First shave with Merkur 1904...WOW!

[Royall Lyme]

What a rapid departure from the 34c!!

I put a Personna in the razor and lathered up some Proraso...... and got one of the best shaves to date since I started DE shaving a little over a month ago. I was looking for something that would perform like my SS and the 1904 delivered a shave that was just as good as or better. BBS first time with the razor...VERY NICE!!

The 1904 is definitely a keeper and I would highly recommend this razor to anyone.

 

[echelon3]

It is a very nice razor, isn't it? I'm down to using just two razors now, the 1904 and a vintage slant.

 

[JPDyson]

I am just going to have to buy a 1904 to try and figure out how the heck it's so different from a 34C (aside from handle). The heads look identical.

 

[Royall Lyme]

JP,

I think it has to do with the weight of the handle. The 1904 has a more natural feel in my hand than the 34c did. Otherwise, I just can't figure out why it works better for me....YMMV i guess!

 

[Cheesehead Transplant]

What a rapid departure from the 34c!!

I put a Personna in the razor and lathered up some Proraso...... and got one of the best shaves to date since I started DE shaving a little over a month ago. I was looking for something that would perform like my SS and the 1904 delivered a shave that was just as good as or better. BBS first time with the razor...VERY NICE!!

The 1904 is definitely a keeper and I would highly recommend this razor to anyone.

I love my 1904. And I agree with you that it gives a shave just as good and if not better than my SS. In fact, I use it more than both my SS's. I use a Shark Blade in mine and Col Conk Bay Rum Soap. I get a magnificent shave each time.

 

[nemo]

I'm wondering which head you tried. Open comb 41C or the safety bar 42C.

There is a big difference there in my opinion.

 

[bohdathone]

I'm wondering which head you tried. Open comb 41C or the safety bar 42C.

There is a big difference there in my opinion.

How does their performance differ Nemo, and which do you prefer?

 

[RayH]

The 1904 (42C) is my go-to razor. BBS shave every time. That's even using Wal-Mart de blade in it. The only problem I have with it is that the handle gets slippery sometimes and I have to wipe both it and my hands off during the shave. Not a large razor but it does have a nice weight to it. A good buy for anybody.

 

[gsurko]

I've sold a Feather S.S. razor and traded off a E.J. Chatsworth Barley because I like my 1904 much, much better. I may take the pledge, quit buying razors and just stick with my Slant and 1904.

 

[nemo]

How does their performance differ Nemo, and which do you prefer?

Open comb is more aggressive and the other seems more forgiving to me. Both styles will give a good close shave but since the open comb requires a little more attention it might not be as well suited for beginning DE shavers. Of course, as always YMMV.

 

[Rocketeer]

I am a huge fan of the Merkur 1904. I have stated before in this forum that IMHO it is the most under-rated new-production razor, and the best value for those on a budget who are hesitant to try, or start with, a vintage razor.

As for which is my favorite razor, it is a toss-up between my 1959 SS Flairtip and the 1904.

 

[Mike Schutz]

I have a 1904 Open Comb and it's part of my regular rotation. A little light but a nice shave.