As I recall the zamak R41 head is relatively forgiving of shave angles, until it isn't-- I had a lot of issues with it tugging, skipping, or biting right at the edge of my goatee on the corner of my chin, on a few of the toughest whiskers. I can see how the upper lip would be equally challenging. The steel version seems to clamp a little better, enough that I haven't had that problem with it.
Quest for less technology
- Thread starter blethenstrom
- Start date
I've only tried the steel version and find it...tame.
Quite. I think all of them are still riding the coattails of the original 2011 version. It's plenty efficient and close for my needs, not overly aggressive, and consistent across the blades I like to use. It doesn't really excel in any category except closeness, for me, but it's well into "good enough" in the rest.
I like the R41GS I purchased this year and it's in my rotation. That said, it's not offering me any features or benefits I don't already get from other razors. It's just that I feel that a decent modern razor collection should have an R41 in it.
Not really. Not every blade forward razor has similar clamping as the R41. The danger of any is adding pressure in places we shouldn’t. Or when our hands make this sudden twist movements.
I don’t find the R41 to be overly blade forward (I think Matt @Darth Scandalous is right that it’s the past reputation rather than the current one that’s giving it that nickname). But the design of the baseplate working together with the cap results in a more perpendicular angle of the blade. There appears to be hardly any flex. The Razorine Flatboy is like that and I find that one more aggressive than the R41. The Tek also easily wins in the aggression department.
@Darth Scandalous said it, not me. True story
- Thread starter
- #5,427
Morning Shave - 04/03/25
Shave Number: 503
Passes: 3
Razor: Muhle R41
Blade: Tatara Platinum (White) (4)
Soap: MdC Agrumes
Brush: RazoRock Plissoft RR400
Aftershave: Clubman Lustray Blue Spice
Shave Comfort: 9/10 (Tightness)
Shave Quality: 9.5/10 (DFS++)
Shave Rating: 9.25/10
Another close shave by the R41, but I did end up with some post shave skin tenderness. This blade is definitely on the the way out. We will see if I need to toss this one. I will go for another shave with it and see. Plenty good shave otherwise.
This mornings shave felt a bit rougher than yesterday's. I also ended up with post shave skin tenderness. I think the blade is dulling and we will see if I will be able to finish out the week with it. Still I ended up with a very respectable shave. I have no complaints regarding the closeness.
You all have a wonderful day!
Shave Number: 503
Passes: 3
Razor: Muhle R41
Blade: Tatara Platinum (White) (4)
Soap: MdC Agrumes
Brush: RazoRock Plissoft RR400
Aftershave: Clubman Lustray Blue Spice
Shave Comfort: 9/10 (Tightness)
Shave Quality: 9.5/10 (DFS++)
Shave Rating: 9.25/10
Another close shave by the R41, but I did end up with some post shave skin tenderness. This blade is definitely on the the way out. We will see if I need to toss this one. I will go for another shave with it and see. Plenty good shave otherwise.
This mornings shave felt a bit rougher than yesterday's. I also ended up with post shave skin tenderness. I think the blade is dulling and we will see if I will be able to finish out the week with it. Still I ended up with a very respectable shave. I have no complaints regarding the closeness.
You all have a wonderful day!
I like that you are moving up the razor ladder Boris! Trying out new ones, more aggressive or effective ones even.
Just be careful!
Just be careful!
- Thread starter
- #5,429
Oh I'm being very very careful. Especially this year. It is probably good I'm on restraint this year.I like that you are moving up the razor ladder Boris! Trying out new ones, more aggressive or effective ones even.
Just be careful!
Happy Friday, my friend! 
- Thread starter
- #5,431
That's like posting an oxymoron. Happy Friday and the-blade-that-shall-not-be-named does not really go together.
Happy Friday my friend!
