Muhle R41 - is it best with a thicker / less flexible blade?

[Wile E. Coyote]

Hi all

I'm a new R41 convert; because of the high blade exposure, is it better to use a thicker / less flexible blade? I've just tried a Gillette 7'o Clock Sharp Edge & it wasn't as nice as the Derby blade, giving an inferior shave. When I compared the 2, the Gillette blade was noticably 'flimsier', making me wonder if it's a case of using a thicker blade in the R41 due to the extra potential for 'flexing' of the blade during use. Can anyone confirm?

Many thanks

 

[BigBull]

I can confirm that the Derby works like butta in the R41.

 

[dcobranchi]

Aren't all modern DE blades 0.004" thick? http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...ouble-edge-razor-blades?p=3191067#post3191067

 

[talibeard]

Aren't all modern DE blades 0.004" thick? http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...ouble-edge-razor-blades?p=3191067#post3191067

All the modern blades I tried and measured were 0.10mm thick with the exception of the Captain which is 0.11mm but that is probably because of the protective lacquer used on the carbon steel.

There is however a noticable difference in stiffness between blades. And there is another thing with razors, like the R41, with large parts of the blade unsupported; when the blade is not very sharp the resistance of the hairs to be cut will force it to flex more. So the worst blade imo would be to pair a not overly sharp and flexible blade with the R41; my lovely and supersmooth Souplex changes into a carnivore in both my R41 and in my Fatip.

 

[Wile E. Coyote]

That's a fair point (both) - the Derby definitely felt thicker & more rigid, so perhaps it's something to do with different materials?

I liked the Derby, and still have to try a Feather and a 7'o Clock Super-Platinum, both of which perform well in my R89. Anybody have any more recommendations for decent blades for the R41? I'd heard Personna mentioned before.

Thanks

 

[JCturboT]

That's a fair point (both) - the Derby definitely felt thicker & more rigid, so perhaps it's something to do with different materials?

I liked the Derby, and still have to try a Feather and a 7'o Clock Super-Platinum, both of which perform well in my R89. Anybody have any more recommendations for decent blades for the R41? I'd heard Personna mentioned before.

Thanks

Wile,
Some good suggestions for blade choices in this post-

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/313363-R41-First-week

Jeff

 

[Gingerbread]

I think Astra SPs work the best in the R41. Whether or not they're thicker, I have no idea.

 

[skleice]

I just tried a Derby in my R41 inspired by this and another thread. I did get a bbs shave, but it was not a smooth shave by any means. I think I've gotten the best results from a gillette 7 o'clock blue....but further testing is necessary.

 

[mpmartinez99]

I think Astra SPs work the best in the R41. Whether or not they're thicker, I have no idea.

I think the Astra Sps have been the best for me too in the R41. I liked the Shark SC next and also Derbys. I didn't care for Feathers (which is a first for me) or a few of the other blades I have tried in it.

 

[Wile E. Coyote]

I'm looking forward to trying a Gillette Blue when I next use it at the weekend. I don't have a particularly coarse beard the R41 works well for me, it's the closest thing to a straight & 1 pass WTG before bed is close enough - it's still smoother/shorter by breakfast than if I'd used an electric in the morning. Treat it with respect & without applying pressure & it glides, but step out of line & it will certainly let you know!

Great suggestions / info chaps, I will go off & look into the Astra SPs for starters..

 

[Teddyboy]

Hi Mr. C. I cannot attest what blade works in the R41, but don't force yourself to like it. The R41 is not for everyone. I traded mine a long time ago.

 

[JayHawkMechanic]

Hi all

I'm a new R41 convert; because of the high blade exposure, is it better to use a thicker / less flexible blade? I've just tried a Gillette 7'o Clock Sharp Edge & it wasn't as nice as the Derby blade, giving an inferior shave. When I compared the 2, the Gillette blade was noticably 'flimsier', making me wonder if it's a case of using a thicker blade in the R41 due to the extra potential for 'flexing' of the blade during use. Can anyone confirm?

Many thanks

My experience with the R41, and I love this razor, is that Derby's were like a serrated Ginsu, as the Bic Chrome Platinum and the Gillette 7 O'Clock Permasharp's(green). I have no idea about which is more or less flexible never paid that much attention but I can say is your going to have to try different blades to see what works for you. Some of the blades that are considered middle of the road here give the best shaves I've ever had with my R41, like the Dorco 300's, the Shark SC's. Others work ok. My advice would be to just try different blades, you might be surprised at what actually works best. A few of the blades I like in the 41 I don't like in any other razor.

Chris

 

[andrestole]

Feather and R41 is a deadly combo (for the whiskers)..

 

[droth455]

Feather and R41 is a deadly combo (for the whiskers)..

+1!!! A great combo!

 

[tmurzz]

Is feather bad with anything? lol

 

[craig94yj]

+1!!! A great combo!

+2