Muhle R41 Grande Chrome Handle Open Comb DE Safety Razor

4 stars - This razor isn't for beginners, however, it will show you where your technique / setup needs improvement and become a fast favorite. Without a doubt you need good lubrication to use this razor. I recommend any variety of Cremo shave cream. No brush, no funky pucks of soap. That's because this razor puts the blade right against your skin. If your lather isn't perfect you're going to feel it. The only other con about this razor is the handle. A more textured grip would be better, but aside from that this is a great intermediate / advanced choice. I use this razor to shave 5 days a week in the shower w/ Cremo's 'cooling' shaving cream, and regularly rotate my blades between Rapia, Feather, Derby, 7 o'clocks, etc. to the point that it doesn't matter.

This razor IS as aggressive as you have heard. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Where most DE razors nick, this one cuts; removing small chunks of flesh for relatively minor technique miscues. That being said, it provides a great shave when technique and blade choice are in synch. For me, it would be inconceivable to use this razor daily. WAY too aggressive. In fact, it took me several shaves, spanning several days, to even attempt a full, 3-pass, shave. I built up to a full shave by using two razors. I only used the R41 for one pass over three shaves: I used the R41 on the WTG pass on shave one, XTG on shave two, and ATG on shave three. Then, and only then, did I attempted a full 3-pass shave using only the R41. I only mention this because you may want to build up to a full 3-pass shave with this beast. I got bit the most on my first WTG pass shave; I received two significant cuts (one under my nose and one on my neck). I only shave with this razor when I have more than two day's growth. I only use a new Rapira Platinum Lux (Russia) blade in this razor. It is the smoothest blade that I've encountered to date. The craftsmanship is sublime. Blade alignment is automatic and perfect. This is a very beautiful razor. I truly enjoy using this razor, but only in moderation.