To R41 or not to R41, that is the question.

[Trouthunter]

Greetings, B&Bers...

I've been DE shaving now for a few months and am having nice success . As I jumped in to DE, I bought a Muhle 89 which I have found to be a very nice piece of machinery - albeit a bit mellow for my beard. Using Proraso Green or RazoRock Classic and Astra Blades (with shower prep), I am finding the need for 4 passes (WTG, and three various XTG/A-XTG) to achieve a really smooth finish. Much attention below mouth, under chin and other bi-directional growth areas.

I am considering a more aggressive razor - possibly an R41 or a Merkur 37c Slant. I haven't had enough time yet to investigate all of the vintage razor options, let alone had the time to shop for the right buy on the right one - which is why I am considering only new options so far.

Should I simply jump to an R41 or 37c Slant - or shuould I consider other options? I have been reading other threads but was interested to hear thoughts on 41 vs Slant options.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[htownmmm]

It may be cheaper to investigate sharper blades first.

Normally, when using a 'mild' razor, you get your best shaves with a very sharp blade. The combination tends to balance each other.

 

[Trouthunter]

Thanks, Noble Knight - a worthwhile option to pursue. Never hurts (well, it did once on a Feather...) to stay the course and step up a to sharper blade. My initial blade sample pack included: Astra, Feather, Crystal, and a few others. My feather experience was good until I was bitten by either poor technique or a defect in the new feather I installed. (major razor burn for the first time after good success with several blades). Perhaps I will continue to explore blades...

 

[Gingerbread]

It may be cheaper to investigate sharper blades first.

Rubbish! Always buy a new razor when possible.

In all seriousness, I love the R41. It's very easy to cut yourself with it, but as long as you're mindful it'll give you consistently excellent shaves. People around these parts rave about it for a reason.

 

[bastimret]

keep an eye out for one on the BST. Grab it, try it, if you don't like it just put it back up. They sell quite quickly.

 

[Agravic]

The Merkur Slant 37C/39C is an excellent razor, providing added efficiency over the EJ89 with a marginal increase in risk so to speak. The R41 is a tad more efficient than the Slant, at the cost of being a little more demanding in terms of vigilance and technique. Both are excellent razors, and all other variables being equal, should provide in 2 passes what you are achieving in 3 passes with the EJ89. Although YMMV, Astra SP has worked well for me in all of the mentioned razors. Good luck regardless of which one you choose first ... I predict you will end up with both at some point!

 

[SEnSE]

If you really enjoy the act and experience of a smooth shave, then the slant is for you.

If you don't mind a rougher shave experience to get at best a slightly closer & longer lasting BBS (is a closer BBS even possible), then give the '11 R41 a go.

I enjoy shaving too much so I got rid of the R41 and now have both the 39 & 37C Merkurs.

 

[Griffo]

I've noticed that certain blades give a rougher shave in the R41. Feather, Bolzano and Astra SP all work very weill and Racer and Asco for good and milder shave but I've found that some blades such as Lord Super, Super Chrome and Shark SC feel rough and uncomfortable, even though they give a close shave I dislike the feel of them. All those 'uncomfortable' blades feel great and smooth in my EJ though.

As for passes. Even though I don't have a dense beard in places, due to acne scarring and chin/neck problems I still need to have at least 3 passes on a R41 to get a good shave but with a Feather, Bolzano or Astra SP it's comfortbale and very close.

I have a pack of Gillette super platinums unopened and plan to use these to find out ow they go.

I've also looked at a slant and Fatip as an alternative to the R41, for getting close but comfortable with a wider range of blades. I love my EJ but there's no doubt the R41 gets me closer albeit more uncomfortable with blades that razor likes.

Mate the R41 with the right blade and it's insanely good and also smooth. Of course there's only one way for you to find this out - try it as I have.

