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tried a fresh blade in this R41 clone and it was still rough, like it was yesterday. I can rule out that particular blade being done and know this razor doesn't work with shark platinums for me. I switched to a different head after the first pass and it wasn't as tuggy and raw. this yaqi mellon is too mild for me so the end result isn't close enough but less irritation or aftershave sting. I'll try a shaper blade next and see how both do. the R41 head will soon be on its last chance.
Hello there,
I have the Muhle R41 (2013) version which by all accounts is a milder than original (2011) version. I've never tried the clone version, however I have the Yaqi Mellon and fitted with an efficient blade provides me a more than acceptable shave. As always, YMMV
Many wet shavers had a bad experience with the older version and will be sceptical of the new one despite the design improvements.
The top cap was expanded from 18mm to 20mm. The body modifications allow the blade to be held tightly in place. This means the blade has no headroom to flex while you scrape it across your skin. However, some blades flex more than other due the thinness of them which causes tugging irritation etc.
Out of all my DE razors the R41 took me a long time to bond with. My first few shaves where horrible, It is a razor that involves a long learning curve, and you need to get the technique and pressure just right to make it work for you. You also need a certain type of skin for the blade to work best. If your technique is off or your skin too sensitive, I’d suggest you stay away from it.
Now that I have gained much required shaving confidence and my technique has vastly improved I can now pair my R41 with either aggressive & non-aggressive blades and get a close comfortable shave without being afraid to shave and without the fear of my shave ending in a blood shaving massacre. Good technique, shaving confidence and using the lightest of touch are the key with the R41, in fact it's the key to using any razor.
One of the most important lesson's I have taught myself is I now never aim for perfection with my shaves, as '"Perfection is the enemy of perfectly adequate". My over-zealous passion for perfection was the major unnecessary cause of irritation nicks, & cuts with my shaving.
Remember, nobody is standing on the other side of the mirror making biased judgements when your shaving, the face you're shaving is your own, and you don't have to satisfy anyone but yourself.
Enjoy your shaves.
Yours- Barry.
