I was a part of a pass around (in another forum) for the new Mühle TWIST razor and the razor spent a few days with me before going back to the pass around originator. I will echo a lot of the users who described the fit and finish as first class. It is easy to use the Twist in terms of loading the blade. The handle is larger in diameter than most three piece handles which would be good for people who have difficulty with gripping due to injuries or arthritis. The balance of the razor overall is fine and it is easy to maneuver around the head and face. I tried it with two blades. For three days it was with the mild and smooth Big Ben. This blade allows me to find out how aggressive the razor is and how blade sensitive the razor is. The next three days was with the sharp Rapira Swedish to see the overall effectiveness of razor. Here were the results. First Day Big Ben 2 passes head BBS 2 1/2 passes face BBS Second Day Big Ben 2 1/2 passes head BBS 2 1/2 passes face BBS Third Day Big Ben 4 passes head BBS 4 passes face BBS Fourth Day Rapira 2 passes head BBS 2 passes face BBS Fifth Day Rapira 2 passes head BBS 2 passes face BBS Sixth Day Rapira 2 passes head BBS 3 passes face BBS After this the Rapira was removed and the razor returned to the pass around originator for its final recipient. I really like this razor in terms of fit, finish, handling and all the other listed items. There is just one problem. It does not do anything for me shave wise that I cannot get from an three piece 89 razor which I have. Performance wise was almost exactly what I get from an 89. So it is a two piece 89 which when shaving behaves like my three piece 89. That is the real elephant in the room. Three issues come to mind with this release. The first is customer expectation, the second is user preference, the third is market saturation. When Mühle began to advertise this razor they chose a teaser approach which allowed customers have many dreams about what they wanted. Mühle had recently released an R89 in DLC so many users felt that an R89 variant would not be in the next release. Some people were hoping for an adjustable, a slant, all an brass razor, a TTO, a new razor head between the current R41 and 89, and the list goes on. When the TWIST came out and it had the 89 head profile so many people were disappointed. The second reason of user preference plays a big role in the rejection (for the most part) of the two piece design. Over several years users have taken various handles from other manufacturers and even custom machinists along with the razor head that they like and made a total package that fits their personal desire. A two piece forces the user into a one size fits all, and that is why many users left the large cartridge razor manufacturers to become traditional shavers in the first place. So the user community prefers customization (3 piece with swapped handles) over conformity (2 piece razor). Even if the head were same as the 89 or the 41 or different from the two it would still have a very hard time getting traction because users enjoy customization. The third reason of market saturation is the key to why an 89 configuration fails to win many repeat buyers including myself. The market is full of 89 variants along with variants of Merkur razors with similar designs. Eventually even a user who has many razors will balk at having another item that really does not perform differently than ones that they own. They have other things that will attract their pocketbook over what they have an equivalent to. One can purchase an 41 or 89 head ala carte and and a handle and still be well below the MSRP of $99. http://www.muehle-shaving.com/shop/...azors/1/safety_razor_twist/280/303/R_89_TWIST So in conclusion this an excellent razor that I could recommend if the three other reasons did not exist. They do and so I will not be buying this razor. Jim (Codfish) thanks for providing the opportunity to try the TWIST.
Another GREAT review! I see no reason to buy this razor also, I have an EJ89. It's a shame Muhle went this route, I was hoping for something new and exciting.
I agree, it's just another 89 with a handle you're stuck with. Now if it had a solid brass head, or was a much needed quality tto..with a brass head. I'd be nice if these people would get off their zamak fixation and produce an all brass razor. Don't they realize the word is out about the pot metal.... sorry for the rant. Anyways you've done another winner write up Gary thanks..
I might prefer this to an R89...except that I already HAVE an R89. I agree, there's no way I would buy this unless I didn't already have an R89 or an EJ. I really would have loved to see a slant from Mühle, oh well.
First...Excellent review Gary! I believe you have hit the three prominent considerations squarely on the head. I was curious about what the "twist" was and learning that it is just a R89 headed two-piece is a real let down. Who wants to be locked into a R89 razor that you can't change the handle? I echo the sentiments of all the above Gentlemen when I say I would not be interested in purchasing this razor for all the same reasons noted above. I believe this is a step backwards as far as the new razor development department is concerned.
I agree with the above, but I do like how it looks. I started with a 2 piece razor and have thought about buying one again. The 89 head is much less expensive and I use all my 3 piece heads on the same bulldog handle. If I were to get one, it would just be the head. That said, I wouldn't turn a twist down if some generous soul would like to gift me one.
Gary Do you do anything else but write excellent reviews? Since I started reading this forum because of you , I now go thru 6 pot's of coffee a day reading your reviews and tutorials. Geeezzz
The 'Brothers' series also makes for an interesting read..and a good laugh.. http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/two-brothers-part-15.28874/
Thanks and yes, I do other things. One of the things I have had to start doing is turning down a lot of testing and getting involved in product pass around threads because my time is limited in terms of opportunities to shave each day and too many good products to test. It seems that I have been in demand as a tester since the DE Blade Challenge and the Synthetic Testing Team and I have to guard my time to be sure to answer peoples questions along the way. I have been fortunate to be the individual to codify two things that has caused changes in traditional shaving. The first is the History of Synthetic series over on Sharpologist and second is the Synthetic Generation System. There was a lot of work done on both of those and they are the two things that have pleased me the most over time. I hope that I provide a good entertaining educational read, some visual aids along the way, and to leave the readers with something to think about rather than just provide bird cage lining. Again, thanks for the kind words everyone. They are appreciated.
I'll keep my Merkur HD for less than half the price, but thanks for the review. For that money it should be stainless.
Thanks for The great review, i did consider getting this, but now I have read tour review I realisme that, shave wise i wouldnt be getting anything different from this razor than I would my Jagger. Thanks for saving me some money, and providing am interesting review.
