Muhle R41 Safety Razor, First Shave and impression. Will I need a first aid kit?

First shave with the Muhle R41 Safety Razor (2013 three piece version). I've been warned that this razor is one of the most aggressive out there. I have 3 days growth on this video, so I'm a little cautious.
Using a personna blade, Proraso green soap, and Proraso after shave.
Thanks for watching.
Comments and subscriptions always welcome.

[@kaligula4life]

Just one small piece of advice... I learned the hard way...do not, EVER shave your self with this razor when drunk...and I mean never!

[@kensurfs]

Holy crap, that would be bad

[@scottmichael3902]

LMAO

[@---td4ff]

@Peter Fountotos i learned after drinking and head shaving with no styptic pencil and it was a gooooood scrape

[@Tristin471]

Duly noted lol

[@sicariusperemo3789]

Some are good at handling their drunk situation :P

[@mrtheluckybucket]

Just shaved with this last night with an astra green, soooooo super smooth and almost felt mild. Even did a third pass against the grain and one of the best shaves of my life for real, I’m still in awe.

[@kensurfs]

👍👍💈👍👍

[@jimbom3ci]

As weird it may sound, I strongly believe that R41 is one of the best razors for sensitive skin-like mine-, simply because you do not have to pass from the same spot many times. One pass gives an acceptable shave, second pass BBS! You dont even need to go against the grain! Guys, do not be afraid of this razor. Don`t see it as an aggresive one, but a super effective, little cute toy! hahahaha. And the weird stuff about this little toy, keeps happening. One will usually think, "R41 is super effective, let`s go with a mild blade like Derby" Boom. Not going to work. I really do not know why, but this lovely and so well made razor, works nice with sharp blades. for my taste, the BEST combination is R41 and Polsilver blades. Feathers will work fine as well, Perma sharp too. R41 is my go to razor. The only day I will not use it,is if I want to shave and has been less than a day growth.

[@kensurfs]

jimbom3ci It is a daily shaver for quite a few people I know👍💈

[@arminass1681]

Nice comment. 1-2 passes looks very efficient. My Braveheart is the most efficient so far. Looking forward to this one. Will it do a good job with personna platinum chrome ??

[@ares2067]

I wholeheartedly agree. I've got sensitive skin as well. And I would agree that 2 passes is BBS. I have almost 0 irritation as opposed to the mild shavers that you need 4 passes for the same result.

[@Thadnill]

@@ares2067 I just ordered my first r41, I have to admit that I am a little nervous, I have only used a Edwin jagger de89 before. the reason i got it is because my beard is super, super, super thick and stubborn, and my skin is very sensitive too, and I feel that 3 passes can be slightly irritating and also that the tug and pull due to my thick beard gives me irritation. So yes, next week I will try the r41 along with feather blades, wish me good luck and hopefully it will solve my shaving issues.

[@stes3242]

@@Thadnill Alors ?

[@T-R.e.x]

Best razor ever even for my sensitive skin. No need to do many passes. Excellent review.

[@kensurfs]

T Rex Thank you. It does get it done in 1 pass👍👍💈💈

[@nickfanzo]

I just got one and I loved the shave. BBS in two passes. I usually straight shave and this was almost as efficient

[@kensurfs]

💈👍👍

[@msp459]

I did my first shave with my new muhle r41.... im surprised so smooth and efective... 0 irritation on the neck. wonderfull! very happy with my purchase!

[@AndyGait]

I got one of these for Christmas and it's a brilliant razor. After using a Feather Popular for a few years it's like getting off a skateboard and jumping into a Ferrari. It's great with the Muhle blades, but put a Feather blade in there and it's a beast. This morning I had 5 or 6 days of growth and I was good to go after one pass. I did the second pass to finish the job, but a third would've been overkill. I highly recommend this razor.

[@kensurfs]

Andy Gait Awesome Andy👍👍

[@AndyGait]

Kensurfs No worries.

[@66crush9]

I recently started riding the cap to a degree in all directions, made the shave way better without the super aggressive feel.

[@kensurfs]

👍👍

[@Mastara]

I've been using this razor for my weekly shave and it works wonders. A 34C seems bladeless in comparison. I do get the extra burn with the alum block and after shave, but it really is a good razor and not the "monster" the web paints it to be.

[@kensurfs]

👍👍💈💈

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

I bought one in 2012 after 6 months of the boring old Edwin Jagger DE89. It was an instant success and I still love it today. I also use Fatip open combs.

[@kensurfs]

👍💈💈

[@KingofWisdom]

I love my stainless R41. Never had the zinc alloy ones.

