Merkur 34C and the Retaining Ring

[Joe_Karp]

Greetings Gents!

I'm the second owner of a 34C. Over the last few cleanings have had a real problem pinching the brass retaining ring in so the threaded knob stays in place. I don't remove the knob but every few weeks. This morning I could not reinsert the adjustment knob, no matter how hard I tried...and with sore fingertips grabbed an old pair of needlenose pliers and removed the ring.

I've noticed, this is my first 34C, that the razor seemed to bind, and despite reports of giving a close shave, this with IP Reds wasn't too bad...with the ring gone and after tightening the head down, actually get a more aggressive shave. Yeah I have to be careful changing the blade, so I don't drop the knob; but one thing for sure, it's much easier to do since.

Have two questions: First, any of you had this problem? And if so, second, looking at photos of older German and US two-piece razors, was this the way they worked as well - without any kind of retaining ring? Looks like these oldies were just threaded together...!

I may look for, and order a replacement new 34C, (I like the razor and Merkurs in general) but in the meantime my problem with binding and troubles removing and reinserting the adjustment knob has been resolved.

Have a good one and thanks in advance!

Joe

 

[Invicta]

I have only removed the threaded knob once and I applied some light machine oil on it before re-assembly. There was no problem re-fitting the knob. Just pinch in and re-fit. It does not need to be removed on a regular basis.
Have a look at the leading edge of the ring. There may be a burr on there causing it to get displaced from the recess when re-fitting and thus moving it out of its location. The knob should also rotate freely when not attached to the cap.
The ring makes no difference to the blade gap so the perceived difference in shave must be due to other factors.
I can't help with the second question.

 

[Joe_Karp]

Thanks for your response. I own two Mergress razors and found an old thread here by Cooncat Bob (RIP) who said he removed his retaining rings on his Progress razors, so I'm not far off the mark I guess. Cheers!

 

[ateace]

It seems that the 34C was not designed for repeated dismantling and reassembly. It doesn't surprise me that the retaining ring has become difficult to work with, even after a few times.

 

[Joe_Karp]

It seems that the 34C was not designed for repeated dismantling and reassembly. It doesn't surprise me that the retaining ring has become difficult to work with, even after a few times.

I sure wish there was something written about that detail. Even after the first few breakdowns I had difficulty reinserting the knob and couldn't figure out what I'd done. Maybe nothing? Good to know. In any case, there's not a whole lot to go wrong now. I shaved with the 34C this morning and actually it's easier to keep clean this way, but also with the flow-through design it also looks like removing it (the knob...) wasn't really necessary. But I'm the techie type that wants to know how something was built. So now I know. Next HD I buy I'll just leave it alone.

 

[VerbaVolant]

...But I'm the techie type that wants to know how something was built...

What is your opinion, as a "techie", regarding the engagement length of the threaded post?

 

[njpaddy]

I've had my 34G for almost 4 years and have never dismantled it. I occasionally run a thick pipe cleaner through the handle to see if it picks up anything, but it doesn't. I just happen to have pipe cleaners around because of my pipes, otherwise I wouldn't even bother with that. If it ain't broke, don't fix it has always been my motto.

 

[Joe_Karp]

What is your opinion, as a "techie", regarding the engagement length of the threaded post?

Maybe you'd like to explain your point regarding 'engagement length of the threaded post' my friend. I posted this as a query because I had a problem with a Merkur 34C and have found from courteous replies that it was due to removing a part I shouldn't have. If this is a problem coming here to ask questions maybe I should play somewhere else.

 

[Joe_Karp]

I've had my 34G for almost 4 years and have never dismantled it. I occasionally run a thick pipe cleaner through the handle to see if it picks up anything, but it doesn't. I just happen to have pipe cleaners around because of my pipes, otherwise I wouldn't even bother with that. If it ain't broke, don't fix it has always been my motto.

Appreciate your reply. You know that's a good point, but still...when I got the 34C I was used to owning two Progress models that don't have this issue and in simply taking it apart found a problem which is why I came here. Would I attempt to take my Slim apart? Nope. So what I learned, in posting here was valuable, because others have had the same problem. Now I own a 34C sans retaining ring, and should I buy another one I will leave it alone thanks.

 

[VerbaVolant]

...If this is a problem coming here to ask questions maybe I should play somewhere else.

I read my post again and could not find anything that would make you feel inadequate. I understand that is the case and apologize.
I posted several times before in threads regarding 34C and never got a reply. I thought it was just because people didn't realize I was actually serious.
So again, while I see you try to understand how things work and you actually pay attention, what do you think of the engagement length of the middle post?
I ask that question because I believe that screw, or shall I say the whole system, is miscalculated.

 

[Joe_Karp]

I read my post again and could not find anything that would make you feel inadequate. I understand that is the case and apologize.
I posted several times before in threads regarding 34C and never got a reply. I thought it was just because people didn't realize I was actually serious.
So again, while I see you try to understand how things work and you actually pay attention, what do you think of the engagement length of the middle post?
I ask that question because I believe that screw, or shall I say the whole system, is miscalculated.

Thanks for that. Internet posting makes it easy to misunderstand sometimes...all's well. And my questions were answered. The 34C (HD) is a terrific razor, and combined with a good blade like Feather or IP Red delivers a wonderful shave.

Now - if you mean the threaded center post, my 34C locks down really well. When firmly tightened there's no play and it feels secure once done. What I look for is a centered head; so in either rotated direction the blade gap is even, and as a result gives a close shave as this razor can and does.

Send a PM, please, VV, if you're interested in talking more about the HD, and thanks B&B!