The Merkur and the Muhle.

SGH

Here is two of the greatest DE razors currently being manufactured today. If you are really wanting to take your shaving game to the highest level possible without transitioning to a straight, then look no farther.  
First up, the Merkur Futur adjustable. Some call it the “future” of shaving. 
The Futur on the left flanking the R41. 

The Futur is an adjustable razor. It can be dialed up and down to fit your shaving style and needs. On its lowest setting it is a very mild razor. However with a simple turn of the dial it can be turned up to be pretty darn aggressive. Not quite in the same league as the wicked Muhle, but still more aggressive than most will ever need. 
It is a very large and heavy razor. But it’s balance is near perfect. As far as quality materials and assembly, the Futur is as well built as any. 
A close up of the head. 

If you are an experienced wet shaver and want to reach the epitome of shaving, or if you are just a brave soul looking for a challenge, well look no farther my friends, the Muhle R41 has you covered. 
With its open comb design and wicked blade exposure and gap, it is simply a wrecking machine. A blood bath in waiting for the inexperienced or careless shaver. 
However in experienced  hands, due to its wicked blade exposure and gap, the mighty Muhle can easily approach the shaving closeness of a straight razor. 
Like the Futur, the R41 is an extremely well built machine.  Balance is near perfect. It’s a cats whisker smaller and lighter than the Futur. 
A close up of the wicked R41. 

With all of the above said, in no way is the R41 for novices or beginners. It is simply to aggressive. When loaded with a Feather blade, it’s a blood bath waiting to happen in inexperienced hands. 
However in a trained and skilled hand, the R41 will bring you as close to a straight shave as you are going to get. The Muhle R41 stands at the top of the food chain. It is the pinnacle and Holy Grail of DE razors. It is simply unchallenged and reins supreme in the world of DE shaving. Once you master the Muhle, you will be hard pressed to do any better short of a straight.  
One word of advice, if you try the R41, use the slickest soap that you can find. It won’t be a bad idea to use a preshave oil as well until you get use to its aggressiveness. 
I hope that y’all enjoyed a look at these two shaving machines my friends. Have a great day and shave on. 

SonVolt

DoubleEgger

When trolling turns into a lifestyle change... That’s next level stuff Scottie. 

DMW

Scottie, glad you're back on-shore.

jeffwit

I’m leveling and resurfacing my deck. I’ve found the Ridgid impact driver to be indispensable to the success of this project. There are other impact drivers out there, but none approaches the quality of Ridgid. And it’s a lovely shade of orange. 

northGAcock

jeffwit said:

I’m leveling and resurfacing my deck. I’ve found the Ridgid impact driver to be indispensable to the success of this project. There are other impact drivers out there, but none approaches the quality of Ridgid. And it’s a lovely shade of orange. 

Jeff, there is no shade of orange that is lovely. 

northGAcock

northGAcock said:

jeffwit said:

I’m leveling and resurfacing my deck. I’ve found the Ridgid impact driver to be indispensable to the success of this project. There are other impact drivers out there, but none approaches the quality of Ridgid. And it’s a lovely shade of orange. 

Jeff, there is no shade of orange that is lovely. 

.....but nice project.

jeffwit

I disagree. The Auburn shade is most pleasing to the eye and the soul. 

slovelad

jeffwit said:

I’m leveling and resurfacing my deck. I’ve found the Ridgid impact driver to be indispensable to the success of this project. There are other impact drivers out there, but none approaches the quality of Ridgid. And it’s a lovely shade of orange. 

And their warranty is second to none- but personally in a Milwaukee guy 

fishlessman

when we going to see some yellow coticules and belgium blues

1voyager

What shave cream, soap or gel do you suggest? Brush and stand also?

baychilla

...something...something...PAA DOC Evolution or something.  The Futur is providing an interesting learning experience.  I liked the looks and idea of the all stainless Feather, but felt it a bit much cash for a starter.

SGH

1voyager said:

What shave cream, soap or gel do you suggest? Brush and stand also?

@1voyager
 There is many great soaps out there. Here is a few of my personal favorites. 


Here is three great creams. Be advised that the Cremo does not build lather. But it’s as slick as axle grease. 

SGH

@1voyager
I have been very well pleased with the Vikings Blade Silver Tip Badger brush, RazoRock Monster and Big Bruce. The Monster and the Big Bruce are plissoft synthetics. I also like the Parker Badger Brush. 

