Thread: Merkur 37c HD Slant or Muhle r41 open comb 2013

Hi guys

Ok time to buy another razor again... ( really have to stop)


So it's going to be one of the above so which would you go for and why?
Now I will be buying a sampler pack with it also.

I use straights, feather Shavettes and have very mild Weishi safety so need to step up in safety razors

I don't mind aggressiveness as I'm used to taking my time and learning each blade individually anyways.

What do you want this razor to do? The R41 is the most aggressive razor out there. it comes the closest to a straight in results but at the same time you can't plan on a quick shave with one. You really have to take your time and be really careful. The Slant is several degrees tamer than the R41. The 37c is just a standard tame DE.

It's all a matter of what you want.

Guess what we all strive for... A perfect shave lol...

If there is a happy medium in between I'm all ears of course

I haven't shaved with, or even seen, an R41 up close and personal, so I would normally dummy up. From reading descriptions on the 41 I decided to pass. I do prefer straight razor shaving by far, and of the many DEs I've tried, the Merkur slant is my favorite. Either the 137C, or if you like a longer handle, and a slightly heavier razor (the heads are identical) than the 139C. So I can't say anything about the 41, but I can tell you that the slant is great AFAIC.

Gentlemen,

I have tried scores of double edge razors, closed comb to open, vintage to modern, and liked some, not so others for various reasons. The one razor I have really disliked is the Muhle R41, because it is just a mean razor and not worth my Hollywood face.

For the modern, I'll opt for the Edwin Jaggers barley and the Muhle R89, as well as the Merkur Progress.

The Slant used to be considered an aggressive razor. AFAIC it never was. The second gen R41 is the closest to a straight you can purchase -- though you have to get one used. The third gen which you can purchase new is hair more relaxed. Almost as competent as the previous iteration and a lot more forgiving. The Slant, in my opinion, is a curiosity, equalled by many other razors. The current R41 is the best you can currently purchase. But anyone as into shaving as you appear to be must experience the previous version. Shave equal to a straight, with some margin of safety there if you know what you're doing. My 2 cents.

I am the same as Jimmy but in reverse, I have never seen or shaved with a slant. I do use the current version of the Muhle R41 and find it will give a straight a run for it's money. You do have to have good technique with it but if you are used to straights that should be too much of a problem getting used to the current version of the Muhle R41.

Bob

Another vote for the R41, I have the Grande. I purchased it after I started straight shaving and I'm still trying to get my straight shave as close and easy as the R41.

See this were I get into trouble, I like the idea of the R41 being as aggressive as a straight then EJ Barley or similar that will do the job just as good and "safer"

I bet I'll end up get two of them aarraaaggghhh

If it helps any, I find with any of my milder DEs that the shave will not last as long as with the Muhle R41 current model. So I don't think in that sense, at least for me, that the milder razors will do just as good a job. Safer is a relative thing too and you can cut yourself with a mild razor too, trust me.

No matter what you do you always seem to wind up with more than one of anything. Well, at least I do anyway.

Bob