Mühle R41 Review
- Price
- Quality
- Value
- Aggressiveness
Summary
Mühle actually makes four different versions of the R41. How can you tell which one of these safety razors is the best? This is our review.
In our Mühle R41 review we find it actually comes in four different versions.
How can you tell which one of these safety razors is the best?
In this review, we are going into detail for each model to help you make the right decision with your purchase.
Or maybe you will end up buying a few of them!
Product: MÜHLE R41
Rating: 4.5/5 stars on Amazon about 150 reviews
Cheapest Place to Buy: Amazon
What Are The Features Of The R41 Traditional?
You might be interested to know the this razor was actually the recipient of an award from Badger and Blade back in 2014.
Which just goes to show you their quality is recognized but other authorities in the industry.
The R41 weighs in at about 2.25 ounces and is just over 3.7 inches in length. This gives the double edge razor a moderate weight with a handle length on the longer side.
This is a well-balanced razor; the longer handle will be great for those of you with larger hands but the moderate weight will help you maneuver the razor over your skin.
It is not the heaviest razor out there but you should still not have to apply pressure when shaving.
The R41 is plated with a high-quality chrome. Chrome is what gives the razor its luster, if you clean it regularly the shine will stay fresh for a long time.
Chrome is also corrosion resistant which will also help keep the razor looking nice.
The R41 actually comes with an open tooth comb on the head. These tend to be more aggressive than closed comb razors.
Men with tougher facial hair tend to prefers these or if you don’t like to shave every day, this will handle your thick stubble.
Mühle has a decent gap between head and blade which helps keep the razor free of gunk while you are shaving and also make cleaning easier when you are done shaving.
Plus, you can take the three-piece razor apart entirely so there should be no excuses not to keep this bad boy clean!
Just like with any safety razor, you will get different results with different blades. Some beard and skin types need the sharpest blade while others require a milder blade.
Razor blades are cheap so it won’t cost a lot of money to try many types out to find the one you want.
Who Is The R41 Traditional Good For?
If you are switching to wet shaving from using an electric shaver or a disposable cartridge razor you may want to opt for a less aggressive razor.
Mühle even warns of this on their website saying their open tooth comb was made for seasoned shavers.
They have other less aggressive models like the R89 or maybe one of the closed comb Merkur or Parker razors may better suit you.
However, if you are looking for a no BS razor that gets straight to the point and cuts your beard with the first pass, this may be the one for you.
They recommend a 30-degree angle with your skin stretched tight. Do this going with the grain of your beard and one pass might be all you need.
What Are People Saying About It?
Customer reviews are confirming what Mühle states on their site.
Guys are loving the aggressiveness of the open tooth comb which allows more hair through on the first pass and would even call a one pass shave a decent shave.
It also makes rinsing the shaving cream out of the head a breeze as you are shaving.
This also allows the razor to get closer to your face since there is less metal between the two.
The one downside is the handle could have a little more weight. This would really help the razor do its job in one pass.
From such a well-known company one might expect a little more weight to this razor to give it a solid feel.
The aggressiveness is really what this razor is known for. You might find yourself performing less passes with this razor to get the same result as others.
Which will save you time and money in the long run since you are using the razor less.
Check out this video review by Nick Shaves
Should You Get The 2011 or 2013 Version?
Mühle actually redesigned the R41 in 2013 from their 2011 model. The 2013 model received more weight (although could have used a little more) as well as more height and width.
However, the gap around the blade is less aggressive which makes the 2013 model less aggressive overall.
The 2013 model will be easier for most people to get along with and not get so many cuts or nicks even though the 2011 model will probably get a little closer shave.
But at a certain point, do you really notices thousands of an inch?
Companies tend to improve products over time based on customer’s feedback (however, not always) so we like the 2013 over the 2011.
It seems to have kept many of the great features and just lost a little aggressiveness but is still considered an aggressive razor.
Product: Mühle R41 Grande
Rating: 4.5/5 stars on Amazon about 150 reviews
Cheapest Place to Buy: Amazon
What Are The Features?
The R41 Grande is very similar to the tradition R41. The main and only real differences are the weight and length.
The Grande gets a nice bump in weight to almost 3.2 ounces, this is almost a 50% increase which you will definitely notice.
