Muhle R41 or Slant?

**LittleLebowski** · 08-28-2011, 09:15 AM

I think that the solution to many passes with my HD or SS might be a more aggressive razor. Thoughts?

**Stubblefield** · 08-28-2011, 09:19 AM

Agree. I found I cut down on passes considerably (well, 1 pass) when I switched to an open comb.

Highly recommend the new Muhle R41 if you are looking for a more aggressive razor.

**cfender** · 08-28-2011, 12:16 PM

My 37c Slant brought me far greater shaving efficiency than the 23c and SS Red Tip that preceded it.

I have a new style R41 on order as it has been suggested that the R41 is even more aggressive/efficient than the Slant.

**jpakstis** · 08-28-2011, 04:47 PM

I have/had both the new R41 and a slant. I find that if you're careful, you can get a decent shave from both with 2 passes (WTG then ATG). The R41 definitely cuts closer than the slant, so if your only criteria is a close shave, I'd go with the R41. However, I found the R41's "face feel" to be very rough and ragged, and I needed more pressure to keep it going during the pass. Although no matter how difficult the passes felt, it ultimately went OK. The slant has a much, much smoother face feel, probably due to the scything action. However, it is a silent assassin and you only know you messed up much later. I ended up selling the R41 because I much prefer a smooth shave with a light, light touch from the slant.

**Champion of Capua** · 08-28-2011, 09:36 PM

Originally Posted by cfender

My 37c Slant brought me far greater shaving efficiency than the 23c and SS Red Tip that preceded it.

I have a new style R41 on order as it has been suggested that the R41 is even more aggressive/efficient than the Slant.

Glad I'm not the only one to notice. I love my Red Tip because it was my first DE, but the OC new I got from Bob gets the job done in half the strokes. Don't think I will ever buy another butterfly

**blood_type_O** · 08-29-2011, 12:52 AM

I've owned both a Slant and the new R41.
Both are great razors, both are too aggressive for me.
But, the new R41 feels smoother and easier to control than the slant.
Take it from a guy who can't shave with either one, but loves both.

**djh** · 08-29-2011, 07:07 AM

Originally Posted by LittleLebowski

I think that the solution to many passes with my HD or SS might be a more aggressive razor. Thoughts?

That is certainly the case with me. I have found that I can get as close a shave with a vintage SS as I can with one of my modern razors but it takes normally one pass more. Seeing as I like to get things done in two passes, I have been using my modern razors more regularly in my rotation. I find my HD and 39C both to be quiet aggressive and I'm looking forward to testing my new Mühle 41 tomorrow morning.

**LittleLebowski** · 08-30-2011, 05:14 PM

New R41 ordered and inbound!

**CyberJCM** · 08-30-2011, 05:24 PM

I got a slant recently, both 37c and 39c. I won't go back to anything else. I love how I can get a great shave in 1.5 - 2 passes with extremely smooth feel. I've heard alot, I even think it was in the Muller interview also, that the R41 feels aggressive. I don't want that in my shave personally. Once I dialed up my Super Adjustable to 9, and it felt like scraping paint. Any razor that feels like that, even just a little, isn't worth it to me when I can get just as close or even closer with my slants and in half the passes!

**ruebis** · 08-30-2011, 08:32 PM

Lebowski, you will absolutely love your new 41. Easily my favorite razor in my bag. It is aggressive and yes, I have heard such things that it's even too aggressive for some to use. Fair. It did take me a little while to dial in coming from Muhle's R89 but once I did. Brilliant. Chicken's done.

**LittleLebowski** · 09-04-2011, 08:04 AM

I do love it. I am quite smitten. No cuts in two shaves with an Israeli blue. I think I may stop looking and that my RAD is in remission now. I don't get all of the talk about the new R41 being aggressive.

Are there not custom handles for these available? I would like the handle to be heavier and more grippy.

**kentclark** · 09-04-2011, 08:51 AM

I was wondering the same thing. 3 shaves into a Gillette single ring, and it has already displaced my 37C for efficiency. I am wondering if the 2011 R41 is even more aggressive than the old type or about the same. Not sure if I need/want to go more aggressive. Either way, I think my slant is headed to BST.

**Codfish** · 09-04-2011, 09:28 AM

The R41 2011 stands alone in the world of DEs and SEs in terms of aggressiveness, IMO. You jest have to decide if you want to go that far, and if you have enough experience to handle it. It will point out shortcomings in your shaving routine.

**GS4** · 09-04-2011, 09:40 AM

I find a FatBoy opened all the way to be significantly 'closer' than the slant. I don't think the 'slant' is all that aggressive. Haven't tried the new 41.

**mhdena** · 09-04-2011, 09:40 AM

How is the 2010 r41 compared to the 2011 r41 on a scale with ej89/r89?

**Codfish** · 09-04-2011, 10:12 AM

Originally Posted by mhdena

How is the 2010 r41 compared to the 2011 r41 on a scale with ej89/r89?

There is no comparison. The R41 is much more aggressive. Most users think it is more aggressive than a Fatboy, Futur, Slim or Vision set wide open. It is not a beginner's razor.

**SharpEdge** · 09-04-2011, 10:18 AM

Never owned the R41, but have owned a number of adjustables. The cutting action of a blade far away from the guard seems rough and inefficient compared to the slant, which I have found to afford a 2 pass BBS. It takes some time to learn the optimum angle for the slant, however. It's an ask 40 people, get 40 answers type deal IMO.

**mhdena** · 09-04-2011, 04:02 PM

Originally Posted by Codfish

There is no comparison. The R41 is much more aggressive. Most users think it is more aggressive than a Fatboy, Futur, Slim or Vision set wide open. It is not a beginner's razor.

This opinion is for both 2010 & 2011 R41 models?