Muhle R89 [2011]

It's as reliable as it gets.

To me, the two major German razor manufacturers represent two different philosophies. Merkur Solingen represents the 'workhorse', reliability and sheer power, while Mühle is kind of design friendly, offering more of a luxurious feeling. The selling point regarding reliability is the Edwin Jagger & Mühle designed 89 head, which is very mild, a great entry level razor head that is friendly to wet shaving newbies, but also a reliable workhorse. It will deliver 'good enough' (tm) shaves, with virtually zero irritation, but not the closest ones (but do ask yourselves if you need BBS every morning, to me it's overrated. You just need to look clean shaven for your job + your skin will thank you for it).

The chrome plating is superb, it feels good in your hand.

Another plus is, the threadposts are made out of brass, which reduces likelyhood of zamak rot, as the chrome plating on the threads usually is the first to go, exposing the undelying Zamak (the problem with Edwin Jaggers, for example, and why their heads tend to snap off on a couple inch drop) and then rotting.

Basically, carefully designed, not the best material, but the main problem areas are fixed with superior materials.

The R89 is, imo, a wonderful product; as most things from Muhle are. I have a real problem with sensitive skin and I can almost always get a comfortable, close, shave with it. It, for me, strikes the balance between aggression and gentleness, and I always find myself going back to it after trying more expensive razors.

It can't be rated for adjustment because it has none, which I prefer. The quality of the fit, and finish, and beauty make it well worth its price.

I found this razor far too mild, it is however the most beautiful piece I have and despite not having it in my rotation any more I cannot let it go because it is such a good looking razor. I do have a very coarse beard so I dont think many people will have too many issues with it, another bad point is the very shallow embossing on the handle which makes it quiet slippery with soapy hands.