Am I Crazy?

[synapticmisfires]

So I kind of want my first DE to be new, just as a matter of personal preference. I hear that the Merkur HD and the long-handled version of it are pretty much the cream of the crop in that area, though obviously everyone has their preferences. I guess for a razor of that quality, it's worth the price, but I am cheap, cheap, cheap and working on next to no income.

My question is about this. Basically, it sounds too good to be true. I mean $8 shipped. Even if it sucks, I can't hardly go wrong....right? Or am I a foolish sucker who is about to get conned and end up buying the real deal Merkur 2 days later. I mean I'm not exactly expecting extravagance here, just something that won't cause severe bodily harm. What's the catch?

Edit:I did look for reviews, but I didn't find any of this specific model, I think... It's hard to tell the Lord models apart.

 

[s1mp13m4n]

No, you will certainly not be conned. It is a fantastic razor for the money. I own a Lord Merkur Tech. It is a Lord with a Merkur like head on it and I love it. This razor to me looks like the Gillette Tech which is my other favorite razor....the head is similar to the Gillette Tech. It is in my top two razors. I say buy it, you will not be let down.

 

[machine99703]

I don't have any experience with that razor, I not sure if this is the same model.
Review http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=34663

You could get a feather portable, for around that price. A fine shaver IMHO
Review http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=9940
Then if you upgrade later you can use it for travel.

Same thing goes for a tech, you can get one off the B/S/T usually for around $15 if you want to go the vintage route, little less aggressive than the feather though.

 

[synapticmisfires]

FWIW: After doing some sleuthing it seems that the review was for a "Lord Premium 1822". Quite what the distinction is between that and the "Lord" branded one I don't know. (Less cross-hatching?) It is hard to imagine that a razor someone got for $3.99 recently was the "premium" model lol. Oddly I can't seem to find the "Premium" LP.1822 for sale anywhere, but this one is in a couple of places seemingly going by the moniker LR.122 or L.122.

 

[machine99703]

I would hold off until someone weighs in with advice on that model then.

 

[SavantStrike]

I'm guessing they are the same model, but that will be a very light razor. I seem to recall most of the guys who tried the Lords to have thought they were a decent enough razor, but a bit light for daily use. Then again when I reach for a DE (seldom), it's always for my long handled Merkur Classic (23c), which is also a lot lighter than the HDs or barber poles.

For the price, it is hard to go wrong, but I think you'll soon want something a bit more durable.

 

[82R100]

Get yourself a Feather Portable instead.

-Chris

 

[MAK]

I have tried the Lord razors (very inexpensive) and they were not bad at all. Fit and finish isn't as good as a better razor, but for the price...why not.

 

[dpmtherrien]

I don't think that something you're going to be running over your face and neck is a place one should be trying to skimp on. While I can understand the financial aspect of things, I feel it would be worth the effort to save up a bit and order a really nice razor. You can get a great Merkur razor, brand new, for in the low $20's. This would be a quality razor that will last a lifetime. Just check around on the various shaving sites and see whats out there. This is just IMHO however.

 

[synapticmisfires]

Update:
So a couple of different sources suggested the Feather Portable. Well this seemed like a perfect idea. I was able to get one from B&B user pauldog for roughly the same price.

The Feather Portable is a high-quality razor, from a reputable company with a great deal of reviews from experienced B&B users (all of them glowing!). So it really was perfect for me. Thank you all for the advice. I placed my order with pauldog and promptly received my item in pristine original packaging.

The case is compact and well-made two-piece plastic case. The razor itself is heavy and of the kind of quality that B&B has taught me to look for. I ran out to walmart and bought some personnas. After a shower, I got out the tabac because it's what I've been using. I shaved carefully. It took 50-55 minutes for two passes versus an average in the low 40s for a disposable (bic-esque). I got a couple of bad nicks, but ones that I had coming. The real story is that in the open, on my cheeks I got the closest shave of my life. I see the appeal.

I will probably get another razor eventually, but thanks to all of your advice and to pauldog, I got a very inexpensive razor that could satisfy my shaving needs forever. Plus, when I do get a higher-cost razor, I'll be able to use this compact bad boy and its case for when I travel. Highly-recommended to the poor, the jet-setting, and the curious.

Edited to add: I'd rave more, but I'm saving it for an eventual review. It was great though.