Has the design of the Merkur 23C changed in the last decade? What am I doing wrong?

[plates]

I've been using the same Merkur 23C for the last 14 years for shaving both around a beard and my head, and it's always been great. Recently, the top piece broke so I had to order a replacement; went with the exact same one, as I figured it's tried and true.

After trying it out twice now, the experience is.. terrible? I'm not exactly sure why, but the best way to describe it is that it feels as though I have to get a WAY more precise angle to get a close shave, and as a result it feels a lot more difficult (especially for my head and Adam's apple), or that it flat out just can't get as close a shave in some spots no matter what angle I use. I also can't seem to be as precise anymore in spots like above the ear.

I thought maybe I got a lemon, so I ordered another replacement of the exact same model, and it was the same experience.

Has the design of the Merkur 23C changed? Is the blade less exposed now so that it's not as forgiving on what angle I use? Do I just need to give it time to get used to whatever the new angle is?

It's been quite frustrating, and at this point I'm tempted to go with a completely different razor brand altogether. If anyone has suggestions on one that can get a closer shave and will let me be a bit more precise, please let me know!

 

[StewB]

It would not surprise me that they changed the mold between the time you had your first one and the newer ones you got recently. As far as suggestions, it's hard to say, but possibly the Mühle R89 or Edwin Jagger DE89 might work for you.

 

[ERS4]

We haven't seen a new generation product from Merkur in almost ten years, so I doubt they'll be able to update the design of basic products like the 23c.(Their website is like a time tunnel, I’m really surprised)

Possible reasons why your new razor no longer feels the same:
1. Use new molds to replace worn out old equipment, resulting in the details not being exactly the same.
2. It may even be a years old mold that is still in use and has lost its original geometry.
3. The difference in the thickness of the electroplating layer─Merkur’s electroplating processing is not exquisite. There is even a rough edge on the top of my 42c handle, which is enough to leave sharp scars on the base plate.

In comparison, Muhle, also from Germany, stood on the same niche as Merkur many years ago, and may even be further behind; but today, many of Muhle's product processing methods, design concepts, materials... have all Improve more.

Christmas is coming soon, pick a gift to treat yourself, maybe a brass/bronze/stainless steel/titanium razor... and you will never have to worry about the top part being damaged again.

 

[ivan_101]

I've been using the same Merkur 23C for the last 14 years for shaving both around a beard and my head, and it's always been great. Recently, the top piece broke so I had to order a replacement; went with the exact same one, as I figured it's tried and true.

After trying it out twice now, the experience is.. terrible? I'm not exactly sure why, but the best way to describe it is that it feels as though I have to get a WAY more precise angle to get a close shave, and as a result it feels a lot more difficult (especially for my head and Adam's apple), or that it flat out just can't get as close a shave in some spots no matter what angle I use. I also can't seem to be as precise anymore in spots like above the ear.

I thought maybe I got a lemon, so I ordered another replacement of the exact same model, and it was the same experience.

Has the design of the Merkur 23C changed? Is the blade less exposed now so that it's not as forgiving on what angle I use? Do I just need to give it time to get used to whatever the new angle is?

It's been quite frustrating, and at this point I'm tempted to go with a completely different razor brand altogether. If anyone has suggestions on one that can get a closer shave and will let me be a bit more precise, please let me know!

Member @Goblin reported a change in the Merkur 34C. They reduced the exposure.

Obviously they did that to the 3 piece razors as well in the last years. That is the common trend after 2010-2012 for many razor manufacturers.

Had a 42C many years ago. It could give me BBS. 3 years ago bought another 42C. Very far from BBS. But I don't have the old one anymore.
Merkur also did that change on the 37C around 2015. The new head has different teeth and is milder than the pre-2015.

So, you are not imagining things, it's not a "lemon".

 

[DesertIguana]

If you want real deal Murkur info, contact company to ask if they updated design.

Maybe you got counterfeit razor.

 

[lakeman77]

are they still made in the same factory? or out sourced?

 

[garyr714]

I've been using the same Merkur 23C for the last 14 years for shaving both around a beard and my head, and it's always been great. Recently, the top piece broke so I had to order a replacement; went with the exact same one, as I figured it's tried and true.

After trying it out twice now, the experience is.. terrible? I'm not exactly sure why, but the best way to describe it is that it feels as though I have to get a WAY more precise angle to get a close shave, and as a result it feels a lot more difficult (especially for my head and Adam's apple), or that it flat out just can't get as close a shave in some spots no matter what angle I use. I also can't seem to be as precise anymore in spots like above the ear.

I thought maybe I got a lemon, so I ordered another replacement of the exact same model, and it was the same experience.

Has the design of the Merkur 23C changed? Is the blade less exposed now so that it's not as forgiving on what angle I use? Do I just need to give it time to get used to whatever the new angle is?

It's been quite frustrating, and at this point I'm tempted to go with a completely different razor brand altogether. If anyone has suggestions on one that can get a closer shave and will let me be a bit more precise, please let me know!

I have a Merkur 23C that I have had for about 10 yrs. It is my favorite razor but a close second is my King C. Gillette I purchased about a year ago. The only thing I don't like about the Gillette is the knurling is on only half of the handle, but it shaves about the same as the Merkur.

 

[LeroyR]

I’ve had this happen with an iKon Tek. I have one that I got like 10 years ago, and it shaves pretty good. I noticed some damage so I ordered another to have on hand and it shaves like crap. It’s the same head, allegedly, but they’re completely different.