Hi there. This may have an obvious answer, but hoping someone can clue me in on the difference between a chrome and an all stainless steel DE razor. I own a Merkur 38c (chrome) and am satisfied enough to purchase another as a gift. But also considering the Feather All Stainless. The latter is considerably more expensive but I want something that will truly last for many years. Does the chrome eventually corrode or what? All suggestions & advice welcome. Thanks.
Chrome vs Stainless Steel
- Thread starter moontroll
- Start date
A chrome razor is a chrome plating over some base metal (in the case of Merkur, the base metal of the head is pot metal). The plating can eventually wear off through usage, leaving the base metal exposed.
The Feather is made of solid stainless steel, and has no plating. Being stainless it doesn't rust very easily, so it is probably about as durable as you can get for the long term.
The extra cost of the Feather is easily justified if it is the only razor you are buying
lol:
), as it should easily last a lifetime.
The Feather is made of solid stainless steel, and has no plating. Being stainless it doesn't rust very easily, so it is probably about as durable as you can get for the long term.
The extra cost of the Feather is easily justified if it is the only razor you are buying
lol:), as it should easily last a lifetime.
Slash McCoy
I freehand dog rockets
A good chrome plated razor can go many years without the chrome plating wearing through, but eventually it will. If you want a razor that can shave you every day and then shave your grandson every day, you will want the solid stainless. For the short term, it really doesn't matter. You are unlikely to damage the chrome plating any time soon.
Be aware that stainless steel is still steel, and will still react with certain chemicals and can rust... it just doesn't rust quickly or easily. The chrome is much more inert. If you want your stainless razor to look good like forever, keep it clean and make sure it is dry before storing it.
Be aware that stainless steel is still steel, and will still react with certain chemicals and can rust... it just doesn't rust quickly or easily. The chrome is much more inert. If you want your stainless razor to look good like forever, keep it clean and make sure it is dry before storing it.
- Thread starter
- #4
Many thanks for the replies... Just ordered the Feather solid stainless.
You won't be sorry, based on the reviews I've read. Great all-around product. Load it up w/a Feather blade and whack some whiskers! Do let us know how you like it - it's still not an exhaustively reviewed product like some older models.
This may come late, as you've already made the right choice, but you can read My Merkur Story:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=156499
The Feather Stainless is miles ahead in build quality and material, and the shave is better too.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=156499
The Feather Stainless is miles ahead in build quality and material, and the shave is better too.
- Thread starter
- #7
Wow, the pictures are very telling. What a shame, esp because the whole point of buying a sturdy DE razor is to have something that will last.
Much more comfortable in my purchase now. And since it was a gift, maybe I'll be ordering one for myself as well. Many thanks for the replies.
Much more comfortable in my purchase now. And since it was a gift, maybe I'll be ordering one for myself as well. Many thanks for the replies.
- Thread starter
- #8
I should add - speaking of corrosion - that i bought a 'Colonel Conk Chrome Razor Stand' about 5 months ago. It wasn't terribly expensive, just over $20 on Amazon. But it has already corroded terribly - beyond wanting to display it in the bathroom any longer (I hide it behind other things near the sink). Perhaps this is partly my fault for not fully drying it off every morning, but considering this product is designed for bathrooms, you'd think it would stand up to a little moisture for more than just a few months. 
Any recommendations for a better stand? Something all stainless I suppose.
Any recommendations for a better stand? Something all stainless I suppose.
Congrats on the Feather SS! I've had one for a bit and it is one of the finest razors I've handled. It won't just last for your lifetime, it should wind through a few generations of your family. Happy shaving!
Slash McCoy
I freehand dog rockets
I should add - speaking of corrosion - that i bought a 'Colonel Conk Chrome Razor Stand' about 5 months ago. It wasn't terribly expensive, just over $20 on Amazon. But it has already corroded terribly - beyond wanting to display it in the bathroom any longer (I hide it behind other things near the sink). Perhaps this is partly my fault for not fully drying it off every morning, but considering this product is designed for bathrooms, you'd think it would stand up to a little moisture for more than just a few months.
Personally, I don't think Col. Conk is desighed for bathrooms at all. I think it is designed to sell well to folks who want to buy a cute gift for dad, brother, son, best bud, etc. I had a Col Conk straight razor... still do as a matter of fact. The blade is etched IDENTICALLY to a Dovo I have, except "Col. Ichabod Conk" is stamped into the tang. It shaves only so-so. Just doesn't seem to take a good edge. Oh, and there are shoulder issues, too. I had a shaving mirror, same brand, given to me once. It quickly de-silvered.
- Thread starter
- #11
Any recommendations on a better stand? Preferrably not too expensive. Something basic that will last. Found this on Amazon. http://cgi.ebay.com/Stand-Badger-Ha...tem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aa146da42
Says it's stainless steel. But at $16 I have my doubts...
Says it's stainless steel. But at $16 I have my doubts...
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