Merkur 33c to...

[Gatsby]

Been DE shaving for a year now and I would like to add a another saftey razor to the arsenal.

I'm considering the following:

Merkur HD (the staple saftey razor, but just how much an imporvement is it over my 33c?)

Merkur Slant (I like the "slicing" idea behind the razor, but I don't think my beard is thick or coarse enough to warrant a Slant)

EJ Classic w/ Ebony handle or EJ Classic w/ Chrome: I've read great reviews of these razors and, even though they seem to be in the same league as the Merkur HD, I think an EJ would add some variety.

 

[ateace]

Either of those would be a good choice. The EJs shave very similarly to the Merks, but there is a slight difference that has won many over.

The HD is a nice step up from the 33C. It's a little heavier, with a thicker handle and a nice 2 piece design. This has been my go-to razor for a while now.

I've thought about a slant, but the HD handles my whiskers just fine.

 

[talibeard]

I prefer the EJ/Mühle's ever since they came out with their new razors.

I have been using my 33C as a 23C too since I also have the LHC open comb and switched handles sometimes. I have used the HD and still own the 37G (gold plated slant) and find them both less to my liking. In fact the only reason I hang on to the slant is because it was a gift from my wife and I don't want to hurt her feelings.

It is not that they are bad in any way; they just stay out of my rotation because I dislike the balance and the too short,thick and heavy handles. Then again, YMMV!!

 

[Gatsby]

Thank you for your advice.

I spent most of my morning class today drooling over the EJs. I love 'em the more I look at them.

 

[dpmtherrien]

Be sure to check out the Merkur Classic 1904. That's one fine razor.

 

[DunEdinRanger]

My vote is for the Slant. It will mow down whiskers like a fat kid going after a snickers bar.

 

[Gafer]

Someone around here advised me three years ago that my second razor should be a Slant. Instead, I went through a slew of vintage Gillettes and other razors until a year ago I tried a slant. I've not used anything since. I wish I had listened to that sage advice three years ago.

 

[RazorPete]

I've used my 23c (33 with a longer handle) for a while and like it so much i have not felt the need to try anything else. But just recently I finally decided to compare it to vintage gillettes. So far I have compared it to a late 50s superspeed flaretip and after some testing have concluded I like the 23c better.

I like the smaller head of a three piece as well as the increased feedback and shaving sound/feel when I am getting a good cut on my beard compared to the bigger head on the superspeed, not to mention easier shaving under the nose and easier cleaning. Plus I think the simpler design of the three piece razor suits my more minimalist tendencies. Now I have a late 50s tech and a gillette new on the way, so having decided I like three pieces better than one piece tto, I will then narrow down which three piece I like best.

I'm not a collector so I'm just going to keep one razor and sell the rest at cost back to folks here. I'd love to have one of these vintage three piece gillettes win out on giving me the best shave, but I have the sneaking suspicion that despite my affection for nostalgia, the 23c will win out in the end.