Merkur Slant vs Mühle R41

I've been traveling a lot for work lately and, despite my efforts, it's just too much of a hassle to take straight razors along with me. So I thought a good alternative would be a safety razor, and I went down to a local antique store and grabbed one of those old Gilette 3-piece open combs. I used it for about a month and I liked it a lot, it's a nice little razor and it delivers a pretty decent shave. But it was pretty old and dingy, and had some cracks in the handle, so I decided to pass it on to my little brother (he loves it) and get myself a new one.

I went with a Merkur Slant because I have a very thick, coarse beard, and got some Feather blades to go along with it. I've used it a few times now, and it's a pretty nice razor, it's been giving me ok shaves. I did find it to be relatively tame though, and I was expecting something a bit more... aggressive.

So I'm wondering if maybe a Mühle R41 would be a better choice for me. Has anyone used both and can give a comparison?

The slant is a puring little kitten compared to the R41, I have both.
The R41 can be demanding, you need perfect slick lather and a light touch. But done right it's an exceptional DE.

Oo the R41 is a monster! I don't mind the 37C but the Muhle was used once and put away it's evil IMO!

I've got both, and use them with Feather blades. I prefer the Merkur because it's smoother and heavier (weight). The Muhle leaves the blade exposed a bit more than the Merkur, but I've never cut or scraped myself with it. I don't like to shave ATG with it, as I find it less comfortable than the Merkur, however the Muhle will give you the best WTG shave ever.
I think the decision is more personal preference. The Muhle looks nicer, but is so light it almost feels like a toy. The Merkur's heft helps me control it better, but it's not as stylish looking.

I have the R41 and to tell you the truth I find I have to be so careful with it I might as well use a straight instead. But for a DE the shave is exceptional.

I use an R41 on a regular basis with Feather blades. Pay attention to what you are doing and it is a fantastic shaver. I use it for four passes and it gives me exceptional shaves. After some shaves I don't feel I have enough beard the next morning to use it, so I use either a Gillette NEW long comb of a Gillette Big Fellow.

I've used them both -

I didn't really care for the new R41. It didn't hit the sweet spot for me.

I do like the Merkur Slant - paired with a Feather, it is an excellent razor. However, I currently prefer a Fasan OC slant - light, so it takes some time to get used to, but it gives me an excellent shave.

If you want a safety razor that comes close to the performance of a straight, buy the Cobra Classic. Straight razor blade set in a SE frame.I have a new R41 sitting it its box because it's a POS compared to my slant. A Merkur Futur would be my second recommendation. Great razor, but I still prefer a slant because of how smooth they are. Slicing hairs is so much nicer than chopping them.

hi i have both.slant is for the every day. the r41 for once upon a time because it's the most aggressive razor.I've ever tried...

Destutt de Tracy

There is a new version at the Muehle website:
http://www.muehle-shaving.com/shop/m...GRANDE?lang=en
Muehle wrote:
"The GRANDE version features a longer and wider handle than the original version."

I have no problem with the original version, but I was told, the version "Grande" works very well.

I have the R41 open comb and i thing its wonderfull for my coarse roght beard, i have been shaving often with it 2-3 time a during the days that i'm not practising on my straight razors

its a beautifull razor and i thing the finish an quality is way nicer than the Merkur slant bar which i also have
Though like mentined in this thread the Sland bar does shave nicely as it slices the wiskers easier.

but i prefer the R41 as i feels like shaving with a straight razor. Also it is a DE razor that i can use and get away with just one pass if i'm in a hurry on workdays

i have been looking at the grande version and probably will buy it just to feel the difference.

One not is that this Razor is very light compared to feg Edving jagger D89, and alike metal razors.

But in my opinion the lightness gives the R41 an advantage as it gives you a good feeling of the razor, like extension of your hand.

i tried putting my Edving jagger Chatsborth barly handle on it ( its made of chromed solid brass) and that totally messed up the feeling on the R41. So went back to the original handle.

Here are some specs:

Muhle R41 Open Comb
- L: 107 mm
- B: 53 mm
- Diameter of handle 12 mm
- Weight 62 grams

Muhle R41 Grande
- L: 107 mm
- B: 53 mm
- Diameter of Handle: 14 mm
- 80 grams

As for blades i prefer Feather for my beard , but that just my Personal favorite ; )

i've included some pictures for reference, for my R41 i got the nice metal box which i like allot

also look at Gefatboys review and his 5 minute shave videos showing how well it shaves if you are in a daily routine where you need some speed results

all in all i thing this is my best DE shaver as its the most effective ; ) but i might find another along the road on my quest for the BestShave4me ; )

good luck with your choice

MUHLE R41 * SHAVE WITH A RAKE AND SOME ROCK * DIVIDE AND CONQUER YOUR BEARD!!! MUEHLE - YouTube

5 Minute Safety Razor Shave From Lather To Rinse "Get In, Get Done, Get Out Quickly!" - YouTube
Attachment 89921Attachment 89922Attachment 89923Attachment 89924Attachment 89925Attachment 89926Attachment 89927Attachment 89928 .

I don't have the R41, but I did recently acquire a Merkur 37C Slant which I have yet to try. Wish me luck lol...

Thanks for all the replies guys, I value everyone's opinions (I think we all do, which is why we're here). For now, I've stuck with the Merkur Slant (mainly due to budget). I tried a bunch of blades and settled on (no surprise here) the Feathers. They give me the best, most comfortable shave.

One thing to mention is that, especially over time, I really appreciate the weight of the Merkur. As MinATX said, right now I'm not so sure I'd dig a lighter safety razor, since both of the ones I tried were decently hefty. R41 is still, of course, on the wishlist though.

Ryan I think you'll be fine if you're used to straights. The only thing to be conscious of is the angle and pressure, otherwise you may get a bit of razor burn. Nothing you don't know already but with the relative ease of using a safety razor, one tends to forget such details.

i really want to try an r41 one of these days...maby then I can have some input on them lol

People are very opinionated about the R41 and many are quick to sell it after a few uses. I think folks don't realize it's kind of a straight in DE clothing and don't appreciate how it has to be treated. I've found if you treat it with respect meaning more like a straight than a DE you can get better shaves than with any other DE and coming frighteningly close to what you get with a straight.

This is why I must have one! haha

Quote:

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

People are very opinionated about the R41 and many are quick to sell it after a few uses. I think folks don't realize it's kind of a straight in DE clothing and don't appreciate how it has to be treated. I've found if you treat it with respect meaning more like a straight than a DE you can get better shaves than with any other DE and coming frighteningly close to what you get with a straight.

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People are very opinionated about all razors, not just the R41. I used my R41 for a month before choosing to put it away for good.

@ OP, If you want to try the R41 send me a PM and I'll mail it to you. If you like it, maybe we could work out a trade or something. This a razor you really should try before you buy. Mine's in the box, very clean, no scratches etc...

Here are some fotos of it.

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/o...0sale/R41g.jpg
http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/o... sale/R41a.jpg
http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/o... sale/R41f.jpg
http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/o... sale/R41i.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bestshave4me

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I love that case, I tried to find one only to find out they were no longer made. :(