Using the Muhle R41 2011 has improved my technique

After spending a few weeks with the new Muhle R41 I'm convinced that it is the most aggressive DE razor i've ever used. When loaded with feather blades this razor packs quite a punch. As it's been said in many other threads, this kind of agressiveness is not for everyone. I personally have to wait at least 36 hours in between shaves to avoid irritation, so I include other razors into my rotation. The Muhle has become my favorite razor since it gives me the closesest shave with the least amount of passes and has improved my technique with other razors since it's not at all forgiving of bad habits.

 

I've found the same things that you mention here when I use SEs. I'm definitely looking at giving the R41 a try though to see how it works for me. I'm glad that's it's working so well for you. Enjoy!

 

The 2011 R41 gets it so close and so smooth, it takes 36 hours for more hair to come back. That's why I love it so much. When I use it, I don't have to shave again for 3 days.

 

Yes I also get fantastic SE shaves. I would rank my GEM OMM as one of my top 2 razors, but it's definitely not as aggressive as the Muhle

 

Same here! My Valet and Feather SE combo only lets me shave every 2 days. There simply isn't anything to shave the next day. I am really interested in the R41 to see how it compairs to this. But given the sudden increase in razors, it may be a while before I am allowed to get one.

 

We are not good for each others pocket books, because you have me wanting to try a Valet now I guess there is no cure for Razor Acquisition Disorder

 

Yes, there is a cure... Own all of them!

 

Gee. That's too bad - not getting to shave for three days.

Note to self - do not get the R41. It robs you of shaving opportunities! :biggrin:

 

I will be letting everyone know soon what I think of the R41. I pulled the trigger on one and hope to have it in my grubby little paws this week! Then it's on!

 

If you find yourself dialing your adjustables to their highest setting, or you are OCD about how close your shave is, then the smart money says you will love it. The best way I can describe it is a straight razor on a stick. Looking forward to your review

 

I have been doing just that! My fatboy cranked all the way up with Feathers, Voskhod's and Red Personna blades. and I just love a close shave not only on my face but my head. So I am excited!

 

In about a week or so, I will have the opportunity to use my sons R41. I will do the same as I do when I use my Progess, which always gives me a very close shave. Enough so, that I could go a day without needing to shave. But, I like shaving too much, so I shave whether I have enough stubble or not. I'm just happy that I don't have sensitive skin to prohibit that. After having used a straight razor effectively, I always keep any of my adjustable razors set to the most aggressive setting.

 

I used a parker shavette straight razor for a few months and the R41 is the only safety razor I've tried that matches it in closeness. The only adjustable I have is a Merkur Futur, and the Muhle is significantly more agressive than the Futur at it's highest setting. I've read quite a few posts from people who found the Muhle difficult to use and even dangerous. I didn't have that experience and feel like I had it sorted after 2 shaves with it and I really like the feel of the extra blade exposure on my face. If you know how to use a straight then you won't have any problems with the Muhle...a straight is requires a much higher level of shaving skill IMO.

 

using the "41" has certainly given me a run for my money. i mean i have to go slow using it and then my face needs a couple days to recover. it gives my boar plenty of time to dry so i can use my favorite brush every shave. not sure i'll continue using it on a daily basis since i enjoy shaving so much. but the 41 is a great shaver with a few day's worth of face fur

 

I just shave anyway, I call it preventive shaving.

 

I have just two shaves with my R41. I had the angle a little off on the first shave. I didn't cut myself up but did have a bit of irritation. The second shave this morning went much better using a steeper angle.

I think it is going to be my weekend razor. I like it but can't abandon my R89, Merkur Slant, Sheraton, New Type, Fat Boy, Super Speed..... you get the idea. Yeah I've got a bad case of RAD. I figure I've got to use them all now that I have acquired them.

 

How do you like your Merkur Slant compared to the Muhle R41? I've been thinking about trying the slant since I hear it's pretty aggressive.

 

If you are basing your opinion strictly on aggressiveness, don't waste your time or money on the slant.

I sold my slant.

I narrowed my den to a select few sentimental pieces and my R41, DE89L, and Schick 66 as my user razors. As for the slant, it is a really nice razor and I would suggest you get one, but if you are looking for a replacement for the aggression you are used to with the R41, you need to look elsewhere. The slant is the old king of aggression, but it doesn't hold a candle to the R41. Stark difference too, not just a open comb vs a closed comb kinda difference. Most certainly not a nuance.

Sorry to have butted in between you and Luteplayer's dialog, I just figured I'd offer my unsolicited opinion since I have firsthand experience with both razors.

 

No worries, thanks for sharing your experience. At this point in the game I've probably spent too much $ on razors, so I'm trying to be more selective on what I buy and/or try. I'm a big fan of the aggressive razors, so my journey may have ended at the R41 from what I'm hearing.

 

I will echo battle.munky on the aggressiveness of the Slant being much less than the R41. That being said, it is one of my favorite razors. I find with the Slant I can be a bit quicker without being concerned I'm going to cut myself. That may change as I get more practice with the R41.