[@g.r.8792]

I tink the best Kombination ist Mühle R41 with the Feather Blade. Verry nize video

[@kensurfs]

👍👍💈💈💈

[@deshave5260]

Great vid as always, Ken. I reckon I have enough DE shaving experience now to be ready to try the R41. Thanks for putting yourself on the line for us all to watch, enjoy and learn. Cheers, mate.

[@DellaStreet123]

That was great! I admire you for being so brave. I've never used an open comb so far, and the Mühle 41 has the reputation of being the most aggressive straight razor on the market. By the way, it's pronounced "mool-ah"…and, if you want to be ultra-correct, pronounce the "ü" as the "u" in "menu" pronounced the French way. Literally, "Mühle" means mill, that's why it has a windmill as a logo.

[@kensurfs]

DellaStreet123 ahhhh, I didn't know. Thank you very much👍👍💈💈

[@jonmanilenio]

I'm confused-it's a double edge razor isn't it?

[@DellaStreet123]

@KnifeGuy375 I think I explained how to pronounce it the German way. Take it from me, I'm German.

[@DellaStreet123]

@KnifeGuy375 Ich auch. Es klappert die Mühle am rauschenden Bach...

[@alamore5084]

On that second lather you could see just how close the R41 was on the first pass - even downwards with the grain. You managed no nicks which is impressive. Looked like a great close shave. And Proraso is hard to beat!

[@peteschiavoni]

Sweet shave. I agree the Muhle handles can get slippery. I rub my fingers on alum to solve the problem. Don't want to slip with the R41

[@kensurfs]

I still have to try out the alum. Every smart shaver has some. Thanks👍

[@profesam8457]

Pete Schiavon, all razor handles will be more slick when your fingers are covered with lather. Just rinse. I don’t have any problems with slickness of the handle.

[@thortheviking]

Just had my second shave with the R41....Woah.....it's aggressive. Thanks for the video.

[@kensurfs]

Thanks for watching.👍

[@hobbylover3882]

I have been using this razor for last 3 years and totally mastered it. I highly recommend changing the handle. I found original handle is too slippery and short. It is my go to razor now. I use Kai blades and they are perfect match for it. Original handle slips a lot so there is chance to cut yourself easily. Get after market solid stainless steel handle and never look back. Hope this helps.

[@MidwayShooter]

Boy the shave den has changed over the years 💈I’m on the hunt for the R41 but that reputation is scary lol.

[@cessrcd]

One thing that all people that suffer cuts have in common is lift off. If you keep the razor on the skin, you'll suffer a lot less cuts, as the majority of cuts occur when you place the razor on your skin, I just stay aware when I'm shaving with my R41, and don't let my concentration wander. However there is nothing to beat the anodised aluminium handled Merkur 20C, One thing I will praise the R41 for is it almost doesn't clog at all, unlike my Edwin Jagger made Scimitar, that shaves great if I want to shave in a hurry, but it clogs so badly. Those boys in Solingen know their trade

[@justlinscott4077]

Ken, You need to get your hands on a Merkur 15C open comb. I love this little work horse. It’s small but extremely efficient. Open comb helps to keep cream on face so no irritation. I Use mine with feathers! Man baby smooth!

[@viningscircle]

Well done on that first Muhle R41 shave. I haven't taken the plunge just yet.

[@deshave5260]

Great vid, thanks for sharing. This razor is now on my wish list.

[@kensurfs]

DE Shave 👍👍💈

[@daleschmidt7157]

I just bought my R41 this evening. I am looking forward to my first shave with this little mowing machine.

[@kensurfs]

Take it slow, it's a great shaver.👍

[@soupdragonuk]

My Mühle R41 Grande arrived this morning. I'll be interested to see how it compares to the ATT H1 (which is highly aggressive, but I just find efficient!). Great video Ken, the first I have watched of yours, but I'll be back for more views.

[@kensurfs]

Thanks David. You will like the R41, just be careful with what blades you use in it. It gives a really close shave.

[@mikeoshaughnessy2093]

Enjoyed the video, thanks Ken. I’ve only just gone over to open comb, I have several closed comb razors, but a short while back I bought a Fatip Piccolo and I loved it ! I’ve ordered the R41 head and an Ikon OSS handle to pair with it. Looking forwards to trying the beast early next week when I get it ! Best wishes mate, from Gosport in the UK :)

[@kensurfs]

Mike O'Shaughnessy Thank you very much. The R41 is great👍💈

[@jm_1214]

I don't know why this is described as so aggressive. I use it every day and it eliminates the need for several passes. It's no good with a dull blade however

[@coffeepot3123]

I was praying for him the entire time hahaha!..

