Muhle R89 [Incl. Twist & Grande] Closed Comb – German-made Handcraft Perfection
- Outstanding
- The razor has an excellent design and construction as well as a perfect chrome finish
- It provides you with options to choose from; the three piece or two piece razor. If you prefer a longer and thicker handle, there is that option as well
- It is perfect for persons who prefer a mild save (especially beginners)
- It is lightweight which is perfect if you are transitioning from cartridge razors
- The two-piece Twist variation is quite expensive
- Not the best choice for those that have a thick, tough beard
Summary: This is a great, but slightly expensive choice for beginners that want to get into classic shaving. Stunning quality and finish. It is also a great 2nd razor for men who’ve mastered the skill of wet shaving and looking to invest in a high-end German quality razor.
In this review, we take a look at the German-made closed comb safety razor; the Traditional, Twist, and Grande versions. How does it measure up against the bestselling Merkur 34c and EJ de89? Let’s find out:
Muhle R89 – First Impression
This safety razor has a classic design, but important factors such as weight (the standard model is very light), high-quality material, the chrome finishing, the distance between the blade and razor, and the angle of the blade have evolved to near perfection due to a highly motivated and skilled design and manufacturing team.
After the parts of the razor are cast in brass or steel, they go through a specialized chrome plating process. This provides its classic gloss and appearance and protects the metal underneath. When you hold this razor in your hand you will immediately notice the real German quality!
Please note – The Traditional version is also sometimes referred to as Classic and Standard. If not particularly mentioned, we are referring to the Traditional version, if we are not explicit saying Grande or Twist. There is also a Rose gold handle version (which is based on the Standard version).
The first impression is that it feels great in the hand, the finishing is perfect and it is designed to be lightweight. The standard version of this product weighs only 64 grams (2.26 ounces).
Generally, given that it is a closed comb razor, will provide you a mild shave. However, it can still offer you a close shave when you want it to. All you need to do is load the razor with a more aggressive blade like the Feather and you will be good to go.
Variants
Last update on 2018-06-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Many double edge safety razor brands in the market today will provide you with either a three or a two-piece variant. This razor, however, offers them both. It also goes further to provide you with a variant featuring an extra-long handle if this is what you fancy. They refer to the latter as the Grande.
Both the Grande and the Standard features the same head. They come with a three-piece razor while the Twist version features a two-piece razor allowing for the base plate and the handle to be permanently bolted together.
Interestingly enough, some pro wet shavers who have tried this razor have gone on record to say that it is similar to the Edwin Jagger DE89.
Here is another neat feature: This razor (Standard and Grande versions only) has the same handle as the “evil brother” R41, so you can start your wet-shaving career with an ’89 and after a while, pick up just an R41 replacement headpiece and use that on the old and familiar handle.
What To Expect From It
We shall break this into different parts since it has different variants which sport some subtle differences.
Traditional Version Features
- Weighs 2.26 ounces (64 grams)
- Measures 3.7 inches (94 mm) in length and 1.6 inches in width (41 mm)
- 3 piece design
- Polished chrome finish
- Medium aggressiveness
- Made in Germany
- Great for beginners and people with sensitive skin
Overall Length: 94 mm/ 3.7 inch
Handle Length: 82.5 mm/ 3.2 inch
Handle Diameter: 12 mm/ 0.55 inch
Weight: 64 g/ 2.26 oz.
Material: Metal
Finish: Chrome
Type: 3 Piece Closed Comb
Adjustable: No
Knurled handle: Yes
Blade included: 1
Weight:
Grip:
Length:
Aggressiveness:
Blade Replacement:
Shave Quality:
Affordability:
Traditional Version – Click on the photo to check the Price on Amazon.
The traditional version is the lightest between the three variants. It weighs only 2.26 ounces. Such a light razor has its pros and cons. If you are transitioning from a lighter razor, like the cartridge type, then a light razor will make the transition to wet shaving easier. You can later proceed to slightly heavier razors.
During your transition phase, however, there are a few things that you should unlearn fast. One of these bad habits is putting on too much weight on your razor. Straight razors are much sharper and require a different technique – one which is lighter and gentler on the skin. You also will need to learn to use more of your shoulders rather than your wrist as was the case with cartridge razors.
As for the grip, the razor features a knurled design though it is not as deep as one would expect it to be. When working it horizontally, you will not slip, but while working it vertically your hands can slip especially since they will be wet.
With regards to its length, the traditional version measures 3.7 inches (94 mm). With this length, men with larger hands will find it comfortable and have just the right grip.
Finally, the standard version is a three piece razor. This means that the razor has 3 different parts including the handle, base plate, and the head plate.
Twist Version
At 4.2 inches (107 mm), the Twist is the longest variant (along with the Grande) from this company. In addition to this, it also is the heaviest of the three choices at 3.17 ounces (90 grams).
