For Those With Agressive Razor Experience - Which Would you Choose as the Best?

A short while ago, I posted my thoughts, about a new Merkur Progress, I had purchased. For more testing and comparison, I just ordered a new Parker Variant. Now I am looking for a nonadjustable safety razor, that is naturally aggressive, but not killer aggressive, say a solid 8 on a 1 to 10 scale. I like blade feel, but only so much, that you still get a comfortable shave. What would you buy, based on your experiences and my requirements?

 

R41 can’t Beat it. For me Best Razor Out There. Buy just the head and get the RazoRock Barber Pole Handle.
Trust me you will fall in love with it. I Did.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I like my Fatip Piccolo, not as mean as my GEM MMOC or my R41.
Using a Feather blade, it gives me a nice shave. The handle is thin but it seems to be quite a good grip.
tp

 

I'll second the R41. I have had both the 2013 and 2011 versions. I sold the 2013.
The 2011 R41 is a very blade forward (read; aggressive) three-piece razor. They are no longer manufactured and are occasionally on the BST threads. The stock Mühle handle is, again imo, super-slippery and I would never use it. My 2011 R41 head/baseplate are secured with a Weber Bulldog handle.
Now, this razor is not an 8, but more like a 9-10, however, after 30 straight shaves with it, it succumbed and became my b-word.
One of the few DE razors that I didn't sell off when I joined the Dark Side.

 

I can reccomend the R41 also. I have the 2013 model and, frankly, while it's aggressive, it's also incredibly smooth and comfortable. Not scary at all. I'd I had to pick a daily driver out of my 60+ razors it would be the R41. Now I've got to find a 2011.

Herm

 

There are a couple I enjoy in the Aggressive / Efficient side of non-adjustables.

Vintage Gillette NEW Open Comb gives a nice shave and generally falls in the lower price range if the brass is showing. Doesn't affect performance and they look nice when polished up, or with a rich patina. I like the heft and knurling of a bar handle.


Another Open Comb, but modern - The Fatip. Mine has the shorter solid handle. Among the variations the top ends are the same. Nice nickel finish. I've not had any problems about blade alignment that some folks do.


Another Modern Open Comb I've recently been puzzling over - the Yaqi Double OC "Mellon Head". It has a big blade exposure, but feels mild while shaving. Cheap enough to pick up and test. They just look so darn cool, too. In the photo the base plate and top cap are attached to a Gillette Bar handle.

 

That one is on my list, too. The 2013 was released as the answer to problems with the 2011, yet many users like their '11 once they Focus their Technique.

 

Very interesting so far!

I have heard the name "Game Changer" a few times, in conversations. I don't know who makes it, has anyone had experience with it?

 

https://www.italianbarber.com/products/razorock-game-changer-double-edge-razor

no experience with it

i would suggest the maggard's v3a head it has an aggressive reputation and a large blade gap, but i don't find it a a "killer" i tend yo use it with a low blade angle am getting the closest and most comfortable, pending more testing best DE shave.

another suggestion is Gillette old style

( i do have a r41 and fat tip inbound)

 

Cooper 3 piece, or the Monobilt.
Something about the 3 piece Cooper that just blows everything else out of the water.

 

Big fan of the three piece. Geometry is similar to the Fatip Mk1 but smoother.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

 

I have another one just found in the last few weeks, I forgot to say...
A SOLUNA open comb razor, it's a 50's Czechoslovakia all aluminium razor.
IF you like light razors, these are a good bet you might like it.
tp

 

The R41 2011 is the only razor I have used for years. This razor pretty much shut the door on RAD for me. I tried the 2013 version and it was okay, but not as good as the 2011.

I bought a backup years ago, just in case something happens.

Agree with the stock handle not being great, I too have a bulldog style handle on my R41.

 

So far, it looks like I'll be looking for a 2011, R41, as one of my choices. However, it seems to me, that it will be mostly a waste of time, unless I get really lucky.

 

They appear every so often. Don't give up...it appears that @stingraysrock has an extra...

 

If you're willing to branch out a bit, the earlier SE razors (star or gem) can be pretty aggressive in a good way. The later models aren't as aggressive as the earlier models. The earlier injectors are also fairly aggressive, at least as compared to the later ones. But, Star or GEM over injectors in terms of aggressiveness.

 

https://images.app.goo.gl/Ka1dLQf9Nn7KnbxSA

 

The bakelite Neillite 400. Have not seen a direct comparison with the 2011 but I know it's got to be close. I've developed a taste for aggressive but could not completely stomach the 400 no matter how I tried.

 

Fendrihan all stainless MK. II.

 

It is an SE razor, but the Gem Open Comb Mircormatic is a fantastic shaver that won't break the bank. Once learned, it will provide fantastic shaves.