Got some questions for Merkur guys

[wolfmanxiii]

Hey guys, since I switched from straights to DE's I've been using nothing but vintage/antique Gillette razors. Lately I've been thinking about getting a Merkur to see how much of a difference there is so I'm planning to buy one.

First, I need to know, I'm thinking about buying the slant bar, the classic straight bar, or the HD straight bar. Are these two or three-piece razors?

Any recommendations as to which one I should get? I use mostly a straight razor and a Gillette Ball-End tech (the solid handle ones). My TTO and adjustable Gillettes don't seem to cut it. If it helps influence your advice at all I have a coarse, tough beard that when I've tried shaving with things such as a disposable Bic Sensitive, it takes 4-5 passes just to get anywhere near DFS.

Also, I've seen some Merkurs that come in bakelite cases and sometimes wood cases. Any idea where I can get a hold of one of these? I need a travel case as I'll be going out of town soon.

I know, a lot of questions, but I want to make this purchase count!

 

[Gruder]

Get the slant (it's a 2-piece). Just be sure to give it the same attention to learning proper angle/technique that you gave to every other razor you've been successful with, and I predict great results!

 

[inkcoffee]

Check out The Superior Shave

I think the slant bar will be good for your use. The HD and the Slant are two piece razors. By Classic Straightbar, do you mean, the 1904 replica model?, it's a three piece; on the Superior Shave the Merkurs are grouped by two piece and three piece.

If anybody asks me for a DE Razor recommendation from about week ago until I die, it'll be for the Slant bar or Sledgehammer Slant, excellent razors, even for people with sparse growth like me.

 

[wolfmanxiii]

Those Merkur cases don't look half bad...does anybody here know if the slant fits in that case?

By Classic straight bar, I was basically referring to any of the 3-piece closed comb/straight bar models.

I've been thinking for a while about getting the slant and this is really starting to make me lean more toward it. Normally with a DE one WTG and one XTG don't take away enough stubble to go for ATG. If I just do these ATG usually "skips" across the stubble resulting in lots of irritation especially in the infamous neck area. Not too often that I ever get smooth. I'm also curious about if I buy the slant and don't like it, which one of the straight bars you guys recommend. I don't use open comb too often as I have sensitive skin in the neck area and they seem to irritate.

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Had my 38 Barberpole for 2 days now---getting most excellent shaves the last 2 days(thanks bill and ted)---like night and day compared to my EJ89.

I recommend the 38 highly.

 

[Sir Ronald]

I recommend the HD. you can put a Red Personna in it and it will be a moderately aggressive shave that is ultra smooth. you can then put in progressively sharper blades until you get to the Feather, then you are shaving very close and aggressive. I like it somewhere in the middle so I use Treet Platinum, Astra SS & Bluebirds. but with your tough, coarse beard you may want to go with Feather or Super Iridiums. they will mow through the toughest of growth with ease. I too can't use old Gillette TTO's for the same reason that they are not aggressive enough. the HD is a fantastic razor, it leaves me BBS after 3 passes. best of luck with whatever you purchase.

 

[wolfmanxiii]

Has anybody compared the HD or the classic (both closed comb/straight bar) to the vintage Gillette Ball-End Tech (newer style with the more solid handle that doesn't crack)? I would be interested to know how they compare as I can get a DFS from a ball-end Tech. I think I'm pretty sold so far on the slant though, I'll have to do some experimenting with scything to see if I can handle it.

 

[wolfmanxiii]

Come on Merkur users, I know you're out there! I've got some good advice so far, but the more opinions I get on this the better idea I'll have as to what to get.

 

[inkcoffee]

The regular Slant, 37C/G will fit the new plastic case (it's the same size as the 34C/G), my 39C does not.

 

[Shave Cave Dweller]

I've got the HD and a long handle both excellent performers. I have yet to run into a blade that does NOT perform with either of these. I've used Astra's, Iridiums, Merkurs, Crystals, and Sharks. Didn't care for the Crystals seemed like 2 good shaves then it got dull.

