A year ago, I switched from a Gillette cartridge razor to a double-edge razor called the MÜHLE R89.
Since it was my first time using a double-edge razor, I was honestly pretty nervous.
Would I cut my skin?
Could I really learn how to use it properly?
I imagine some people may have the same concerns, so I wanted to share an honest review of what the past year with the MÜHLE R89 has been like.
What Is the MÜHLE R89?
The MÜHLE R89 is one of the signature double-edge razors from the German shaving brand MÜHLE.
If I had to describe it in one sentence, it is a beginner-friendly double-edge razor.
The R89 uses what is called a closed comb head.
This type of head is designed to reduce blade exposure against the skin, making it one of the safer styles among double-edge razors.
Because of this, even people using a safety razor for the first time are less likely to irritate or cut their skin.
Why Did I Buy the MÜHLE R89?
The reason was simple: to save money.
I was happy with Gillette’s shaving performance.
The problem was the replacement cartridges.
Every time I bought them, I found myself thinking:
“I mean… I get it. I really do… but they’re expensive.”
I know Gillette makes its money from replacement blades.
That’s hardly a secret.
So logically, I understand.
…But understanding something and feeling okay about it are two different things.
Every time I carried replacement cartridges to the register, I felt a strange and difficult-to-explain sense of defeat.
That was when I started looking into other options.
An electric shaver was one possibility.
But I had tried one before, and it simply wasn’t for me.
The shave never felt close enough, and no matter how many times I went over my face, I never got that feeling of having properly shaved.
And there was another thing that appealed to me about the MÜHLE R89.
It looks good.
It’s something I use every day and see every morning in the bathroom.
So I wanted to use a tool that I genuinely liked.
That was what convinced me to buy it.
What I Like About the MÜHLE R89
Low Running Cost
A double-edge razor uses replaceable blades.
And this cost is dramatically lower than Gillette cartridges.
In my experience:
- Gillette: around $10 USD per month (about $120 per year)
- Double-edge razor: around $2 USD per month (about $24 per year)
The longer you use it, the bigger that difference becomes.
It also creates less plastic waste than cartridge razors, which I see as another benefit.
It Gives a Close Shave
In terms of shaving performance, I feel it shaves just as closely as Gillette—possibly even closer.
That smooth, freshly shaved feeling is genuinely satisfying.
It also means less stubble by the evening and less of that slightly unkempt look.
A close shave matters a lot to me, so this has been a major plus.
Shaving Becomes Enjoyable
This part surprised me.
Double-edge razors carry a little tension until you get used to them.
If you’re careless, you can cut yourself, so you naturally pay attention.
As a result, shaving stops feeling like a chore and starts feeling more intentional.
You feel like you’re carefully shaving your own face rather than simply rushing through a task.
The quiet time spent moving the blade almost feels meditative.
My morning shave became more than just another routine.
Things to Know About the MÜHLE R89
It Takes Time to Learn
This is absolutely true.
It took practice before I could get a close shave without cutting myself.
If you push too hard trying to shave closer, you cut your skin.
But if you’re too cautious, it starts to feel like you’re not shaving at all.
Finding that balance was difficult at first, and I struggled more than I expected.
That said, there is a trick to it.
Don’t apply pressure—let the razor’s own weight do the work.
Adjust the angle gradually and shave gently with patience.
That approach worked best for me.
Shaving Takes More Time
If you want a clean shave without irritation or cuts, you need to slow down.
This is not like Gillette, where one quick pass gets the job done.
For me, shaving takes at least around three minutes.
So if you prefer to finish your morning routine as quickly as possible, this may not be the ideal razor.
Final Thoughts
The MÜHLE R89 achieved exactly what I originally wanted: it helped me save money.
So overall, I consider it a very satisfying purchase.
That said, there is one small problem.
Shaving itself became fun.
Creams, brushes, blades—
once you start looking, there is no end to how deep this world goes.
I started this journey to save money.
I’d rather not end up turning shaving into an expensive hobby instead.
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