Hi, Gents,
I just posted this over on ShaveMyFace and thought it might be of interest over here as well. Regards, Doug.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Muhle R41 (2009): Shines When Used Carefully
Pros:
- Capable of smooth, close shaves
- Beautiful design
- Quality fit & finish
Cons:
- Demands close attention to technique
- Prone to weepers
- Somewhat head heavy
- Waxy feeling handle
Observations:
- Blade choice made a significant difference
- Performed better than Merkur HD (34C) around mouth and chin, not as well on cheeks and neck due to weepers and razor burn
Recommended for:
- Shavers eager to satisfy their open-comb curiosity
- Shavers familiar with good basic DE technique
Not recommended for:
- Beginners
I recently got open-comb fever and purchased the 2009 redesigned Muhle R41 razor from www.bestgroomingtools.com. (BestGroomingTools provided excellent service; see the related thread here.)
I have used the R41 for the past week, with German Wilkinson and Feather blades. I used D.R. Harris Arlington soap and the Vintage Blades own-brand soap, which I believe is identical to Truefitt & Hill Luxury soap.
My conclusions are noted above, but a couple of points are worth expanding.
I was surprised by the difference between the Wilkinson and Feather blades. On the extremes, I got a very poor shave on a day when I used a Wilkinson and neglected good prep, and I got an excellent shave one day when I used a virgin Feather and shaved after softening my whiskers in the shower. The other Wilkinson shaves were fair to good, and the other Feather shaves were good to very good. My Merkur 34C does not reveal such a difference between these blades, but it was unmistakable with the Muhle.
By far, the most challenging aspect was to avoid weepers and razor burn on my neck; the Muhle demanded a light hand and careful attention to angle on the neck, and most days I drew a couple of weepers. After a week, I think I am getting the knack, but I did certainly have to adjust my technique. For this reason, I think the Muhle is best suited to a shaver already familiar with the basics of good technique.
The razor is beautiful, and the chrome finish on mine is clear and without flaw. The pattern in the handle is not machined knurling per se; it appears to be a molded/stamped pattern of fine waves. These are not much good for grip, instead giving the handle a waxy feel. Because the handle is hollow and light, the razor is slightly head heavy. Also, I think the open comb design routes more of the lather onto the handle. This was bothersome at first, but over the course of the week I got used to it. One other slight design disappointment is that the lugs protruding beneath the head do not seat squarely in my razor stand; this is not a major concern, however.
The big question folks will have is how this compares to a Merkur open-comb design. Unfortunately, I cant offer a comparison. My first DE was a Merkur Classic open comb, but I sold that one long ago. I do think that if you offered me a Merkur open comb in trade for my Muhle, I would keep the Muhle. I also would keep the Muhle over my Gillette New open comb; the New bit me once, and I have not been too keen on it since.
In short, as noted above, if you need to scratch the open-comb itch, the Muhle R41 is a good option. For me, its minor ergonomic faults are compensated by handsome design, quality manufacture, and superior performance around the chin and mouth. YMMV, as always.
Note that Muhle has redesigned its razors this year, so be sure you are getting the correct item.
Smooth shaving,
I just posted this over on ShaveMyFace and thought it might be of interest over here as well. Regards, Doug.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Muhle R41 (2009): Shines When Used Carefully
Pros:
- Capable of smooth, close shaves
- Beautiful design
- Quality fit & finish
Cons:
- Demands close attention to technique
- Prone to weepers
- Somewhat head heavy
- Waxy feeling handle
Observations:
- Blade choice made a significant difference
- Performed better than Merkur HD (34C) around mouth and chin, not as well on cheeks and neck due to weepers and razor burn
Recommended for:
- Shavers eager to satisfy their open-comb curiosity
- Shavers familiar with good basic DE technique
Not recommended for:
- Beginners
I recently got open-comb fever and purchased the 2009 redesigned Muhle R41 razor from www.bestgroomingtools.com. (BestGroomingTools provided excellent service; see the related thread here.)
I have used the R41 for the past week, with German Wilkinson and Feather blades. I used D.R. Harris Arlington soap and the Vintage Blades own-brand soap, which I believe is identical to Truefitt & Hill Luxury soap.
My conclusions are noted above, but a couple of points are worth expanding.
I was surprised by the difference between the Wilkinson and Feather blades. On the extremes, I got a very poor shave on a day when I used a Wilkinson and neglected good prep, and I got an excellent shave one day when I used a virgin Feather and shaved after softening my whiskers in the shower. The other Wilkinson shaves were fair to good, and the other Feather shaves were good to very good. My Merkur 34C does not reveal such a difference between these blades, but it was unmistakable with the Muhle.
By far, the most challenging aspect was to avoid weepers and razor burn on my neck; the Muhle demanded a light hand and careful attention to angle on the neck, and most days I drew a couple of weepers. After a week, I think I am getting the knack, but I did certainly have to adjust my technique. For this reason, I think the Muhle is best suited to a shaver already familiar with the basics of good technique.
The razor is beautiful, and the chrome finish on mine is clear and without flaw. The pattern in the handle is not machined knurling per se; it appears to be a molded/stamped pattern of fine waves. These are not much good for grip, instead giving the handle a waxy feel. Because the handle is hollow and light, the razor is slightly head heavy. Also, I think the open comb design routes more of the lather onto the handle. This was bothersome at first, but over the course of the week I got used to it. One other slight design disappointment is that the lugs protruding beneath the head do not seat squarely in my razor stand; this is not a major concern, however.
The big question folks will have is how this compares to a Merkur open-comb design. Unfortunately, I cant offer a comparison. My first DE was a Merkur Classic open comb, but I sold that one long ago. I do think that if you offered me a Merkur open comb in trade for my Muhle, I would keep the Muhle. I also would keep the Muhle over my Gillette New open comb; the New bit me once, and I have not been too keen on it since.
In short, as noted above, if you need to scratch the open-comb itch, the Muhle R41 is a good option. For me, its minor ergonomic faults are compensated by handsome design, quality manufacture, and superior performance around the chin and mouth. YMMV, as always.
Note that Muhle has redesigned its razors this year, so be sure you are getting the correct item.
Smooth shaving,