I picked up a sparkly new Muhle R41 with very high hopes. I have a thick beard, especially under my chin and jaw, and I've had trouble over the years reducing those areas to BBS. More aggressive razor + sharper blade = closer shave, right? Well, it may not be that simple (redundancy department of redundancy, anyone?).
Results: while the R41 does indeed offer a VERY close shave, it's not any closer or more comfortable than a good shave with my R89 after a few quick and easy touch ups. I made it through the first shave with minimal discomfort, and I'm sure that with more practice I'll come away with an even less distressed face. But, I gotta say, I'm damn good with my 89, and, my thoughts are, why mess with a good thing?
I can get an equally smooth shave with both, but with the 89, I don't have to be nearly as careful or mindful while making my passes, leading to an overall smoother and enjoyable shave. What are y'all's thoughts? Assured comfort with BBS, or assured BBS with fewer passes and more risk of blood?
Update: After day 2, I have revised my thoughts on the R41. For my second shave with this beast, I decided to try to use it in "steep angle mode" instead of the opposite, and boy, what a difference. I was able to get a closer shave than ever before, and with absolutely no irritation or cuts. I felt more in control of the cutting while using a steeper angle. It seems that this is the way the razor was designed to be used. Someone else said, and I agree, that if you use this razor with a shallow angle, it's as if the comb may as well not be there at all. Using a steeper angle allows the user to actively adjust how the blade is making contact with the whiskers much more effectively. It also seems to be a safer method of using the razor, as I didn't feel as if I was in danger of cutting myself at any time. Thanks for the advice, everyone. The R41 will surely me my go-to DE from now on.
Results: while the R41 does indeed offer a VERY close shave, it's not any closer or more comfortable than a good shave with my R89 after a few quick and easy touch ups. I made it through the first shave with minimal discomfort, and I'm sure that with more practice I'll come away with an even less distressed face. But, I gotta say, I'm damn good with my 89, and, my thoughts are, why mess with a good thing?
I can get an equally smooth shave with both, but with the 89, I don't have to be nearly as careful or mindful while making my passes, leading to an overall smoother and enjoyable shave. What are y'all's thoughts? Assured comfort with BBS, or assured BBS with fewer passes and more risk of blood?
Update: After day 2, I have revised my thoughts on the R41. For my second shave with this beast, I decided to try to use it in "steep angle mode" instead of the opposite, and boy, what a difference. I was able to get a closer shave than ever before, and with absolutely no irritation or cuts. I felt more in control of the cutting while using a steeper angle. It seems that this is the way the razor was designed to be used. Someone else said, and I agree, that if you use this razor with a shallow angle, it's as if the comb may as well not be there at all. Using a steeper angle allows the user to actively adjust how the blade is making contact with the whiskers much more effectively. It also seems to be a safer method of using the razor, as I didn't feel as if I was in danger of cutting myself at any time. Thanks for the advice, everyone. The R41 will surely me my go-to DE from now on.
Last edited: