Muhle R41 (2011) Best Blade for this Razor and WHY

[Westaway]

I've chosen to place this thread in the Safety Razor section instead of blades because I need to fine tune my razor and not choose a one size fits all blade. I have had Dorco recommended to me for this most AGGRESSIVE razor. I've ordered a 100 Ct pack of Dorco ST 300 Platinums from Amazon. In stock I have a decent supply already of Derby Extra, Astra SP, Wilkinson Sword and about three Feather Blades. My other razors are Merkur 34C, Muhle R41 (2009, the OC head made by Merkur), Muhle CC R89 and a FaTip Picolo in Nickel. Feel free to match up different blades with different razors if it isn't one size fits all. I have had times when a shave didn't seem up to par and I have generally blamed quality control on the blade. I haven't until today begun to think that perhaps the blade/razor matchup is more important for an optimum result.

I want the best experience from my brushes, soaps/creams and razors...... and have an open mind except when my own experience has taught me a certain choice. Thanks in advance for any helpful input. The question on the thread centers around the R41 but not everyone owns this particular razor. Many have tried it and because it bites when used like some other razors they are used to..... they've shelved it or sold it, perhaps prematurely.

 

[Codfish]

First, the blade exposure on the R41 2011 is significant, as you know. Thinner blades may have a tendency to flex and therefore "bite" more than others. When I first had that version of the R41, I was using Russian Iridium Supers, which worked well, but were getting hard to find. This thread gives some excellent suggestions for replacements, and a good guide for blade choices for aggressive razors.

I settled on Russian Perma-Sharps (which are on the thin side but well-behaved) and I find them great for all the aggressive DEs I use.

 

[El-a-Menthol]

Blades can make a night and day difference for most of us. Though Astra SP seems to always treat me right. Still doesn't mean it's the best though, in a very mild razor i prefer Feathers.

 

[Jeff_H]

The first blade I used in my R41 was a Voshkod. It literally tore me up. In most other razors it was one of my favorite blades. I like it enough to have almost 300 of them. The next blade I tried was a Gillette Silver Blue and it was worlds better. I am still working on taming the R41, but so far the GSB works best for me. They can be had for $21/100, so they are not too pricey. The Astra was also just so so in the R41 for me.

The next blade I am going to try is the Polisilver Super Iridium. Based on how it performs in my other razors it is similar to the GSB, but maybe a little sharper and a little smoother. This means it should perform well in the R41, so I'll find out shortly.

Hope this helps a little.

 

[Triad]

Its comes new with a Derby!! (Just saying)