Saga of a Muhle R41 Grande

[RevSmoke]

I heard the hype about the Muhle R41 (new model). I watched Mantic59 shred his face with one. I decided I was scared to try it myself. Yet at the same time, I was intrigued by the 'demon' razor.

I have a couple old Gillettes (blue tip, flare time, ball tech, and slim), and personally they are way too mild - except the Slim when I crank it up a bit. But, the TTO Gillettes have that bulky head that just isn't slick and clean. I really like the ball tech, but I had to play with to make it even slightly more aggressive. So, I insertedg a few trimmed blades in the head (between the head and blade before putting the blade guard in) and then attaching the handle, all in an effort to make it more aggressive - it worked, but it still isn't the optimum.

I love my Merkur 38M. It has heft. It isn't overly aggressive, but it is by no means a mild razor. I shave easily and the head isn't fat and bulky.

Well, I decided to get in on AABCDS's "Traveling Muhle 2011 R41Tooth Comb" pass. I loved the way it shaved. Yes, it is terrifying. Yes, you need 100% concentration when using it. Yes it gives a great shave. I thought it was a bit light though, the handle way lighter than I thought it should be. I didn't shave with it every day, but...

And then it was time to pass this bad boy on to the next participant.

I went back to shaving almost exclusively with my 38 and liking it. But there was this thought in the back of my head... How would the 41 shave with a bit heavier handle? Does the Grande version make this wonderful R41 razor a better tool?

Aaaaarrrrrrrrggggggggh. So I placed an order and got the Grande version of the Grande from http://connaughtshaving.com/ .

That was about 2 months ago.

I don't shave with the R41 every day, but between it and my Merkur, they make up the large majority of my shaves. I often will use the ball tech for XTG & ATG on my upper lip when I use the R41, but my lip is a tricky and sensitive spot.

I must admit that i am truly a big fan of this razor. It is an incredible shave. For some reason, I am smooth shaven after an R41 morning for far longer into the night than with any other razor. Are my whiskers afraid of showing their face? Or, does it shave that much closer? I don't know. All I can say is this razor shaves me closer than any other, and does it with a whole lot less effort.

I haven't used a Feather in my R41 yet, and to be honest, I am afraid to do so. But, I see that as an experiment in the near future as well.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

Todd

 

[celestino]

Good luck and keep enjoying the Beast.

 

[Mick]

Yes, the R41 will scare your whiskers into hiding on the back of your neck.

They are afraid to come back until the wee hours of the morning when they skulk back onto your chin under the cover of darkness.

I dig mine too (BRW custom R41)

 

[cluelessdude]

R41 + Feather is my combo. Try it, you might just like it. For the first time I would have more whiskers on my face as it will be easier with the Feather in there.

 

[rob_NH]

R41 + feather was my 11th DE shave, and my first R41 shave. My merkur 34c wasn't cutting it for me.

I am a complete newb, and there was no blood at all in my first shave, and only 2 tiny weepers in my next 2 shaves (one with an astra).

There is nothing to fear if you go slow, pay attention, and keep the pressure light. If I can do it, any one can.

 

[vocalistbob]

I use a Feather in my R41, but only with a longer handle, a pre-shave, my best shave cream and a bit of luck. I expect a bit of irritation despite these precautions but it's usually worth it because I get an amazingly close shave.

 

[acesn8s]

I've been thinking about pulling the trigger on an R41. I just "maxed" out the setting on my Merkur Progress and would like something more aggressive. Maybe when it is time to order more soap or AS, I'll add in an R41 for some free shipping.

 

[kingfisher]

Another great choice for a more aggressive and yet still smooth shaver is the FaTip.