Merkur 11C VS Goodfellas VS Merkur HD

[Zeede]

I've had a handful of shaves now w/ my Merkur HD + Derby Extras, and have really enjoyed getting into wet shaving. However, I have a very tough beard, and I'd like to get a closer shave if possible. Recently I've been looking at the Merkur 11C (I think that's the open comb variant of the HD) and the Goodfellas razor out of New Zealand. Can anyone give me a comparison of the three?

I know the open combs are supposed to be a little more aggressive than a straight bar, but I've been thinking of trying some sharper blades in the HD anyhow, so maybe Derby Extras + open comb razor would be perfect!

Cameron

 

[Harvey]

Best way to get a closer shave is to use an adjustable razor like the Futur or progress or vision..any one of which you can dial in the perfect degree of sharpness. If you get the Futur be carfull how you adjust it because you can cut your thumb unless you set it down on a towel and twist the handle. The progress is the best value and safest razor in my opinion . (I have one of practically every razor made) Harvey

 

[Vermifuge]

I've had a handful of shaves now w/ my Merkur HD + Derby Extras, and have really enjoyed getting into wet shaving. However, I have a very tough beard, and I'd like to get a closer shave if possible. Recently I've been looking at the Merkur 11C (I think that's the open comb variant of the HD) and the Goodfellas razor out of New Zealand. Can anyone give me a comparison of the three?

I know the open combs are supposed to be a little more aggressive than a straight bar, but I've been thinking of trying some sharper blades in the HD anyhow, so maybe Derby Extras + open comb razor would be perfect!

Cameron

I could be speaking out my bum so someone can correct me. But I believe the vintage open combs are more aggressive simply becasue they are older razors (not a result of age, just a lack of less aggressive vintage open combs being available.)

Now I don't have and HD or a 11c but I do have a Progress, a vision and a futur. All adjustable Merkurs. I have been using my Goodfella for 10 days now and it was probably the lest aggressive out of all the razors in my collection. It's in the same ballpark as my Lady Gillette shave wise. I'm not calling it a bad razor, it's probably my favorite to date.

If you are looking for an aggressive razor you might want to look elsewhere. This is just my opinion and YMMV.

 

[kingfisher]

+1. Goodfella may have an open comb design, but it is not an aggressive razor.

 

[slantman]

I have no experience with the Goodfellas but I have read on many occasions that its not an aggressive razor. But hands down the 11C should do the trick. Its in my regular rotation.

 

[lurker]

I recently picked up a Gillette NEW and an 11c from B/S/T for comparison. I've only shaved 5 times with the NEW and twice with the 11c, but my initial experience is that I much prefer the 11c. My everyday razor is a Fatboy set on 4 or 5. The 11c is remarkable similar in weight and balance to the Fatboy making changing between razors very simple. The NEW has a very head heavy balance that I don't think I care for. I find the NEW more aggressive than the 11c and I'm more likely to get weepers with the NEW, but again this is probably because I haven't really adapted to the radically different balance of the NEW yet. I'm still experimenting, but if I had to make a decision today I would keep the 11c.
Haven't tried a Goodfella.

 

[Luc]

The agressivity of a razor (open/closed comb) is defined by the blade gap. If you want something super-agressive, Muhle R89 old style is your choice. The 11c is great and well balanced. If you like your HD, then, 11c should do the trick.

I also read that a Goodfella is quite mild...

I would recommend picking up a Gillette NEW or Old type on BST. You might be able to get one, shaver grade for $10-$15. It would give you an idea on how it works.

For the older razors to be more agressive, I think it has something to do with the blade thickness. They used to be thicker and now, a thinner blade gives a bigger gap!

 

[Vermifuge]

The agressivity of a razor (open/closed comb) is defined by the blade gap. If you want something super-agressive, Muhle R89 old style is your choice. The 11c is great and well balanced. If you like your HD, then, 11c should do the trick.

