A third comparison shave off. This time between the two family members: the Mühle Rocca and Mühle R89.
Mühle Rocca R94
This razor had been on my list for quite some time since starting my DE journey and somehow I have never pulled the trigger to do it. In part because I am already getting great shaves from my R41. In part due to not knowing what I was acquiring if I did. But curiosity was never (far) away. First I had the opportunity for some test runs as @JAHE provided me his Rocca. That solidified my want for this razor. Not acutely, but definitely present. The universe converged last November when I was then able to add this beauty to my collection with eternal thanks to @Trollky.
The R94 is the all stainless version of the Rocca and the cap indicates this is the improved version of the Rocca (see other threads for comparisons between first and subsequent editions). It is well balanced, weighing about 93g and is 105mm tall. I was surprised by the heft of the handle. It is broader than I imagined. Total weight is a non-issue when shaving for me. It is very nimble and responds quite well to directions. I have tried multiple blades with the Rocca and the results were basically the same, although I have to say that the GSB is a far superior blade compared to the Voskhod - for me.
Shaving with the Rocca is amazing. To me it provides R41-type results, but with the mildness of the R89/KCG type of razors. I believe effectiveness can be increased with sharper blades, but the 7 shaves I have had (listed are 3 of those shaves) were all excellent and a joy to experience. There is definitely blade feel to the Rocca and I have never found that blade feel daunting or prone to biting. On the contrary, the Rocca provides a close and safe shave in my opinion. Almost autopilot, but compared to the R89 a little more focus is required. In my mind suitable for beginners and veterans alike. This is not a razor to be afraid of and might actually be a great alternative to the R41 (but there is a price jump obviously when buying the Rocca) if that is too daunting or too harsh. The Rocca is smooth and comfortable. And the Rocca is a safety bar razor that is serious competition for open comb razors (not that they are more effective by definition by the way).
Mühle R89 Rose Gold
To be honest I had no real interest in the R89. I had looked at it at the start of my DE career, but the KCG razor was readily available at a discount and for a dip in the water I found that to be more economical. After joining B&B I learned the R89 and KCG were very similar according to fellow brothers and so I moved on. Fast forward to earlier this year when a R89 rose gold presented itself on a national auction site almost for free and before I knew it I jumped - I wanted some variation to Mühle Mondays and I was indeed curious to know how a staple in the DE shaving world would actually shave like. Because, let's face it - the R89 is practically on everyones search when first starting with DE shaving (or the equivalent DE89). The fact that the handle was the rose gold one was the deciding factor.
According to Geo's website the R89 rose gold weighs 62g with an overall height at 95mm. As with the Rocca I was again surprise by the width of the handle. I expected it to be smaller, but am glas it is actually not. Feels great and comfortable in hand. A solid razor even though the handle is hollow (which is also the case with the Rocca by the way).
Shaving is a delight. Smooth, simple, gives a lot of confidence and the angle is quite wide so this is a razor that provides something for all types - steep or shallow. Despite reading other reviews I had the impression (but I need a shave to check) that this razor is actually very different from the KCG razor. Easy DFS++/BBS levels whereas this was the initial struggle I had with the KCG that lead me to try out other razors. The KCG is a four pass razor for me whereas this R89 shines within 3 passes and a touch up. Really nice. An excellent razor for beginner and veteran in my mind that can give you a smooth result while being in autopilot mode.
Summary of results
Notes
The Rocca outperforms the R89 almost any time, but they are much more similar than I imagined. I have listed the last three shaves, but earlier shaves were more towards BBS- levels. That said the R89 is still a good addition to the den, especially for those quick shaves if you are pressed for time and still want to look presentable. The Rocca can do that too, but also requires a bit more attention. If you have that time and a fresh blade the Rocca can achieve DFS levels in 2 passes or 2 passes and a touch up. That is something I cannot achieve with the R89.
Mühle has delivered two razors that deserve a place in the shaving history books or hall of razor fame if you will. Looking forward to many more shaves with these two!
Mühle Rocca R94
This razor had been on my list for quite some time since starting my DE journey and somehow I have never pulled the trigger to do it. In part because I am already getting great shaves from my R41. In part due to not knowing what I was acquiring if I did. But curiosity was never (far) away. First I had the opportunity for some test runs as @JAHE provided me his Rocca. That solidified my want for this razor. Not acutely, but definitely present. The universe converged last November when I was then able to add this beauty to my collection with eternal thanks to @Trollky.
