Atta Boy!! Grab the bull by the horns.... I've seen many a razor Playboy settle down after trying the R41 and she made honest shavers out of them.....lol...all kidding aside...Every one looking for aggression should at least try the beast....Congrats..... good luck getting any sleep til she arrives... and Congrats to HR for the thoughtful gesture....this place rocks!! Now I can't wait to see how you like her...
Bird Lives, Yes, I have several. The only tool I still wrestle with is a Shavette. Theyre built so poorly I cant get my heart in it. No kidding, already excited.
You should be....you know you're gonna have a blast test driving it.... And we're gonna have a blast watching you...lol!
This was a really cool tread you got here tonight.....kind of the place to be....alot of action went down here in the last few minutes....Bless the Den....Gotta Love Her.
"Mmmphhhp...Mpm...mpp...mpmmmp..pmhh mmpph..." (Translation: "I may have to adjust my technique with the R41...")
I could have missed it, but have you tried an Open-Comb Micromatic SE? I can't imagine a beard so tough that the OC Micromatic couldn't take it down Here's a video about it:
In my experience, and I've stated as much in several threads—the 2011 R41 shave is the closest I've gotten using a DE razor to the shaving experience I get from a straight razor. In fact, since I still a relative newbie to the world of straight-razor shaving, I prefer to use my R41 for final touch-up when using a straight razor. The newer R41—the one I'm sending you— is essentially the same razor as the 2011 version as far as the results go (über-smooth face), but has a bit more refined 'feel' on the face, and less likely to bite.
Man, you're kill'in me, I have been dying to try the R41. In fact that was on my "Things I want to try in 2014" Cant wait.
I'm curious as to how you'll like this beastie! I fear I'll have to wait for some years. I only use vintage razors...
I bought a R41 2013 version last week from a buddy who bought it, used it once and decided it wasn't for him. Today I used it for the first time. It is the Grande version. The handle is long and thick. I don't have a heavy beard but had a two day growth as yesterday was snow removal day after 14 inches and didn't bother to shave. I used a Derby blade which is as mild a blade as can be had and lathered up with C.O. Bigelow cream and went to work with the R41. I was scared of the outcome but was pleasantly surprised. It was a comfortable shave. I went slow and steady. No nicks or cuts and no razor burn. A clean, smooth two pass shave. I don't know if this is an everyday razor for me but I will definitely use it again. I have some Personna blue blades coming and will try one of them in the R41. For me it was a BBS shave. Good luck with your shave.
I do recommend a light touch, and slow & steady initially so one gets the feel and angle down. I have had better (i.e. more comfortable) success with the sharper blades (Feathers, Personna Labs, etc.) on the 2011 model; the 2013 does not appear to be as finicky when it comes to blade choice.