What is your most unforgiving razor...?

Let's face it, any razor can cut you if you are careless. Most of us have honed our skills and can enjoy a nick/irritation-free shave. However, there is probably one razor (DE/SE/Straight) in your den, that DEMANDS a flawless technique, lest it bite you in the...face . Mine is the Mühle R41 (2013). If there was ever a razor that is just waiting for an opportunity to strike, it's this one. You may ask why I keep it in my den? The answer is that it keeps me honest. What's your most unforgiving razor and do you do anything special to prepare for its usage?

 

DE based shavettes are more difficult than any other razor style, bar none. The margin for error is small with regard to angle and pressure. No special prep, just do it!

 

This French Le Coq:


If you are anything but on the cap you are exfoliating 3 layers of skin. Makes my Old Type seem like a kitten.

 

My Parker R22. I've had several lousy cuts from this tiger.

 

DE - Gillette Old Type
SE - Schick Injector E (or is it a G? can never remember)
Str8 - Boker Red Injun

 

Weck with a 57mm long Personna blade.
I've muted the heel & toe of fresh steel for less stabby shaves.

 

I'd say for me, it would be either one of my Gillette Old Types, Gem Micromatic OC and Schick E, especially when rushing on a shave.

 

Different strokes for different folks. My Hoffritz slant is a pussycat.

 

SE - GEM OCMM 1x chrome versions in case (U.S.) Can be controlled but a learned process not intuitive like a Tech.
DE - Merkur 37c slant (Grm) Until I got use to it. Now it's my "final blade run" razor. It's able to give me another decent shave on a (fourth or fifth shave) of a used blade.
I don't have any straights but do own a shavette that will easily nic and cut if not adhered to.

 

Muhle R41. Its a great razor that gives me close shaves and allows me to go 3 days between shaving. It does keep my honest, however and I always seem to nick myself once or twice with it.

 

DE - Fendrihan Scientist. Has a hybrid open comb / safety bar head but I find both sides equally harsh and aggressive. I find the Schick E/G injector a total pussycat by comparison.

 

Any unmuted spike tip straight razor. Shavettes with the AC type blades. Both of these will punish a moment of inattention with a stab or a slice. Of the two, the AC type shavette is less forgiving. Because the blade doesn't flex, it will shear through several layers of skin, moles, skin tags, or scar tissue. Both will give fantastic shaves, I just really have to be in the zone. I honestly do a slight muting of most of my straights, slight enough that a honing will bring back the spike. A little muting will make it less likely to slice me.

 

I've only shaved with my Gem a few times, but I pay attention like it's a straight. It feels like the potential is there for a nice nick.

 

Oh it can very easily.

 

My most unforgiving razor is definitely my Feather Professional Artist Club razor. With good technique, however, it rewards me with fantastic shaves!

 

Every-Ready 1914

 

I was tempted to go with the 2011 Mühle R41 as it is one unforgiving DE razor, but since I rarely use a DE anymore, I'll have to go with this lefty Kanenaga kamisori.
Scary-sharp edge with dangerous toe and heel points. If you're "off your game" at all, you'll pay the price in rivelets of blood. Full attention required.