Muhle R41+New Ikon Bull Dog handle+Feather blade

The Postie was good today and delivered my new Ikon Bull Dog handle some feather blades and Razor Rock King of the Castle Lime hard soap refill. Yea, couldn't resist and put everything together, lathered up with RR and had at her. What little there was to take off in the way of whiskers after this morning regular shave that combo did with a vengeance. Just to push things I did 4 passes and what a close shave.

The handle was a vast improvement for me giving the razor better balance and making it very much easier to grip and control. That was a win.

The feather blades worked very well but do demand a hyper light touch in use. Not for the ham handed shaver. Yea, very sharp as everyone says but not too harsh for me as some say too. Another win.

This was the first use of a RR soap and that too went very well. It lathered easily and the lather was slick and thick. It has a mild lime scent, not offensive at all, that I found pleasant. Yet another win, 3 outa 3.

The Muhle R41 with a Feather blade and Ikon Bull Dog handle is a good combination if you are looking for a good curl your toes close DE shave. As always YMMV. Sorry no photos of the gear, our ISP is gagging on opening certain sites at present and PhotoBucket is one of them.

Bob

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g2...psf3df93b4.jpg

One day I'm going to get a modern day DE.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hirlau

One day I'm going to get a modern day DE.

---

It is the only new one I have but the above combination is a real aggressive challenge to use if that is what you are looking for.

Bob

I only have vintage Gillettes, but would like to get a modern DE so I can have one that was never owned before. I will get one this summer, really don't know what to get. I'll probably let someone here pick it for me.

The way I look at it using the R-41 means taking your time and if I have to do that I may as well use a straight. For someone who primarily uses a DE you're getting mighty close to a straight quality shave with the R-41.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

The way I look at it using the R-41 means taking your time and if I have to do that I may as well use a straight. For someone who primarily uses a DE you're getting mighty close to a straight quality shave with the R-41.

---

Well, I'd have to agree with you that you do have to take your time and that it will rival a straight razor shave. I still prefer to use a straight even though I am still not that good at it vs the Muhle/Feather combo. I don't travel with a straight razor so I was looking for a good combo for that which I think this qualifies nicely for.

Bob

last DE razor I bought and you HAVE to get the bulldog handle or the razor won't work right. I don't think I'll need another DE razor. I still shave most of time with the straights but the R41 with the bulldogg and feather is an unbelievable combo

I am like hirlau in the vintage gillettes scheme. Love the old ones. But lately my merkur hd has come to the stand. Its mild for sure but very hefty an love the shave. As if I don't already spend enough $$$ on this addiction, now yall gave me another to look into. Thanks :beer1:

What's the deal with the bulldog handle? I only ask because I love my r41 grande with the handle it came with. So what is the advantages of changing to the bulldog?
Thanks

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JimW

What's the deal with the bulldog handle? I only ask because I love my r41 grande with the handle it came with. So what is the advantages of changing to the bulldog?
Thanks

---

I use my Ikon B-dog handle off of my Ikon slant on my R-41 because the knurling is far superior to the standard Muhle (don't have the grande) and the solid stainless steel construction gives it added weight that just feels right to my hand. YMMV. I wouldn't be surprised if Bob likes the combination for the same reasons.

Looking at the specs on the r41 grande (I can't find the standard) I'm guessing they changed the handle to make up for the reasons one would goto a different handle? Meaning if you had the Grande would you need the bulldog handle?

The GRANDE version features a longer and wider handle than the original version.

measurements: L 107 mm, B 53 mm – diameter of handle 14 mm

weight: 80 g

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JimW

Looking at the specs on the r41 grande (I can't find the standard) I'm guessing they changed the handle to make up for the reasons one would goto a different handle? Meaning if you had the Grande would you need the bulldog handle?

The GRANDE version features a longer and wider handle than the original version.

measurements: L 107 mm, B 53 mm – diameter of handle 14 mm

weight: 80 g

---

I don't know if that would do it for me. The diameter of the Grande handle seems better but I don't need/long handles on a DE. The bulldog handle is turned out of solid bar stock with real cut knurling/checkering that is deep cut. That makes for super surface to grip. The standard handle for the R41 I have was not wide enough for me and I did not care for the knurling/checkering it had which made it feel too slippery for my taste. It is all a matter of individual preferences I suppose.

Bob

@BobH - Fantastic DE you got !
Congratulations and i wish toy you many enjoying shavings.

:beer1: