Thread: Another Lesson Learned

An R41 can definitely teach you about pressure, blade angle. and concentration.
Slowing down also helps a lot too.

I was using a straight razor before trying the R41. I think the R41 still scares me more.

Have fun.

Gentlemen,

The Muhle R41 is the devil's razor.

Originally Posted by Obie

Gentlemen,

The Muhle R41 is the devil's razor.

Thanks Obie, you probably made my decision for me. I love my straights mostly.

Originally Posted by engine46

Thanks Obie, you probably made my decision for me. I love my straights mostly.

Some years ago I shaved with the R41 periodically. Although the shaves were close and I don't recall nicking myself, I did not enjoy the shaves. The R41 is just a mean razor, the devil's razor, and it counters my philosophy of shaving: of comfort over perfect. Indeed, it gave a perfect shave, but it was uncomfortable.

As a public service I will accept shipments and return your postage for all your unused, underused and unloved R41s (or Gillette adjustables stuck on "9").

I certainly credit the time I spent using a DE to ease the learning curve I'm experiencing with my straight. All the things to learn when switching from canned cream and a cartridge can be overwhelming. Of course one can learn to shave just with a straight, but taking smaller steps isn't bad and certainly can make the learning process easier and less discouraging. When people only had straights, it was learn to use it or not shave. Now there is the temptation to take the easy way out when things get discouraging. Minimizing the discouragement and maximizing the enjoyment seems like a good strategy to me.

Originally Posted by Lynn

I was using a straight razor before trying the R41. I think the R41 still scares me more.

Have fun.

LOL Lynn!
I enjoy shaving with DEs, and there are a few that I have felt were aggressive, along with certain DE blades. But I have never felt that way about ANY straight. It seems an oxymoron, since there is no guard on a straight, just a bare, open blade. But a straight is the smoothest, most comfortable, face friendly shave I have ever experienced. Aggressive? Surely it can be, but I have never felt that while holding a straight to my face.
As to relaxing and concentrating on technique, that is status quo for me, and the main reason I shave before bedtime instead of before the work day.

The key to a good safe shave with the R41 is very light pressure and a sharp blade. I believe the TS got better with his Razor shave because of learning just this: Use only as much pressure as necessary.

My R41 was never really a threat to me. I use it when I'm in a hurry and even to shave more delicate areas of my body and am still complete. :-) Just learn what is important with it and you'll have a life long friendship.

As the TS has said, I too find it boring to use just one tool. Switching around from Shavette, DE and Straight helps keep the fun of a morning shave alive.

Best wishes,
OldSalt

Hmmmmmm, I came to wish this guy a Happy Birthday & saw this discussion so I thought I would investigate. I have never tried a Muhle R41 but maybe one of these days I will get the chance to. I have a Gillette Fatboy & a vintage Merkur DE. When I do use them, I like the feather blades. I still prefer My straights though.