Merkur 39C Sledgehammer Slant

[mac12563]

I just received my new 39C in mail. I place a new Feather blade in the razor in preparation for my next shave.

After seating the blade and tightening the head down I noticed that the ends of the blade overhang the the sides of the razor by 1/16 on each side of the razor head (See photo). Is that normal or is the razor head too small?

I appreciate your input.

Cheers...

 

[cooncatbob]

That's normal for most DE razors for the blade to over hang.
You know the 39c might not be the best razor to learn on.

 

[mac12563]

Thanks for the quick reply. I have been using a Merkur Vision for a couple of months now and have not had any of the issues I commonly read about starting out. I did my homework before starting DE shaving by reading all that I could before the christening of my Merkur Vision. I shave almost everyday and have never cut myself or drawn any blood to date. I have always shaved in the shower and thought it natural to do the same with the DE razor.

I have already turned 5 people on to DE shaving and counting. I really enjoy my shaves now. My beard is fairly thick and I prefer using Feathers blades. I hope to get the same result if not better when paired with the 39C Slant.


This site has been a wealth of information and I attribute my shaving success by leveraging all the experience of all its members and their generosity to share.

Thanks,

Michael

 

[BurkDarkpatches]

The Stahly Live Blade is the only DE razor I have where the head is wide enough to cover the ends of the blade.

Steve

 

[cooncatbob]

The Vision is one of the rare razors that completely encloses the head.
Sorry, but your first post asks if blade over hang is normal so I mistook you for a new guy.
You made me curious.
The Merkurs seem to have a longer blade cape then the Gillettes.
Measuring some I have handy.
Merkur 23c - 1.620 inches
Gillette NEW with LC - 1.605
Gillette Old Type - 1.570
Gillette Fatboy TTO - 1.580
Stahly Live Blade - 1.675
Stahly's cap is longer then the head which is 1.640
Blades vary slightly by brand but a Feather is 1.680

 

[Schaefo]

That's absolutely normal, I have the exact same razor and the blade hangs over just like that. No problems! I too use a Feather in it - it's a great razor, probably my fav. Tell us how your shaves with it go!

 

[tominabox1]

The Stahly Live Blade is the only DE razor I have where the head is wide enough to cover the ends of the blade.

Steve

Probak razors also cover the tabs - its real nice too, very smooth rounded ends.

 

[ssultan]

I've also noticed the head on my Muhle Stylo covers the blade-tabs as well...not a big deal really if you're carefully when unscrewing the heads...

The Stahly Live Blade is the only DE razor I have where the head is wide enough to cover the ends of the blade.

Steve

 

[DE Shaver]

I own a couple of slant razors, including the 39C. The blade overhang is normal.

 

[mac12563]

I had my first shave today with the Merkur 39C. I loaded a new Feather blade and was careful to make sure the blade was seated correctly. First the weight of the razor cradles itself naturally into the hand. The knurling on the handle makes for a sure grip which lessons the need to grip the handle tightly with the fingers to avoid slipping. With the first shave stroke the blade touching the skin is very apparent and gives immediate feedback of the angle of the blade in relation to your skin. This was definitely not my Merkur Vision I was dealing with and since I have no other experience other than the Vision, my observations are in comparison between the two. The first pass reduced the stubble substantially and I noticed that the polished chrome finish glide over my skin without effort. The Vision with its matte chrome finish drags on my skin in comparison. Areas that usually require several passes such as my jawline, chin, and lower lip were shaven much closer without repeated passes. The second pass XTG was so close a third pass was not really necessary. The smaller head of the 39C made access to the tighter areas much easier. For example under the nose and around the corners of the mouth. I would conclude the the 39C is a very efficient tool and I was able to produce a BBS shave with less strokes and effort without any razor burn or blood loss. I had to adjust the angle of the 39C that normally would have been correct for the Vision. That being said, the blade gap exposes the skin to immediate discomfort or cuts if careful attention is not taken. The 39C is great razor and I look forward to adjusting my technique to accommodate its different characteristics. I still like my Vision since I am one to use the adjustment feature during a shave and I think it is great that each razor has its own personality. I am sure more experienced members having used a larger variety of different razors can speak to all the differences each razor. Even with the Vision adjustment opened almost fully opened it does not feel like the 39C. I wish though I could get the Vision in a polished chrome finish since I really like the way the 39C move over my skin on each stroke making the contact of the blade on the skin the focal point.