Shimming an R41?

[JeffOlson]

We have discussed shimming DE razors such as the Feather AS-D1 to increase the blade gap/exposure for a more aggressive shave. But has anyone ever tried shimming the Muhle R41 to increase the blade CURVATURE to achieve a LESS aggressive shave?

It looks like I might be able to stack several NARROW shims underneath a blade on the R41 to make it curve more. Thoughts?

 

[AABCDS]

That's a good thought but I think that adding narrow shims underneath the blade would only increase the the blade gap which would make it more aggressive. To increase blade curvature, you'd need to change the top cap since that is what gives a blade its curvature. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[inspiringK]

That's a good thought but I think that adding narrow shims underneath the blade would only increase the the blade gap which would make it more aggressive. To increase blade curvature, you'd need to change the top cap since that is what gives a blade its curvature. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

Well, I think, both the base plate and cap play a role in creating blade curve. Also, blades typically rest against the top of the cap and float above the front edge of the base. Not sure if the picture shows it clearly, but the blade is pressed up near the centre by the base plate, then pressed down again by the cap nearer to the cutting edge. (R41 left, NEW right)


Adding shims above the blade (not sure if you are suggesting this) and thereby removing the direct cap contact would decrease the rigidity of the blade and make it even more prone to create cuts.

Back to the OP, I think the picture also suggests that the base plate would not accommodate a change in curve. Can’t hurt to try I guess, there is some merit in the idea. It would also reduce blade exposure a bit if you did pull this off. Either way, pics please

 

[AABCDS]

Well, I think, both the base plate and cap play a role in creating blade curve. Also, blades typically rest against the top of the cap and float above the front edge of the base. Not sure if the picture shows it clearly, but the blade is pressed up near the centre by the base plate, then pressed down again by the cap nearer to the cutting edge. (R41 left, NEW right)
...
Adding shims above the blade (not sure if you are suggesting this) and thereby removing the direct cap contact would decrease the rigidity of the blade and make it even more prone to create cuts.

Back to the OP, I think the picture also suggests that the base plate would not accommodate a change in curve. Can’t hurt to try I guess, there is some merit in the idea. It would also reduce blade exposure a bit if you did pull this off. Either way, pics please

I see what you're saying. Maybe adding narrow shims would increase the blade curvature then since the base plate of the 2011 R41 is quite flat on top.

 

[JeffOlson]

^ I think you are right.

How about this? Add two small washers beneath the blade, on the posts, to raise the blade off the base. Then add two very narrow strips of something under the cap to press down on the edges of the blade...

EDIT: OK. I will be the guinea pig. I added two very narrow strips of duct tape to the outside edges of the underside of the cap. These strips are three layers thick. I have not added washers or shims underneath the blade. (The washers made the blade a bit warped from end to end length-wise.) To my untrained eye, it sure looks to me as if the blade is now more curved and closer to (not as high off) the outside edges of the base plate (the blade gap appears narrower). If I am right (and I am probably not!), with a greater curve comes a narrower blade (it does not extend as far from edge to edge.

I will give it a try tonight and report back. Stay tuned!

 

[inspiringK]

Makes sense. The R41 is well manufactured and there isn't really much room to play with, though I think your strategy is probably the best. You can still use three or four really narrow blades (cut to make shims) and place them under the blade to see how that affects it.

 

[JeffOlson]

Makes sense. The R41 is well manufactured and there isn't really much room to play with, though I think your strategy is probably the best. You can still use three or four really narrow blades (cut to make shims) and place them under the blade to see how that affects it.

I have since modified my weapon. I have added just one very narrow shim under the cutting blade. It is made from an old blade and is narrower than the strips of duct tape on the underside of the head. The result is a noticeably increased curvature in the blade and the blade resting much closer to the base plate. We will see how it does tonight... (I'm a little nervous!)

 

[shuasdad]

Scratching my head on this. I've shaved with less aggressive razors, namely all of them, than the R-41. It's up there with the straights I've dabbled with.

Shimming to up the aggressiveness on the most aggressive razor to accomplish unheard of aggressiveness may sound crazy, but it would be one of the few ways to achieve that level of aggressive. Shimming to lower the aggressiveness seems like a complicated way of finding the right razor, when there are many less aggressive razors.

The R-41 seems just right for me so far. I'm just curious what you're trying to achieve or if this is a for fun experiment.

 

[Agravic]

Yikes Jeff, you must relish living on the edge!..no pun intended.

 

[Triad]

Oh crap he bled out anybody heard from him its been 6 hours since his last post

 

[JeffOlson]

Hey, I just got back from the ER! Kidding. It only required a styptic pencil and a bandaid to stop the geyser of blood from yesterday's first shave. (I had a little bump on my neck, and the R41 decided to mow it down yesterday and re-open the wound today.)

The duct tape and shim experiment really did work. It was very kludgey, but it increased the bend in the blade and decreased the blade exposure/gap a bit. As a result, tonight's shave was indeed better--it was noticeably less rough. However, it was still too rough and aggressive for me.

Oh, well. I'm glad I tried it. I would have forever wondered. Also, I have found a good use for my Grande handle: it fits my rhodium Tech head and base perfectly, and the bright chrome finish on the handle matches the rhodium quite well. Nice save!

PS: This was just for fun. I wanted to see if I could tame the R41 a little. I have and love (especially after the R41!) a Feather AS-D1, and I have increased its aggressiveness by adding a couple of shims beneath the cutting blade. I just wondered if I could do the opposite to the R41. (And I can--a little!)

 

[Agravic]

I'm now curious to see what your next razor 'experiment' might be...

 

[JeffOlson]

^ I think it will probably be a re-plated Fatboy.

 

[celestino]

You are a brave lad to try it. If you do, pics of the razor. Good luck, but i think you are mad to even consider it!

 

[inspiringK]

Well Done

You are a brave lad to try it. If you do, pics of the razor. Good luck, but i think you are mad to even consider it!

+1