Today on my way to the local shops I passed a man with an electric bike who'd parked and set out a tray of very basic shaving gear and horn combs. I pick up a "Tech" from a company called Hong Long, for $1.50. I think this is a relic from a long time ago, possibly NOS, as it's the first time I've ever seen this sort of product on the East Coast. It has a long thin handle in '20s style and a very slim, basic head which, to be honest, has rather sharp edges. Thing is though, it's solid unplated brass. The handle is heavy and the thread fits the head of my R81 perfectly. I now have two beautifully balanced razors, the one with the MP head and HL handle as heavy as a 34c, but with a better head of course. The other is as light as a fat-handled Tech, but better balanced. When I get home I'm going to get all four parts nickel plated. Merkur simply must stop using ZAMAK if they are to be seen as a prestige company. I'm a very happy man. Pics when I have time
Franken-pinsell.
- Thread starter scottish steve
- Start date
Hong Long are Vietnamese razors, cheap metals are used to make it.
- Thread starter
- #3
That looks like a standard x89 head.
And yes, brass is a relatively expensive material compared to the more common zinc alloys.
And yes, brass is a relatively expensive material compared to the more common zinc alloys.
- Thread starter
- #5
The head I photod is the Muhle R89 head, with the H.L. handle. I'm no metallurgist. I can't think what it might be if not brass. Any ideas?
Slash McCoy
I freehand dog rockets
I recently bought a similar one in Duqm, Oman. Same style. Pretty cheesy but less than a buck. I shaved with it just for kicks.
- Thread starter
- #7
I too bought it as a curiosity piece until I realised it would fit my R89 head. I used it today and prefer this combination to the std Muhle handle. The added weight, better balance and heavy knurling allow me to control the blade more and get a better feel of where it is and what it's doing. But the head of the HL does look a bit too basic for everyday use. I will try it out soon I'm sure. How does it shave Mr McCoy?
Vietnam is known for rubber and rice industries, i am sure they did not use brass as a cost savings.
- Thread starter
- #9
So what is it?
It's heavy, so not likely the usual plated potmetal, but it could still be a heavy zinc alloy with a lower percentage of aluminum.
It's going to be hard to tell without cutting it or waiting for it to begin to develop it's patina.
It's going to be hard to tell without cutting it or waiting for it to begin to develop it's patina.
What does the handle look like in the thread hole area? Is it brass colored in there as well?
Muhle razors are made with Zamak as well, but with a better finish.
Muhle razors are made with Zamak as well, but with a better finish.
Man that is a long handle I could shave from my bedroom with that thing.
- Thread starter
- #13
The inside of the thread is the same colour as the outside of the handle. It is heavy. Any heavier and it would feel un-natural. And this is from someone who loves the Futur!
Slash McCoy
I freehand dog rockets
It was kinda scary at first because the blade wasn't secured very well from shifting around. And the blade that came with it was sharp but harsh before corking. But it did shave, for all that. I also bought a couple of 5-packs of 7 O'Clock Greens and that was an improvement, but still too mild. I ended up just tossing it while packing to get off the ship and come home. I already have good DE razors here that I don't use... no sense dragging home a *** like that one just because it can shave. I just picked it up out of curiousity, really. I think I posted a pic of it from Oman.
