Got a FatBoy to try and cure my addiction and started it on number 5 then the next day 7 and tonight I turned it up to 9. It was amazing so effortless and so much closer than my ED89. Used a feather blade and there were zero nicks and no irritation, usually the alum isn't to much fun but tonight no sting at all. So I guess my face likes the more aggressive razors maybe its time to consider an R41.