Merkur Slant vs Mühle R41

[zappbrannigan]

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?

[Blix]

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.

[jaym72]

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!

[MinATX]

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.

[thebigspendur]

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.

[whavens]

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.

[yohannrjm]

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.

[Destutt]

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