MÜHLE Traditional R41 safety razor | double edge open comb safety razor | sustainable eco-friendly and reusable | fits all standard DE razor blades | for men and women | chrome handle

This is a review of the Muhle R41 Grande. After 30 years of spending far too much money on wet shaving with expensive multi-blade razors that clog after two days, I decided to look at using a traditional DE razor.After looking around various internet reviews I decided to go with the R41 Grande, even though everyone indicated that, as a new DE user, I really should avoid the R41 razors. The R41 seems to have a cult following. This Amazon one is the 2013 version 2 (Version 1 was made in 2011 and was judged to be over aggressive so was modified by Muhle).Even with the version 2, everyone calls it "the beast" or "an angry cobra" as it's meant to be a very aggressive open comb razor.However, I need to shave every day and my stubble is pretty coarse, so I thought "well, eventually I will need a razor such as the R41, so why not start with what I hope will be my final razor." So I ignored all the advice and bought this.Well, I have no regrets at all. On my first ever DE shave using the R41 I received no nicks or cuts at all, even though I have sensitive skin. And so, so smooth, with no rash or problems. All with only one pass (or two in those hard to reach areas). The key seems to be letting the weight of the razor do the work; just gently pull it over your skin, at the correct angle (which seemed to be pretty easy) allowing the weight of the razor to do all the work, and you are done! And it only took a minute more to shave compared with my old multi-blade razor. Over time I expect to be able to shave in the same time as my old multi-blade razor.I used the razor with an Arko shaving stick (just rubbed it on my skin and hand lathered), with no brush and Astra Platinum blades.To be clear, if you start shaving with the R41 in a cavalier way, I am sure this will cut you to pieces (and it may if you have light growth or different skin to me), and plastic surgery may then be in order, but if you take your time, you will love this razor. And it's great fun as well. Also, as this is an open comb razor, there is no hair clogging at all, and the shaving cream stays on the skin better (closed combs tend to scrape the cream off, so I am told).Quality wise, I expect this to last many years. It's beautifully made (a work of art, really) and the chrome is smooth and really high quality. The longer handle (on the Grande version) suits me well (I only have medium-sized hands), and is nice and grippy, and adds the natural weight needed, so I recommend this version as it is very easy to control.I can't imagine any other shaver giving you a closer shave than this. Worth every penny. Now, I need a brush and holder. To be honest, even though the initial outlays are high for a good DE razor and brush (which is actually optional), you will get your money back in a year or two compared with multi-blade shaving. I can fully understand why DE shaving is making a comeback again.

This is the This is the razor that many internet and YouTube reviewers say is one of the most aggressive and therefore scariest razors available on the market. It certainly has pronounced blade exposure and you can feel the blade on your skin much more distinctly, than using say a Merkur 37c slant, DE89 or 34HD.However, knowing that this can be somewhat fierce, makes you adjust your shave and pay attention to your technique. In other words you take your time and try to get the best shave you can. I’ve had two small nicks from this razor in the month since I’ve had it, and that was using a blade which was towards the end of its life.I generally use the Muhle R41 with a blade on its second use, just to take the edge off, and it’s efficiency is not hampered in the slightest. It provides a very keen shave, with great smoothness and far less irritation than some milder razors which require more passes. The key thing is to be well prepared, use a slick soap and take your time. This should mean that you’ll be done in two passes. I use it when I’ve more than a couple of days growth, and it works a treat.It’s a very well built, semi-open comb, three part razor. It will likely last you years and I enjoy using it.

Wow. Unleash the beast!!! This is a razor not for the gentleman new to DE shaving.Fabulously made and a nice weight which is nicely biased towards the head. This is great because you do not need to add any pressure to this razor and just let the weight of the head do all the work. The handle is not slippy and the herringbone type of grip is not uncomfortable or sharp. It is perfectly wide to know you are in control.This razor is aggressive in that the blade angle is steeper and the comb is open allowing for a closer shaving experience and thus fewer passes are required. It's also more suitable if you have not shaved for a few days. You can literally feel the blade on your skin and boy it's close. Take care and it will leave you with a fabulous experience. Not my daily razor but I keep coming back to it. Use it with a very sharp blade like a feather for best results.

I'll start by saying that the listing shows this as an R41 Grande, but I received the standard model which has a shorter, lighter handle. Having said that it's still a good price compared with retail, so I decided to keep it. It also came with a blade, but I wasn't asked for ID on delivery.I've been DE shaving for around 6 months with the usual mild, closed-comb razors from Edwin Jagger and Merkur.My original plan was to wait until I had 3 or 4 days growth and test my skills against the R41 with a Feather blade, but I gave into anticipation and used it today with a part-used Bic blade.I'm shocked by how much closer the shave is. I was done after two passes without any need to touch up any missed patches and it removed stubble around my lips which I've never been able to shave before.A few hours later I am feeling some mild burn, but that may be due to the Bic blade which I've had mixed results with before.Build quality is good and the handle is just on the right side of short, offering reasonable grip if you're careful.My initial concerns about this razor have been dispelled and if you treat it with respect it will provide a very close shave.For me it's probably too much for a daily shaver but will be ideal for removing heavy growth and I'm glad I took the step up.

There are 2 versions of this razor. The Grande long handled version and the standard shorter handled version. This razor is advertised as the Grande but is in fact the latter. However I have decided to keep it as it is a nicely made razor and suits my beard type. Used on its own it is on the aggressive side. However if used after a first pass with a closed comb I find it a very smooth and efficient razor.

Nice razor