I like R41 2013 (I have not tried 2011). After great success with iKon X3 and 102, I considered to get Tech also. However, the blade shatter many tell about was deal breaker for me. I want my blade to be stable.
@Engblom if you really want a stable blade throughout your whole shave, go and grab a straight razor I'm sure Sweeney Todd would love to watch you holding a straight razor of death
I would be able to shave with a straight (been trying a shavette), but I do not want the extra work with maintaining the edge. Also, the handle of a DE is so much more comfortable than holding a straight.
You can feel the blade flexing, I find the 2011 R41 has the blade clamped down while I can feel the blade flex a little bit in the Ikon Tech.
So I've had a few smooth shaves with a Futur at 6 loaded with a Feather. From 1 to 10, how aggressive is it compared to the Ikon?
The Future on a setting of 6, is just as efficient as the Muhle and the Ikon, but I find it to be smoother than either one of them. These 3 razors are my favorites, with the Futur being first, the Muhle a close second and the Ikon a close third.
Since the last post the Timeless Bronze .78 OC has arrived, and the Charcoal Level 3 ( I think that is also new ) both are as aggressive as the Ikon Tech IMHO. FWIW rating only the razors I have from most aggressive to less so, based on blade feel, closeness of shave, amount of blood shed. What do others think about this ranking ? Tied for first: Ikon Tech Charcoal Level 3 Timeless Bronze .78 OC Second Place Merkur Futur wide open Third Place R41 (2014) Fourth Place Merkur Progress wide open Fifth Place Tie Gillette slim/Fatboy wide open Sixth Place Timeless .95 OC ( SS or Titanium ) Seventh Place Rockwell 6 S or C - R6 plate
My daily driver for the past 2-3 years has been the Muhle R41(2013). I can get a DFS in one pass with a clean up, however; I normally choose to shave less aggressively by riding the cap and maintaining a very shallow angle which requires 2-3 passes to get a DFS to BBS shave. Aggressive razors do not necessarily have to feel aggressive depending on the blade angle. Occasionally, I shave in a hurry due to unforeseen circumstances and open up the angle a bit and learn to regret it with a good rash.
