I've never used an R41, and OP says blade selection isn't an issue, but I get a lot more tugging with milder blades-Lord or "Viking blades" mild, whatever those are in reality.
But why do some razors pull like that when the same blade in another razor doesn't pull at all?
Among my razors, the one that does the most tugging is my R41. It is bearable, and it is only on the first, with the grain, pass. And it gives me close shaves without cuts or irritation.
I wasn't entirely clear - my problem with the R41 pulling isn't due to blade selection or poor prep, but either of those factors certainly could cause pulling.I've never used an R41, and OP says blade selection isn't an issue, but I get a lot more tugging with milder blades-Lord or "Viking blades" mild, whatever those are in reality.
Wouldn't have thought that the difference could be so staggering!(...)
For the R41 I am mostly going with heavily coated blades useful for cushioning.
This blade I havent really liked, until tonight.
Start N-S. Smooth, so smooth, and the slickness was surprising. No issues and a nice, close, supremely comfortable first pass.
S-N more of the same, with buffing ATG under and up my chin, both cheeks and sides of my mouth. This slickness was very telling while I was buffing.
ATG and more buffing, but not a lot needed really. More of the same. Wonderful scent, incredible slickness.
One light clean up at a downwards 45° over my swirls and done.
I have that "I dont feel like I've shaved" feeling. My skin has no warmth or redness. Its cool and supple and feels like I've had a good rub of CC balm, but I didnt even rinse my face. Just a quick wipe with a damp hand towel.
I dont know whether it was this razor that took the harshness out of these blades for me or the soap, but I felt none at all.
As it turns out, it was the soap that made the difference. Since my discovery of that, all new to me soaps get 'The Feather Test.' If the shave is harsh, they fail.
Wickham 1912, CRS, SV, Vitos Extra Extra, Cella Bio all pass. Arko does not. Proraso does not. Southern Witchcrafts does not. Stirling and Phoenix & Beau both pass but I need a thicker lather to mask the harshness but that can sacrifice blade feel.
Then your answer:What I don't understand is what would cause the blade to pull a hair instead of cutting it cleanly.
Which is correct IMO. +1I have been shaving with DE razors for many, many years and I feel confident that the issue is with the razor design and/or shaving angle.
What blades accomplish that for you? I also have sensitive skin and course beard. I'm having a hard time finding the perfect blade for me. Seems that every time I fall in love with sample pack of blades, I buy the 100 pack, and then I start disliking them. I have no idea why.I have a coarse beard and sensitive skin, so I want blades that are both sharp and smooth. There are a few blades that can accomplish that feat, but most will emphasize one over the other.
This. Effectively, it's a fundamentally flawed razor design, in my opinion.The R41 is potentially susceptible to blade flex and or chatter which can lead to tugging especially if the blade doesn't slice easily through your whiskers. If you look closely at the R41 with a blade inserted you will see a sizable distance between the edge of the top cap and the blade edge. This can allow some blade flex which exacerbates tugging. A razor that clamps the blade much closer to the blade edge will not allow as much blade flex and will tend to tug less or not at all. The other suggestions in this thread can also help to reduce tugging. Personally I have used my R41 for over 10 years and have gotten some great shaves but I have found it to be occasionally susceptible to blade chatter and tugging as well.
+1. I have bought 200 Tigers on a whim because I thought after one shave I had found the perfect blade. Ever since buying that second truck of a 100 I am sensing I should have gone for the Dorco Titan instead.What blades accomplish that for you? I also have sensitive skin and course beard. I'm having a hard time finding the perfect blade for me. Seems that every time I fall in love with sample pack of blades, I buy the 100 pack, and then I start disliking them. I have no idea why.
What blades accomplish that for you? I also have sensitive skin and course beard. I'm having a hard time finding the perfect blade for me. Seems that every time I fall in love with sample pack of blades, I buy the 100 pack, and then I start disliking them. I have no idea why.