I've been using my EJ DE89 as my travel razor and it's been working great. But if I could get a good razor that weighed less, and didn't have to worry about scratching an otherwise perfect shine on the head that would be nice. I've been kind of thinking that the Merkur Bakelite would meet those needs pretty well. Anyone here have an opinion on it? In particular anyone out there who has used both it and the DE89 and can tell me how they compare? Thanks.
Merkur Bakelite as a Travel Razor
- Thread starter jwilock
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Yes, the Merkur 45 would make a good travel razor: lightweight and nearly indestructible. Despite the light weight it has a fair amount of blade exposure, so I think you will find it fairly aggressive.
The head is also compatible with other handles: for example a BRW Bull Mastiff Deluxe. So if you have a few different handles available, you could dial in exactly the right weight for your needs.
The head is also compatible with other handles: for example a BRW Bull Mastiff Deluxe. So if you have a few different handles available, you could dial in exactly the right weight for your needs.
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It's a good choice -- cheap, light, good shaver. Last trip I went on I still took an old Super Speed I wouldn't mind losing.
The modern bakelite is more aggressive than I thought it would be. The blade is bent practically 90 degrees (the dome is so tall) so it takes a little getting used to, angle-wise.
The modern bakelite is more aggressive than I thought it would be. The blade is bent practically 90 degrees (the dome is so tall) so it takes a little getting used to, angle-wise.
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That's one of the thing's I like about it. The DE89 has quite a bit of bend to it too. Not as much, at least it looks that way from the picutres, but along the same lines. Wouldn't have to adjust my technique as much as I would I was using a relatively flat razor (like my Futur).
Personally, I would not take a more aggressive razor as a travel razor. I would take the most safe razor to use, as you do not want to have any cuts, irritation or any other problem while traveling.
Its a great razor. I bought it for just that purpose(travel) and find myself using it from time to time at home as I really enjoy the shave. I dont think you can go wrong, although i also have a plastic handled tech I picked up for $10 off ebay that I like quite a bit and that would make an awesome travel razor as well. If you find the merkur45 too aggressive I think you would be hard pressed to find a better choice than the tech I just mentioned.
+1 for the Bakelite in 3 weeks of travel to the US recently I used mine every day and found it to be a great little razor that never cut me once
If you can shave regularly with it without cutting yourself, then it's a great travel razor. Otherwise, not.
I don't know anything about the Merkur Bakelite, but if you are considering a cheap travel razor you should look at the Wilkinson Sword Classic. It's a very mild shave, but that could be desirable on the road as engblom said above. It's also very cheap, so you wouldn't be worried about losing it.
I have not tried the Bakelite Merkur, but did pick up a RazoRock Jaws 3-piece open comb DE razor.
It is inexpensive and does a great job. I use both for head and face shaving. I plan on using it as a travel razor as it is easy and cheap to replace.
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It is inexpensive and does a great job. I use both for head and face shaving. I plan on using it as a travel razor as it is easy and cheap to replace.
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I agree that the Merkur red bakelite razor is great for travel. It is super light weight, and it give a good close shave that is shaver friendly.
The bakelite is physically flexible, which probably is one reason I have never cut myself with it.
The one reservation I would have is that this razor is fragile. It is not built to support weight while in transit. Therefore it should be packed in a strong and sturdy small lightweight container while in transit.
The bakelite is physically flexible, which probably is one reason I have never cut myself with it.
The one reservation I would have is that this razor is fragile. It is not built to support weight while in transit. Therefore it should be packed in a strong and sturdy small lightweight container while in transit.
I love my Bakelite and use it at home often. Personally, I find it's aggressiveness on par with my Progress on 3 or 4.
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