Muhle R89 vs R41: Mild vs Aggressive - Which One Is Right for You?
The ultimate comparison between Muhle's two most popular safety razors. Learn which one suits your beard type, experience level, and shaving preferences.
Contents
The Muhle Story: German Precision Since 1945
MUHLE was founded in 1945 in the Ore Mountains of Germany and remains a third-generation family business. With their philosophy of "Rasurkultur" (shaving culture), MUHLE transforms daily shaving into a wellness ritual.
MUHLE's handcrafted brushes and premium wet shaving tools have won the Red Dot Award and German Design Award. The HEXAGON series exemplifies the German engineering precision that defines the brand.
Muhle R89: The Gentle Classic
The Muhle R89 is the world's most popular closed comb safety razor. With a blade gap of just 0.45mm, it offers a mild yet effective shave - ideal for beginners and those with sensitive skin.
R89 Technical Specifications
| Head Type | Closed Comb |
| Blade Gap | 0.45mm |
| Head Width | 41mm |
| Length | 95mm (Standard) / 107mm (Grande/Twist) |
| Weight | 64g (Standard) / 90g (Twist) |
| Material | Chrome-plated Metal |
| Aggressiveness Level | Mild (2/10) |
R89 Advantages
- Perfect for beginners - The closed comb forgives technique mistakes
- Sensitive skin friendly - Minimal risk of irritation
- Daily use - You can shave every day without problems
- Easy learning curve - Quick to master
Available R89 Versions
Muhle R41: The Aggressive Beast
The Muhle R41 is MUHLE's most aggressive safety razor - and one of the most aggressive on the market. With an open comb head and wide teeth, it delivers an exceptionally close shave but demands experience and respect.
R41 Technical Specifications
| Head Type | Open Comb |
| Blade Gap | ~0.80mm+ (Aggressive) |
| Head Width | 41mm |
| Length | 94mm (Standard) / 107mm (Twist/GS) |
| Weight | 64g (Chrome) / 90g+ (Stainless) |
| Material | Chrome / 316L Stainless Steel |
| Aggressiveness Level | Aggressive (9/10) |
R41 Advantages
- Extremely close shave - BBS (Baby Butt Smooth) results in one pass
- Ideal for thick beards - Wide teeth easily handle coarse, long hair
- Fewer passes needed - Time savings for experienced shavers
- No clogging - Open comb doesn't block with hair
Available R41 Versions
R89 vs R41: Comparison Table
| Feature | MUHLE R89 | MUHLE R41 |
|---|---|---|
| Head Type | Closed Comb | Open Comb |
| Aggressiveness | Mild (2/10) | Aggressive (9/10) |
| Blade Gap | 0.45mm | ~0.80mm+ |
| Ideal For | Beginners, Sensitive skin | Experienced, Thick beards |
| Learning Curve | Low | High |
| Nick Risk | Low | High (without proper technique) |
| Shave Result | Close with 2-3 passes | BBS with 1-2 passes |
| Daily Use | Ideal | Possible, but not necessary |
| Long Hair | May clog | Handles easily |
| Price | From 35 EUR | From 40 EUR |
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose the R89 if:
- You're a beginner to traditional shaving
- You have sensitive skin or irritation issues
- You want to shave every day
- You prefer a forgiving razor that doesn't punish mistakes
- You have thin to medium beard growth
- You want one razor for the whole family
Choose the R41 if:
- You have experience with traditional shaving (6+ months)
- You have a thick, coarse beard that's difficult to shave
- You want BBS results with fewer passes
- You shave every 2-3 days and have longer hair
- You have a steady hand and good technique
- You're looking for a challenge and better results
Shaving Technique
Technique for the R89 (Beginners)
Technique for the R41 (Experienced)
Complementary MUHLE Products
To get the most from your razor, invest in quality accessories:
MUHLE Shaving Brushes
Other Premium MUHLE Razors
Looking for something between the R89 and R41, or premium materials:
Frequently Asked Questions
Starter Kit - What to Buy First
If you're starting with traditional shaving, these 3 products cover your basic needs:
Tip: Orders over 59 EUR qualify for free shipping!
Why Choose The Two Barbers
Conclusion: The R89 is the safe choice for 90% of users - beginners and experienced alike. The R41 is for those who want the ultimate close shave and have the experience to handle it.
Choose wisely. Shave well.