My review of the Muhle R41. (Razor Head only)

Here is my humble review of the Muhle R41 head. As always these thoughts are my own and YMMV.

So I have been looking to add a new razor/ razor head to my den that is more efficient then what I have now. After some research and watching a few videos a few names keep popping up, Merkur 37c (had one before and never will I use one again as I think I still get nicked just thinking about it), a few ATT models (way out of my price range) and the Merkur Futur (will be picking this up soon as well), and the infamous Muhle R41. I went with the Muhle R41 head as it was fairly cheap on Maggards and if I didn't like it what the heck I am only out $25 or so. Placed my order on Thursday and started researching more on the R41 and what people thought of it. Well to be honest after a few videos and reviews on the R41 I decided I made a huge mistake and decided I was going to cancel my order and get something else. Check my email "Your order has shipped!"....Well looks like I am going to have to toughen up and give it a go.

It arrived this morning just as I was setting up to get in the shower and shave and I decided to open it up. Look wise...in my own exact words this morning "it looks angry!", it looks intimidating but it is also beautiful. I love the looks of the head but again as I said the intimidating look almost made me not use it. After thinking what's the worse that could happen and some playful ribbing from the Wife which consisted of chicken bawks and asking what color dress I planned on wearing today I decided to add the head to my Stirling DE3P7s stainless steel handle and it felt perfectly balanced in my hand. I loaded a Personna Lab Blue into it and hopped in the shower while I let my soap bloom.


Fast forward to the shave, I loaded up my Stirling SDM with my 22mm Stirling Synthetic and face lathered until I was happy with the lather. I picked up the R41 and did a 1 and 1/2 pass shave. My verdict is as follows...

Effectiveness- 10/10

Comfort- 9/10

Quality of Shave- 10/10

To give you a little more insight I will also list the stats of my daily driver the Stirling DE3P7S with the matching head it came with.

Effectiveness- 7/10- does not handle more then 2-3 days growth well.

Comfort- 6/10

Quality of Shave- 7/10- when I get everything right it gives a great shave but only when everything is perfect and like everyone else I am not always going to have a perfect shave.


I did not know this level of BBS existed!! I only needed to do 1 pass with the grain and a little touch up on my chin and it was perfect FOTWS (Fresh Out The Womb Smooth!). It made short work out of the 5 days growth in its way and talk about loud. It sounded like I was buttering toast the whole shave. This is the first time ever (even when I used cartridges) that my trouble spots where perfectly smooth and I can say there is zero irritation!

Who would I recommend this razor too and final thoughts?

I would recommend this razor/head to the unusually hairy (gorilla's, those who turn into a werewolf once a month, and the Abominable Yeti)...ok I will be serious.... I would recommend this razor/head to those looking for a more efficient shave or those who don't shave every day. I would not recommend this too newbies or those who struggle with technique.

Final thoughts... Don't judge a razor or anything really based on reviews as YMMV. I am happy I gave the R41 a shot and now it has a permanent spot in my Den. Also if you use this razor embrace your inner Aretha Franklin and show it some R-E-S-P-E-C-T or you more then likely will B-L-E-E-D.

Have you tried the R41? What are your thoughts on it?

 

Excellent, witty and well-written review. You made a wise choice to purchase the head only, because the Mühle handles are dangerously slippery. I agree whole-heartedly on these points:
1) Best razor for those who don't shave daily
2) Terrific audible feedback
3) Incredibly efficient
4) Not for beginners
The blade exposure is wicked (supposedly milder than the 2011 version, which I will be searching out once I resume purchasing). If your technique is shaky, better have the styptic pencil handy...or bandaids. I don't reach that often for my R41, but if for some reason I haven't shaved for a few days (admittedly rare), nothing mows down the growth and leaves a smoother face than this razor. Naturally YMMV.