 

[ateace]

Has anybody compared the HD or the classic (both closed comb/straight bar) to the vintage Gillette Ball-End Tech (newer style with the more solid handle that doesn't crack)? I would be interested to know how they compare as I can get a DFS from a ball-end Tech. I think I'm pretty sold so far on the slant though, I'll have to do some experimenting with scything to see if I can handle it.

Merks have been my preferred razors, with occasional visits to my Muhle R89 or EJs (Muhle head).

I've never been able to get great results with the Tech. It's definitely on the gentle side and I can't seem to find the sweet spot consistently enough to stick with it.

Merks give me much better results. The geometry of the head is more intuitive for me and the aggressiveness is just right. I can alter my shaves to be more gentle or aggressive as needed just by using different brands of blades.

I've used almost all of the fixed head straight bar models (Classic, 1904, HD, 38C) and they're all great shavers.

I have no experience with the Slant. The shaves I get with my existing Merkurs are just where I need them to be, so I have no curiosity to try the Slant.

I hope this helps.

 

[hoslerd]

I recommend the 38C Barber Pole HD. It has the long handle, looks great and shaves even better. I have a tough beard as well and this razor performs excellently with just about every blade I have tried and the extra weight makes shaving effortless. Good luck

 

[drandall]

it's hard to go wrong with the HD. other merks are prettier or heavier or whatever, but the HD is a formidable weapon, despite its humble origins. great heft. great grip. solid performance.

 

[talibeard]

I have used the ball end Tech as well as the 3-piece Merkurs 23C, 33C and 25C. The Techs are too mild for me; I can get a decent shave out of them but when I want my 'standard shave' it is simply too much work. The Merkurs give me that shave far more easy and with fewer passes without ever being aggressive.

I used the 37G (slant) and 34C (HD) as well but didn't like the handle and weight distribution. YMMV for sure. Not overly aggressive either but more so than the classics.

Though the Merkurs (3-piece) shave fine I really do prefer the Mühle R89 over them any time and (at least overhere) they have about the same price-tag. About as mild as the 3-piece Merkurs but for one reason or another more efficient.

 

[cooncatbob]

The clear top cases are rather fragile, the hinge ears break off very easily and then you have to use a rubber band to keep the lid on.
Merkur used to make some very nice Ivory colored cases, these had a full length pinned hinge and are quite stout.
I'd buy a soap case before I'd pay $10 for a Merkur case.

 

[inkcoffee]

^ this is a good suggestion

 

[wolfmanxiii]

Sounds like the HD is pretty highly regarded, maybe I'll get that and see how it works. I can always get the slant if that isn't enough.

Thanks for the tip cooncatbob and for backing him up on that Andrew.
Hey Bob, you ever thought about making razor cases at all? I've heard great things about your products!

I'm tempted to try out an Altoids tin or something.

 

[cooncatbob]

Sounds like the HD is pretty highly regarded, maybe I'll get that and see how it works. I can always get the slant if that isn't enough.

Thanks for the tip cooncatbob and for backing him up on that Andrew.
Hey Bob, you ever thought about making razor cases at all? I've heard great things about your products!

I'm tempted to try out an Altoids tin or something.

I made some wooden boxes, they were labor intensive and their production used up too much shop space..
An Altoid tin make a great case for a 3 piece razor, just spray paint the outside and make a cutout liner out of foam or cork sheeting.

 

[shawnmaze]

I like my Barber Pole for its weight and design. I also love my Future. Just having the weight and the ability to dial it in for a particular day or even a pass is great. I recommend the HD to those who have bad habits with long handles. The short handle lets you keep same angle through the bottom of neck. Longer handles tend to make people want to hook the blade because the handle will hit collar bone otherwise. This creates the pulling and irritation. The constant for me is the heavier Merkur razors.