Muhle R41 - First Shave

[Lmarkow]

I finally picked up the R41 yesterday and gave it a go this morning. Three passes, WTG/ATG/XTG. Great shave! I treated the razor with the "respect" I give to my straights (I'm still learning) and was rewarded with a shave that is as close to BBS as I have ever gotten (including the straights). Compared to my Merkur 34C, this was a much closer, but not as comfortable, shave.

Perhaps with a different blade (I used the Derby that came with) the R41 will allow me to accomplish the Easter Bunny? I'm actually starting to think BBS may exist.

Have a great day and enjoy the weekend.

 

[celestino]

Congratulations! In my opinion, there is no blade that i know that will temper this beast's aggressiveness! Good luck to you, but you may want to try a Super Iridium.

 

[sgtd]

BBS does in fact exist. Put a Feather in it and see what happens...

 

[Badgerfat]

I am planning on getting a R41 for my next razor, and I really can't wait... But I keep hearing about these limited editions or special editions, and want to see what all the hype is about!!!

 

[Masterblaster]

Compared to my Merkur 34C, this was a much closer, but not as comfortable, shave.

I find that I can't shave everyday with my R-41 because of irritation issues. I love the closeness but not the irritation.

What I find that works well for me is to shave one or two passes with any other razor, and then do a 1-pass final shave (or just touch ups) with the R-41. That seems to give me the best of both worlds - very close BBS shave and little irritation.

You'll just have to experiment to find what works for you.

What's weird is that once you get used to shaving with the R-41, other razors will just seem so wimpy. On more than one occasion I had to check to make sure other razors had a blade in them - No kidding !

 

[adios_mach_3s]

Congrats! It took a few shaves with the R41 for me to really appreciate it.

 

[Monsieur Blaireau]

I think I may have come to understand the R41 after returning to it from straight razors. Try it with a Lord Platinum, or as Celestino suggested, a Super Iridium.

 

[Lmarkow]

Congratulations! In my opinion, there is no blade that i know that will temper this beast's aggressiveness! Good luck to you, but you may want to try a Super Iridium.

Thanks, I don't have that blade yet, but I'll look out for them.

 

[Snuff-Belgium]

I received my R41 a few days ago and have used it with a Super Gillette Blue (from Shangai) and with a Feather. The last one is definitely the better blade in this razor. Was expecting nicks and such but it was a easy shave without problems. Very smooth result but need more time with this razor to see it's real potential I think.

 

[Lmarkow]

BBS does in fact exist. Put a Feather in it and see what happens...

This I can do, thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Lmarkow]

I received my R41 a few days ago and have used it with a Super Gillette Blue (from Shangai) and with a Feather. The last one is definitely the better blade in this razor. Was expecting nicks and such but it was a easy shave without problems. Very smooth result but need more time with this razor to see it's real potential I think.

Yes, I agree. Way too early to draw any conclusions on this razor. If I find a blade that can make the R41 feel like the Merkur 34C "sponge" I shave with, I'll be passing a couple of DE razors to my brother.

 

[Mick]

I like Astra SP blades in my R41 but I will use just about anything that is unwrapped and still get a perfect shave every time with mine

 

[dpmtherrien]

Congrats on the shave. The R41 does take a bit of getting used to, but after some trial and error the shaves are really nice. Be sure to back way off on any pressure.

 

[sgtd]

Love that handle. It's a thing of beauty and I'm sure it's awesome paired with the R41 head.

I like Astra SP blades in my R41 but I will use just about anything that is unwrapped and still get a perfect shave every time with mine

 

[Jnyboer]

Definitely try a Feather. That's what I did right before I put my R41 on BST.

 

[duckdown]

Help me understand, what is the appeal of using such an aggressive and uncomfortable razor that you have to baby and treat with extreme caution?

I only have a Merkur Progress and DE89 and can't imagine needing anything harsher than these. I can achieve a comfortable smooth shave with these so why move to something so much more primitive?

 

[RobE]

I finally picked up the R41 yesterday and gave it a go this morning.... Perhaps with a different blade (I used the Derby that came with) the R41 will allow me to accomplish the Easter Bunny? I'm actually starting to think BBS may exist...

BBS does in fact exist. Put a Feather in it and see what happens...

Definitely try a Feather. That's what I did right before I put my R41 on BST.

That funny !!! I mean... depending upon how one reads into it.

 

[RobE]

Help me understand, what is the appeal of using such an aggressive and uncomfortable razor that you have to baby and treat with extreme caution?

I only have a Merkur Progress and DE89 and can't imagine needing anything harsher than these. I can achieve a comfortable smooth shave with these so why move to something so much more primitive?

Aggressive doesn't = uncomfortable. Aggressive = more blade edge exposure = the ability to cut more beard growth (stubble) in one pass. A more aggressive razor has the potential for giving an uncomfortable shave if one isn't careful about blade (cutting) angle and shaving stroke pressure (or lack thereof).

A aggressive razor can give as comfortable a shave as any other.

 

[Barto]

I have an R41 and used it for a couple months before my Tradere OC came in. I thought the Tradere ended all rotation; however, on a whim I broke out the R41 w/a Feather and have been using it for head and face 90% of the time now. IMHO the R41 is a great razor deserving its accolades. Have fun enjoying it.

 

[Masterblaster]

Help me understand, what is the appeal of using such an aggressive and uncomfortable razor that you have to baby and treat with extreme caution?

I only have a Merkur Progress and DE89 and can't imagine needing anything harsher than these. I can achieve a comfortable smooth shave with these so why move to something so much more primitive?

After using an R-41 no other razor seems quite good enough. A shave with a DE89 will certainly get you a passable shave but make no mistake, it will be noticably not as close as a shave with an R-41. I have both razors and enjoy them both but I use the R-41 much much more..

When I started shaving I thought my Tech was all that. Nothing against the Tech but it just doesn't give a very good close shave. If you can understand that, then take it to another level to understand the R-41.

Why don,t you buy an R-41 and give it a try. You'll soon see why I love my R-41. If you hate the razor then sell it on BST.