I'm sure it would vary from person to person but I found them to be very similar in feel while shaving for smoothness. Both have a similar, minimal, feel of hair resistance during the shave although I would say that the Slant gives me a closer shave after following the same routine.How does the R41 when compared to a Merkur Slant in terms of aggresiveness and smoothness?
I'm currently on EJ 89 and Slim.
This doesn't necessarily prove that the Slant is more aggressive but I just think it is and another indicator to that is how that the Slant always gives a cleaner finish (with all the lather being completely removed during the pass) where the 12C Open Comb and even this R41 Grande Open Comb leave some lather traces behind them.
Remember though that I've only been using the R41 for over a week and am still working exceptionally gently so other folk’s results may vary. Even with this special care, apart from the Slant, it's easily more aggressive than any other razor I've tried so I won't be hurrying to go at it any heavier.
The R41 Grande may not be for everyone, but I find it to have a good overall character and I'll happily keep it here as part of my three razor set-up.
Mark