My R41 head came in the mail today! Been anticipating its arrival and have put off shaving for 3 days now waiting for it to come, as I wanted to have a face full of manly stubble when we first went toe-to-toe. I must say, that was a shaving experience like no other. Showered, some MRGLO, a cold water splash and a brush full of Martin de Candre were my tools for this first time experience. Attached the R41 head to my AS-D1 handle (the ultimate Frakenrazor) and popped in a new Feather blade. That's right folks, go big or go home. No mild Derbys here.
Those first couple strokes were eye opening. I have never felt so much bare blade against my skin! Having used the AS-D1 for awhile though I knew to start off at a very flat angle. This thing will cut held almost to perpendicular! Don't let that scare you though, as the cut was nice and smooth (and loud!). I was shocked at how much hair was coming off in the first pass of 3 days growth. Pay attention to what you are doing, short straight strokes, and it works great.
After the one WTG pass I had what could be considered an acceptable shave. Second pass left me with a DFS and a small weeper on the chin where my XTG stroke mowed over the small bump left from a pimple. I could have stopped there . . . but I got greedy. No mere DFS would suit my needs after waiting 3 days and missing 3 morning rituals for this! So a 3rd pass cleanup XTG/ATG commenced.
After two fantastic and smooth passes wondering what all the fuss was about I went in cocky and ran it like a boss along the neck and jawline again, as well as the upper lip. I have to admit, the upper lip and chin got a little choppy, as there is so much blade exposed, so I did very light semi-ATG/sorta-XTG buffs in those areas instead. BAM! BSS and no damage! At least until I stopped splashing water on my face for a minute and looked in the mirror to see a bunch of micro nicks along my neck that weren't there a minute ago. Hmm, maybe the first time decision to go ATG down there was a little greedy, but the alum bar quickly put an end to those with some wicked strong yet soothing burn.
A splash of the OSAGE was next, the menthol so intense after such a shave that my eyes watered a bit. Sooooo goooood
After that dried down a spash of DRH Windsor went on nice and cold to finish off. Slapped a pinch of TP on the weeper still going on my chin and called it a success! While shaving with the AS-D1 helped prepare me for the extreme angle required by this razor, it is still a complete different experience, but not one that should be feared. I can't wait to give this guy a few more spins and improve my technique with it.
Those first couple strokes were eye opening. I have never felt so much bare blade against my skin! Having used the AS-D1 for awhile though I knew to start off at a very flat angle. This thing will cut held almost to perpendicular! Don't let that scare you though, as the cut was nice and smooth (and loud!). I was shocked at how much hair was coming off in the first pass of 3 days growth. Pay attention to what you are doing, short straight strokes, and it works great.
After the one WTG pass I had what could be considered an acceptable shave. Second pass left me with a DFS and a small weeper on the chin where my XTG stroke mowed over the small bump left from a pimple. I could have stopped there . . . but I got greedy. No mere DFS would suit my needs after waiting 3 days and missing 3 morning rituals for this! So a 3rd pass cleanup XTG/ATG commenced.
After two fantastic and smooth passes wondering what all the fuss was about I went in cocky and ran it like a boss along the neck and jawline again, as well as the upper lip. I have to admit, the upper lip and chin got a little choppy, as there is so much blade exposed, so I did very light semi-ATG/sorta-XTG buffs in those areas instead. BAM! BSS and no damage! At least until I stopped splashing water on my face for a minute and looked in the mirror to see a bunch of micro nicks along my neck that weren't there a minute ago. Hmm, maybe the first time decision to go ATG down there was a little greedy, but the alum bar quickly put an end to those with some wicked strong yet soothing burn.
A splash of the OSAGE was next, the menthol so intense after such a shave that my eyes watered a bit. Sooooo goooood
After that dried down a spash of DRH Windsor went on nice and cold to finish off. Slapped a pinch of TP on the weeper still going on my chin and called it a success! While shaving with the AS-D1 helped prepare me for the extreme angle required by this razor, it is still a complete different experience, but not one that should be feared. I can't wait to give this guy a few more spins and improve my technique with it.
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