Thread: Broke my R89 Head... now what?

While I don’t agree on your “super common” statement, I would take the opportunity to move to a closer shave with a R41 cap and find out what the R41 talk is all about.
If you have been shaving for a while, chances are that you will like the Mühle take on open comb designs .

When I can’t use my straights, my Mühle R101 (R41 with black handle) gives me comparable and comfortable shaves.

Regarding the agressiveness, all that talk about “The Beast” makes me cringe.
The R41 is an extremely capable razor, but a user needs to know what he is doing and it may not be the best choice for a beginner.

For what it is worth, the base plate of R41 and R89 are not the same, so you would need to get a complete R41 head assembly.


B

Almost anything can be repaired if you have the time and money.

I have no idea what the set itself is worth but if it is worth more than $13 to you buy another cap.

I'd go along with what beluga has said and get an R41 replacement head. If you can shave with a straight razor you can enjoy a shave with an R41.

I think there have been about 3 versions of the R41 head and the current one is supposed to be tamer than the initial version. I think it got a bad rep at the start from that version and beginners not knowing how to shave with it. I have the 2012 version and it will give a nice smooth comfortable shave if used properly.

Bob

I would replace it. It sounds like the set is something you enjoy. Muhle does make very attractive kits. I have the same brush and use it as my traveler. If you really don't want it I would entertain buying it off you if the price were right. Been on a big DE kick lately. Wife said no more straights until the baby is born...but DEs arent straights.

I'd just sent an email to Mühle directly to ask if they have a separate R89 head they are willing to sell

Or

I'd look for a sturdier replacement

I would go the cheapest way possible and buy the top cap for $13.

If you strongly prefer straights, buying an R41 head won't increase the use. Same is true if you buy a completely other razor. It is worth the $13 to repair as it is a nice matching set with stand and brush.

I have both the Muhle R89 Grande and the R41 Grande. I love the heavyweight handles. They are both nice razors. Since the R89 is moderate on the aggression scale, I use it with very sharp DE blades. The R41 is definitely more aggressive with greater face feel, but it is by no means a "beast" unless you have poor technique. I have very sensitive skin and have no trouble using the razor with mid-sharp blades. The R41 is so efficient that the I feel no need to use the very sharpest blades, even with my tough beard.

I have not tried the earlier version of the R41. I understand that it was far more aggressive than the current version.

JB Weld - Fix that right up!