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Muhle R41 (AKA The Beast) Review – This Is Likely The Most Aggressive Double Edge Open Comb Available

Admit it, there are just days when you feel you do not want to go through the trouble of having to make three or even four passes before you can get that close shave you prefer. This is a normal phase that most men go through at some point, especially when they have busy days. As such, there is nothing to be ashamed of. Now, for your close shave need, there are several options that you could choose to explore. For starters, you could use a cartridge razor and risk having a razor burn or use a more efficient tool like a slant razor or even better – an open comb razor like the one we are reviewing today.

Okay, okay, this razor is not an open comb per se but rather a hybrid of the traditional open comb design and the scalloped safety bar design that have popped up in the recent past. It is designed with little exposure of the blade than its predecessor. But even then, many men that prefer wet shaving deem it to be one of the most aggressive safety razors in the market.

Last update on 2018-06-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The open comb design this uniquely chrome plated beauty features is what makes it more aggressive than the closed razors on the market. This tool is able to shave off about 3 – 4 days beard growth with fewer passes. However, if you are a beginner and learning the ropes of wet shaving, you should go for Muhle closed comb which is less aggressive making it perfect for beginners. After you have gotten a hang of wet shaving and are confident you can do I without nicking yourself, then you can make the shift.

Insider tip: The R41 (Standard and Grande versions only) has the same handle as the sibling R89, so you can start your wet-shaving career with an ’89 and after a while, just pick up a replacement headpiece and use that on the old and familiar handle. Or if you already are the proud owner of this razor, but just want to go easy on some mornings, pick up an ’89 replacement head-piece and use that on your trusted R41 handle.

Individuals who are experienced in wet shaving have gone on record to state that this razor is well built. Some even go ahead to state that it is a major upgrade from the previous version. As such, it is designed to provide a safer and closer shave even though it features a slightly larger top cap. Upon more investigations, it turns out that the previous version had many persons complain of its aggressiveness. It was causing too many problems even to expert wet shavers who are skilled in the art.

But even with this fact, when the new design was introduced to the market, some were still skeptical and afraid to give it a try. Those who fell in love with the upgrade loved the fact that in just two or less, passes you achieved a clean look. They went to an extent of calling it “The Beast” and though it might have been caged, it might not be tamed, so you should take this as a warning.

What To Expect From Muhle R41 Open Comb

The R41 comes in three designs to meet the needs of consumers. There is a two-piece Twist design, a 3 piece Grande and a 3 piece Traditional/conventional design. In addition to the three, there is also a version that features a traditional design but that comes with a different color handle which makes it more attractive. So if you are the kind who wants a traditional version with a slight twist to it, you will surely love the traditional Rosegold design.

Traditional Version Features

Many comparison reviews have been done on the three different types of the R41. What shines brightly from all the reviews written is the fact that Twist and Grande both comes in at 90 grams (3.17 oz.) while the standard 2013 R41 is the lightest weighing in at 64 grams (2.26 oz.) You should, however, note that the two feature similar dimensions; 107 mm long and 41mm wide and a handle diameter of an impressive 14mm (0.55 inch).

Twist Version Features

At a hefty 4.2 inches (107 mm), the Twist version is the longest variant (along with the Grande) from Muhle. In addition to this, it also is the heaviest of the various versions at 3.17 ounces (90 grams). One of the biggest reasons to choose the Twist versions over the others, is the easier assembly.

Grande Version Features

Both the R41 Grande and the R41 Twist are of the same length. However, the Grande proves to be slightly lighter by 10 grams.

Unlike the Twist version, the Grande R41 is a 3 piece razor. So in comparison, the Grande is a heavier and longer version of the Traditional version.

What is even better about the Grande version is the fact that you can actually change the product’s grip in the event you feel the knurling is not as deep as you would like to provide you with greater grip.

Ease of Loading The Blade

As stated above this German made quality razor comes with 3 variants, the Twist, Grande, and Traditional. Both the Grande and the traditional variant feature a 3 piece design while the Twist is made to be a two piece design.

You should, however, know that courtesy of its two-piece design and the fact that it is more expensive than the Traditional variant. This is the logic that should be used when making a choice between the three variants: if you have large hands and are looking for a safety razor that will be easy to assemble, then the Twist is ideal for you. Just remember you will have to part with slightly more $. On the other hand, if you could care less about the price and need a product that is easy to clean as well as assemble, then the Grande is perfect for you.

