Merkur futur or Muhle r41

[Z man]

Hello Gentleman
Looking for my next razor. Most shaves I do 2 ns passes and on weekends
Will do a traditional 3 pass shave. I presently have a merkur 25c open comb. Does a great job but looking for something new.
I am drifting towards the futur but need more info on the r41 before I make my decision.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Andy

 

[rxonmymind]

I have the Futur but not the other you speak of. What I like about it is it's infinite adjustability 1-6. Can be made a "mild" shaver to uber aggressive. On thirty hour growth it mows down hair like nothing I have. On setting #1! It's weight & size lends itself to shave beautifully but some find it difficult to maneuver under the nose area and the like. There have been issues with the adjustment dial while shaving with wet hands for some. One has to cradle it between your two front fingers while holding the top down with your thumb then adjust. Pat your hands dry prior to doing this. Also, disassembling it is a snap to clean it. This razor managed to kill my rad in conjunction with my Ej & 58 special. All in all a very good razor.

 

[Mick]

I have both the R41 and Futur and I think you would end up using the Futur more than either of the others (the Merkur you now have or the R41).

Don't know if you have thought about a slant or not. They are super every day razors. Extremely close shaving and very smooth.

Not to throw a monkey wrench into your thought process but......

 

[mhdena]

Both but if only one the Futur

 

[Predict]

If you find the Merkur works for you then I think you'd find the r41 very very aggressive

 

[Winblows]

I have both and I don't regret. Definitely some the best.

 

[Ray Todd]

And don't forget the Progress. I've had a Progress, Futur, and Slant for several years and all of them are great. Some say the Slant is hard to get used to, but I never had any problems with it. Between the Futur and the Progress, I'd say the Progress is a little easier to get used to than the Futur, but the adjust range and performance on both are outstanding.

On the R41....never used one, so I can't compare. I have one in the mail, but that doesn't count yet! From what I've read, however, I think you're stepping into a whole different world than the 25c you have now.

Don't you hate it how some people just can't give a straight answer???

 

[DunEdinRanger]

I have both the R41 Open Comb and the Futur, which I use wide open. The R41 is much nimbler, easier to handle, and on work days nothing gives me a faster shave.

The R41 is fickle, and does not want to be ignored. It has to be constantly attended to, or feeling scorned it may very decide to eke out an extra pint and some skin layers from you. It requires a gentle touch, absolutely no pressure, and caution, but will give a great shave.

 

[RailroadMan]

I have both the R41 and Futur and I think you would end up using the Futur more than either of the others (the Merkur you now have or the R41).

Don't know if you have thought about a slant or not. They are super every day razors. Extremely close shaving and very smooth.

Not to throw a monkey wrench into your thought process but......

This. R41 is not an everyday razor. Tried the Futur on loan, and it is. You can go many ways with it. However, turtle is right about the slant. It is very different, mild shave yet aggressive at cutting whiskers. Also, a 37c costs much less than either of the other two, and it can be unloaded easily on the B/S/T usually.

 

[fcdiscus]

Try them both- they sell like hotcakes in the BST if you don't care for either one!

 

[dieselfuel79]

My vote is with turtle. Slant.

 

[celestino]

Go with both and see which one best suits you. You can always sell the one you do not like, very easily, on the BST.

 

[Triad]

Both are a big jump from your 25c in terms of aggressivenes if you do buy one get a styptic pen

 

[Gingerbread]

I own both. I have ended up with the R41 in my hand more often than the Futur.

 

[Z man]

Thanks for the great responses. I am looking mostly for a work day shaver that can give me a quick but close 2 pass shave. It sounds like the r41 is very aggressive and therefore I would have to watch my technique while the futur I could adjust. It sounds a little more efficient for my work day shaves.
I do not know much about the slant. I will have to do some homework today.
Thanks Gents and have a great Sunday
Andy

 

[Monkeyboab]

I own both and prefer the R41. I've never had any trouble with it and I use it before work for a quick two pass shave. It has never bit me unlike the futur which has on occasion. The future seems a bit cumbersome in comparison. One thing to consider if you get the R41 is to factor in a heavyweight handle. Have you thought about the Fatip? It would fit the bill also. Better get reading into the slant and Fatip. That's four razors you'll end up buying

 

[Mick]

Thanks for the great responses. I am looking mostly for a work day shaver that can give me a quick but close 2 pass shave. It sounds like the r41 is very aggressive and therefore I would have to watch my technique while the futur I could adjust. It sounds a little more efficient for my work day shaves.
I do not know much about the slant. I will have to do some homework today.
Thanks Gents and have a great Sunday
Andy

Futur would be a good every day razor as would be either the Merkur 37c (short handle HD slant) or 39c (long handle barber pole slant). You might find the slants more "comfortable" to use on a daily basis. I could easily live with either slant OR a Futur as my only razor. They are that good.

The Futur has a few "idiosyncrasies" about it. It can bite the hand that feeds it if you are not careful.

Go over my Futur hints so that you are aware of its darker traits

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/266069?p=3690449#post3690449

 

[skleice]

Apples and Oranges imo. They are both aggressive and efficient razors, but size and weight are worlds apart. I myself like a larger/heftier razor, so my choice is the futur.

 

[jsj_297]

I vote joris /fatip.......no need to change from an OC !!!!