Merkur 45 Bakelite warning. Don't overtighten.

[aimsport]

First time ever I had a mediocre pass from a Merker 45. Felt skin abrasion coming on. When I checked I had overtightened the 45 in haste and the blade was warped/bowed out ever so slightly, more on one side than the other.

From now on as I tighten the Merker 45 I will finger tighten lightly. Using soap right where the handle meets the base helps me feel the point past which I shouldn't turn.

 

[Graceful Defoliation]

I had the same issue, a bow, blade arching or bump in the middle, on one side only.

 

[c0ry]

Thanks for the heads up. I haven't done this but I will be careful when tightening.

 

[Fiji]

looking to buy one so would you still recommend it?

 

[Graceful Defoliation]

looking to buy one so would you still recommend it?

Yes, personally I would.

The brass nut just allows you to tighten with a lot of gusto. I wouldn't see it as a defect in the design itself.

 

[Fiji]

Is it about the same size as a superspeed?

 

[aimsport]

looking to buy one so would you still recommend it?

Absolutely. It is a great shaver. Just don't over tighten.

Looking along the blade edge I see the warp appear only when I over tighten.

If Merkur makes a metal version of this thing... wow. But if they do I hope they put more attention on metal finishing and chrome quality...

I have a beloved Merkur barber pole that is a gift from someone very very special to me. I use it regularly to honor him. Its only imperfection is the finish. If Merkur wants to do the 45 in metal I hope they buy some EJ DE89L's first and have their senior executives and heads of manufacturing study them carefully.

As I see things now, the only product that could knock the DE89L from the top dog spot in my book is a metal 45 with an EJ caliber finish. ... but then I'm daydreaming and must stop... must stop.... must must must.... Oh, what the heck.... wow, wouldn't that be great.