 

[Monsieur Blaireau]

I jumped in with the R41 while just a few steps down the path of trying new blades. I'd only got as far as the Derbys in my quest for something better suited to my face and technique than the Wilkinsons I've been using forever. The chrome is coming off my old open comb, and whether that's a reason or an excuse, I opted to get a new razor and went with the R41. It seems to put a much greater focus on which blade you're using. I mean, the Derby in there was demonic compared to how it politely tried to coax the whiskers off my face with my old Hoffritz. In the R41, it just reaches across the table and grabs for the meat without asking.

 

[wimbouman]

I think you'll love the R41.

When I discovered that toothcomb I immediately jumped to it and glad I did.
It's my everyday shaver.

I know some people are very worried about it, and having to be very cautious with it.
Maybe I am lucky, but to me it is just a very efficient razor that does the trick in two passes + touch ups without hassle.

Try one, they are fast sellers on the BST anyway so the risk is neglectible.

 

[Monsieur Blaireau]

Wim, I'm curious: what's your preferred blade for the R41?

 

[jeff2011]

My 2 cents--I have bought and sold the R41 twice. The sharpness against the skin is greater than any razor I have used safe straights, and with a little patience the shave rocks. On those mornings when you don't have the patience (at least for me), it can bite. I love it, I hate it, I love it...and so on. For me, while not as exciting, a Weber (insert Edwin Jagger, Muhle, Gillette Safety bar) with a Feather does the trick. So buy it, try it...and treat it with care...the only way I could stop using it and stop the occasional blood loss was to sell it. If you do buy one.....be sure to give our esteemed domestic vendors a look--but shaving.ie among others seem to have the best prices shipped.

 

[shave~extacy]

I use the R41 daily, sold all 7 of my other razors. My blade of preference is Feather, Astra, Super iridium

 

[Alejandro1969]

It may sound bullish but the R41 is an incredible razor! I have waited all my life for it! Some say it's easy to cut yourself with it. Some say it's too aggressive. I have been shaving with it three times a week since May this year and I have never cut myself. No nicks. No cuts. No irritation. Just incredible shaves! I would love to meet the man or the team that were responsible for this razor and shake their hands! Is it an open comb or not? It has no comb! It's like someone said "let's grind the comb teeth off a Fatip head and see what happens"!!!! It has very little comb or guard but a lot of razor blade so you could cut yourself by striking it accidentally against your face but you wouldn't want to do that would you!

 

[Samjax]

Prediction - you're gonna get both - that's just what we do around here. Resistance is futile!

 

[Uncle Brian]

2010 0r 2011 ?

I think i have read that there is a difference with the 2010 being less aggressive .... only one way to find out if it suits you and that's buy one or both ;]

 

[Trouthunter]

Excellent tips, great feedback...and thanks a bunch for fueling my AD! I had not heard of shaving.ie - really great prices in Muhle razors, etc. I suspect an r41 & slant may be in the mail before I even finish this note!

...and I will probably find an AS or two I will just HAVE to pick up as well! My recent pick-up of Floid Blue was really a great grab!

 

[Agravic]

Excellent tips, great feedback...and thanks a bunch for fueling my AD! I had not heard of shaving.ie - really great prices in Muhle razors, etc. I suspect an r41 & slant may be in the mail before I even finish this note!

...and I will probably find an AS or two I will just HAVE to pick up as well! My recent pick-up of Floid Blue was really a great grab!

Not to be an enabler, but speaking from personal experience ... shaving.ie is a great vendor with reliable results ... and you may as well get both the R41 and Slant at the same time in order to take advantage of the VAT-free pricing and to optimize shipping costs. Just a suggestion .

 

[Trouthunter]

Not to be an enabler, but speaking from personal experience ... shaving.ie is a great vendor with reliable results ... and you may as well get both the R41 and Slant at the same time in order to take advantage of the VAT-free pricing and to optimize shipping costs. Just a suggestion .

Consider it DONE. I must try them both...!

 

[Wrangoleer]

Quit being a wuss!!! Get the R41!! Man up, man! Besides, you'll never know about the R41 'till you experience it for yourself. Get some!!