I recently acquired a Merkur 41 '1904' open comb. I got two shaves out of it and both shaves gave a very similar result. So I think I can make a write up of my experience.
The Merkur's overal design looks very similar to the Fatip Grande open comb. The major differences are that the Merkur is chrome plated zamak, whereas the Fatip is nickel plated brass. The handle is shorter (like the Fatip Piccolo), but the handle width is more in line with the Grande albeit hexagonal instead of round. I had absloutely no issues with holding the hexagonal handle. Both combs have the same number of teeth and the weight/balance of both razors are very similar.
One cannot deny the superior finish of the head of the Merkur. I understand plating zamak requires more layers than plating brass? Machining marks remain visible on the Fatip, though I've read that Fatip has picked up on finish with the elusive Il Grosso???
I used a toothpick to compare the blade exposure. I cannot give exact measurements, but the toothpick glides over comb/top cap without touching the blade, meaning it has a negative blade exposure. With the Fatip, the blade scrapes the toothpick. I believe I have read the exposure is +0.14? Well, this makes a noticeable difference...
I did not notice too much of a difference regarding blade feel or smoothness when shaving. The area above the jaw line for me works as well with the Merkur as with the Fatip, same result.
Under the jaw line it's a different story. No matter how hard I tried I couldn't get a BBS with the Merkur with both shaves and twice I had to switch to the Fatip for the 3rd and final under the jaw pass. (I can only clean the area, chin bent towards neck –bulging the skin– and shave from ear to chin).
Tools used:
YAQI Sagrada Familia 22 mm two band badger
PRORASO pre shave white
MDC / Martin De Candre Original
PRORASO after shave splash green (alcohol)
MSC / Master Soap Creations After shave splash Nordic Croco (alcohol free)
Both razors were loaded with a brand new German SCHICK Stainless Steel/Triple Coated
The SCHICK blades were suggested to me by Fernando from Master Soap Creations. Very smooth blade. I'm expecting some Wizamets to come in next week, which he claims are even better...
I face lather. The Martin De Candre soap doesn't stop amazing me. With the MSC-soaps, it's the only two soaps I can get 3 passes without having to reload. And both give me the best after shave skin feel.
I had hardly any feedback from PRORASO after shave splash!
VERDICT: While the Merkur is a beautiful, pretty efficient razor, it can't beat the performance of the Fatip. Is the extra plating of the Merkur responsible for it being not as efficient? I don't know. I'm still looking for something as efficient as the Fatip ;-)
The Merkur's overal design looks very similar to the Fatip Grande open comb. The major differences are that the Merkur is chrome plated zamak, whereas the Fatip is nickel plated brass. The handle is shorter (like the Fatip Piccolo), but the handle width is more in line with the Grande albeit hexagonal instead of round. I had absloutely no issues with holding the hexagonal handle. Both combs have the same number of teeth and the weight/balance of both razors are very similar.
One cannot deny the superior finish of the head of the Merkur. I understand plating zamak requires more layers than plating brass? Machining marks remain visible on the Fatip, though I've read that Fatip has picked up on finish with the elusive Il Grosso???
I used a toothpick to compare the blade exposure. I cannot give exact measurements, but the toothpick glides over comb/top cap without touching the blade, meaning it has a negative blade exposure. With the Fatip, the blade scrapes the toothpick. I believe I have read the exposure is +0.14? Well, this makes a noticeable difference...
I did not notice too much of a difference regarding blade feel or smoothness when shaving. The area above the jaw line for me works as well with the Merkur as with the Fatip, same result.
Under the jaw line it's a different story. No matter how hard I tried I couldn't get a BBS with the Merkur with both shaves and twice I had to switch to the Fatip for the 3rd and final under the jaw pass. (I can only clean the area, chin bent towards neck –bulging the skin– and shave from ear to chin).
Tools used:
YAQI Sagrada Familia 22 mm two band badger
PRORASO pre shave white
MDC / Martin De Candre Original
PRORASO after shave splash green (alcohol)
MSC / Master Soap Creations After shave splash Nordic Croco (alcohol free)
Both razors were loaded with a brand new German SCHICK Stainless Steel/Triple Coated
The SCHICK blades were suggested to me by Fernando from Master Soap Creations. Very smooth blade. I'm expecting some Wizamets to come in next week, which he claims are even better...
I face lather. The Martin De Candre soap doesn't stop amazing me. With the MSC-soaps, it's the only two soaps I can get 3 passes without having to reload. And both give me the best after shave skin feel.
I had hardly any feedback from PRORASO after shave splash!
VERDICT: While the Merkur is a beautiful, pretty efficient razor, it can't beat the performance of the Fatip. Is the extra plating of the Merkur responsible for it being not as efficient? I don't know. I'm still looking for something as efficient as the Fatip ;-)