How would the 41 compare to the 89. I love the 89l, it's my go to razor. I'm considering the Muhle R41 any thoughts on this
They are completely different. If you haven't tried many other razors, I would suggest against the R41. As the step leading up to it, maybe a Merkur Progress or some vintage adjustable. Merkur slants are also popular.
The R41 is basically a DE blade stapled to the end of a handle. I love it, but it's probably the most re-sold razor.
Do not be afraid of the R41. It gives a very close, very long lasting and dare I say, smooth shave? Yes, it is agressive and I would advise anyone buying it to not go against the grain for the first week or so of usage until you really begin to get used to it.
I have both. It will will take me 4-5 passes with the DE89 to get a BBS shave. It will take me 2 passes with the R41, and a slight touchup in some areas.
I would even suggest it for N00bs as long as they don't go against the grain for the first two weeks and heed the mantra of NO Pressure. No Pressure. No Pressure.
They are completely different. If you haven't tried many other razors, I would suggest against the R41. As the step leading up to it, maybe a Merkur Progress or some vintage adjustable. Merkur slants are also popular.
The R41 is basically a DE blade stapled to the end of a handle. I love it, but it's probably the most re-sold razor.
I think this is crazy talk. My first razor was a merkur 34c. Used it 10 times then switched to the R41. The R41 was much easier to learn as a newb, and I had it down in a couple days. The feedback is so good it is really fast to learn. I don't understand why people keep thinking it is for advanced users just because it is agressive. Not my experience as a newb, that's for sure.
I think it actually makes you learn how to shave with a DE properly! My opinion is that people learn bad habits with other razors like too much pressure, not consistent blade angle, hooking at bottom of neckline, etc. Because the other razors are more forgiving, those bad habits aren't fixed. With the R41, those habits are necessarily corrected early. The R41 gives you great feedback and you can learn really quickly what you're doing wrong. It can also be harder on non-newbies who then try the R41, similar to those who have used cartridges for so long. I have tried cartridges and milder DEs after getting the R41, and I get better than I ever did with them before. I think this is because good technique makes your experience with any razor better.
How would the 41 compare to the 89. I love the 89l, it's my go to razor. I'm considering the Muhle R41 any thoughts on this