Muhle R41 - First Impression

Discussion in 'Safety Razors' started by dapper636, Mar 27, 2017.

  1. dapper636

    dapper636 Active Member

    Finally got my hands on an R41 today for a test drive. Everyone knows the R41 is legendary for it's aggressiveness, it did not disappoint. I usually shave with an OC razor and tend to favor more aggressive razors in general so I felt comfortable trying the R41. I used my regular soap (BTRC No. 13) and a brand new Polsilver SI blade. I hadn't shaved since Friday morning so I had a good 3-day beard to test with. Let me just say again, the razor did not disappoint. I made 2 passes (NS/SN) and it didn't take long for me to get use to the R41's geometry, however, it is a razor you must respect or you could pay the price. I managed not to nick or cut myself which actually surprised me a little after all I have read. Overall, the shave was VVG. There is one negative but it was easily overcome. About 1/2 way through my first pass, I had to swap the handle out for a BTRC 30S because I nearly dropped the razor twice. The stock chrome-plated handle is very smooth with shallow, fine knurling. With just a little lather it became difficult to hold on to. By comparison, the 30S is solid stainless steel and has a deep knurl that will prevent slipping even if caked with loads of slick lather. Changing the handle made all the difference in the world.
    R41.jpg Satin_Short_Vert.jpg
     
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  2. Jayaruh

    Jayaruh The Cackalacky House Pet

    Supporting Vendor
    That is one razor I have not tried yet. I am glad you liked it. Nice write-up.
     
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  3. Smooth Steve

    Smooth Steve Well-Known Member

    The R41 is one of my favorite. I never cut myself, but always use caution. A great shaver. I agree about the handle. I usually use a bit of alum on the handle to reduce the slickness and improve the grip.
    Steve
     
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  4. david of central florida

    david of central florida Rhubarb Rubber

    Wtg, I agree bout the handle. But mine is sooo pretty with the rose gold handle, I suffer through it. 20170319_143632_resized.jpg
     
  5. IAmTheJody

    IAmTheJody Gillette-i Master Staff Member

    Bought mine when they first hit the market. After using it for the first time, I replaced the handle with a custom magnet handle by Cooncat Bob (RIP).

    IMG_20170327_234224.jpg
    IMG_20170327_234324.jpg
     
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  6. david of central florida

    david of central florida Rhubarb Rubber

    It's super cool
     
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  7. Primotenore

    Primotenore missed opera tunity

    Article Team
    Dumped the dangerous stock handle years ago in favor of a Weber Bulldog. Great razor.
     
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  8. AGHisBBS

    AGHisBBS Well-Known Member

    Bumped up the aggression on mine with a DE89 style cap and changed to a Scotch & Stowe (similar to Maggard) handle. I'm loving it now!
     
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  9. mikeal01

    mikeal01 New Member

    Love the R41. I have the older version, and put it on a ikon bulldog handle. Been my daily driver for years, now that my hands shake too much for a straight.

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
     
  10. DRIVER_B

    DRIVER_B Member

    Welcome to the club! I use an R41 every day with a webber Bulldog handle.

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using Tapatalk
     
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  11. Badgerstate

    Badgerstate Well-Known Member

    Ive got one. Its an awesome razor if you like them aggressive.
     
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  12. mathiashellsing

    mathiashellsing Well-Known Member

    [​IMG]

    R41 + iKon bulldog = match made in heaven ;)


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
     
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  13. lradke

    lradke and doggone it, people like me

    That's how I shave with mine! ;)

    Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
     
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  14. Matt0210

    Matt0210 Well-Known Member

    I've got one too, it's my daily razor. Does the job quickly and easily. Glad you liked it. I replaced my stock handle with a handle that was gifted to me by @PickledNorthern. It's an awesome razor.
     
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  15. MR41

    MR41 Well-Known Member

    Whoa Batman-how does the EJ cap bump up the aggression? I might like to try that.
     
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  16. MR41

    MR41 Well-Known Member

    I'll just cut to the chase and co-sign all of the positive comments about thr r41!
     
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  17. HolyRollah

    HolyRollah BaconLord

    R41 was and probably still IS my favorite DE razor. Either the killer 2011 version or the later model...both quite aggressive compared to most other DEs.

    My review from 2014: Comparing the R41s
     
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  18. AGHisBBS

    AGHisBBS Well-Known Member

    The EJ cap is just a bit narrower than the stock R41 cap, giving a bit more blade exposure. I was told (in some thread on here) that doing this kind of duplicates the out of production earlier model of the R11 (2011? 2013? I forget.) I like the results.
     
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  19. Otto

    Otto Member

    That is a very nice looking handle.


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  20. Otto

    Otto Member

    I really wanted to love this razor. The head style is impressive and the stock handle is beautiful. As others said, the handle is dangerously slippery.

    Unfortunately I parted with mine to another member on a shave forum, so it went to a good home. The razor was finicky with the right angle and a bit rough on my face, but surprisingly never cut myself and hardly any weepers.

    It is indeed an efficient machine.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     

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