They are not the same. The 89 is the same head as the Edwin jagger. Very mild. Old 41 s are very aggressive the newer are still pretty agressive in my opinion.
Many thanks! (I've edited this post as I originally incorrectly cited the Traditional Shaving Company as having corresponded with me, when they did no such thing. I do apologise to them for this error. I'm extremely sorry!) I had suspected this but an email from Shaving-Shack seemed to suggest the only difference was the closed comb vs the open comb.
I have the newer version of the R41 and I find it very harsh/unenjoyable. Anything that shaves similar to an EJ89(mild, but very effective) is IMO a great razor.
Most likely, but had I purchased on that basis it would have been returned for mis-selling. I think they're not quite up to speed on the equipment!
I do hear though that it gives the closest shave of any DE and I'm always after the "closest shave" dream!
Unfortunately the only way to realize that dream is to try every DE/SE safety razor you can afford. Trust me I know.. Then you have to think about trying straights as well..
Darn! That burst my bubble! I do use a straight, but they're not as sharp as manufactured blades. I also have a shavette, extremely close, but takes far too long to shave. Did use a feather in a shavette, real close, but often razor burn and occasional blood. I heard the R41 was exceptionally close due to its aggressiveness?
I have a R41, for about 6 months it was my razor of choice, you do get a very close shave. I didn't need to shave every day when I was using it, every other day was good enough.
You can now buy just the head at a discounted price, you might want to go that route? It's a fantastic razor that you'll need to see if it works for you. The good thing is they retain their resale value.
I'll say this very quietly (I only have one DE, one SR and one Shavette). I'm trying to increase the collection and thought the r41 would be the way to go. My fear is buying a DE that no matter what I do leaves stubble. My Futur allows me to adjust so it's not an issue. I just don't want to end up buying a DE that leaves stubble after 3 passes. Buying the head would not help having no other DE with a handle that comes off.
I get great shaves with a straight. So-so shaves with DE razors. An R41 with a feather can be a harsh shave but may be just what your looking for.
The Futur is a pretty aggressive razor in its own right. If you like the Futur, maybe the R41 would work for you. On the other end of the spectrum, since the Futur works well for you, you may be disapointed with the R89.
You pose a very good puzzle... I'll give it a shot. Given your three bases for comparison, I've got a couple of suggestions. This is a little tough, because, even though you are looking at going more aggressive, there is more to the choice than that, isn't there? • a bit more aggressive, modern - To what number is your Futur dialed? The high end of the aggressive moderns is the R41 and the FatTip. Unless you reguarly run your Futur on the high end, I'd suggest a RazorRock Jaws. It is pretty efficient, but not quite as bitey as the beastie boys. • a bit more aggressive, vintage - You can pick up a Gillette Old or New for little money. I find my News a bit more aggressive than my Old, but @Jayaruh rates them the opposite (go figger!). I find the Jaws a touch more aggressive than the News. • a bit more aggressive, SE - I had more learning curve adapting to GEM style SEs than I did adapting to Schick style. I heartily recommend a Schick injector. Your Futur is a Hummer and the Schick is a Mini-Cooper... or something like that, but cooler. There is more to a comfy BBS than having a super-aggressive razor! Hmm... what would I pick for you? I'm gonna go with the Schick. Yep, that's my final answer. No matter your choice, please post your decision and results. That's what keeps it fun! Good luck! Sean
Great view point. It's funny about the New. It's milder to me than the old. Hmmm Schick would be a good one.
Really appreciate your advice! I'm in the UK, where would i find a schick and what variety should I go for?
I'm struggling to find a Razorock or Gillette old or Schick in the UK. Are there any Razors you're recommend that are more easily found in the UK?
