The Case for Aggressive Razors for Beginners

Instead, I went down a vintage Gillette rabbit hole, and don't use any of them anymore,

I'm down the same rabbit hole brother! The only modern razor in my collection is my Timeless (.95 OC is amazing!). I did manage to round up some gems to feed my aggressive addiction - a GEM Micromatic OC, a Gillette Red Tip and my Gillette Slim Adjustable at 9 (as Nigel Tufnel would say, I wish it went to 11!)...

Now if Muhle were to make a stainless R41 (that Zamak post doesn't hold up well in South Texas hard water) there's a good chance my RAD could potentially subside...at least short term anyway...

Instead, I went down a vintage Gillette rabbit hole, and don't use any of them anymore,

I'm down the same rabbit hole brother! The only modern razor in my collection is my Timeless (.95 OC is amazing!). I did manage to round up some gems to feed my aggressive addiction - a GEM Micromatic OC, a Gillette Red Tip and my Gillette Slim Adjustable at 9 (as Nigel Tufnel would say, I wish it went to 11!)...

Now if Muhle were to make a stainless R41 (that Zamak post doesn't hold up well in South Texas hard water) there's a good chance my RAD could potentially subside...at least short term anyway...

Moe, I agree. If there's one razor I wish they would bring back from the dead in stainless, it's the Muhle R41 2011. I own two, as I need a backup and never want to be without. The stem on one of the top caps is already a bit sketchy. The other top cap stem looks fine, but so did the first at one time. I won't buy another Zamak razor.

My RAD has subsided because I think I've got enough aggressive razors now. From the Ikon Tech to the Charcoal Goods Level 3 open comb, to the PAA DOC Evolution stainless, to the Asylum RX, to the ATT SE2 and H2, to the Le Coq caged comb, to the early Schick E2, to the Rocnel SE-G---I'd like to think I'm done.

I really need to get my dirty little mitts on a Le Coq caged comb...

I've been reading this thread for a long time. I started my post-cart life about four years ago with a Merkur 34C HD. I couldn't get a close shave with it, so I dove into the ATT experience, first with an R2. Then I got the entire OC set, adding the M2, H2 and S2. I landed on the H2, but thought there might be closer, longer-lasting shaves out there. So my aggressive RAD kicked in, focused on vintage Gillettes. If I could do it all over again, my first razor would have been an H2, followed by a FaTip, followed by the Muhle R41 2011, then the Ikon Tech, Le Coq caged comb, PAA DOC Evolution stainless, Timeless .95 open comb and Charcoal Goods Level 3 open comb. Instead, I went down a vintage Gillette rabbit hole, and don't use any of them anymore, although I enjoy owning a piece of sophisticated US engineering and manufacturing history. Of course, this is me, and everyone is different.

The r41 is cheap enough for newbies to try without breaking the bank. that'll then allow them to venture into the aggressive razors and see if they work for their skin type (assuming they've spent enough time with it to hone their technique).

I was actually just speaking to Douglas tonight, asking him what his most aggressive razor he makes is. he pointed out the PAA DOC Evolution stainless. how do you like it?

I've been reading this thread for a long time. I started my post-cart life about four years ago with a Merkur 34C HD. I couldn't get a close shave with it, so I dove into the ATT experience, first with an R2. Then I got the entire OC set, adding the M2, H2 and S2. I landed on the H2, but thought there might be closer, longer-lasting shaves out there. So my aggressive RAD kicked in, focused on vintage Gillettes. If I could do it all over again, my first razor would have been an H2, followed by a FaTip, followed by the Muhle R41 2011, then the Ikon Tech, Le Coq caged comb, PAA DOC Evolution stainless, Timeless .95 open comb and Charcoal Goods Level 3 open comb. Instead, I went down a vintage Gillette rabbit hole, and don't use any of them anymore, although I enjoy owning a piece of sophisticated US engineering and manufacturing history. Of course, this is me, and everyone is different.

The r41 is cheap enough for newbies to try without breaking the bank. that'll then allow them to venture into the aggressive razors and see if they work for their skin type (assuming they've spent enough time with it to hone their technique).

I was actually just speaking to Douglas tonight, asking him what his most aggressive razor he makes is. he pointed out the PAA DOC Evolution stainless. how do you like it?

I used the PAA DOC Evolution stainless this morning and, as usual, got a shave as close as my hand can produce. I used a Kai blade for fifth time, which was one too many as I had more tugging than usual. Even with a fresh blade, it seems I can feel and hear every hair being mowed down. I really enjoy using this razor, not only for the tremendous results, but for the experience of paying close attention to the task. I like it so much, I also bought the aluminum version which, due to its lighter weight, I suspect, feels a bit less intimidating.

I've been reading this thread for a long time. I started my post-cart life about four years ago with a Merkur 34C HD. I couldn't get a close shave with it, so I dove into the ATT experience, first with an R2. Then I got the entire OC set, adding the M2, H2 and S2. I landed on the H2, but thought there might be closer, longer-lasting shaves out there. So my aggressive RAD kicked in, focused on vintage Gillettes. If I could do it all over again, my first razor would have been an H2, followed by a FaTip, followed by the Muhle R41 2011, then the Ikon Tech, Le Coq caged comb, PAA DOC Evolution stainless, Timeless .95 open comb and Charcoal Goods Level 3 open comb. Instead, I went down a vintage Gillette rabbit hole, and don't use any of them anymore, although I enjoy owning a piece of sophisticated US engineering and manufacturing history. Of course, this is me, and everyone is different.

The r41 is cheap enough for newbies to try without breaking the bank.  that'll then allow them to venture into the aggressive razors and see if they work for their skin type (assuming they've spent enough time with it to hone their technique).

