What would be a great handle to go with R41

[bemiller]

I just got my R41 in the mail and I have to admit I am not fond of the handle. It is too light and the texturing is very smooth (albeit aesthetic). I am wondering if anyone has any ideas for a heavier handle on the shorter side (around 3", at most the length of the original handle).

 

[Mick]

I have a BRW custom R41 but I have used an iKon handle on it also.

 

[Luke Sky High]

From my experience the original handle doesn't slip with my fingers wet, only if soapy. The razor's heads is made from the same alloy as the handle, when I tried my Ikon handle on the R41 and Ikon head with R41 handle, both razor's seemed unbalanced. I think the light weight of the R41 enables more precise and slow movements. Sure if the razor had extra weight it would make easier for plowing and scraping, but when finding the blade angle and shaving shallow isn't the razor well made as it is?

 

[bemiller]

I have a BRW custom R41 but I have used an iKon handle on it also.

That looks awesome!

From my experience the original handle doesn't slip with my fingers wet, only if soapy. The razor's heads is made from the same alloy as the handle, when I tried my Ikon handle on the R41 and Ikon head with R41 handle, both razor's seemed unbalanced. I think the light weight of the R41 enables more precise and slow movements. Sure if the razor had extra weight it would make easier for plowing and scraping, but when finding the blade angle and shaving shallow isn't the razor well made as it is?

Honestly, I have almost no experience with it - I just got it in the mail yesterday, so I can't really even attest to the functionality of the current handle. I also am not questioning the quality or how well made it is as it is clearly precision engineering. I have just found that I enjoy the feel of heavier razors in my hand. However, you may be right about off-balancing it. I am just testing the waters to see what is available right now and will do a thorough assessment of the razors current functioning before making any purchases.

 

[Mick]

Use the razor for a few weeks before you decide to replace the handle. You may not enjoy using an R41 as they do take a little more time and effort when you shave. The R41 and the Feather AS-D1 are the most commonly resold razors on BST as they are the most misunderstood razors and are geared to shavers who are rather experienced and want something "special"

I do not know your level of shaving expertise so am hesitant to start making "shaving advice" comments but the R41 is typically a razor that is of interest to someone who has been shaving for years and pretty much have their "ducks in a row" when it comes to how they shave.

 

[jamesspo]

I second what Turtle mentioned about the R41 - best to give it some time. If you have an alum block, just rub your wet fingers on it occasionally, and you should be ok on the grip. When decide to grab a new handle, I'd recommend either the iKon or Weber Bulldog handles. I use the iKon with my R41, and it's fabulous.

 

[jhamlin38]

I'm a big fan of the ikon handle. The added weight makes all the difference for me.
the handle from my cadet is also nice and heavy.

 

[Luke Sky High]

I tried the R41 in my third week of DE shaving and it didn't draw blood. Let him try, just be careful when starting. Show respect for the razor's reputation. And just like the Feather AS-D1 you must search the blade angle if you never used it before.
Please search previous threads about the R41 the understand the quirks about how to attain the optimum blade angle in your face. It's not an impossible razor, you can't learn if you'll never use it. Don't be scared about negative comments.

 

[ironfist]

Sabi t1/t2 from shaveabuck

 

[Mike H]

Sabi t1/t2 from shaveabuck

Yep

 

[celestino]

You may want to consider a UFO handle. Rafael makes some amazing handles.
http://www.uforazorhandles.com/

 

[bemiller]

Use the razor for a few weeks before you decide to replace the handle. You may not enjoy using an R41 as they do take a little more time and effort when you shave... I do not know your level of shaving expertise so am hesitant to start making "shaving advice" comments but the R41 is typically a razor that is of interest to someone who has been shaving for years and pretty much have their "ducks in a row" when it comes to how they shave.

I've been wet shaving for a year and have pretty good consistency although still working on some technical aspects. I got the R41 primarily due to the nature of my facial hair which is course and very thick in an attempt to see if I could achieve closer shaves than what a more moderate razor could provide.

I second what Turtle mentioned about the R41 - best to give it some time. If you have an alum block, just rub your wet fingers on it occasionally, and you should be ok on the grip. When decide to grab a new handle, I'd recommend either the iKon or Weber Bulldog handles. I use the iKon with my R41, and it's fabulous.

I'm more interested in a new handle for the weight, I just love the feel of heavy razors. I have looked at both of those actually, I believe the iKon one is heavier than the Weber.

Let him try, just be careful when starting.
Please search previous threads about the R41 the understand the quirks about how to attain the optimum blade angle in your face. It's not an impossible razor, you can't learn if you'll never use it. Don't be scared about negative comments.

Extensive research was done prior to the purchase. But thank you for your optimism and faith.

You may want to consider a UFO handle. Rafael makes some amazing handles.
http://www.uforazorhandles.com/

View attachment 305783

Beautiful!!! Those are fantastic handles.