[@kensurfs]

👍💈

[@pauldance7387]

That’s my favorite brush, it doesn’t look so fancy but it’s the perfect brush for me

[@kensurfs]

Willy Ward Thanks Willy👍💈

[@jonathanlewis4077]

Hey friends I have a SR from the holy black it’s agresive and very heavy shaves very smooth

[@kensurfs]

Jonathan Lewis 👍💈

[@adamperkins3125]

Just received mine, had a shave with an Astra SP blade in it. Not as good as I expected, really close but I could feel a lot of tugging will have to try a different blade next time. And putting my Thayers on afterwards wad rather tingly.ahah

[@kensurfs]

Adam Perkins I hope you didn't cut yourself the R41 is notorious 👍👍

[@adamperkins3125]

Kensurfs no cuts just a bit too close obviously ;)

[@kensurfs]

Adam Perkins 👍👍

[@aleksandrsivanovs1133]

I tried Grande version recently. The resultiing is more stunning. :)

[@kensurfs]

👍👍

[@garryclarke7695]

Great video. I bought and tried the R41 for about a week but it was a bit too strong for me. I still enjoy seeing someone who it agrees with using it though. All the best, Garry (England).

[@kensurfs]

Thanks Gary. I am originally from the UK too, Newcastle.

[@garryclarke7695]

I'd never have guessed. You have no trace of a Geordie accent. For my sins I'm from Oldham. I once spent a couple of weeks in Whitley Bay. A beautiful part of England. All the best, Garry.

[@kensurfs]

+Garry Clarke I came here when I was 8 and lost the accent. I remember Whitley Bay from my youth.

[@mapp4751]

hi,good review i am very tempted to get one of those and i may just do that,thanks

[@kensurfs]

Thank you for watching👍

[@eltonm4771]

Nice shaving ! 👍

[@jm_1214]

It's my favorite. I don't find it harsh at all

[@jonathanlewis4077]

Hey bro it’s Jon the ristretto razor is a agresive razor man it’s right up there with the mulle r41

[@kensurfs]

Jonathan Lewis it seems to be a bit less than the R41, but put a feather blade in it and oh boy👍👍👍

[@masonkruse8136]

Nice Spectre poster!

[@MichaelScofield20243]

I'm getting mine in a few days. Been shaving with a muhle r89. Hope I don't cut myself when i get the r41. Good review btw

[@kensurfs]

Thank you. It's a great razor, I just have to go real slow👍

[@SIGSOLO]

back in the day... Just ordered the new R41 Grande Stainless Steel... 113g...

[@theshavingrealtor8980]

Good review because I always thought that razor was to dangerous for sensitive skin.

[@kensurfs]

The Shaving Realtor it works great, with the right blade. Super close shave. Thank you for watching.👍👍

[@santodomingo1605]

Pardon my ignorance but if this model is so efficient then why more than one pass? I’ve been a DE safety razor shaver for well over fifty years, have a normal beard and have never used more than one pass except for the moustache area. Since 1987 I’ve mostly used my father’s ancient Red Ring Eclipse. I use very small overlapping strokes with the grain and am left smooth without nicks or ingrowing whiskers - or the need to lather up again and shave across/against the grain.

[@kensurfs]

I can get away with one pass too.

[@technicallybrilliant2760]

hi ken , nice shave - when i used this i had a real bad razor burn , but left my face very smooth , as you say , and i thought this as well , i really would not use this everyday, think its more a beard type few weeks type thing for me. Try it with feather blades ..... i would be pushing my luck if i used feathers .

[@kensurfs]

Those Feathers are tooooooo sharp👌

[@pauldance7387]

use an alum block for the slippery handle, run wet fingers over the alum block and the handle is guaranteed NOT to slip

[@kensurfs]

Willy Ward That’s the best way to make sure you have s good grip. Thanks again👍💈

[@sakiboy81]

I can shave only with Muhle R41. Awesome razor for tough beard

[@kensurfs]

The R41 is one of my favorite razors. 👍

[@joeflex92]

I wonder how the hell you go against the grain on your neck like that straight down. If I did that to myself I would be bleeding all over the place like crazy and have a miserable shave I have that exact same razor.

[@kensurfs]

👍👍💈💈

[@craigsimpson1903]

My first go with an R41 was an abortion, totally my fault for loading it with a derby extra, bit of a bloodbath. Second go was with a Supermax blue diamond, couldn't have been more different two passes an bang BBS no irritation only one tiny weeper. Blade choice is very important with this beastie, and my remaining Derby's got PIF'd.

