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Help me buy something new.

Hello Gents, (I seem to have a problem being able to press enter, so please excuse my lack of paragraph separation.) I apologize for my recent hiatus. I have not been active enough here. With a new job and school, I have been pretty busy of late. Of course I have not rewarded myself yet with a new purchase in celebration of the new job, and was hoping you gents could help me find something to satisfy that hunger. To be quite honest, I am looking either for a new soap/cream or a new razor. As far as the soap and cream are concerned, I am looking for something different, something good for winter since the temperatures are dropping rapidly here in the biggest little city. Now I am seriously considering a new razor, but am not sure of what I want. I do know one thing for sure, I want something new not vintage. I want to be able to save my vintage razors and keep them in nice condition. I also know that I want to buy a razor that will last a long time. After reading posts about problems with the plating on new Merkurs, I am a little wary of purchasing one of those. I am seriously considering a stainless razor, but the price is deterring me at the moment because I am on a bit of a tight budget. So is there any happy middle ground here? Should I just go ahead and buy the stainless razor that way I won't have to worry about it in the future? Or should I stick with my trusty 40s SS until it falls apart? I need some serious help here gents. -Bill
 
Q.C. issues can occur with any product. I have 3 Merkurs (2 of them being slants) and all the plating on them is superb. I say go ahead and try a Merkur of sorts ( *ahem* slant...I'm a big fan) and save your pennies until you're in a position to upgrade or look for something in a higher price bracket, if you wish. You'll likely have no worries unloading a razor on the B/S/T.



PS- Any razor that you purchase will last as long as you take care of it.

Good luck, and let us know if you need any other suggestions or tips.
 
Merkur only makes two. The 37c, which is the short handle. A lot of people love and praise this razor. I like it a lot, but prefer the 39c which has a longer handle and a lot more heft. These are both very effective razors, and they're not as fierce as people make them out to be. They're actually known to help people avoid skin irritation. If you like a light razor that's easy to maneuver, 37c. If you want something that comes with free testosterone, and feels like a hammer in your hand (...it's actually nicknamed "the sledgehammer") then the 39c is the ticket.

There are other slant options out there, which are vintage, or new/ stainless steel and more expensive. I cannot vouch for any of those razors, but just advising they're out there.
 
The Weber Stainless razor is $70.

Barring any vintage deals I run across, that's probably going to be my next razor. For about $30 more than the zinc alloy razors, it seems like a screaming deal. YMMV, obviously.
 
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I'll throw a vote out for a Progress. After having a 23c, 1904 and a 37c, the Progress is in a league of its own when it comes to Merkur quality. Needless to say, razors mileage vary greatly, but my Progress (now a Megress) is now my go to razor. I'd say pick up a Progress and if you like it, send it off to Eric for the upgrade.
 
Watch BST. Some of the best deals available from knowledgable people. And don't hesitate to use and enjoy the vintage stuff. Have fun!
 
I want to be able to save my vintage razors and keep them in nice condition. I also know that I want to buy a razor that will last a long time.

How about a compromise? Buy a freshly replated vintage. Keep an eye on Krona Kruiser for a slim or new with fresh plating. You can use one of those for the rest of your life and never have to worry about wearing it out. You'll probably get it for less than the modern production stuff, and (IMO) will get a better shave from it.
 
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