Buying a second razor; any suggestions?

[Megacannon]

Hello!

I've been using the long handled Merkur for the past two years and it works well enough, but I want to try a different razor--a very different razor. I don't feel that I've experienced enough with just my Merkur and want to try new things. However, I'm not sure I've seen enough razors to make a decent decision.

For one thing, I've noticed that brand name does not necessarily indicate a truly different razor as sometimes the only thing that's changed between brands is the handle. Further more, aside from aesthetics, I don't know all of the factors to take into consideration when searching for the "most different" razor from the Merkur I have.

I few things I've decided on that I definitely want in my new razor

• One of those bulbous handles like this Parker.
• A more aggressive edge, but not a slant (that's probably too aggressive).
• Preferably an open comb if at all possible.
• Heavier than my Merkur
• Top quality--no screwing around.

Two things I do not want:

• Butterfly. I greatly prefer the 3-piece setup of the Merkur (unless there's a third option)
• Straight razor. A quality one is definitely out of my price range and I had a feeling someone would suggest this route.

Since there are a lot of nice-looking razors that have the regular, narrow handles, I'd be willing to compromise on that issue, but I really don't want to. I've considered the Muele R89 and the Edwin Jagger Faux Ivory Chatsworth, but I don't think I've considered every option.

 

[redrako]

Mega,

First of all, welcome to B&B.

In short, I think that your 'want' list describes some of the new Cadet razors from Shave-a-buck: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...ssion-Review-Cadet-Razors-from-Shave-a-Buck!!. I've been using a Cadet TP-26 open comb for about an week and am very much enjoying it. I have a fairly dense beard, so like aggressive razors, finding that milder razors don't cut it for me.

Best of Luck

If you select the open-comb option, it will meet all of your criteria except the bulb head. It will be more aggressive than your Merkur without being super-aggressive like the Muhle R41 (2011). Quality wise it's made out of brass with a a high quality chrome finish. I'm a big fan of the short-handled version of your razor (Merkur 34 HD), but realize that it's a thinly chromed POTS metal.

The Muele R89 and EJ razors that you referred to are all quality razors, but if anything would be slightly less aggressive than your Merkur.

 

[americanarmsdealer]

How about a Merkur 1904 Classic Open Comb? I know, I know, it's the same brand as your current whisker whacker, but you gotta admit its definitely different. And maybe an HD handle to put it on to increase the weight?

 

[Megacannon]

In short, I think that your 'want' list describes some of the new Cadet razors from Shave-a-buck: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...ssion-Review-Cadet-Razors-from-Shave-a-Buck!!. I've been using a Cadet TP-26 open comb for about an week and am very much enjoying it. I have a fairly dense beard, so like aggressive razors, finding that milder razors don't cut it for me.

Best of Luck

If you select the open-comb option, it will meet all of your criteria except the bulb head. It will be more aggressive than your Merkur without being super-aggressive like the Muhle R41 (2011). Quality wise it's made out of brass with a a high quality chrome finish. I'm a big fan of the short-handled version of your razor (Merkur 34 HD), but realize that it's a thinly chromed POTS metal.

The Muele R89 and EJ razors that you referred to are all quality razors, but if anything would be slightly less aggressive than your Merkur.

Oops. I meant the Muehle R41 (not 89). I've heard that it is quite aggressive and is also high quality and open comb. You can also get the Grande version with is bigger and therefore heavier. Does anyone who has it know how it compares to the Merkur 180? While I know it's heavier, I can't tell from the pictures if the handle of it (the regular R41, not the Grande) is thicker than the Merkur. I can't stand how thin the Merkur's handle is.

 

[chris.hale]

You want:

Heavy.
Top Quality.
Open comb?

Tradere?

If you want quality you'll struggle to do better, and it shaves like a dream.

 

[Mick]

Welcome to B&B.

You've done an excellent job of describing this nice French razor. Go get yourself one You'll never regret it.

 

[celestino]

My vote for the Tradere safety-bar or open-comb.

 

[sychodelix]

Cadet or Joris, depending on what you wanna spend. Either would fit the bill.

 

[Megacannon]

Welcome to B&B.

You've done an excellent job of describing this nice French razor. Go get yourself one You'll never regret it.

Good job not telling me what that razor is called. Thankfully I know enough about computers to figure out that you named the file joris1.jpg. I did a quick Google search for Joris and found it. They have very nice razors. Big thanks. I'm going to give them a serious look. Also that Tradere open comb looks like a good choice save for the style of handle. It also looks awesome.

 

[Sledgehammer39]

Welcome Aboard!

 

[Mick]

Good job not telling me what that razor is called.

You're welcome. Anything I can do to be helpful

I figured to toss it out as a pic first and if it looked interesting you would go searching (which you did).

I really dig my Joris and use it regularly. It's an extremely well made and finished razor.

the Tradere is also a nice razor but did not seem to fit what you were looking for

 

[Megacannon]

Ah, I see. While the Joris is definitely being considered, one concern I have with it is grip. This is the Joris I'm considering. I'm concerned that I'd have significant trouble gripping it during a shave and either dropping it (!) or cutting myself. I'm used to the nice textured grip of the Merkur that the olive wood-handled Joris lacks. Is this a legit concern? Do other people have major problems using razors without the textured grip? Obviously, I'd have to be reasonable and not dip my hand in the lather before I pick it up. But all things considered, is that really an issue?

 

[elieber]

Replated gillette Old type? ...lasting 100 years seems like a good indicator of quality.

 

[Robert45]

Welcome. Please don't discount a slant. My 37c is no more aggressive than my EJ89. It is just different and provides a smooth comfortable efficient shave.