Merkur 41C 1904 Classic Chrome Open Comb DE Safety Razor

I love this razor ! It gives a close and comfortable shave always. To me this is a gentle aggression razor. I like to pair it up with aggressive blades like Feather and Kai, gentle and super efficient. With a blade like a Silver Blue you almost don't feel it but still renders a great shave.

I have now both the 41c and 42c 41c will be my goto from now on. I like the blade feel on this one. although considered mild.....you still have to respect that the blade is different than a closed comb. shimming one blade thickness increases the aggressiveness a lot. a lot of reviews comment about jot liking the handle. I like it....small hands fits me well.

This is an interesting razor that’s considered a classic but to me it’s less than the sum of its parts yet can be much more. The handle, while beautiful, is not the most functional. It’s thin and slippery when wet. Although I went back and fourth a few times eventually the head on this razor continues to be my go to choice over the others in my collection. It takes several tries to dial in the correct angle - at first it doesn’t seem to shave very well. Once mastered, it’s smooth and irritation free. Two and a half passes for me. It’s very nimble around the nose and able to get every whisker below my nostrils while others can’t. To improve this razor I purchased the Maggard MRT, MR3 and MR5 handles. Any of these handles work superbly with the head turning this razor into a functional, mild, everyday shaver that doesn’t nick your face.

The open comb is great especially if you haven't shaved for 3 days or more. The other advantage is that it is great for man- scaping. The open comb slices chest hair like butter and it is so easy to clean, simply loosen the head a little and all the hair comes out.........way better than plastic razors that you have to beat against the side of the sink and never really clean out at all.

I love this razor. I have a thick beard and have to shave against the grain with some pressure to get a good shave, and this works very well. Leaves more shave cream on your face for the next pass. Derby blades, which don't do well in my other razors, give me a fantastically close and comfortable shave in the 41c! I still love my Futur and Edwin Jagger's but I reach for this razor most mornings now.