Even though it’s the smallest, check out this lather built with the Vikings Blade Badger Brush. It simply gets no better my friend. That’s not me bragging, just simply stating the facts. 
BOOM!! Lather explosion.  

One would be very hard pressed to do any better my friend. 

SGH

@1voyager
I really like this stand by Vikings Blade. Here it is holding the big Vikings Blade Vulcan razor and the Vikings Blade Badger Brush. This razor and brush is my go to for on the fly shaving. 

SGH

DMW said:

Scottie, glad you're back on-shore.

Me too brother D. I had really got run down and burned out. Now I can just sit around, relax and shave at will. The way it should be.  

SGH

For that clean and styled look after a great shave, here is an excellent paste and pomade. Great hold but doesn’t leave your hair “wet” looking.  

1voyager

Man, you are into this. There definitely is a "cool factor" to it. Thanks for the advice. I'm going to burn through a couple dozen Gillette Comfort Plus 3's then take the plunge!

DoubleEgger

If you want true forum status, the Mühle R42SR is for you. Artisan crafted using the finest materials including genuine buffalo horn, this legacy piece will make you the envy of forum members around the globe. 



https://www.muehle-shaving.com/en/Shop/CLASSIC/SOPHIST/Razors/Safety-razor-from-MUEHLE-closed-comb-handle-material-buffalo-horn.html

SGH

1voyager said:

 then take the plunge!

I hope that you do. It will change your life my friend. With that said, if you are totally new to DE shaving, don’t jump right in with R41. You will not enjoy it and you will get discouraged and give up. 
Its no secret that I’m a huge fan of the R41, but I can’t in good conciseness recommend it to someone just starting out. It is simply to aggressive. 
The Futur on the other hand is great for beginners and hardcore shavers alike because it’s adjustable. The same can be said of the Parker Variant. Like the Futur, it’s adjustable. The only difference in the Futur and Variant is their size and weight. If you have large hands and a large face, then the Futur is for you. If you have normal to small hands and a small face, the Variant is the better choice as it’s smaller than the Futur. Both are an excellent choice that will last you a lifetime. 
However in time I would certainly like to see you make your way up to the Muhle R41. 

SonVolt

SGH said:

If you have small hands

SGH

DoubleEgger said:

If you want true forum status, the Mühle R42SR is for you. Artisan crafted using the finest materials including genuine buffalo horn, this legacy piece will make you the envy of forum members around the globe. 



https://www.muehle-shaving.com/en/Shop/CLASSIC/SOPHIST/Razors/Safety-razor-from-MUEHLE-closed-comb-handle-material-buffalo-horn.html

No doubt a masterpiece. However it is a closed comb head. For real world shaving, in no way can it compete with the R41. This is not conjecture, it’s simply a fact. 
Its a great shaver and a show piece for sure. But the simple R41 blows it away when it comes to shaving. 

Botch

I'll have to double-check Ridgid again; when I first looked at their tablesaw it was a piece of cheap junk compared to my older Delta.  Otherwise, like @slovelad, I'm a Milwaukee guy (my DeWalt biscuit joiner is an absolute joy, however).  

Foghorn

SGH said:

For that clean and styled look after a great shave, here is an excellent paste and pomade. Great hold but doesn’t leave your hair “wet” looking.  

I prefer Dapper Dan.

HighHeat

What is a DE razor, and why don’t you take this to www.manscapingforum.com?

HendersonTRKing

SGH

HighHeat said:

What is a DE razor,
DE = Double Edge. 

and why don’t you take this to www.manscapingforum.com?
Because I like posting here. 

ColtsFan

I still use my Merkur 34C. I'm not skilled enough for them there fancier ones

I also shave my head, so I'm stuck in the Fusion/Gillette club for good when it comes to my noggin'

SGH

ColtsFan said:

I still use my Merkur 34C. I'm not skilled enough for them there fancier ones

That’s a great razor my friend. To use an aggressive razor like the R41, it’s not really skill but a delicate touch and close attention to detail. 

baychilla

HendersonTRKing said:

His tiger stripes really go well with the color of the blood.

RedSkip

@SGH I've always heard a "slant" is the best shave you can get.  Over the open/closed comb... just sayin'.