The R94 is the all stainless version of the Rocca and the cap indicates this is the improved version of the Rocca (see other threads for comparisons between first and subsequent editions). It is well balanced, weighing about 93g and is 105mm tall. I was surprised by the heft of the handle. It is broader than I imagined. Total weight is a non-issue when shaving for me. It is very nimble and responds quite well to directions. I have tried multiple blades with the Rocca and the results were basically the same, although I have to say that the GSB is a far superior blade compared to the Voskhod - for me.
Shaving with the Rocca is amazing. To me it provides R41-type results, but with the mildness of the R89/KCG type of razors. I believe effectiveness can be increased with sharper blades, but the 7 shaves I have had (listed are 3 of those shaves) were all excellent and a joy to experience. There is definitely blade feel to the Rocca and I have never found that blade feel daunting or prone to biting. On the contrary, the Rocca provides a close and safe shave in my opinion. Almost autopilot, but compared to the R89 a little more focus is required. In my mind suitable for beginners and veterans alike. This is not a razor to be afraid of and might actually be a great alternative to the R41 (but there is a price jump obviously when buying the Rocca) if that is too daunting or too harsh. The Rocca is smooth and comfortable. And the Rocca is a safety bar razor that is serious competition for open comb razors (not that they are more effective by definition by the way).
Mühle R89 Rose Gold
To be honest I had no real interest in the R89. I had looked at it at the start of my DE career, but the KCG razor was readily available at a discount and for a dip in the water I found that to be more economical. After joining B&B I learned the R89 and KCG were very similar according to fellow brothers and so I moved on. Fast forward to earlier this year when a R89 rose gold presented itself on a national auction site almost for free and before I knew it I jumped - I wanted some variation to Mühle Mondays and I was indeed curious to know how a staple in the DE shaving world would actually shave like. Because, let's face it - the R89 is practically on everyones search when first starting with DE shaving (or the equivalent DE89). The fact that the handle was the rose gold one was the deciding factor.
According to Geo's website the R89 rose gold weighs 62g with an overall height at 95mm. As with the Rocca I was again surprise by the width of the handle. I expected it to be smaller, but am glas it is actually not. Feels great and comfortable in hand. A solid razor even though the handle is hollow (which is also the case with the Rocca by the way).
Shaving is a delight. Smooth, simple, gives a lot of confidence and the angle is quite wide so this is a razor that provides something for all types - steep or shallow. Despite reading other reviews I had the impression (but I need a shave to check) that this razor is actually very different from the KCG razor. Easy DFS++/BBS levels whereas this was the initial struggle I had with the KCG that lead me to try out other razors. The KCG is a four pass razor for me whereas this R89 shines within 3 passes and a touch up. Really nice. An excellent razor for beginner and veteran in my mind that can give you a smooth result while being in autopilot mode.
Summary of results
| Date | Razor | Blade | Quality | Comfort | Effectiveness |
| 05.12.2023 | Rocca R94 | GSB (10) | 10 | 10 | 9 |
| 06.12.2023 | Rocca R94 | Voskhod (1) | 10 | 10 | 8 |
| 07.12.2023 | Rocca R94 | Voskhod (2) | 9 | 10 | 8.5 |
| 11.12.2023 | R89 | Gillette SS (3) | 10 | 10 | 8 |
| 12.12.2023 | R89 | Gillette SS (4) | 10 | 10 | 8 |
| 13.12.2023 | R89 | Gillette SS (5) | 9 | 10 | 8.5 |
| Summary | Rocca R94 | 9.67 | 10 | 8.5 | |
| Summary | R89 | 9.67 | 10 | 8.2 |
Notes
The Rocca outperforms the R89 almost any time, but they are much more similar than I imagined. I have listed the last three shaves, but earlier shaves were more towards BBS- levels. That said the R89 is still a good addition to the den, especially for those quick shaves if you are pressed for time and still want to look presentable. The Rocca can do that too, but also requires a bit more attention. If you have that time and a fresh blade the Rocca can achieve DFS levels in 2 passes or 2 passes and a touch up. That is something I cannot achieve with the R89.
Mühle has delivered two razors that deserve a place in the shaving history books or hall of razor fame if you will. Looking forward to many more shaves with these two!