Twist Features
- Weighs 3.17 ounces (90 grams)
- Measures 4.2 inches (107 mm) in length and 1.6 inches in width (41 mm)
- Two piece design
- Polished chrome finish
- Medium aggressiveness
- Made in Germany
- Great for beginners with bigger hands and people with sensitive skin
Overall Length: 107 mm/ 4.2 inch
Handle Length: 95 mm/ 3.7 inch
Handle Diameter: 14 mm/ 0.55 inch
Weight: 90g/ 3.17 oz.
Material: Metal
Finish: Chrome
Type: 2 Piece Closed Comb
Adjustable: No
Knurled handle: Yes
Blade included: 1
Weight:
Grip:
Length:
Aggressiveness:
Blade Replacement:
Shave Quality:
Affordability:
Twist Version – Click on the photo to check the Price on Amazon.
This variant features a thicker handle and has a completely different balance point that is closer to the end of the handle than the head.
With the Twist, you have most of your wet shaving concerns addressed. Cleaning the Twist is much easier. Why? Well, rather than having a hole that runs through the shaft, the Twist is much shallower which makes it easier to clean with a swab. This design, in addition to making it easier to clean, also reduces the chances of corrosion.
On the flip side though, the Twist is far less aggressive than the standard version. Adding to this, it works perfectly with mid-range safety razor blades like the Wilkinson Sword. When you decide to use sharper and more aggressive blades like the Feather, you need to keep a sharp focus as well. However, it is also important to know that how aggressive a blade feels on the face is also dependent on the person. What may be aggressive for you could be mild for another person? That said, if this is your first time trying out wet shaving, you probably should purchase a sampler blade set to find your preference.
Grande Version
Both the Grande and the Twist are of the same length. However, the Grande proves to be slightly lighter by 10 grams.
But unlike the Twist variation, the Grande is a 3 piece razor. So in comparison, the Grande is more of a heavier and longer version of the standard razor.
Grande Version Feature List
- Weighs 2.8 ounces (80 grams)
- Measures 3.7 inches (107 mm) in length and 1.6 inches in width (41 mm)
- 3 piece design
- Polished chrome finish
- Medium aggressiveness
- Made in Germany
- Great for beginners, people with sensitive skin and bigger hands
Overall Length: 107 mm/ 4.2 inch
Handle Length: 95 mm/ 3.7 inch
Handle Diameter: 14 mm/ 0.55 inch
Weight: 80g/ 2.8 oz.
Material: Metal
Finish: Chrome
Type: 3 Piece Closed Comb
Adjustable: No
Knurled handle: Yes
Blade included: 1
Weight:
Grip:
Length:
Aggressiveness:
Blade Replacement:
Shave Quality:
Affordability:
Grande Version – Click on the photo to check the Price on Amazon.
Ease of Loading The Blade
For the standard and the Grande versions, loading the blades is slightly more difficult since they are 3 piece razors. Working with 3 different parts as you would imagine is slightly harder than with two parts.
Be careful when you are loading the razor and ensure that you hold onto the sides of the safety razor to have the blade aligned as you tighten the grip.
As for the Twist which features a 2 piece design, you have the base plate attached to the handle. So to load the blade, you will need to twist a lever located on the bottom side of the blade and then remove the top cap to load the blade. After loading the blade put back the bottom piece and then tighten it.
What Other Users Say
Many persons who have made this razor purchase have just been introduced to the art of wet shaving. Most have gone on record to state that they loved the experience especially because it gave them a smoother shave that was for the most part nick-free. One user specifically said that with this standard model he used a Feather blade which gave near perfect results.
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Here are some video reviews (if that is your thing).
Blade Recommendations
Other men also suggest that when you purchase the safety razor, you also purchase a sampler blade pack featuring different brands of blades. There is one particular customer who got his sampler package from West Coast shaving, but you can always pick yours on Amazon .
But you will not go wrong with either a Muhle Stainless Steel , a Feather or Astra .
There were, however, some concerns about the razor quality. Some complained that the bolt broke off and some about the chipping of the chrome finishing. A solution for these problems is to ensure that the razor is dried completely to prevent any corrosion of the metals. Many find a cotton swab to be very useful for this.
But here is the thing, regardless of the variant that you choose you will still have a quality shaving experience.
Price
The variants all have different price tags due to their different features. The two-piece razor is the most expensive since it offers more convenience when it comes to loading the blade than the other two variants.
Accessories, Kits and Gift Sets
Last update on 2018-06-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a razor that is great for beginners, so you might want to start out with a kit. Luckily for you, there are several to choose from.
Here is one that has a razor, a Muhle HJM Pure Badger Shaving Brush, Shave stand, bowl, blades, and Muhle shaving cream.