 

I did notice in 99% of the videos/pictures I saw the original handle was no where to be found and with how dangerous this razor could be I understand why most switch it out. I realized just how easily things could go wrong if I didn't pay attention once I felt the blade on my face... It really lets you know "hey...one wrong move and everything in my path is coming with me...lips....ears...I am not picky!!!".

 

Very insightful, entertaining, and funny review @Mr. Freeze93 I didn't even know the head was available alone. Thanks!

 

Glad you enjoyed it

Yup they have them at Maggards...looks like there is only 4 left in stock... I can pm you the link if you want as I don't remember if we are allowed to post links in threads like this.

 

Spot on review. I went with the head only too and mated it to an Ikon Bulldog and love it. The R41 is not a beginner's razor but with a light touch and initial extra attention to technique - no problem. After the first months usage I don't even give it a second thought as the muscle memory/auto pilot kicks it. I'm not saying she's not more aggressive than most razors (she is) however she does command a little respect. I just think the "menacing" label is overblown. I find the R41 performance very similar to the Old Types. Enjoy.

 

Agreed! Looks are deceiving and the R41 has proven that too me. After todays shave while I will respect it every time I pick it up...it no longer looks menacing to me.

 

With the YMMV thing and all, I've never gotten a good shave from my R11. I really like aggressive razors in general ie. Ikon Tech, various adjustables on higher numbers. My shave with the R11 has been trying to catch the aggression of the razor, it shaves too light for me and I fall into the pitfall of pressing too hard just to get a DFS. I've tried light pressure, different handles, and every blade I have. I "click" with almost every other razor. I guess that this one is just not for me.

 

Once again YMMV rings true! For example, on my old Gillette Slim dialed on 9 with a feather blade it wasn't aggressive/efficient enough for me and I fell into the same pit that you do with the R41 and I as well would press way too hard. Its a shame it doesn't work for you

 

I have mine on the bulldog handle too! Much easier to hold than the slick black handle I have from my R106. It is a fantastic razor head and it performs excellently. I usually go with it if I haven't shaved for a week or so, as it leaves me pretty much BBS after one pass.

 

The R41 is just about the only DE razor I still retain. I have two versions- the 2011 model and the 2013 version (what is being sold today). Both are exceptionally aggressive shavers that some find ideal while others find downright harsh, especially the uber-aggressive 2011 model. The newer model is comparatively tamer than this older version. Both will provide close shaving experiences reminiscent of a good straight razor shave.

 

Well done!

 

Very nice review, Mr Freeze

Same here - I ordered the head only and put it on the Bulldog handle - very nice combination. Though I also like the rubber coated handle from my EJ 86 black with this head.
Still not sure what to think about the R41 though. It IS definitely efficient, but so is my Futur - and shaves with that razor are more pleasant and smooth. Maybe I have to do an R41 focus someday, just to get to know it better

 

Anyone knows how the R41 compares to a Gillette NEW SC?
I find that my NEW doesn't give quite enough blade support for me, was wondering if the R41 would reduce blade chatter.

Also, love your Jayne bobbelhead avatar, Marverel

 

Thanks - who doesn't like Jayne ... Yours is from Warhammer?

 

It is indeed.
Should probably get something shaving related though.

 

Just had my first shave with the R41 and it was BBS! I purchased the head only and mated it to a utopia handle ( figure if I like the R41 I'll purchase a better handle) I put in a Wilkinson Sword blade, took my time and was pleased with the results. I did have 3 days growth (I can grow a beard in a week) going and it mowed thru it better than my other DE shavers ( EJ89 and Merkur slant) I don't think I would use it every day but when I haven't shaved for 2 days I'd use it. I will be buying a handle for it, any suggestions?

 

It's my daily shaver, I paired it with the Maggard MR5 handle.
http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/sos-february-29-2016-march-6-2016.50051/page-38#post-1010600

 

That's the handle I was going to recommend as well lol!

 

I just started using the R41 again after several months, paired it up with an Astra SP blade and it gave me a nice smooth shave. no problems at all. BBS shave after just 2 passes. Just make sure you have a slick smooth lather going on your face.