I have a 39C Slant hammer that I use when my straights are out for honing (I'm still working on my stropping skills!). The 39C was perfect for my very coarse beard. I use Iridium blades and get great near-BBS shaves from it.

Initially, I found it to be quite unforgiving. I then learned about the importance of making sure the blade is put in straight (I know: it's an oxymoron in a slant, but it works). Threads over on the Badger and Blade web site explain this much better than I ever could. After quickly mastering blade placement, I get dont get nicks other than the odd weeper every now and then.

I prefer straights overall, but for DE shaving, the 39C rates a high recommendation for coarse beard shaving. That's just my opinion, anyway ...