It sounds like you might finally have it pretty much dialled in as the razor is indeed a single pass shave, I find the second pass is really chasing perfection but not strictly necessary.I looked in the mirror this morning with my 6 days of growth and couldn't face using a closed comb razor with my R41 right there! Although I was catching a flight this afternoon and meeting relatives so desperately wanted a nick free shave.I thought I would give it one more go - going easy to minimise the risk.
Pre shave was a shower inclusive of a face wash using some glycerin soap.
I went for 1 pass WTG with a fresh Nacet and touch ups and it was sensational. Took my time but didn't get distracted, focused on stretching the skin. Not a cut neither a bump, some blade feel but otherwise like mowing grass.
I always face lather and used 3p for the first pass then also tried executive shaving cream no fragrance for the touch ups.
As a side note, I was thoroughly impressed with ES's slickness and found it much smoother than 3p. Not to put down ES's product but I think this also means I could work the 3p better.
Going to assess my shaver on my return, realistically I think one pass could be the win!
The saga continues...
Similar setup as before - I had another go couple of days ago, all was fine and no cuts. Put my glasses back on afterwards and the left hand side of my neck was littered with razor bumps!
Going to lay off it for a week and maybe have another go. Haven't got the consistency down yet, (un) fortunately I also really enjoyed using ED89 today as I recover! Makes me wonder if I do want to have another go
Comparing the two side by side I do enjoy the smoothness of the milder razor, I did feel at some points I was very much scraping the R41. Perhaps a skill issue!
I agree, I'm also careful not to try for the perfect shave or too many passes....It may be that the '89 is easier or suits you more. But this hot weather can cause irritation when you shave if you're not drinking enough. I definitely notice it, not just with the R41.
If your technique Is not correct with this razor a less keen blade won't fix itThank you for the offer! I'll try some of my less aggressive blades perhaps on my return . I have some Dorco Primes knocking around as a minimum
Good honest advice, and a great post. Now that I have gained much required shaving confidence and my technique has vastly improved I can now pair my R41 with either aggressive & non-aggressive blades and get a close comfortable shave without being afraid to shave and without the fear of my shave ending in a blood shaving massacre. Good technique, shaving confidence and using the lightest of touch are the key with the R41, in fact it's the key to using any razor.If your technique Is not correct with this razor a less keen blade won't fix it
I would Stay with the ED89 until you are really confident and relax with your shaving routine.
There is so much hype around the R41 a lot of new new shaver pick it up and set them selves
back a notch please don't take this the wrong way
Some time the more unforgiving DE,s are a step to far in your shaving journey
Get your technique down and enjoy your shaving its you time after all
Cheers mate
I still struggle with this fourteen years into the hobby!One of the most important lesson's I have taught myself is I now never aim for perfection with my shaves, as '"Perfection is the enemy of perfectly adequate". My over-zealous passion for perfection was the major unnecessary cause of irritation nicks, & cuts with my shaving.
That's great mate nobody gets a perfect shave every time just enjoy itHey folks,
Quick update for you all, I think I've nailed it and got everything down now. Had another couple of shaves this week with the same setup, zero irritation and silky smooth.
Added a couple more changes to my technique in addition to using the razor as a pen - I shave upwards on my neck until reaching the level around the top of my adam's apple, although it's not quite WTG as the hair on my neck seems to grow in all directs it seems preferable to shaving downwards . I limit myself to 2 passes WTG all around where possible. I could probably eek some XTG/ATG on my face but I think the risk of burn or cutting myself rockets so I'm just not going to bother and I am unfazed about the minimal gains.
R41 is a good razer, really enjoying using it more in the future. Blows the Henson and ED89 out the water
All the best
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