Muhle Rocca

Is promised:
Edwin Jagger DE89 vs Muhle Rocca

Blade: Muhle
Software: Proraso sensitive.
Approach: 3 pass shave with EJ89 on left hand side of face, swap the blade to the Rocca, and then 3 pass shave on right hand side of face with Rocca.
Preparation: Hot flannel. Massage Proraso sensitive preshave cream. Leave on until shaving cream prepared. Lifted off with a hot flannel soak.
Cream: Proraso Sensitive - made in a scuttle with a Kent Synthetic brush. I opted for the Scuttle instead of the face because I wanted to make sure I had made up a large enough quantity for all 6 passes.
Finish: Cold flannel to face. Proraso Sensitive Aftershave balm.

Pass one EJ 89 WTG
Smooth, fun. I wondered why I haven't shaved with this razor for so long. It's the type you can throw at your face when you are in a hurry in the morning. Quite impressed with the Muhle blade - maybe I was wrong…
Result: fairly good removal of hair. Would go to work like that (on a Friday).
Pass two EJ 89 XTG
Still smooth. The EJ handles well at odd angles.
Result: barely any difference in hair loss. Could the blade be getting blunt already? I am concerned that I should have lathered on the face to lift the stubble better. Too late now.
Pass Three EJ 89 ATG
ooo - That tugs. There is so much hair left from the first two passes I am having to go carefully with the against the grain pass. As I reach my top lip there is so much hair left and the razor is tugging I wimp out and complete this XTG.
This is disappointing - I am used to using the EJ89 for a final ATG pass in conjunction with a sharper blade and more aggressive razor for passes one and two and under those circumstances it's great. Today it isn't fun.
I run my hand over my face. There is stubble left in the problem areas.
Pass Four EJ89 ATG touch ups
I find myself applying quite a bit more pressure than I would ordinarily. I REALLY don't like this blade. I clear the stubble but it's not quite as BBS as I would normally aim for.

Pass One Muhle Rocca WTG
There are two immediate differences - the weight and the sound. The Rocca is way more audible than the Edwin Jagger. I adjust my shaving and quickly find that I am using the weight of the razor and instead of feeling for feedback now I am shaving by sound.
Result: Well I'm shocked - the razor has taken a lot less off than the Edwin Jagger did. Maybe the blade is blunt.
Pass Two Muhle Rocca XTG
The sound is even more noticeable now. And I really like the precision - especially as I work round the ear. The razor also doesn't clog so quickly with cream and I am able to run longer sweeps down the cheek.
My cross the grain pass on the neck is guided almost exclusively by sound. I can hear how much hair I am cutting from the sound of the hairs cutting and adjust the angle and attack accordingly. But the blade. Oh how I HATE this blade. I am having to go a lot more carefully than I would with something sharper. It has a tendency to catch and skip.
Result: I am pleased by the result. It's at DFS level. I would be happy to stop now if I was in a hurry. This pass is way ahead of the EJ 89 and almost to where the EJ reached after pass three.
Pass Three Muhle Rocca ATG
This is much more comfortable than the EJ 89 ATG pass up the neck and cheeks, because the XTG pass took so much more off. There are a couple of moments where I have to go careful because it's tugging a bit. When I reach the mouth area it's fine at first, but then… the hairs catch. I freeze. It's almost like it's going to pluck them. I end up having to change the angle and shave a direction somewhere between the ATG and XTG. I negotiate it OK - but it was somewhat unsettling.

Result: No weepers or cuts either side.
Left side of face (EJ89) BBS in places, good shave everywhere else, some irritation in problem areas, neck not quick BBS.
Right Side of face (Rocca) BBS over 95%, neck almost. One slight spot of irritation (not visible).

Conclusions
The razors are a completely different experience. I got most of the feedback from the Edwin Jagger from the feel of it on my skin and used quite a bit more pressure, especially on the final pass.
The Rocca required a much lighter touch, as you would expect, and I found that I shaved by listening to the sound it made.

The blade… I had forgotten how much I despise Muhle blades. My deepest respect to you for managing to shave with them on a daily basis. After the first pass it tugged and hacked my face. This one went straight into the blade bank after use.

I would recommend trying some blade samples and continue with the light touch you tried this morning.
 
The birch handle does look beautiful, although I haven't seen one in the flesh! I went for the black handle, not just because it was cheaper, but I felt it had a more timeless quality to it. Also, now owning one, I know that this razor is going to be around longer than I am so feel i made the right choice.
 
A comprehensive report. Forget the Mùhle blades and try Astra or Gillett silver blue. Very nice in the Rocca.......smooth face after two passes. Almist after one sometimes, one plus touch up.
 
A comprehensive report. Forget the Mùhle blades and try Astra or Gillett silver blue. Very nice in the Rocca.......smooth face after two passes. Almost after one sometimes, one plus touch up.
 
A few weeks further on and have persevered with the Rocca razor and different blades. I am happy with a two pass shave with Silver Blue and Nacet blades. My preference at this time is the Nacet, smooth as silk, no irritation and more importantly, no blood! However, I think is probably due to me adjusting my shaving technique.
Had a 5.30 start the other day and used my R106 for old times sake and safety at that time of day. A passable shave for work, but I'm now very glad I bought the Rocca. I extravagantly bought the matching brush, look good together in my den!
Thanks for all the advice everyone.
 
I want to buy a Muhle Rocca. I can't stretch to full price. Is there any where I can get a discount.
Further to that. Has anyone got one and is it worth the money?
I was considering one but it has a solid plate with lather outlet slots, which could lead to clogging!

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As I said in my last post, I use it daily and it doesn't clog
That's good to hear. Actually the Rocca represents good value for money when compared to other top flight stainless steel razors. Can't understand people winging about the price!?

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It's the razor I want. Have read good reviews, but it's pricey. I already have a brush which cost half as much as the Rocca and does a good job.
I have a R106 and Edwin Jagger R89., but like the idea of stainless steel.
I wondered if anyone knew where I could get it cheaper.
It's not pricy at all compared to other SS DEs like ATTs, Ikons etc. If you want quality just pay up or save up!!!

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