Here's the deal : I can't shave ATG, as it more often than not gives me the usual problems. But when I only shave WTG and XTG, my beard is quite visible and I look like I shaved 12 hours ago. Right now I'm using a Muhle R89, and I am wondering if, using my 2 pass WTG/XTG routine, a R41 would give me a closer shave. Should I give it a try ?
Looking for a closer shave without shaving ATG, is the R41 a good candidate ?
- Thread starter Professor Jones
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You can try anything. An R41 will give you a closer shave but it still might not be close enough to look presentable with out a ATG pass.
Have you tried XTG both directions then a second WTG pass?
I typically do a 4 pass shave WTG, XTG both directions, and ATG (north to south, ear to nose, nose to ear, south to north)
Have you tried XTG both directions then a second WTG pass?
I typically do a 4 pass shave WTG, XTG both directions, and ATG (north to south, ear to nose, nose to ear, south to north)
Have you tried different blades. I have found that in my case it is often the blade that makes the difference. On most days I use a mild razor ( Super Speed flair tip) and once I found a blade that works for me, I get a great shave with no irritation. My blade of choice is the SuperMax Platinum followed by the Shark Super Chrome and the Dorco ST 301. However, everyone seems to like a different blade. Many here simply loath my favorite blades - so as you will see if you poke around here everyone seems to have something different that works for them. There are many blade sampler packs available and you might want to start there. My oldest son also found that shaving with cold water took care of his irritation problem right away.
Good Luck
Good Luck
I definitely get a closer shave with the R41 on WTG & XTG passes than with my 34c or futur. That being said, I still use it to go ATG every shave with great results. I think the biggest thing that causes people to sell their R41 on BST is not taking the time to find the right blade. Astra's & med preps are amazing in my other razors, but horrible in the R41 (for me obv). It's a different animal.
Aggressive =/= closer. Good technique = closer. Focus on prep, lather, angle and pressure and which razor you use will become much less relevant to how close or how many passes.
+1 You could always try shimming your EJ89 to see if that helps.
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- #8
XTG in both directions doesn't help much, but I do seem to get benefits from doing a second WTG pass.
I have tried about 5 different blades, and some seemed to tug less than others but I did not notice any change concerning the closeness of the shave.
I don't know how I can improve any of these areas. I always shave after a hot shower, whip up a nice lather and apply it thoroughly to my face with circular motions. As for the angle, it doesn't seem that you can go wrong with the R89 head if you use the safety bar as a guide by making sure its surface lays down on the skin.
You have only been at this for a month and a half....you will look back at this post in a couple years and laugh at yourself.
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IMO the R41 can provide a close shave in two passes but my neck is quite sensative so i couldn't do more than that on it with the r41 anyway.
A haircut does not hurt......why should a shave?
Try rocking the razor back a bit so you are gliding on the cap or doors and the blade is just barely licking your face.
A light ATG does more for me than all the others combined.
You may be able to do more passes with less harm to your skin......works for me......worth a try.
Hang in there, aim for comfort and the rest will come.
True. But I think the OP's idea to stay away from ATG is sensible, at least during the early learning days. ATG can be hard on the ol' visage if the technique isn't all there yet.
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- #13
I didn't mean to sound like I think I know it all already, just that right now I don't know what and how I can improve.
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