Mergress Plating Flaw

[Broccoli Man]

I received my brand new Megress in the mail today and it's an absolute thing of beauty. There's just one (very) small problem. I think I've become the latest victim of Merkur's oft-maligned plating issues. On the top of the base plate, right on the edge of the center hole, it looks as though a small flake of chrome has peeled back. I ran my finger over it a couple of times and although it didn't snap off as I expected, I imagine it would eventually break off after a couple of weekly cleanings with hot water and a rag. I'm not all that concerned from an aesthetic standpoint, since it's hidden beneath the cap, but I'm wondering if I should be worried that the flaking will spread or the metal beneath might start to corrode. Since the razor was modified by a third party, I would imagine that Merkur considers the warranty void. Is there something I can do myself to nip the problem in the bud? I saw in an older thread that someone suggested applying enamel to prevent further plate loss. Would that help to stabilize it? Or is the flaw too insignificant to worry about in the first place?

Here's a picture. It's not great, but hopefully it gives an idea of what I'm talking about:

 

[mhdena]

If this is a brand new razor that would be unacceptable to me. Have you contacted Mr. Mer?

Even though I don't want an aftermarket knob, That was one thing that was nice about Cooncat Bob's knobs, was he sent you the knob as far as I know and you kept the original.

 

[Broccoli Man]

No, I haven't contacted anyone yet. I have no reason to believe that it was a result of the aftermarket modification, so I'm not necessarily looking to take it up with Mer/Lee's Razors. You're right that a brand new razor (especially at this price) should be held to a higher standard, but I've been lurking here long enough to know that Merkur plating problems aren't exactly unheard of, so I'm trying to take it in stride. I'd rather avoid having to ship it back to the States, if possible. I just want to know if there's any potential for further deterioration and if so, what I can do to prevent it.

 

[Galhatz]

Lee's has a stock of Progress razors that they convert. They can pick the ones that are defect-free for this premium. After all, if you had bought it stock and discovered defects you would not deal with Merkur, you'd just return it to the seller. Converting a Progress is a matter of pulling out the stock knob, adjusting the handle and installing the new handle... unless I am missing something fundamental here. The original unit should be acceptable to boot and this one is obviously not. I would send it back for a replacement, and let the seller deal with Merkur on the plating issue.

 

[Triad]

Lee's has a stock of Progress razors that they convert. They can pick the ones that are defect-free for this premium. After all, if you had bought it stock and discovered defects you would not deal with Merkur, you'd just return it to the seller. Converting a Progress is a matter of pulling out the stock knob, adjusting the handle and installing the new handle... unless I am missing something fundamental here. The original unit should be acceptable to boot and this one is obviously not. I would send it back for a replacement, and let the seller deal with Merkur on the plating issue.

+1 you paid enough for a nice one thats not a little plating flaw looks like it will grow pretty fast to me

 

[swcarter]

I would contact Lee direct. He's always struck me as being pretty straight and in it to build a long term client base.

 

[celestino]

Contact Lee if it is brand new. Good luck.

 

[Broccoli Man]

Well, it looks like it's unanimous. As much as I hate having to wait another few weeks for a replacement, I'm sure it's best in the long run. I'll get in touch with Lee and hopefully get this sorted out. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Predict]

Well, it looks like it's unanimous. As much as I hate having to wait another few weeks for a replacement, I'm sure it's best in the long run. I'll get in touch with Lee and hopefully get this sorted out. Thanks for the advice!

Good decision IMO. Let us know how it turns out.