2013 R41 to Merkur Futur on #6 - is there a point ?

[Talal]

Greetings Gentlemen,


I started out wet shaving about 12 years ago with the Merkur 34c and then moved onto the Muhle R41 2013 version of the time. I have been using that exclusively since and sold all my razors except the Fatboy which I keep for aesthetic.

I recently explored the FATIP lo picollo slant OC and was really enjoying the softer stubble and smoother shave.. This slant is special and it suits me on some days where I want something smooth.. but then after a shave or 2 with it I miss the aggressiveness of a R41 and go back to it. But now im curious if there is something else in the DE world that can give this satisfying close shave with "teeth"

Now my question here is , is that Merkur Futur open all the way to #6 any different than a 2013 R41 ? Is there much of a point of trying it ? its a bit of an expensive razor so if its more of the same basically.. The head looks bulky and uninviting as well.. But if its not much different, I may as well just go up to a shavette or straight .. im starting to think..

On a side note - I also recently got that Yaqi aggressive open combo slant that has a horror movie like blade exposure to it haha but that has yet to arrive in the mail! I think that may be the answer im looking for over the Futur perhaps? it is must cheaper after all! Will update this post on the Yaqi slant OC soon but im so curious on this Futur..

Can anyone chime in on 2013 R41 vs Futur open all the way #6 please? Are they pretty similar in bite and closeness? and bonus question Is the Yaqi slant open comb monster a good contender?


thank you kindly

 

[Trollky]

I can't speak to the Yaqi but I can tell you that the Futur and R41 go about their business in very different ways! To me the Futur is noticeably smoother but that blade gap can punish more easily. By comparison I find that the R41 always feels feisty but it is more predictable (and fun).

 

[ButterfaceX]

I have both the R41 and the Futur. They are very different animals to me. The R41 has been in my rotation for decades.The Futur collects a lot of dust but get used occasionally. I do pefer highly efficient DEs. I just don’t like the handle and the head on the Funky Futur. Yes, I can get a great shave from it but it is not as enjoyable as others. R41, first thing I did was change to a gripper / knurled handle. Yaqi slanted Mellon no clue, not interested. If you are looking for another high efficient shaver to deviate from…It will certainly be a buy and try journey. Few fast options: Yates w/ an EH plate - you can get the head only for around 100, Green Cult 2.0 plate 4, Blackbird possible ( many fans here - but I am not one), there are some others possibly from china if the funds are an issue. Plenty of reviews here on them..

many others will charm in here and add more options

Good luck ..
BFX

l have the Lupo 1.27 and dig it. Very efficient, but if you are looking for big blade feel…may not be the one…never know until you try, many razors have surprised me..

 

[Cannon Cocker]

I have a number of efficient/aggressive razors including the R41 and R41 GS. For a step up I would suggest the Timeless Bronze .78 OC. I find it more efficient/aggressive than the R41 and the most eye catching beautiful of any razor I own.

 

[Brutus]

I own both, even though neither is in my regular rotation any longer.

Years back, the R41 did a very good job for me.
So did the Futur, but that was even years before the R41.

The Futur was quite popular then, but the thoughts that spring to my mind when I think of the Futur today are that a) it was quite unwieldy, b) the head to handle balance distribution was far from ideal, c) shaving around the mustache was educated guesswork because of the large head with the top cap covering the sides of the razor.

Thinking about the Futur now, I am not even sure why I used it for that long, but it does have an attractive, clean design, doesn’t it?


So, to answer your question, I see no point in getting a Futur today and then run it all opened up.
From what I remember from the Futur at setting 6, the R41 gave me a more comfortable yet closer shave.



B.

 

[Happy Jack]

I have a 2014 R41 and a Futur. The Futur is more aggressive and efficient when wide open. Wide open is almost 6.5 on mine. The R41 is smoother and gives some of the best shaves I've ever had. I get an easy BBS with either, but the R41 is slightly safer because of the smaller blade gap and more controllable weight.

If you've sold your R41 you can get the same performance from a later R41 baseplate with a Gillette Old Type top cap. My favourite combo is an R41GS baseplate, a thin Old Type cap, and a titanium handle.

 

[Dave himself]

I can't speak of the Futur but I have the Yaqi slant and to me its definitely more aggressive/efficient than my R41 2011. I couldn't use it daily or my face would be screaming for mercy.

I've been using shavettes only for a few months now, mostly Wecks. It's a complete different way of shaving. Very enjoyable and the most efficient and smooth shaves I've ever had, but there is a learning curve.

 

[ivan_101]

The Futurs open fully go to 6.5.

The R41 2013 (not the latest milder Zamak version) is a different type of beast compared to the Futur at 6. You have an open comb and it is easier to get cuts with R41 2013.
Don't get me wrong though. You can and will get cuts with Futur @6 if you are careless. It is a 127g razor and the gap @6 is 1.65.

 

[Talal]

Thank you all so much for your input gentlemen! this was very helpful! i ended up finding a used futur for a very low price and so ill update with my thoughts on how it compares for me in addition to the YAQI slant incoming as well, such a cheap head i couldnt resist...

So many great recommendations here thanks fellas

 

[Talal]

I can't speak of the Futur but I have the Yaqi slant and to me its definitely more aggressive/efficient than my R41 2011. I couldn't use it daily or my face would be screaming for mercy.

