Muhle R41,The combined thread

[cluelessdude]

Just tried an Astra blade in my r41 and I have to say I have just given myself one of the closest shaves I've ever had. On Monday I used a Gillette blue on it's fourth shave, not a good idea in hindsight. First two were good, third was pushing it, the fourth was just a plain ole bad idea. Found out they don't go that many shaves as they do in my r98 the hard way :) Today's shave with a new Astra was, simply put, awesome! The more I find what works with this razor the more I like it and the better my shaves are becoming.

Chris

Did you find Astra to be smoother and closer than the Gillette blues?

I just used a Super Iridium for the first time yesterday and I think I like them though I need to use it a few more times to have a more clear view.

[JayHawkMechanic]

My initial reaction would be yes. The Gillette blue wasn't horrible, until the fourth shave but I like the Astra better on first impressions, a lot smoother and no nicks at all.
Chris

[Triad]

Feathers,personna red and med preps seem to work good for me in the 41!!

[merkur59]

I have been using a feather for my last 3 shaves. No nicks or irritation...

[JayHawkMechanic]

Feathers are good for me but the Personnas were meh, not horrible but nowhere near the Feather or Astra quality shave. Have no fear, I still have a few to try yet ;)…
Chris

[cluelessdude]

Feathers are decent in the R41. For me they seem to be lacking in smoothness but maybe that's only because of my technique.

[barrycv]

Just did my first trial w/ the R41 this AM. Did my typical 3 pass w/ a new Gillette Yellow (came w/ a Derby - I almost threw up in my mouth a little after seeing that).

Definitely aggressive - but that's what I want. Have to work on angle positioning & getting used to the feel of the open comb. I really got in to a groove (if you pardon the expression) w/ my Futur, this is definitely a different feel all around.

I can see myself petitioning for induction in to BOTC.

[Wrangoleer]

I love mine! I just can't use it everyday. It's too harsh on my skin. But I really love it when I've got 3 or more days growth! Nothing else I have in my collection will mow 3 days growth down like my R41!

[P Funk]

I just obtained one and have shaved 3 times with it (I rotate with other razors).

When other posters mentioned the audible feedback, I didn't think too much of it. I am able to get audible feedback no matter what razor I'm using (not sure this is normal or if it has to do with type/length/thickness of growth).
But the R41 takes it to a whole different level. It's a high definition feedback! It was a bit shocking at first.

Just tried the R41 with a Feather yesterday. It was the closest shave I've had in my short wet shaving career.

[vocalistbob]

For a one day beard growth, a Feather is just too sharp for me with the R41. I have had good luck with Astra SP's. Good prep is essential .

[D.W.B.]

I just tried a Gillette Super Platinum (blue). It was very smooth with only one nick, still working on the mustache area. No irritation though. I used a steeper angle than usual and it worked out well. I also rotate with other razors and the r41 gets used when I have about two days growth.

[Winblows]

do You guys out there use different blades with the R41 from regular closed combs ?

[vocalistbob]

I have used Feathers, which are my standard "go-to" blades but lately I have been getting an excellent, more comfortable shave with Astra SP's.

[Samjax]

I just got my R41 Grande and tried it with a new Feather - seemed pretty harsh. Put the Feather in my Weber and it works amazingly well. Took the new Shark out of my Weber and put in the Muhle - worked great - still very aggressive - but it lost the apparent harshness of the new Feather. Still experimenting - but I am very happy with the Muhle R41 Grande and the Weber DLC/Classic in my current rotation.

[cluelessdude]

So I'm still experimenting with different blades in the R41:

1) Gillette 7 o' clock Blues: My favorite blade with the R41 so far. Very smooth, no irritation and still provides a close shave. Importantly it provides a COMFORTABLE shave which allows me to use the R41 every other day with my more than likely shoddy technique.

2) Feathers: These were my favorite blades in the Merkur HD. Everything else was inferior so I ordered a 100 pack before I got the R41. I will re-visit them again in the R41 but my initial impressions were close but not that smooth. Also probably not recommended for everyday use with the R41.

3) Super Iridium: Seem harsh to me and surprisingly not as smooth as the Gillette Blues even though I think most people find the SI to be smoother/smoothest blade. Don't think I will re-visit them. Most likely going to sell 40 blades worth of 'em.

Still to try: Astra, Treet (should I bother?), Personna Medical Prep. Wish I had a blade or two of the Gillette Blacks so I could try them.

Anyone else find the Gillette Blues to be the best blade for them in the R41?

[Predict]

I really like feathers and gillette 7oclock blacks in my r41. as well as rapira super stainless. The super iridiums performed very well in my tradere but not smooth at all in my r41. it may have been a dud. i only had two blades to try. I cannot use astras in my r41, i can't see how astras get so much love, for me they are garbage. i like derbys over astras. as always ymmv. anyone want to trade for a pack of 95 astra sp?

[Argonaut]

I'm using up the remaining feathers I have, which I think are the best in the R-41, to get to my Astra SPs. I bought a thousand of these on the BST, they shave just as good for me, I just get one less shave per blade.

[mhdena]

Gillette Blues and Shark SC for me.

[Monkeyboab]

Astras and perma sharp for me, feathers were but rough. Gillette blacks were ok not great and the less said about the derby the better!

[Winblows]

I'm using up the remaining feathers I have, which I think are the best in the R-41, to get to my Astra SPs. I bought a thousand of these on the BST, they shave just as good for me, I just get one less shave per blade.

I'm curious, how many is that ?