Muhle R41

[CryptoDave]

I've been wet shaving for about 6 months now everyday.

I've tried EVERYTHING from the various double edge saftey razors to several straight razors, in search for my holy grail razor and shave. Specifically my biggest problem area as I have mentioned in previous posts is my chin on the curve.

Finally I think I found THE razor. The Muhle R41 loaded with a feather blade. I tried it today and I must say this was the closest shave I have yet to achieve, especially on my chin. It is an extremely aggressive razor and requires a light touch. I replaced the handle with an Ikon handle and it feels so substantial in the hand. This time I mean it (hahaha) I think I really found the razor and blade combination that is so close I love it.

let me know what you think.

Dave

 

[jkingrph]

I did the same thing with mine on the handle, and it seems to balance and handle so much bette than the stock handle.

 

[mistercitizen]

I'll have to try a heavier handle with mine. Do you have the older "more aggressive" version of the R41 or the newer "less aggressive" version? I have the older one (I'm pretty sure) and I get very good shaves with it, although I typically use Polsilver SI's or Gillette Silver Blues or 7 O'Clock SP Blacks or Blues in mine. Haven't had much luck with Feathers in it. It does require a very light touch and care.

Ben

 

[jkingrph]

I have the older version, 2011 I think. It was an on off affair for months before I finally learned how to shave with it. Now I just grab it and go, and rarely have any problems.

 

[celestino]

Best of luck to you!

 

[coolbus18]

Congrats, glad you're getting great shaves!

 

[mdc]

CryptoDave - Do you shave consecutive days with it? My face appreciates a day off with the R41, but it's still my main razor.

 

[Harry Snider]

I tried a borrowed Ikon Bulldog (larger 85mm) version on my *New 2013 Model* R41, and changed it out mid-shave. I had my EJ89 octagonal handle on it for second shave and went back to it. The Ikon was too much for me. I found the stock handle of the Muhle too light and razor chattered over my stubble.

 

[CryptoDave]

I'll have to try a heavier handle with mine. Do you have the older "more aggressive" version of the R41 or the newer "less aggressive" version? I have the older one (I'm pretty sure) and I get very good shaves with it, although I typically use Polsilver SI's or Gillette Silver Blues or 7 O'Clock SP Blacks or Blues in mine. Haven't had much luck with Feathers in it. It does require a very light touch and care.

Ben

Ben I believe it is the newer version since I ordered it several weeks ago and just received it. Is there a big difference between the two versions and what?

Thanks

Dave

 

[CryptoDave]

CryptoDave - Do you shave consecutive days with it? My face appreciates a day off with the R41, but it's still my main razor.

yes and no problems so far.

 

[tomharr51]

Congrats on finding a set up you love.

 

[dpmtherrien]

Congrats. That's the exact same thing I use, handle and all.

 

[bplipschitz]

Really, what we think doesn't matter all that much -- your face will tell you what works! As for me, I use an R41 with stock handle, and after about 5 shaves it is my everyday go to razor. I've been trying it with different blades, and it works fine with all of them. I think I notice subtle differences in quality of blades from a single model/manufacturer with this razor than with others. Usually, Gillette super thins work great, but I had one the other day that was the pits!

Keep experimenting, that's half the fun here.

 

[shawnmaze]

The R41 cured me of RAD. I actually emptied my den to friends and forums. I had a problem area under my chin that no amount of buffing could get smooth. R41 nailed it, without buffing and without irritation. I rarely even bother with a second or third pass. Usually one and maybe a touch up here and there.

I must say, I kept an R89 as my only other razor as a smooth, fast shave razor or to loan out to newbie friends. The R41 actually made me a better shaver with the other razors. I am using less pressure (zero) than before even though I didn't think I was really using pressure before, now I see that I was at times and in certain areas. It doesn't just shave better than other razors, it made me a better shaver with other razors.

 

[Gman9537]

I tried a borrowed Ikon Bulldog (larger 85mm) version on my *New 2013 Model* R41, and changed it out mid-shave. I had my EJ89 octagonal handle on it for second shave and went back to it. The Ikon was too much for me. I found the stock handle of the Muhle too light and razor chattered over my stubble.

The stock setup is a strange one to get used to. I've used mine for two shaves now and it feels seriously different from my HD 34C. But man, I'm really liking it. I took two passes with the R41 loaded with Astra SP, WTG/XTG, and decided to see what the old Merkur with a Feather would do XTG for the third pass and it was like there was no blade in it. BBS all day long and less irritation than the Merkur with Astra SP, or Feather for that matter, which has been my go-to. I'll have to check out the Ikon handle combo, I'm curious as to whether the extra weight helps or hurts me. Using the stock R41, I've found it's better for me to bear the slightest bit of pressure (i.e. firm grip, light touch) and keep the proper angle to prevent that chattering you mentioned. It took me a few strokes to get that down, but now I'm feeling pretty good about it.

 

[Gman9537]

It occurred to me during my most recent shave, what this razor is: It's DE shaving with the training wheels off. Just like a kid on a two-wheeler for the first time (and for the rest of his bike-riding life, for that matter), lose that perfect combination of speed and balance and you'll wind up with some nasty road rash; but keep everything in reasonable harmony and you'll arrive faster and with much better results.

With my third R41 shave behind me, although a momentary slip on the back of my head caused a bit of discomfort (razor rash, it disappeared with alum and bay rum), overall, I keep liking this one more and more. If I had made the same slip with my Merkur, I would have been missing skin, so it's oddly also a bit forgiving in a way. If the next three shaves continue the trend of improvement over the previous three, I dare say I may be smitten...

 

[speedwell]

Glad to read so much positive feedback on the R41. I'm a big fan and highly recommend the 2013 R41 head with an Ikon handle. I currently have the Ikon Shavecraft Bulldog on there and it's a perfect setup for me (Shavecraft is 5mm shorter and a few grams lighter than the Ikon Bulldog. For this razor, it works really well as the shorter length discourages pressure. I pretty much use it as my daily shaver with a variety of blades including Bolzano, Polsilver, Feather, Gillette Silver Blue and all work well - however I do recommend corking these blades before use to remove any burrs/splinters. One curious thing that has happened is that I've developed a much greater sensitivity to menthol/eucalyptus products with using this razor. I cannot easily use the full spectrum of Proraso Green products the way I used to since I now develop a mild burn.

 

[hickey92]

I just ordered one of these. I have been DE shaving for about a month, and I get BBS shaves without cutting myself or feeling any irritation anymore, even with buffing and whilst using a feather.

Question is, should I be afraid of this razor? I am coming from a DE89 which is very mild, but I want something that can cut through my coarse hair with ease.

 

[wazza]

Great razor. I recently picked one up myself, it gives a great shave.

 

[aimsport]

I just ordered one of these. I have been DE shaving for about a month, and I get BBS shaves without cutting myself or feeling any irritation anymore, even with buffing and whilst using a feather.

Question is, should I be afraid of this razor? I am coming from a DE89 which is very mild, but I want something that can cut through my coarse hair with ease.

Fear not, nor wander off in thought.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...roach-Any-helpful-hints?p=6296052#post6296052