Merkur 23c

[theinternot]

I have been spending the last month or so trying out some TTO Gillettes I have acquired, and have not been getting very good results. I have tried a Red Tip, Flare Tip, and a Slim Adjustable.

None of them gave me a great shave with different blade combos. And, it turns out that my Slim Adjustable is FUBAR'd... the gap on one side is off and it appears that the center bar is bent. I tried to bend it back, but when I start cranking up the dial the gap difference just gets worse. Oh well, live and learn... Overall, the TTO head "geometry" just doesn't seem to work for me.

Anyway, I went back to my trusty 23c and threw in a fresh Feather. Best shave I have had in a month. Effortless with no irritation. The alum bar speaks volumes and the sting was barely noticeable. BBS!

I am a surfer and when you happen upon a board that just clicks you call it your magic board. Well the 23c is my magic razor.

My AD has died down a bit, and I think I am gonna stop pursuing Gillette TTO's for now. I am still interested in trying a few Gillette non TTO's. I am gonna try to get my hands on a ball end Tech and possibly a Knack. But, if those don't pan out... it looks like it will just be me and my 23c.

But who knows what the Futur has in store!

 

[GMen]

I also have a 23c, it's in my rotation, it always give's me a great shave.

 

[gregdreg]

23c is my favorite razor, I have tried five kinds of Gillette's and two other merkur models and have since sold them all. I just ordered a second 23c this past Thursday, so now I will have one for work and one for home

 

[blue_titan]

This has really been my only DE razor since switching to DE shaving a few months ago. I have also tried a Super Slim Twist (1970, UK made, TTO) a couple of times but I prefer the 23c.

Lately, however, I've been thinking about expanding my collection. I use the Gillette Slide technique as much as I can, and given the comments I've read about slant bar razors, I'm beginning to think that I really need to try one. Further, I don't own an adjustable and with all the positive reviews of the Futur, I think I'd like to try one of those too! I've been pretty good at resisting the RAD, but it seems as though the urge is returning...

 

[auk1124]

This is also my first newbie razor. Does an excellent job, though sometimes I think I would like to try a slant or something a little more aggressive to see if I could get a closer shave with fewer passes. I may have to pick up an open comb or a slant to compare.

 

[SilentTuba]

Interesting...

When I first started on this a month and a half ago, I bought a 23c. I really liked the closeness of the shave, but I got some nasty irritation under my chin, trying to ATG (which I've stopped doing). I then bought a Gillete Blue Tip, and found the shave to be much easier on my face...I could go ATG under my chin and not irritate myself....however, try as I might, I can't seem to get as consistently smooth with the Gillette as I can with the Merkur...

So, now I'm wondering what to do, if I should stick with the Gillette, stick with the Merkur, or try to find a more aggressive Gillette, that isn't quite as aggressive as the Merkur...

 

[theinternot]

So, now I'm wondering what to do, if I should stick with the Gillette, stick with the Merkur, or try to find a more aggressive Gillette, that isn't quite as aggressive as the Merkur...

This is exactly how I felt about my 38c. I thought the answer would be the Super Speed Flare Tip. But, just can't seem to get a consistent shave with it... especially under the nose and on the neck.

 

[bladebuff]

Went through 6 styles of vintage Gillettes before settling on a Merkur.

 

[michiganlover]

I am still interested in trying a few Gillette non TTO's. I am gonna try to get my hands on a ball end Tech and possibly a Knack.

Are you thinking of the right razor: The Knack is a Twist To Open razor just like the Superspeeds.

It's a Superspeed with a much longer plastic handle. Shaves great though, it's one of my favorite razors, and presently sees use 2-3 times per week.

 

[theinternot]

Are you thinking of the right razor: The Knack is a Twist To Open razor just like the Superspeeds.

It's a Superspeed with a much longer plastic handle. Shaves great though, it's one of my favorite razors, and presently sees use 2-3 times per week.

Thanks for the correction. Apparently, I do have the wrong razor. I don't know why I had that in my head as a non TTO. So many razors to keep track of!!!

 

[theinternot]

Went through 6 styles of vintage Gillettes before settling on a Merkur.

Which Merkur(s) did you finally settle on?

 

[bladebuff]

Which Merkur(s) did you finally settle on?

The 1904 - nickel plated, retro styling, lighter than the HD I find it a little gentler. Works for me with a variety of blades.

This razor surprised me after being so hooked on the vintage Gillette's.

 

[johnniegold]

23c is my favorite. Bar none. Used it this morning with a new Red IP.

 

[gerwen]

Interesting...

When I first started on this a month and a half ago, I bought a 23c. I really liked the closeness of the shave, but I got some nasty irritation under my chin, trying to ATG (which I've stopped doing). I then bought a Gillete Blue Tip, and found the shave to be much easier on my face...I could go ATG under my chin and not irritate myself....however, try as I might, I can't seem to get as consistently smooth with the Gillette as I can with the Merkur...

So, now I'm wondering what to do, if I should stick with the Gillette, stick with the Merkur, or try to find a more aggressive Gillette, that isn't quite as aggressive as the Merkur...

Have you tried different blades in the Merkur to cure irritation, or different blades the the Gillette to get better shaves?

 

[bamamckay]

The 23 is the only razor that can, in my opinion , match up with the better of the Gillettes.

 

[theinternot]

The 1904 - nickel plated, retro styling, lighter than the HD I find it a little gentler. Works for me with a variety of blades.

This razor surprised me after being so hooked on the vintage Gillette's.

I am looking seriously into getting one of these. Is it an open comb version?

 

[SRA7594]

I broke into DE with a 23c. I have been using a red tip for the last two weeks, it doesn't come close to the 23c in terms of shave.

 

[theinternot]

I broke into DE with a 23c. I have been using a red tip for the last two weeks, it doesn't come close to the 23c in terms of shave.

I agree. I just can't get an irritation free shave with my red tip. It's unfortunate, cuz I really like the weight and feel of the razor.

 

[bladebuff]

I am looking seriously into getting one of these. Is it an open comb version?

I prefer the straight bar version although the open comb is a very good razor as well.

 

[theinternot]

I prefer the straight bar version although the open comb is a very good razor as well.

Good to know. Thanks!