[@kensurfs]

Craig Simpson once you find the right blade it’s awesome to use the R41

[@oksouts78]

Hi Ken!!Nice video demonstration!!I recently bought R41 too and I totally agree with your remarks about it..More friendly to my skin than my merkur Sledgehammer slant bar razor!!May i ask you a question??Do you buy alllthe products you demonstrate??If so,actually all your shave collection might have cost a lot of your monthly income...

[@david99340]

Hey guys for I have a question I have a Parker safety razor and the blade I use is the feathers and I have to stay clean shaved for work they even fuzz about 5 aclock shadows , so I was wondering if this open comb razor he's using what I should buy next to get a closer shave or is there other safety razors you guys recomend

[@kensurfs]

David Cruz The open combs always seem to shave me closer

[@SEONG_BAE]

What program did you use to edit your video??

[@kensurfs]

I use the "iMovie" app on the iPad or iPhone. It is really easy to work with. Thanks for watching.

[@soundersiren07]

Nice razor, definitely not a daily driver! But if you don't shave for a week, it'll cut through the weeds pretty good.

[@428steve]

The Mule razors handles are cheap to me and slippery. I don't have the 41, forget what model I have but I changed to an IKON stainless handle and then got a MaggardsV3 head and haven't looked back. Muhle razors are 60$ + and they just seem cheap to me.

[@kensurfs]

428steve 👍👍💈

[@toddd7444]

Muhle R41, razor the handle is to light" ////////////// change the handle to an ikon handle. And use the Muhle R41 head wheelchair Larry

[@kensurfs]

💈💈👍👍👍

[@jonathanlewis4077]

Hey ken the ristretto razor is just that razor requires good technique right the ristretto is a great razor too

[@kensurfs]

Jonathan Lewis 👍👍

[@garygodwin78]

Ken have you ever tried the Muhle r89? If so could you please give me your feed back on that razor!

[@kensurfs]

I don’t think I tried the R89 yet

[@garygodwin78]

@@kensurfs I really think you should try it. It is one of my favorite razors.

[@ericwhitlow7364]

Sounds like you had some of the same problems as I did. I used an injector and butchered my neck, same area as yours.

[@kensurfs]

Thanks Eric. Yeah that injector cut me real good.

[@sidbhomkar]

You started with some really long strokes. Shorter precise strokes woud be more comforting.

[@kensurfs]

You are right. I usually do the longer strokes when I am comfortable with a razor, but shorter strokes when I'm not sure what to expect out of the razor and blade combo. Thanks👍👍

[@Bobdixon_Moonvarga_Dancer_III]

Different strokes for different folks.

[@iangarner8857]

I get really bad razor burn on my neck too sometimes. I want to get a more aggressive razor but not sure if the muhle R41 is a bit too aggressive for me.

[@brijanjekodzonija985]

Why dont you use a cold water after shaving it wery good, trait some time

[@jillsnoddon4463]

I've been reading information on Badger & Blade about rigid razors being so good, which this is.

[@kensurfs]

Jill Snoddon This one makes me nervous every time I use it👍💈

[@jillsnoddon4463]

I think the Razorock German 37 Slant would be less scary.

[@kensurfs]

Jill Snoddon I agree👍💈

[@jimking4558]

Nice video. I’ve been looking at this razor. $56 on eBay with 100 blades, brush and soap. Do you usually do two or three passes?

[@kensurfs]

Jim King Two passes usually does me. With the R41 it’s like a BBS Shave 👍💈

[@Apex820]

I have a r41 on the way but scared to use it when it comes in after all the reviews and videos on how aggressive the razor is you went through that like nothing was that your first shave with the r41?

[@kensurfs]

+Apex820 I was very cautious. I had been warned too. I did a two pass shave and it was excellent, no problems. I will use it again for sure.

[@albanmathias2011]

Thanks for the review. I'm definitely going to invest in one of these. Just confused with the variants of R41 available with a difference of a few dollars. One piece of advice, try NOT to shave north to south in the neck area. Go south to north and horizontals, it'll reduce the irritation in the neck. I face the same problem when I shave north to south (against the grain) in the neck area..

[@starlodear2987]

I did notice a few red spots.