I was actually just speaking to Douglas tonight, asking him what his most aggressive razor he makes is.  he pointed out the PAA DOC Evolution stainless.  how do you like it?

I used the PAA DOC Evolution stainless this morning and, as usual, got a shave as close as my hand can produce. I used a Kai blade for fifth time, which was one too many as I had more tugging than usual. Even with a fresh blade, it seems I can feel and hear every hair being mowed down. I really enjoy using this razor, not only for the tremendous results, but for the experience of paying close attention to the task. I like it so much, I also bought the aluminum version which, due to its lighter weight, I suspect, feels a bit less intimidating.

the razor is quite intimidating to look at, I'm not going to lie!

I've been reading this thread for a long time. I started my post-cart life about four years ago with a Merkur 34C HD. I couldn't get a close shave with it, so I dove into the ATT experience, first with an R2. Then I got the entire OC set, adding the M2, H2 and S2. I landed on the H2, but thought there might be closer, longer-lasting shaves out there. So my aggressive RAD kicked in, focused on vintage Gillettes. If I could do it all over again, my first razor would have been an H2, followed by a FaTip, followed by the Muhle R41 2011, then the Ikon Tech, Le Coq caged comb, PAA DOC Evolution stainless, Timeless .95 open comb and Charcoal Goods Level 3 open comb. Instead, I went down a vintage Gillette rabbit hole, and don't use any of them anymore, although I enjoy owning a piece of sophisticated US engineering and manufacturing history. Of course, this is me, and everyone is different.

The r41 is cheap enough for newbies to try without breaking the bank.  that'll then allow them to venture into the aggressive razors and see if they work for their skin type (assuming they've spent enough time with it to hone their technique).

I was actually just speaking to Douglas tonight, asking him what his most aggressive razor he makes is.  he pointed out the PAA DOC Evolution stainless.  how do you like it?

If you were to give me a choice out of the 4 aggressive razors in my rotation I would surely go for the muhle R41 2013. It's too bad is not made out of stainless steel such a great razor to shave with and an outstanding architecture of a razor. Who knows if someone would come out with the stainless steel version of this razor.  The combination of muhle r41 with the astra sp razor blade does provide me with an aggressive and unbelievably a smooth shave yes that's right  a smooth efficient shave so much so I am BBS and don't need to shave for a few days. I was impressed with this razor and btw didn't lose gallons of blood    The razors in my rotation are the Muhle R41, Ikon Tech, The DOC Evolution Stainless Steel  and the Rockwell 6S with plate number 6 most aggressive. I do enjoy my aggressive razors and each one of them do provide me with a different shaving experience. I look forward to adding more aggressive razors in my rotation ATT H1, H2, Fatip Piccolo if I can get my hands on the muhle R41 2011 that would be great if not I just keep on shaving.    

I've been reading this thread for a long time. I started my post-cart life about four years ago with a Merkur 34C HD. I couldn't get a close shave with it, so I dove into the ATT experience, first with an R2. Then I got the entire OC set, adding the M2, H2 and S2. I landed on the H2, but thought there might be closer, longer-lasting shaves out there. So my aggressive RAD kicked in, focused on vintage Gillettes. If I could do it all over again, my first razor would have been an H2, followed by a FaTip, followed by the Muhle R41 2011, then the Ikon Tech, Le Coq caged comb, PAA DOC Evolution stainless, Timeless .95 open comb and Charcoal Goods Level 3 open comb. Instead, I went down a vintage Gillette rabbit hole, and don't use any of them anymore, although I enjoy owning a piece of sophisticated US engineering and manufacturing history. Of course, this is me, and everyone is different.

The r41 is cheap enough for newbies to try without breaking the bank.  that'll then allow them to venture into the aggressive razors and see if they work for their skin type (assuming they've spent enough time with it to hone their technique).

I was actually just speaking to Douglas tonight, asking him what his most aggressive razor he makes is.  he pointed out the PAA DOC Evolution stainless.  how do you like it?

I used the PAA DOC Evolution stainless this morning and, as usual, got a shave as close as my hand can produce. I used a Kai blade for fifth time, which was one too many as I had more tugging than usual. Even with a fresh blade, it seems I can feel and hear every hair being mowed down. I really enjoy using this razor, not only for the tremendous results, but for the experience of paying close attention to the task. I like it so much, I also bought the aluminum version which, due to its lighter weight, I suspect, feels a bit less intimidating.

Do you find the aluminum version to be extremely loud? I do and am wondering if it is blade chatter or just the aluminum itself.

You know, I don't really know. I get a lot of noise from my vintage Gem-blade razors also, but I don't sense there's much blade chatter on the stiff Gem blade. The aluminum and stainless are both noisy in the PAA, although the aluminum may be a tad noisier.

The r41 is cheap enough for newbies to try without breaking the bank.  that'll then allow them to venture into the aggressive razors and see if they work for their skin type (assuming they've spent enough time with it to hone their technique).

I was actually just speaking to Douglas tonight, asking him what his most aggressive razor he makes is.  he pointed out the PAA DOC Evolution stainless.  how do you like it?

I used the PAA DOC Evolution stainless this morning and, as usual, got a shave as close as my hand can produce. I used a Kai blade for fifth time, which was one too many as I had more tugging than usual. Even with a fresh blade, it seems I can feel and hear every hair being mowed down. I really enjoy using this razor, not only for the tremendous results, but for the experience of paying close attention to the task. I like it so much, I also bought the aluminum version which, due to its lighter weight, I suspect, feels a bit less intimidating.

Do you find the aluminum version to be extremely loud? I do and am wondering if it is blade chatter or just the aluminum itself.

I bought the ej89 cause it was cheap. What do I know... that said my Gillette is a lot more razor for me anyways.


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