I don't care for it, but I'm in a decided minority. It's beautiful, but I actually think the weight distribution of th EJ89 is better. And I don't really like the way either one of them shaves.
I have a Muhle as well as a EJ and like them both. Its an excellent head design that satisfies most shavers. You wouldn't call it aggressive, but its not as mild as a Feather or a Tech. The beauty of it, is that you can use a really sharp blade (Feather,7 o'clock's,Iridium Super) and get a high quality shave experience, or you can use a milder blade (Personna Red, Timor, etc) and get a "safe" shave if you're a beginner. There aren't a lot of razor collections that don't have this head. You'd make a good purchase. Enjoy it.
Muhle R89 is in my opinion an engineering marvel. It was my third razor after Futur and 38C. No kidding, but blades that seemed too rough in the 38C behaved very well in the R89. It really opened my eyes about how different razors can perform better than others. In short, if you want a very close shave with reduced tugging and more smoothness, give this a try.
I love my R89. It seems to give me a great shave with every blade I've tried. It's funny how we're all different. Kingfisher doesn't like the weight distribution and to me it seems perfect. Like most razors, you'll have to figure out whether it's for you with trial and error (few, hopefully). Hope you enjoy it. If you don't, there's always someone who'll take it off your hands.
Well, I would suggest that the weight distribution issue is a matter of choosing the right handle. Really has nothing to do with the 89 head. I like the center of gravity (balance point) down in the handle so I use longer and heavier handles than some. The handle selection can completely change the feel of the razor and influence the performance too.
Great razor. Not the closest one or an aggressive but for the days when need a nice clean restful shave it glimmers. Absolutely keeper in my collection. Performance is comparable to the Slant which gives just the same feelings.
I have the R106 (black handled version) and I really really wanted to like it because its just so well made and beautiful.
Unfortunately it just doesnt shave well for me.
I find it too mild and it is too head heavy.
I have the R41 that has the same handle as the R89 and I find it a little tinny, but the black handle of the R106 is more solid IMO.
Just for reference, my favourite razor is the 37C slant which ticks all the boxes for me.
The Muhle R89 with the rosegold finish is the razor that has screwed up my monthly rotation. I just keep reaching for it, because it shaves me BBS without irritation or effort - plus it looks gorgeous.
Construction, fit and finish are excellent - you made a wise purchase
I have the EJ87 red handle.It has the same head design as the r89.I get great shaves from it when i use a feather.It seems to love the sharper blades.But I to feel the slant shaves much better.
I love the Muhle R89. It was my first razor, and I found it an easy razor to use, this is quite difficult to achieve. It works for me with a variety of blades, and it is a beauty.