Hi,
Can anyone tell me the difference between the Muhle R41 and the R101 and R102, other than the handle? I'm interested in trying an open-comb razor and I've heard (read) good things about the R41.
Thanks,
Ed
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Hi,
Can anyone tell me the difference between the Muhle R41 and the R101 and R102, other than the handle? I'm interested in trying an open-comb razor and I've heard (read) good things about the R41.
Thanks,
Ed
The R41 is different from the R101 and R102.
The R101, R102 have the same head (you can buy either open or closed). The handle color (black vs. white) is the difference in model number.
The R41 is an entirely different razor. It is more of a hybrid comb. It is widely recognized as the most aggressive DE on the market today. If you have never tried an open comb, you may not want to start with the R41.
I like aggressive DEs and the R41 is aggressive as aggressive gets in DEs. I love mine! So if that's what you're looking for, you won't be disappointed.
Hope that helps.
+1 on the above.
The r41 is a de that is truly as close of a shave. It's like using a straight but in a de
So, the R101 and 102, with open comb, are still not as aggresive as the R41?Quote:
Originally Posted by PFunkDaddy
No DE on the market of today or yesterday is as aggressive as the R-41.Quote:
Originally Posted by Foxhill
From my experience using the R-41, thebigspender speaks the truth. When shaving with that whisker whacker, prep your face as if you were about to shave with a straight razor.Quote:
Originally Posted by thebigspendur
Then use the most delicate of pressure on your face to shave with the razor.
Doing so will spare you from suffering many weepers while shaving.
Thanks, guys. I currently have the EJ DE89 which is a great razor, but sometimes leaves me with a shave that's a bit "lacking". Overall it's very good, but sometimes, I just want something a bit more. Granted, I only use it when I'm traveling anyway, and stick with a straight the rest of the time. Maybe my curiosity is getting the best of me, I don't know. :)
With all due respect the R41 may be the most aggressive FIXED DE on the market today. However, the adjustable DE's like the Merkur Futur can be dialed to equivalent aggressiveness and beyond.
I understand the feeling. I started with an EJ and felt the same way. Vintage Gillette NEW open combs are good way to test out if open combs in general are for you. They are not hyper-aggressive yet definitely feel like an open comb. They are usually available through the bay or on shave sites that carry vintage DEs. It was the first open comb that I bought and even though it is now on the milder side of the razors I own, it is still in my rotation (the EJ is not).Quote:
Originally Posted by Foxhill
I know that Merkur makes open combs as well - these tend to be on the milder side; not really much different from the Jagger IMHO.
If you try the New and find that you are still looking for a bit more, there are plenty of other razors out there before getting to the R41.
Good point Gammaray - I was referring to fixed head DEs. The only adjustable that I have/use is a Progress. I have only recently put it into the rotation and have not opened it up all the way yet.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gammaray
The last time I used it, I opened it up to a 4 and it was approaching the R41 but not there yet. I believe the combination of blade gap and the blade curvature (or lack thereof) produced by the R41 head is what makes it so aggressive. I plan on opening the Progress up all the way to 5 the next time I use it. The Progress isn't actually calibrated and the numbers are there more as just a sight marker as opposed to an actual setting (unless it has been converted to a Mergress). I don't have experience with the Futur but have heard good things about it.
What other adjustables do you think can open up to same level of aggressiveness as the R41? Do you know if the vintage Gillette Super Adjustables (Black Beauty) approach/surpass the R41? I've been very curious about the black beauties but have not the fortune of trying one out yet.
I don't have much experience with vintage DE's, but the few that I have seen appear to stop around the 5-level of my Futur. The modern adjustable DE's seem to have a wider range essentially all the way up to pure blade. I typically set my Futur between 2-3. This is plenty aggressive for my taste. I believe that the Progress is similarly calibrated. However, it is larger, thicker, and heavier than the Futur so you would need to use a lighter touch.
I have a Gillette black handle super adjustable that I regularly shave with at setting 9 and it is nowhere near as agressive as my 1918 Gillette Old Type open comb.Quote:
Originally Posted by PFunkDaddy
I have a fat boy and had a Vision and set as coarse as you can, neither come close to the R-41. The R-41 is as close as you can get with a DE to a straight or disposable blade shavette type. However it's one of those things you have to actually experience to realize.
My R41 sure is one aggressive MOFO, you'll need the best of preps. The Fattip I got the other day is quite aggressive as well.
For a smooth DE shave, nothing beats the Merkur 37c IMO.
Smooth is for sissies.:rofl2::rofl2:Quote:
Originally Posted by Blix
I will agree that the R41 is more aggressive than pretty much anything else out there, including my Slim, Progress, and, even, my Futur. I wasn't too sure about it at first, but it is really starting to grow on me. It is also worth noting that the *NEW* R101 has the same head as the new R41.
I have a doubt. The Futur set on 10+ is essentially a 2mm exposed, bare blade; a setting I have tried only once. I don't know how you can get more aggressive than that? But then again I do not yet own an R41 for comparison.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sargon
Great thread. Has answered several of the questions I had planned to ask. The R41 had been earmarked as a DE I wanted to own, and has just been put on the wish list.
Thanks gents,
:D
The 2011 R41 is a different animal... it has a lot to do with its flat blade angle.. it's not just its aggressiveness but the extreme angle it shaves at.. which is closer to an SE razor... it feels a lot different then a regular razor it just takes a bit of practice and will bite you if you don't pay attention, but with a sharp blade and some care can give a great shave
On the other hand the 2010 R41 which you can still find is a better plated Fatip and they are still aggressive but not quite as much and make for very smooth shaves