This set has a Grande Safety Razor, Muhle Aloe Vera Shave Cream, Royal Shave Styptic Pen, Muhle HJM Badger Hair Shaving Brush, Kensington Shaving Bowl,1 Pack of Wilkinson Sword Blades, 30 Degree Chrome Plated Brush and Razor Stand.
And here is a 7 piece set that has a R89, Choose your favorite Muhle Shaving Cream, RoyalShave Best Badger Shaving Brush, RoyalShave Stainless Steel Safety Razor and Brush Stand, 10 pack of Muhle Stainless Blades, Chrome Plated Shaving Bowl
Travel
There is a really nice one here if you want to bring your ’89 out on the road. It comes with a Standard version, a Muhle Synthetic fibre brush, Blade guard and a leather travel pouch.
Currently, there are no travel case or pouch available without a razor at Amazon, but you can order directly from Muhle. At West Coast Shaving they have a leather case that fits the Grande model (also R41 Grande).
If you don’t want to go all-out regarding a travel case, you should at least consider this Blade Guard .
Stands
If you don’t want to pick up a complete kit, but rather build up your own set a step at the time, it doesn’t get much better than this stand: 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.
Since it has more or less the same specs as Edwin Jagger DE89 – accessories that fit EJ DE89 will also fit this razor and vice versa.
Which Version Should I Choose?
Choosing between the three (or 4 if we include the Rose Gold version) razor variants is all a matter of preference. But even then as earlier pointed out, you should bear in mind that the three-piece razors are easier to clean though they take a slightly longer time to assemble and load a blade. The Twist razor takes a relatively shorter time to assemble.
Also, it is important to note that the aggressiveness of the safety razor, for the most part, depends on the blade that you use. The more aggressive the blade the more aggressive the shaving will be thus calling for more of your attention while wet shaving.
For some users, the light weight might be a drawback, as they don’t get that heavy, solid feeling but that is a personal preference.
Conclusion – How Does it Compare to Merkur 34C & Edwin Jagger DE89?
| Model | Our Rating | Item Weight | Item Lenght |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muhle R89 Traditional | 2.26 ounces/64 grams | 3.7 inches/ 94 mm | |
| Merkur 34c | 2.83 ounces/ 80.5 grams | 3.3 inches/ 84 mm | |
| Edwin Jagger de89 | 2.2 ounces/ 62 grams | 3.9 inches/ 99 mm |
First of all, none of the 3 razors are bad razors, it mostly comes down to personal preferences and price.
There are two ways of looking at this razor. For a beginner, it is perfect – though it can prove to be a slightly expensive option. Also, it can be a great option for those persons who have mastered the art of wet shaving and are looking to have an extra razor on their bathroom shelf. But if you are in this category, I would consider having a go at the R41 Open Comb.
Last update on 2018-06-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Muhle R89
Pros
- High Quality and great craftmanship
- Excellent design
- Perfect chrome finish
Cons
- More expensive than the competitors
Merkur 34c
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Great design and build
- Knurling prevents the hand from slipping
- 2 piece design easy to adjust the blade so that it is even on both sides
Cons
- Very short handle
Summary: The Merkur 34C HD is a great razor, it is more or less perfect both for beginners and experienced wet shavers. The design and construction are of great quality, but that does not seem to affect the price of the product. It still is a very affordable razor. The two-piece design it sports makes assemble easier in comparison to many three-piece products available on the market. The major downside is the length of the handle, if this concerns you, you might want to check out the Merkur 180 Long Handled Safety Razor – also known as Merkur 23C
If the price concerns you, you should have a look at our review of the Merkur 34C. When it comes to the quality and finish – Muhle is for sure the best pick. But just to make this clear, the Merkur is not a bad quality, it is just that the Muhle safety razors are in a different league (and therefore more expensive). The R89 also has a better grip and handle vs Merkur.
If you have big hands, then for sure the ’89 is a better option – and you should maybe consider the Grande in this case.
Another option is, of course, the previously mentioned Edwin Jagger de89.
Muhle – a Quick Look at the Background
Muhle razors is being produced in Mühle’s own factory in Stützengrün, a 30-minute drive south from Leipzig, Germany. Muhle started off as a company that made high-end shaving brushes but has since then branched out into all kinds of wet-shaving accessories.
Wet shaving has recently caught on like wildfire. Many new companies and brands have popped up like weeds in the spring. However, even with the influx of new brands on the market, the company has is still considered to be one of the best and most popular. This is courtesy of the precise design and construction as well as its flawless chrome finishing. The fact that Mühle (mill), founded by Otto Johannes Müller in 1945, was built up in the ruins of war and has been in the business for the past 72 years is ample proof that they know their stuff. Here is a video that shows a bit of the company background.