Grip

Explaining the knurling that the R41 features can prove to be slightly tricky. Here is why. From afar, the knurling looks like waves spiraling down the handle while upon closer look they seem to just line crisscrossing each other to make tiny diamond shapes on the surface of the handle. But what many people seem to agree with, is the fact that the knurling on this safety razor is not as deep and still one might experience some slipping.

The Grande and Traditional versions both feature a flat handle. The Twist comes with a protruded handle that provides slightly more grip in the event your hand slips down to the very last bit of the handle.

Aggressiveness

Many people who have used this DE safety razor in the past refer to the product as “the beast”. The original version of the R41 was more aggressive. So much so that Muhle just had to redesign the product to slightly tame the wild beast.

The open comb design that this safety razor feature is what is responsible for the aggressive nature of the “Beast”. The open design refers to a design where the safety bar has not been made to be flat – it comes with some indentations that allow for the shaving cream to pass through while you are shaving. In addition to this, the design exposes the skin to the blade more ensuring a cleaner, closer shave in an impressive two passes.

The indentations (the open comb design) makes the safety razor perfect for individuals who have mastered the art of wet shaving – those who are comfortable and have total control of their hand and razor in the process. This feature still gives it the ability to tame a 5-day rough beard.

Blade Recommendations

Aggressiveness also depends on what kind of safety razor blade you are using. Try with a variety pack  to find your perfect fit. But you will not go wrong with either a Muhle Stainless Steel , a Feather  or Astra .

Length

All the variants come with different lengths which provide you the user with some room for choice and preference. The three-piece Grande and Traditional design measure  107 mm/ 4.2 inches and 94 mm/ 3.7 inches respectively.

The 2-piece Twist measures 107 mm/ 4.2 inches and is the heaviest of the 3 versions at 90 g/ 3.17 oz.

If you have large hands and prefer a blade that has a longer handle for your comfort, you will prefer the Grande or Twist. If you have medium-sized, or small hands, the Traditional will work best.

What Other Users Say

On wet shaving forums, the likes of ShaveNook.com, wet shavers have gone on record praising the open comb razor design saying that it has the ability to provide for a BBS shave on beards that have a roughness of 5 days. The fact that the open design lets the cream pass-through ensures that the product does not clog up and even if it does, it is far less often than on the popular Merkur 34c HD.

On eCommerce sites, some individuals have gone on record stating that their search for a closer shave ended up settling on the R41.

At this point, it is probably necessary to issue a warning. If you are just fresh to wet shaving; if you still are learning the ropes and all, you should probably avoid this razor since you just might end up nicking the hell out of your face.

Accessories

Since this is a razor that is NOT for beginners, I assume that a complete kit is not for you, since you most likely have some or most of the necessary accessories. However, there are some add-ons that you might want to consider.

Stands

It doesn’t get much better than this: Muhle Classic stand (Razor and Brush  – Please keep in mind if you have a brush already – this stand will only fit up to 25mm knot size.

Fits R89, R106, R107, R41, R102, R101, R89 GRANDE, R41 GRANDE and brushes 091M89, 091M89 ROSEGOLD, 091M106, 091M107, 31M89, 31M89 ROSEGOLD, 31M106, 31M107

If you already have a stand for your brush, then this one will be a good match: Muhle Classic stand (Razor only)  Fits R89, R106, R 107, R41, R101, R102, R89 Grande and R 41 grande. It should also accept Merkur’s models: 11C, 15C, 23C, 25C, 33C, 34C, 37C, 41001, 42001, due to its neck size.

Travel Cases and Pouches

Currently, there are no travel case or pouch available at Amazon, but you can order directly from Muhle. At West Coast Shaving they have a leather case that fits the Grande model (also R89 Grande).

If you don’t want to go all-out regarding travel bags, you should at least consider this Blade Guard .

Verdict

For men that sport coarse beards or those that have sensitive skin, those who are out in search of an aggressive safety razor to get a clean look in fewer passes, this razor will provide you with the best option. You probably should ensure that the edition you get is 2013 or later. Other editions of the product feature some features that make it slightly less aggressive or less forgiving on the skin.

The product comes in 3 variants which vary not only in weight, handle size, length, and weight but also in cost. If you love the 3 piece design, go with the Grande or the Traditional version. On the other hand, if you are looking for a 2-piece design then the Twist is perfect for you.

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By the way – did you know that Muhle is also making high-end shaving brushes? Slightly expensive, but for sure great German quality.