You should have no problem allowing the weight of this razor to do the work when you shave. Absolutely no pressure should be needed.
The handle length received about another half inch to just over 4.2 inches.
This shouldn’t make much of a difference, if you have larger hands great, if not, just move your grip closer to the head and it will feel like you have a shorter handle.
They use the exact same open tooth aggressive comb on all the variations of the R41 so if anything, the added weight should just improve the performance of the razor.
Who Is The Grande Good For?
Just like the traditional, the R41 Grande can be a great everyday shaver for those of you with thick facial hair, a quick growing beard or those who just like to sport some stubble frequently.
The open tooth comb allows the razor to plow through your hair on the first pass.
Again, this is not a recommended first razor.
Customer Reviews
As mentioned, this is an aggressive razor which many like as they often require only 1-2 passes in the morning.
However, once you learn the technique this razor should not be any more difficult to use than any other safety razor.
Despite being the Grande model, the handle will still be shorter than those you would find on disposable razors. So, don’t have the wrong expectations.
This razor does not have many negative reviews and they really only talk about how aggressive the razor is. So just know what you are getting into.
If you have been shaving for a little while with safety razors and looking to get a little more aggressive, this would be an appropriate next step.
Product: Open Comb Twist Handle Safety Razor
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Cheapest Place to Buy: Amazon
What Are The Features?
The Mühle R41 Twist is another great variation of this assertive razor. It actually has the same weight and height as the Grande if you like added weight and handle length.
The feature that makes this model different is the way the blades are changed.
Instead of the typical 3-piece screw off type head, you can remove the cap of the comb by simply twisting the knob at the base of the handle.
This will allow for a speedy blade change and less parts to break as the base of the comb is securely attached to the handle.
Who Is The R41 Twist Good For?
This model is for wet shavers with a solid foundation and good technique.
Those that time to prep their face with a shaving brush, maybe even a nice pre-shave oil and definitely a quality shaving soap or cream.
Many may be scared to use this razor because of its aggressiveness but those who have their technique down will truly appreciate the quality in this razor.
One thing you can do is use a mild blade in the beginning instead of a feather blade until you get used to the aggressiveness.
What Are People Saying About the R41 Twist?
Just like the other models it’s all about the aggressiveness which results in such a close shave. Many like using this razor vs. other Merkur models.
You really just need to make sure you have a light touch with this to offset the aggressiveness. Check out this great video by geofatboy
Product: Mühle R41 Open Comb Rosegold Handle Safety Razor
Rating: 4.0/5 stars on
Cheapest Place to Buy: Amazon
What About Rose Gold?
The Rose Gold version of the R41 really just adds some style to the traditional version. It has the same dimensions, comb with a golden rose color plated handle.
So, if you want to pay just a few extra bucks you get this nice design.
It does look nice but will have no effect on the shave. It still has the chrome accents in the head and the base of the handle.
Again, this is the same as the traditional R41.
Where should you buy It?
Amazon is almost always the go to place to shop online. They usually have the best price and on any of these you would qualify for Free shipping which is hard to beat.
Plus, you can see all of the great or not so great reviews for yourself or compare the different versions of this great safety razor.
Conclusion
If you are looking to take your wet shaving game to the next level after spending some time learning the basics, this is a logical next razor.
The level of aggressiveness will keep you on your toes while providing one of the closer shaves you can get.
Just take it slow and use shorts strokes. You can also try using a duller blade to start until you get used to it.
However, many reviewers mentioned they didn’t think it was aggressive as made out to be. Maybe they just had great technique!
As we mentioned if you are looking to purchase your first safety razor you may want to go with something less aggressive like Merkur’s 23C.
However, if this has the features you are looking for, you will come to appreciate the quality craftsmanship in these razors.
You need to have someone check your writing before you post.
there should be no excuses no to keep this bad boy clean!
Should be “Not to keep”
Just fixed that, thanks!
Someone completely forgot about three resin-handled versions of the R41. They offer the best grips that, actually, work when fingers become wet and lathered; unlike the pure aesthetics of the chrome-plated-handled models reviewed in the article.
They are: the models R101 in black plastic/resin; the R102 in white; and the R103 in Tortoise.
Although it could be considered subjective: the resin-handled models could be regarded as better looking by their owners, or those considering the purchase of any R41 model.