I've been using shavettes only for a few months now, mostly Wecks. It's a complete different way of shaving. Very enjoyable and the most efficient and smooth shaves I've ever had, but there is a learning curve.

ive never been able to try the 2011 R41 sadly just the 2013 version is all i know.. so im hoping this Yaqi slant OC will be even meaner

 

[Dave himself]

Sorry mate I posted the wrong date on my R41 it's actually a 2021 model not 2011. But I'm sure you will enjoy the Yaqi just take your time and use a steeper than usual angle.

 

[Talal]

Sorry mate I posted the wrong date on my R41 it's actually a 2021 model not 2011. But I'm sure you will enjoy the Yaqi just take your time and use a steeper than usual angle.

Thank you yes I look forward to it!

 

[Talal]

I have a number of efficient/aggressive razors including the R41 and R41 GS. For a step up I would suggest the Timeless Bronze .78 OC. I find it more efficient/aggressive than the R41 and the most eye catching beautiful of any razor I own.

very nice recommendation there , are you comparing it to the 2013 R41 by chance? nice looking razor for sure

 

[Cannon Cocker]

very nice recommendation there , are you comparing it to the 2013 R41 by chance? nice looking razor for sure

I believe my R41 was produced around 2020 and the R41 GS was first produced a little after that. There are so many great razors out there. Good luck.

 

[Happy Jack]

I have a 2014 R41 and a Futur. The Futur is more aggressive and efficient when wide open. Wide open is almost 6.5 on mine. The R41 is smoother and gives some of the best shaves I've ever had. I get an easy BBS with either, but the R41 is slightly safer because of the smaller blade gap and more controllable weight.

If you've sold your R41 you can get the same performance from a later R41 baseplate with a Gillette Old Type top cap. My favourite combo is an R41GS baseplate, a thin Old Type cap, and a titanium handle.

Whoops, I meant my 2011 R41, which is a whole different kettle of fish to the 2014.

 

[Talal]

The YAQI has arrived.... and i have a FUTUR on the way... now to compare to the 2013 R41..... tested on a very tough middle eastern beard.. stay tuned.. what a demon this thing looks to be! Popped in a silver blue for the test run..

 

[Talal]

Tested the YAQI Slant today.. Used proraso white preshave, and red cream.. 2 banded badger from semogue , Gillete Blue blade and boiled Reverse Osmosis water for the hot brush soak. Hot towel was applied to face for 1 minute before shaving. Finished with Weleda after shave lotion.

this is the most closest shave i have ever had, its like a straight pretty much ... the whole time you can feel the entire blade on your face almost but with the slant it was such an efficient slice.. loud scrapes throughout, razor focus is needed..

Really love this razor.. I think this and the 2013 R41 will be all I need .. but a used Futur will be tested soon

 

[Talal]

I have tested the FUTUR at 6.5 , my golly what an amazing smoooth satisfying shave.. i dont understand why folks call this razor aggressive? yes it had lots of "feedback" but it was very buttery for me.. it gave an ultra close shave ..

So far what i have seen is the YAQI is the most aggressive but not necessarily the most efficient...

ill keep playing around with the 2013 R41, Yaki slant, Futur @ 6.5 and FATIP lo Storto open comb slant to figure out which wins the closeness battle but the futur is my current fav in terms of just feel and use.. what a joy!!

 

[eSteve]

Hey Talal, your progression here has been a good read. Congrats. I've enjoyed my Futur very much and I am also puzzled that so many struggle so much with it. I think part of their struggle is that they can't or won't adjust their shaving angle and pressure.

I don't have really thick or tough hair, but my growth is dense, all over. I don't think my skin is sensitive, maybe soft though. I'm not looking for an "aggressive" razor or a lawn mower. I'm looking for efficiency, a razor that cuts well without irritation. I find that the Futur excels in this.

I find that the Futur shave, or the way I use it, has more in common with early injectors and GEMs than with other DE razors. And those are other razors that a lot of DE shavers also balk at; I believe for the same reasons I mentioned.

Anyway, thanks. Enjoy!

 

[Talal]

Hey Talal, your progression here has been a good read. Congrats. I've enjoyed my Futur very much and I am also puzzled that so many struggle so much with it. I think part of their struggle is that they can't or won't adjust their shaving angle and pressure.

I don't have really thick or tough hair, but my growth is dense, all over. I don't think my skin is sensitive, maybe soft though. I'm not looking for an "aggressive" razor or a lawn mower. I'm looking for efficiency, a razor that cuts well without irritation. I find that the Futur excels in this.

I find that the Futur shave, or the way I use it, has more in common with early injectors and GEMs than with other DE razors. And those are other razors that a lot of DE shavers balk at; I believe for the same reasons I mentioned.

Anyway, thanks. Enjoy!

Thanks for chiming in Steve. Can you elaborate a little bit more on your point about the injectors and GEMS? im not sure i understood this fully!

Yes indeed the Futur at 6.5 and the R41 2013 are absolutely my favourites.. If i want something smoother ill go with the Fatip open comb slant and get the same shave virtually but softer stubble comes up with the slant.

I may revisit the Yaqi again with another blade to see if I was just having some bad shave days or what have you..

The futur .. she is a special one , almost the best to test a new blade as its so exposed at 6.5 .. and i agree with you i adjust my angles all the time , i think its important to!