Like a new shaver........

OK, so I have been using a Gillette DE straight bar razor for a lot of years now. I would consider myself above average in using it. I got tired of the TTO, 1960 or however old it is, so I upgraded to a MUHLE R41 Grande.
I love the razor, however I feel like I am a first time DE shaver. Razor bumps, razor burn, a few nicks and below average smoothness. I have heard via a few videos that this razor is more aggressive and requires a more aggressive
angle, but I just can't seem to find the sweet spot. Plus I'm not sure if the "more aggressive angle" means I should be having the handle "closer to my face" or "more parallel with my eyes". I picked up a pure badger hair brush, from Target, of all places, and for $9.00 I am pretty impressed with the quality. I'm also using Geo Trumper's almond cream for the first time, and it is amazing. I've never used a brush before, and I find the hairs on this to be too long, but for 9 bucks, it will do fine. The almond cream, I have to stop myself from eating it. I'm sure a few more shaves, and I'll have it figured out, it just really struck me as odd that I didn't just pick this razor up and find myself shaving as I have done so many times before with the other razor. If it matters, I used the Derby blade that came with it, to give it a try, but I have a 10pk of Feathers. I have always used "personna" blades, some 1.65 a 5pk at "Sallys" where my wife gets her hair goop.

On the Muhle R41, see this quote from TheSuperiorShave.com :

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Straight out of the box with one shave under my belt, I can certainly declare that this is right at the top of the list of most aggressive razors anyone will ever use. Get a good look at that comb design as we show it from underneath; note how just those thin teeth will push down on your skin, and they'll do so well away from the blade, too. Furthermore, the blade's natural angle of incidence once installed is far closer to 90° from the handle than any other 3-piece safety I've ever seen. This thing cuts steep, with high pressure variance below the blade, and plenty of gap between blade and teeth. Be warned!

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If you want something more gentle, try an Edwin Jagger DE89. I have the "barley" handle model, and really like it.

Or the Merkur 34C would do nicely.

Or you could just soldier on with the Muhle -- you'll eventually learn that "no pressure" really means "NO PRESSURE!"

charles

Stubbleduct,
I agree with my friend Charles about the Muhle R41. I have it, and use it, as well as scores of other open comb razors. I also consider the R41 the most aggressive of the open razors I have used. Indeed, try the Edwin Jagger Charles suggests. It's a mild and silky razor. The Merkur 34C HD is an excellent choice, too, with its shave slightly more aggressive than the Edwin Jagger. Save the open combs for later. On the other hand, the Merkur open comb razors are all relatively mild and good starter open comb razors. Finally, pretend you're shaving with a feather — and do not apply any pressure. None. The Muhle R41 Grande, which is the one I have, has ample weight — and that's pressure enough.

The R-41 is in a class by itself. I usually use a straight and also have been using DEs for years but when I got the R-41 I was in for an education. You have to treat it with much respect or you can easily do a number on your face. You need to use an angle with minimal aggression when you start out and then you can increase the angle if need be. Also, lack of pressure is a must.

Two thumbs up on the r41. Just got one from obie a few weeks ago...first week was rough...but now its a breeze. I truly know what no pressure is now lol. Take her slow. I would do wtg passes till you perfect it.

Well my second shot at it had MUCH smoother results. My face was not as angry afterwards. I did a more thorough face prep and went very light. I was able to make three passes and had no big nicks to speak of. I have to admit I did encounter blade stutter(?) or blade bouncing(?) several times, and I guess I have to attribute this to poor angle? I do not feel so bad, hearing that I am dealing with such an unforgiving animal. By weeks end I hope to have tamed this beast and consider myself victorious. Thanks for the tips, they have been helpful!

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Originally Posted by Stubbleduct

OK, so I have been using a Gillette DE straight bar razor for a lot of years now. I would consider myself above average in using it. I got tired of the TTO, 1960 or however old it is, so I upgraded to a MUHLE R41 Grande.
I love the razor, however I feel like I am a first time DE shaver. Razor bumps, razor burn, a few nicks and below average smoothness. I have heard via a few videos that this razor is more aggressive and requires a more aggressive
angle, but I just can't seem to find the sweet spot. Plus I'm not sure if the "more aggressive angle" means I should be having the handle "closer to my face" or "more parallel with my eyes". I picked up a pure badger hair brush, from Target, of all places, and for $9.00 I am pretty impressed with the quality. I'm also using Geo Trumper's almond cream for the first time, and it is amazing. I've never used a brush before, and I find the hairs on this to be too long, but for 9 bucks, it will do fine. The almond cream, I have to stop myself from eating it. I'm sure a few more shaves, and I'll have it figured out, it just really struck me as odd that I didn't just pick this razor up and find myself shaving as I have done so many times before with the other razor. If it matters, I used the Derby blade that came with it, to give it a try, but I have a 10pk of Feathers. I have always used "personna" blades, some 1.65 a 5pk at "Sallys" where my wife gets her hair goop.

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I'm wondering from reading your post if you might like a Merkur 37c slant bar razor or a Merkur Progress (adjustable razor). What I'm reading between the lines is that you want something more aggressive without changing the technique used with your Gillette. Gillette isn't aggressive enough for me and I am getting the idea that you feel the same way. I am particularly fond of the 37C slant bar because it is designed to give you a more aggressive shave without changing the way you shave. As with any razor, treat it with respect while getting familiar with it.

I couldn't fin a 3pc slant bar. That would have been my first choice. I have seen them on EBay for $ $ $ $........ The R41G was my tie razor. I think a little bit of an issue I am having (not pertaining to shaving) is the terminology. I can sort of guess on some things, however, take "aggressive".... That could technically mean a few things. I am taking it as "most blade exposure". Is there a glossary in the forums? Also, having "the most aggressive razor", and taming it as my everyday shaver, is right up my alley. Add it to my checklist of manhood, please!