I have a R41 2013 and I really like it. I never drew blood with it in the 15 shaves I've done so far. My problem is, it does not shave smooth. Even with a new blade, I've used Feather, Astra, 7 O'Clock yellow, it still pulls. It only pulls in certain areas of my face but it doesn't seem right. My question is, am I doing something wrong or is this just a trait of this razor?
The razor is pretty blade specific for me. I definitely prefer Permasharp Super blades and make my lather on the slick side. With other blades, I still get a great results, but it is just not as smooth of a shave.
The R41 can leave many shavers with irritation or a 'raw' feel post-shave. I assume it is similar to the experience when one first starts shaving with a straight razor (never having had that experience myself, I can only assume). The 'pulling' you are experiencing may have to do with your shave angle, or the type of blades, or your technique—or a combo of all three. Unlike the majority of my other razors, in order to get the type of shave the R41 can deliver (an extremely close, ultra-smooth shave in fewer passes), there are a few 'preflight' steps I take: • Find the RIGHT blade— the R41 is an extremely aggressive razor that users either love or hate; and a good deal of this strong emotion can be tied to the type of blade being used. Finding the 'right' blade for it is often a personal choice. "One size does not fit all" I prefer the sharper blades, but other have good success with Dorcos. • a NEW blade — the R41 has a bit of a rep for wearing through blades quickly, and it communicates to the user rather clearly. A new blade ensures a good start and reduces any potential tugging or pulling. • Technique— my shave angle using the R41 is slightly shallower (i.e. razor hand is closer to my face). I found that through my first few R41 shaves, I was experiencing 'non-smooth' strokes with the razor; ample pulling and snagging on the face. No blood, but some resistance. As I changed my approach (shallow blade angle), I found the tugging problems went away and the resulting shaves went smoothly. I hope some of these tips are helpful. The R41 is a great razor, particularly once you find the 'happy spot.'
Thanks for the tips. I think it may be my angle. I'm going to try it with the handle closer to my face. I too noticed the blades don't last as long in the R41. I don't have a tough beard so I can usually get about 9 shaves out of a blade like Feather. But with the R41 I can only get 4 or 5 at best. I do love the razor. I like the feel of an aggressive razor.
I Agree, Astras work well for me, feathers are almost too sharp (if that's possible) the angle that I use is with the handle further from my face, just the weight of the razor nothing more, short strokes, and stretch the skin well, also paying close attention to face prep of course, This works for me , but everyone is different, YMMV.!!
Just me, but I wont even try a Feather in my 2013 R41. I have at least 60 feathers that ill only use in my TTOs. Never open razors. Feathers (at least for me) like to cut parts of my face that Ive never cut while shaving. I've also never got more than 3 shaves out of each blade (and been effective without pulling). Personally, I like a 7 Oclock blacks in my R41, and can almost shave at will (with a few weeks practice), and get - comfortably - at least 5 shaves out of each blade. And what a great shave! At least for me, NO razor gives a better shave that the R41 and the newer the blade, the better!
I've never tried a R41,mostly because if it's aggressive reputation...I've found the EJ89,Weber DLC and Cadet OC plenty aggresive enough for me(consistant,irritation free DFS with the occassional BBS) what else can you ask for... However if you love the R41 feel and get irritation free shaves thats what matters.. As to the blades, I find Feathers too harsh for my face and so don't use them, but from what I've read from people who also love Feathers, if your getting 4-5 good shave from a blade your way ahead of the game...So proper preassure, pay attention to technique and just enjoy your shave...The simple passage of time, for good or bad, will also make a difference to your shave and you can't hurry that, you just have to let it pass and see what happens....
O.K. here are some issues that I have determined with the R41 and other aggressive razors. 1. Don't worry about blade life the aggressive razors tend to dull blades faster than less aggressive razors. This is not shaving with a $15 cartridge that lasts maybe 2 weeks. 2. You need to seek smoothness in a blade rather than absolute sharpness. What I find about the most extremely sharp blades is that when shaving that the edge is so finely set that when they have been used, the edge becomes more jagged and irregular. Some blades have a different or slightly blunted edge that holds the shape longer. Those blades tend be smoother and seem to work better even though they don't have a long life span. 3. Take a look at the thread below and see which blade I had the best success with, the blunter smoother blade, the above average sharpness blade, or the absolute sharpest blade. http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/the-2013-r41-rose-gold-razor.35058/ Good fortune in finding the right combination.
I shaved with my R41 yesterday. I took what HolyRollah wrote:• Technique— my shave angle using the R41 is slightly shallower (i.e. razor hand is closer to my face). I found that through my first few R41 shaves, I was experiencing 'non-smooth' strokes with the razor; ample pulling and snagging on the face. No blood, but some resistance. As I changed my approach (shallow blade angle), I found the tugging problems went away and the resulting shaves went smoothly. BBS with no irritation at all! Words to live by when shaving with The R41. I used a Personna lab blade.
Angle seems to be a real key to success with that razor. Nice job! For most razors, the angle on the right is recommended; With the R41, the shallower angle (something akin to what is shown at left), in my experience using it, works the best.
Normally when people talk about angle (for example, when people say to shave at a 30 degree angle), they mean blade angle relative to the face. With DE shavers, the handle is almost perpendicular to the blade, so the graphic is backwards. The one on the left is a steep blade angle, and the one on the right is the shallow blade angle. Deciphering all of that, it is being recommended in this thread to try an R41 with a steep blade angle, as shown by the photo on the left.