[@kensurfs]

starlodear lucky it didn't slice me up really good...lol👍👍💈

[@WayneMusicianUK]

Just had my 1st shave with my Muhle R41, using Taylor's shaving cream and feather blades, tried to go slow and get the angle right, cut myself 9 times all over my face, the razor makes me anxious and rightly so, got a close shave though! After shaving I looked like Edward scissorhands had been let loose on me, maybe I'll try a different blade? Astra or someat else.. I've no idea what I did wrong 😤😤 I'm finding that no matter what razor I use, it doesn't glide over my face very well, maybe it's my cream??, I shower before my shave, hot wet towel after that, then shaving oil, then lather cream on my face, never got any cuts with my Merker 34C razor, but wanted the R41 for a closer shave

[@kensurfs]

I cut myself with the feather blades every time. Try a milder blade in the R41 and go nice and slow. I find that two passes works well with that razor.

[@WayneMusicianUK]

+Kensurfs thanks for the advice - I'll try an Astra blade in it in 2 days, or a wilkinson sword green or black blade

[@ttdenadaabba2149]

Left your face Gloss white!

[@kensurfs]

💈💈

[@druntopronto7598]

Don't you want to learn how to make good lather. you can imagin how awesome shave would it be!!!!

[@christopherwalker4606]

Are you still using the muhle r41

[@mirakel64]

How do i make a full soap? I;m the first time use a safetyrazor.

[@fbigov10chad]

i'm brand new to DE razors. i dont shave daily but when i do it seems like my Muhle r89 needs multiple passes. should i get something like this or will i be one of those that needs a first aid kit for sure? haha

[@rarespistol556]

What blades are you guys using ?

[@dannybailey666]

It's good on roca handle. Nicer grip

[@toddd7444]

Derby black it's the same price as the green Blades? wheelchair larry

[@kensurfs]

Thanks

[@n0cturn2l]

Nice omega

[@Grim_trades]

nice man!!

[@kensurfs]

Thank you. It shaved really well.

[@zmetallica224]

I got this razor a few days ago. I've been safety razor shaving for 2 years with high success, but I am having difficulty with this razor dragging. I use feather blades. Can anyone help me out? Just blade angle?

[@kensurfs]

Aaron Thornton I would recommend a milder blade like the Wilkinson Sword GILLETTE and maybe blade angle💈💈

[@zmetallica224]

Kensurfs I'm getting better. I think the main issue was my strokes were too slow and too long (that's what she said). I think I was babying it too much instead of just shaving, and that was causing drag. It cuts much better with short, quick strokes.

[@kensurfs]

Aaron Thornton I used to do that, like with a cartridge. 👍👍

[@ExVictor]

What are some other aggressive safety razors in your opinion?

[@kensurfs]

vick eightoneeight ATT open comb, actually all open combs can be aggressive

[@Alexander-dn4wc]

Any recommendations on a razor just a bit less aggressive? Doing the head, not the face and need to be somewhat careful lol

[@bendover8250]

If you are into vintage razors, the Gillette adjustables let you dial in the aggressiveness to your own preference. If you want a more modern razor, the Merkur 34 is a good middle of the road shave

[@KickAssBassBoost]

Is it okay to shave your underarm with this razor? Or is it just for beard

[@kensurfs]

KickAssBassBoost oh, I’d be cautious 💈💈

[@KickAssBassBoost]

Kensurfs no i dont have this razor, i was thinking about getting it but Im not sure if this is for beard only. So thats why Im asking. This razor looks good and they look like they last very long and they're not like the other razors.

[@RA-lh9uh]

i use edwin jagger de89 and i do shave underarm with it and is great. i do not even worry that much. almost immposible to cut yourself. i dont even trim the hair but shave even full lenght off. skin there is thick so dont worry

[@KickAssBassBoost]

Ramon Homjak okay, thank you. Then i might buy it.

[@silvanigra]

Not for the hasty...

[@kensurfs]

Absolutely. It shaves great but you have to be really careful👍

[@WayneMusicianUK]

Well, second day in a row using my Merkur 39C, got the maca root cream today, but me thinks I should have not shaved 24 hours after😔 look at the state of me - suffer with horrid dark skin staining after years of crappy Gillette fusion shaving - any suggestions to remove this? s371.photobucket.com/user/Bongioviwayne/library/shaving

[@kensurfs]

That happens to my neck a lot. I always wait at least 2-3 days before shaving again, to let it heal.

[@jetcarddude]

I guess I am the exception, I nearly bleed to death using a "safety" razor.

[@kensurfs]

j r It depends on the blade/razor combo for me👍💈

[@patkaczmarek7362]

Gutsy shave. Basically the R41 is a straight razor with a handle.

[@MichaelScofield20243]

Octopussy?

[@kensurfs]

Yep, got the press book from my brother. He's a James Bond fan too👍

[@MichaelScofield20243]

+Kensurfs nice

[@0____SIFIR_]

You could have a thyroid disease you should see a doctor