Stunning and lightweight precision razor!
The traditional safety razor with replaceable blade is regarded by many as the first mechanical razor for self-shaving. At M+?HLE it is more: a minor miracle of precision, ergonomics and beauty, created for ambitious wet shavers. Muhle’s design combines high-quality metal-working (chrome-plating) with an extremely fine engraved finish. The model comes in two versions (R89 closed and R41 open comb) as every beard growth, every type of facial skin is individual ??? and the same applies to personal shaving preferences.
Dimensions
Weight: 62g
Length: 95mm approx
Henrik Fredriksson –
Having shaved with different Merkurs (Progress, HD, Futur) and being very pleased I went for the open combed Muhle. To put it short- it’s SUBERB. It’s so smooth that I this morning actually had to check if I had forgot to put a blade in the razor. The craftmanship is of higher quality than of the Merkurs (alignment, finish). The head`s curve is excellent and will allow you to shave close in trickier parts of the face (under the nose in my case). This razor is a delight to look and hold and it’s qualities makes this to the best razor out there. Easily. Even the Progress won’t beat the closeness of the shave of this excellent razor.
Mr David Cunniffe –
The Muhle R41 is a very well made razor. Fit and finish is comparable to Edwin Jagger and I believe Muhle’s customer service is legendary should you ever have a problem.
The open comb R41 is an aggressive razor but isn’t quite the brute I was lead to believe. Providing you have reasonable technique and use a good quality blade, you shouldn’t have a problem. I believe the razor works best with an Astra blade, but it’s not the smoothest razor what ever blade you use. However the results are very good, the first pass will take off the majority of the beard and the second pass will give you the bbs shave we are all looking for. I don’t use the R41’s everyday as I prefer my Merkur 37c. To achieve the same results with the 37c requires 3 passes but it smoother shave and doesn’t require the same level of care and concentration to use. Overall I like the razor and if you looking for a razor which can take of 3 or 4 days of beard with ease. Then this is the razor for you. If you shave everyday the get a Merkur 37c.
Peter Dobbing –
Absolutely brilliant razor, very aggressive and not for the faint hearted, I popped in an Astra SP and I actually achieved a bbs in 10 min for the first shave without having to mess about buffing up here and there. It can be a bit harsh on the skin and I’ve had the odd little rash around the adams apple and under the bottom lip, Would I use it every day? I’ll have to see but after seven straight days I can’t see me using anything else, even my straight hasn’t had a look in. The only criticism I have is the handle can be a bit slippy and the knurling could be a bit better.
Lee Ng –
I normally use a straight razor to shave but bought this for when time was limited and I needed a quicker shave. I can tell you, after using it for the first time, it’s fantastic. And I’m not just talking about the shave itself. The quality and craftsmanship, looks and weight is perfect. It’s not too mild and not too aggressive. Looks like my straight razor might have to take a back seat while I use this razor more often!
David B. –
This razor is absolutely superb. Fit it with an Israeli or an Astra, use some good cream or soap and it will give you a smooth face all day. Not just for coarse beards, its for everyone! Buy one its a real gem.
Joshua P –
After going to the supermarket and getting 8 cartridge heads for my gillette fusion razor which came to 20 pound i thought thats it, so looked on shaving shack and was going to get a Merkur, but after reading henrik’s review i thought id go for the muhle and its gr8! I love the sound it makes when its cutting through the beard and it just looks like a razor thats gunna last! and blades are cheap! horray cant wait till next shave!
Poul Hansen –
This is my first and I suspect last safety razor. I chose to buy German quality and I am completely satisfied. I have had extremely few knicks, many perfect shaves and a stunning razor I leave out on display. Good grip, perfect finish, perfect shaves. What more could i want?
Mike MacKinnon –
Great razor but aggressive and not for the newbie. If I lost it would I buy another? Definitely!
Leslie Howard –
5 star razor I completely agree with Peter Dobbing’s comments,if you lose concentration when shaving this razor will remind you it’s an open comb.But an excellent addition to my collection.
Niels Graudal –
I bought this a few months ago, I started with the Merkur 34HD switched to the Merkur Progress and have now found my razor in this aboslutely sublime and simple creation.
The machining and tolerances are really nice. The knurling on the handle is perfect for me, it can be a bit slippery if you have water and soap everywhere when you shave.
The balance is good and it is easy to get a good angle when shaving. I have used both Green Astra, Derby and Feather blades. I find that it is easier to find the correct angle that suit the individual blade type with this razor, and therefore reduces the need for "the perfect blade" but instead gives the opportunity to adapt angle and technique. It has improved my shaving technique tremendously, leading to a better and closer shave with all my DE-razors. This razor really teaches you the importance of pressure and angle with lightning speed.
Right now I am considering buying an extra, just in case they don’t make this model in 15-20 years time.
Ali K –
An excellent well designed and made product with. Nice weight and feel about it. Ignore what people say about avoiding this if new to DE shaving. This is my first DE razor and I would highly recommend it. I would however recommend an upgrade on the enclosed Derby blade to perhaps an Astra or Personna. Excellent service from Shaving Shack and good offer of free item with purchase.
Matt –
I’ve just noticed that it’s three years since I ordered this razor. Ample time to give an honest review!
It is absolutely superb. I have used several d.e. razors now, both new from here and vintage. This is the one that I judge the others by. It is aggressive enough to give me the shave I need but unlike some other aggressive razors it doesn’t take my face off with it! If I’m careful I can get a beautifully close shave without and nicks or blood spots. This is unheard of for me.
There are other good razors out there but this is the one I use when I need a predictable and consistent result. I have only given 4 stars because the handle is slippery when wet.
I have received consistently good service from Shaving Shack over several years now. Thank you.
Mr JASON BLACK –
I had to say was a bit apprehensive as this razor has a reputation for being harsh. After a 6 day stubble and two passes my face is barber shop smooth. However if you have soft stubble this may not be for you, I also suggest a good prep using face scrub and letting your cream work for a while to soften the bristles. Go steady and this piece of engineering will do you proud. I can’t wait to test it with platinum feather blades!
Mr David Marsay –
Ok, so I’ve got to nearly 50 years old before discovering DE shaving. After using the ‘Drake’ from the set for a month, I decided on the R41 after reading the reviews. It is more aggressive than expected, and I’ve suffered a bit until I get used to it but, WOW, I can honestly say, after a full 3-pass shave, my face has never been this smooth since before I first started shaving all those years ago!