I have an R41 that is way too aggressive for me. I also have a fairly light beard, and with a feather blade in my Slant I can get a one pass BBS shave. I actually have to check to see if I put the blade in. I get the same results with Polsilvers. I wouldn't be too worried that it will be too aggressive for you. You won't have any problem selling it if you don't like it.
I'm like a broken record; I get my best shaves from my Merkur Futur - one month into DE shaving I saw one and had to have one, despite the warnings that they're not really for newbies. Me and that razor clicked; the length and weight of the handle made me instantly comfortable. I didn't disregard the warnings - I gave a healthy dose of respect to it and it rewarded me with a great shave. The only shaver I have that has come close is a Schick Injector. I'm hoping my straights give me the same or better quality shave, but that will take more time.
Longer in the handle, heavier (not sure by how much), and some say the head makes it difficult to maneuver; I don't think so.
It's (to me) substantially bigger. The handle is 4.5" compared to 3.35" on the Fatboy and 3.5" on the Slim. The weight is 4.25 oz compared to 3 oz on the Fatboy and 2.5 oz on the Slim. To my hands, it's just right.
This is probably a stupid question but the higher you set your adjustable razor would the angle you hold it change? I have one and just haven't used it yet
My understanding is the higher number indicates a greater gap (exposure), and has no bearing on the angle. I hold the razor the same whether set to 1 or 9.
I used my Futur most of last week. The most interesting thing to me about that razor is how little I feel the blade. Not sure exactly how it does that but it gives some nice comfortable shaves.
While rare exceptions exist, generally, the only stupid question is the one left unasked. Thank you for asking this one, as several of us would not have known the answer of an experienced user had you not done so.
I finally got my technique down after a couple months of experimentation and different blades. I have even using a 4-5 setting. After reading this I may try something more aggressive. I'll let you know if I need some blood donations.
Aggression isn't to be feared, it is to be respected. You'll know whether or not you prefer it to a more mild shave, I guarantee it.
Embrace the journey. Each razor is like a different women. You have to learn what they like to get the most from them.
Guess it depends on where or whom said aggression is coming from.....if from the wife then I would say both respected and FEARED would seem well advised......But from a razor....I'm with you my man....I believe our natural survival instinct helps us find and adjust the razor angle as we encounter more blade or edge, to compensate....kind of makes every well made razor an adjustable.....But this is referring to well made and designed razors.....The broken or crap designed cheapos we run across now and again can leave the sink looking like a set from the movie Helter Skelter... ...But for the most part, all the good designed well made quality razors I've tried, with a little attention to detail will leave you with a great shave....and some naturally gifted shavers with that coveted 'Petting a Dolphin' stellar finish...
This is a highly subjective question, and all answers probably are correct. For me, and my 76 year old coarse whiskers, I prefer a medium aggressive razor (such as a Muhle R89) loaded with an aggressive Feather blade.
I was on the 'mild' side of the shaving fence earlier in this thread (back in July), but have since migrated over the 'wild' (aggressive) side of razors... http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/safety-razors-my-trip-from-mild-to-aggressive.34763/
I agree. I mainly use straights, but when I use DE's I use Feather blades in the so-called mild razors. I set my Futur at 1.5 with a Feather or even the milder Astra SP. I don't agree that a mild razor, even with a milder blade makes it harder to get a nice BBS shave. The first pass may seem to get closer, but it's all about progressive hair reduction and for me seems to take the same amount of passes, whether it's a full hollow or wedge straight razor, disposeable blade straight razor with blades that have more exposure (Feather Pro Super) or regular Feather or Kai blades, injector razors with the 3 or 4 types blades or the adjustable Schick or DE blade razors with more or less exposure. I go for comfort of shave, not at how fast I get a close shave. I found the original Trader OC razor to be disturbingly aggressive and difficult to get a shave without cuts and the Barbarsol razor the same. Not worth the bother.
