The "happy few" safety razors we must own?

Lots of long lists here. Going with the original theme of "must haves"...

1- 38-40 Gillette FHT. Gives me a great shave with just about any blade or soap.
2- 1967 Gillette Black Handle SS. Just because it's my birth year and my father had one just like it.

Everything else is just hobby collecting. I have several others, including straights, but I could toss them all and be 100% happy with just the tech. The perfect shaver for me. YMMV....

 

I bought an R41 about a month ago. I'm regretting it; such an aggressive razor. Any tips to tame it?

 

Don't have any "must haves" . How 'bout just "haves"? 1966 Gillette Superspeed still goin' strong. If it ain't broke...

 

Sell it. Trade it. PIF it. Life's too short.

 

My "must have" list would have to include a Slim and a vintage open comb TTO of some sort. I'd love to have a British Gillette. Once I find the razor that knocks my socks off, I want to have it lovingly replated and feature it as the pinnacle of my collection... but still use it.

 

Remember I got my last razor in December, so I'm done. Check out my Jedi Den for my collection, which is is mostly vintage Gillette. My go to razor is my FB. I used it all of January. My must have is my Gillette gold (D1) Toggle 1958. The best razor by far that I have ever used. It only comes out on special days (check Valentines SOTD).
Gillette 195 Fat Boy (f1) 1960
Gillette Ball End Tech NDC (declared 1947) Birth Year
Gillette Slim (k3) 1965
Gillette 85 Super Adjustable "Black Beauty” (p2) 1970 named “The Black Pearl”
Gillette gold toggle (D1) 1958
Gillette Goodwill #164 1931 (slotted center hole)
Gillette Goodwill #162 1934 (4 corner positioning posts)

 

All great shavers in no particular order...

Barbasol Floating Head
Gillette New Improved
Weber PH Bulldog
Feather Portable

 

Well I did just order a Progress so that might make the list. Is like I have a ARAD (Adjustable Razor Acquisition Disorder).

 

The R41 is what it is: a considerably more aggressive razor than what normally finds out there. Some find it too harsh; others fall in love with it.
I'm one of those who love it for what it does = a very close shave with minimal passes. I have a light beard and sensitive skin, which probably doesn't make me the ideal candidate for this razor. But with good prep, a light touch, the right blade (I like feathers) and good lather, I find it the most efficient DE razor I've ever used. I use both the newer r41 and the 'beastly' 2011 version.
If you find that its just not a good match for you, take Omaney's advice and sell it. Plenty of buyers for it out there.

 

Yeah, That's what I meant to say...

I have owned the R41 and I liked it but didn't love it. While one can in fact get a terrific shave from it, one does need to exercise absolute attention to technique and prep. It will bite you if you're lax, the blade gap is significant. I don't know how many different blades you tried, but there is one out there that will "calm" the R41 but it won't tame the R41. There is one thing I know will help for sure...use that razor for a month straight.

 

If I had to put myself in a situation where the house was burning down and I could. for some reason, only save 8 razors....what a terrible thought....
I'd save;

- Barbasol Floating Head,
- Gillette Big Boy Deluxe,
- Gillette Slim, birthyear razor,
- Gillette #58,
- Gillette Psycho,
- 1901 Star SE lather catcher,
- Kampfe Bros SE lather catcher,
- Gillette '41 Ranger Tech

..as I run out the burning house I could hear the cries of the Fatboy, Blue Tip, NEW, etc, etc and I'd be scarred for life.

 

I don't have that many

Muhle R41
Fatip piccolo
Ikon slant (1st or 2nd gen)
Ikon open comb and safety bar heads
2 thiers issard straights 5/8.

 

Gillette Slim adj.
Weber PH classic
Probak 1929
EJ DE89 EG
Merkur 34-38c
Gillette Super Speed
Gillette Flare Tip
Gillette 3 piece Travel Tech in leather zippered case

Hopefully By Christmas ATT H1 Kronos

 

Fatboy
Slim
New
Single Ring
Black Beauty
DE89
Tech fat handle

 

Gee, thanks! Before I read this "Too bad the Full brass De89 is not real", I wanted one!!! Love my DE89 - wish they made a stainless or brass model!

 

Must have razors

Pils DE
Razorock Stealth slant
Gillette Slim
Gem Micromatic Open Comb
R41
Gillette Tech
Flair Tip super speed

 

Which model is it 2011 or 2013?

 

Well that's going to be easy for me. I only have one right now (just getting started)
Ikon 102 slant.

 

That's a great place to start!

 

Well I'm over a year in and I've only tried three razors and two of them I wouldn't recommend. That doesn't make a long list of must haves!

There are plenty of razors I'd like to try but I can't justify, or afford, buying them on the chance that I will like them.