Don't Hate Me Because I Love The 2011 Muhle R-41

I blame a friend of mine who had a Muhle 41 circa 2011 that he had only shaved with one time. Not his cup of tea. I had heard about the R-41 through forum posts when it first began getting reviews.

At the time, since I rarely shave with DEs anyway, I thought, who needs a super aggressive DE that you have to shave with as if you're walking on eggs ? Besides that, it is not a slant, my weapon of choice when going DE.

So I'm talking with my friend on the phone a couple of weeks ago and asked him if he had ever tried the Muhle 2011 R-41. He tries about everything that comes down the pike so I figured he had. He offered to send it down to me to give it a whirl and I gratefully accepted. At the time I never expected I'd be buying it from him because I liked it as much as he didn't like it. Who knew ?

I generally only shave with a DE on Sunday morning because I'm always barely on time for church. So upon receiving the 41 I had a Feather blade that had 5 shaves in. I loaded that up figuring I don't want too sharp a blade for the first go with this awesome looking blade exposure.

Another true confession, when I shave with a DE I generally do one ATG pass and call it good. Even with a straight I only do a WTG and ATG, since my skin is too sensitive to do 3 passes. Anyway ...... I got an absolutely great shave with the one ATG, and the 6th time that Feather was used.

I shaved with it again the following day. Same blade. The shave was as good but I could feel the blade was done. Next day I took the Muhle out again but with an Ikon Bulldog handle and a brand new Feather blade. Two passes and a superb shave.

So I've read a lot of reviews on this razor and I know that Muhle enlarged the head a full millimeter in width to reduce blade exposure and aggressiveness. A lot of guys complaining of nicks and weepers.

For me the 2011 Muhle is a joy to use. No pressure, proper skin stretching, still with cold water and basically rubbing the 1st lather in the only prep. I hate to say it, but it shaves closer than my beloved slants.

I'm going to go back to my various Gillettes, Barbasol and various slants over the next week or two. I am enthusiastic about my long neglected DEs since finding this razor so accommodating. I'm not giving up on the straights by any stretch (no pun) but I'm going to work these contraptions back into the rotation for the time being.

Anyone shaved with both the 2011 and the later 2013 versions who can let me know if they find any difference between the experience ? Inquiring minds and all of that.

I wouldn't know about the 2013, but I share your views on the 2011 fully.
A great little shaver with just the right amount of blade exposure and feel.

Wish I had a 2011 version of the R41 to try as I like the 2013 version. If you have an old Gillette OC DE give them a shot. They can come close to the shave I get from 2013 R41. Yes, the 2013 R41 will give my straights a run for their money.

Bob

Gentlemen,
Initially, I thought the Muhle R41, the 2011 model, was a mean razor. Since then, my thoughts have softened on this remarkable shaver. I have never tried the 2013 version, and even though I rarely shave with the double edge, I might give this version a try. Jimmy's right: follow the rules of straight razor shaving with the R41 and you'll be fine.

I have the R41 2013 and it is a great shave. I have not used it for a few weeks as I have been using, and getting to grips with the Feather Artist.Which you kindly gave me some good tips on how to use, I am pleased to report I am getting really good shaves with the Feather System. But I think I may give the R41 a run out for the Monday shave.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Anyone shaved with both the 2011 and the later 2013 versions who can let me know if they find any difference between the experience ? Inquiring minds and all of that.

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I have the 2011 and the 2013 version
Both are aggressive,the King is the 2011
Isolates my tough 3days beard in one pass,i use it very slow with cautiousness.
I will test the 2013 with different kind of blades and i will post again but the 2013 version still easily beats other OC as Gillette.

I have the 2013 Mühle R101 (R41 with black handle) and can say that this razor is the only DE razor I own that could seriously challenge a straight.

I have tried various Parkers, Merkurs and some others, but for me nothing comes close to this Mühle. Out of my dozen or so DE razors, this would also be the only one I'd truly miss if I no longer had it.

In fact, using this open comb Mühle from time to time gives me something to measure my straight shaves by.

I currently use the R41 2013' head with various handles and the shave is I with no irritation or cuts. I have had two R41 11' razors which I both sold. A little too aggressive for me but an incredible close shave every time.

Thanks to all who replied. Funny when you get old. Took me about an hour or two to compute that OC meant 'open comb'. When you get old it is like the brain is a dial up instead of a DSL.
:thinking:
Another funny thing is the nature of this disease. I have the 2011 and, as I noted, I think it is great. I've heard from all of you gentlemen that have the 2013 that it is great too, so I want one as well. Never satisfied. :boohoo:

I dunno Jimmy, you have and like the 2011 model and most who have had both say the 2013 is less aggressive so you might not be missing much. Know what you mean about a brain being on a dial up connection, mine functions the same way.

Bob

My 2011 R41 has proven to be pretty close (I mean REAL close) to afford as keen a shave as any of my straights, especially with a hyper-sharp blade like a Feather. Only thing I was lukewarm about was the handle and that was remedied quicksmart with the acquisition of a Weber Classic replacement. Truth be told, I can hurt myself with the Muhle much easier than with a straight..go figure. I will never part with mine.

I have the R41 grande and Im still learning to use it. Got to tell you I do not think I could use it as an everyday razor and least not yet. I have been a wet shaver for many years and if it weren't for the time it takes I would use my straight all the time. My daily is the 39c slant and every wet shaver knows sometimes you want something a little more aggressive. Well no need to look any farther this r41 is very nice close and aggressive shaver. I think it shaves as close as my straights and I swear if I use it in the morning come 5 o'clock it looks and still feels like I just shaved. I do still pre oil between each pass where as to my others I just pre oil before the 1st pass. The addition 20 dollars for the grande handle to me was well worth it.