I also read that a Goodfella is quite mild...

I would recommend picking up a Gillette NEW or Old type on BST. You might be able to get one, shaver grade for $10-$15. It would give you an idea on how it works.

For the older razors to be more agressive, I think it has something to do with the blade thickness. They used to be thicker and now, a thinner blade gives a bigger gap!

I didn't think blade gap applied to a non adjustable like the Goodfella. The blade in a Goodfella lays directly onto the comb Are you are talking blade angle and/or blade exposure?

 

[r0ckrat]

I have to disagree with you Luc, I don't beleive that gap is the ONLY determining factor. Angle and exposure should also play a role. I was looking closely at my New Improved and New short comb this morning, and noticed that the curve of the blade in each head is different, which would provide a different angle of attack for the edge.

I'd wager that some razors also have a different exposure of blade, both between the cap's edge and the blade's edge, and also from blade's edge to guard. All of these would affect the "aggressiveness" of a razor. Not just simply the distance measured between the blade surface and the guard.

Besides, with the old razors, the blade is pinched between the cap and guard, so any change in thickness is only the difference in the edge bevel, or less than 1/2 the thickness of the metal used for the blade.

 

[rainman]

I have to disagree with you Luc, I don't beleive that gap is the ONLY determining factor. Angle and exposure should also play a role. I was looking closely at my New Improved and New short comb this morning, and noticed that the curve of the blade in each head is different, which would provide a different angle of attack for the edge.

I'd wager that some razors also have a different exposure of blade, both between the cap's edge and the blade's edge, and also from blade's edge to guard. All of these would affect the "aggressiveness" of a razor. Not just simply the distance measured between the blade surface and the guard.

Besides, with the old razors, the blade is pinched between the cap and guard, so any change in thickness is only the difference in the edge bevel, or less than 1/2 the thickness of the metal used for the blade.

Well said.

 

[Luc]

I didn't think blade gap applied to a non adjustable like the Goodfella. The blade in a Goodfella lays directly onto the comb Are you are talking blade angle and/or blade exposure?

I was talking about the distance between the edge and the safety bar.

I have to disagree with you Luc, I don't beleive that gap is the ONLY determining factor. Angle and exposure should also play a role. I was looking closely at my New Improved and New short comb this morning, and noticed that the curve of the blade in each head is different, which would provide a different angle of attack for the edge.

I'd wager that some razors also have a different exposure of blade, both between the cap's edge and the blade's edge, and also from blade's edge to guard. All of these would affect the "aggressiveness" of a razor. Not just simply the distance measured between the blade surface and the guard.

Besides, with the old razors, the blade is pinched between the cap and guard, so any change in thickness is only the difference in the edge bevel, or less than 1/2 the thickness of the metal used for the blade.

That's right. Angle and exposure are other factors. An adjustable will push the blade up, changing the angle. This should complete the 'aggressivity' chapter!

 

[Crazy Dave]

I started with an HD and was getting good results, but I wanted something a more aggressive. I also wanted to try a longer handle. After reading the reviews, I decided on an 11C and I could not be happier. I love the balance and it gives me very close shaves. The open comb has just the right amount of aggressiveness for me. I don’t have big hands but I still prefer the long handle. I highly recommend the 11C.

Dave

 

[glassmtn99]

I started with an HD and was getting good results, but I wanted something a more aggressive. I also wanted to try a longer handle. After reading the reviews, I decided on an 11C and I could not be happier. I love the balance and it gives me very close shaves. The open comb has just the right amount of aggressiveness for me. I don’t have big hands but I still prefer the long handle. I highly recommend the 11C.

Dave

Dave, Are you talking about the 11C or 12C? The 11C is an open comb HD and the handle length and overall length is the same as the HD. The 12C is an open comb Barberpole and its handle length is longer than the HD with the entire razor being about 4 inches in length. I am asking because I am now debating which one of these to purchase.

eric