesterday ($37 including shipping); 11 days after placing the order. I used it for the first time this morning for my "Sunday go to meetin'" shave. Prepped with a hot shower and my home made pre-shave oil. Face lathererd using Opus 1870 from a tube and gave this bad boy a whirl. Connaught sent a 5 pack of Gillette 7 O'clocks (yellows) with the razor so I loaded it up with one of them.
I treated the R41 with the respect it deserved - slow short strokes. Wow, what feedback from the sound of the blade taking off the whiskers. I did feel some irritation on second pass - probably need to take more care on the re-lathering. Only two small nicks on a usual trouble spot on the side of my chin. I really need to pull the skin over there to smooth out some 64 year old wrinkles. So the nicks were not the fault of the razor - more user error. With this blade exposure I really had to take my time and be extra mindful of the no pressure rule.
I usually do four passes. After two with the R-41 I was feeling a bit of irritation (but a smooth shave) on all but the sides of my cheek so I did a 3rd pass (ATG) on the cheeks and nowhere else.
Final result is outstanding. I have never had a face this smooth after adolesence. I hit the face with Witch Hazel and that pretty much took care of the nicks (no styptic required). Quite a bit of burn all over my face with application of Pinaud A/S. Nivea balm quieted that down though. I'm thinking I won't need to shave again until Wednesday!
All in all, I am extremely happy with the results (BBS to the max). Maybe with time and experience with the R-41 I will feel more comfortable and relaxed. For now, though it takes a lot of concentration and slowing down to keep my face in one piece. Final decision will depend on my comfort level going forward. This was more like work than the fun I've been having with Fat Boy and Slim. This is not a razor I will be using for my 5 am going to work shave.
